This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.
APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:
ESSAY TIPS
Here are UCLA Anderson’s full-time MBA essay requirements for the 2021-2022 application cycle.
NEW APPLICANTS
- Essay Question: How have recent events influenced the impact you would like to make in your community, career, or both? (250 words maximum)
OPTIONAL
Similar to previous years, we also have an optional question for those who need some additional space to explain extenuating circumstances that are not evident in the application. No preference is given in the evaluation process to applicants who submit a response to the optional question. The optional question can be answered by either new applicants or reapplicants.
- Optional Essay: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? Please use your best judgment. (250 words maximum)
REAPPLICANTS
Reapplicants are those who submitted a completed MBA application within the previous two years (those who applied for the MBA program starting in 2020 or 2021). If you applied three years or more prior, then please answer the "New Applicant" questions.
- Reapplicants may answer one or both of the essay questions as options, and they must provide additional updates within text boxes given in the application for any new test scores, career developments, or other changes since their last application.
Strategies for Tackling the Essay Question:
We welcome reflection on any events that influenced you in your personal or professional lives, or in society in general, and look forward to learning about specific ways you want to leave your mark. We are wanting to understand who you are on a deeper, more personal level. This essay is meant to align more closely with our culture and values and it will help us determine if you will fit in with our student-driven community.
To start, think about recent events that have affected you? Have they motivated you to do something? If so, how and why? Whenever choosing something to write about, remember that the incident itself is only one part. The other part is the outcome of the experience. What was your reaction? Consider what your essay reveals about you. Is it meaningful and insightful about who you are? Given the limited amount of space you have to respond, be sure that you are genuine, clear, and concise.
The Purpose of the Optional Essay:
The essay is very much optional and should only be used to describe any extenuating circumstances in your application or profile. Examples include an extended gap in your resume, a personal matter or family situation, poor grades due to a circumstance otherwise not explained, and the like.
Use your best judgment and know that no preference is given in the evaluation process to applicants who submit an optional essay.
Parting Words (Read Before You Hit Submit!)
Always have at least a few people review your essay(s). Ask someone who knows you well to read your essay(s) to ensure that it is representative of you and your values. Afterward, ask someone else to give you an objective perspective of how you may come across to the admissions committee. Finally, make sure you are clear, concise, and free of any spelling and/or grammatical errors.
Best of luck!