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:
Extracurricular Activities and Leadership Development
UCLA Anderson is a student-run campus. A lot of the programming from the prospective student phase all the way to graduation is led by our student body of roughly 700 students. We look for those who want to be leaders on campus to "drive change" and leave an impact for not just their peers, but future students. So when you apply to UCLA Anderson, your extracurricular activities and leadership roles in your undergraduate studies, workplace and/or community can help to show us how you have exhibited qualities that leave an impact. There are multiple places to share your involvement in our application, including the "Activities" section, resume, essay, and interview.
In the "Activities section, you'll only be able to list 5 activities. We limited this because the Admissions Committee is looking for the QUALITY of your involvement and leadership roles, NOT quantity. We look to your prior involvement since we believe your past is a good indicator for how involved you will be during your time at UCLA Anderson. Did you know that our 50+ student clubs and leaders help to host over 400 events every year? Recruiters and employers also see your past leadership experiences and involvement at UCLA Anderson as signs of your future leadership interest and potential in their organizations. You can also take on these leadership role during your 1st-Year!
You may have been involved in activities you've since forgotten or have had varying levels of involvement in depending on other events in your life. Here are some examples to hopefully remind you of your involvement and even potentially inspire you to get involved again...it's never too late to start! --
University/College Activities
- Leadership roles in a campus club and non-profit organization
- Writer or Editor of a campus publication
- College athletics: Team captain? Most Valuable Player? Operations manager?
- Orientation leader or campus tour guide
- Volunteering
- Fraternity/Sorority involvement and leadership
- Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)
- Case competitions
- Tutoring, mentoring and other community service
Post-University Activities
- Involvement/role in non-profits or professional organizations
- Leadership role in an alumni association or undergrad interviewing
- Workplace engagement teams and employee resource groups
- Volunteer team leader
- Public speaking or teaching roles
- Active role in political organizations or local campaigns
- Founder of a non-profit or community event
You may be asking why are your university and post-university activities are of relevance and of interest to the Admissions Committee? If you think about it, these past experiences mirror the MBA program to some degree in that you will be be balancing many different priorities -- including career, social, and academics. In fact, the average UCLA Anderson student is involved with 8 different clubs while holding leadership roles in 3!
Your past involvement gives us some indicator of your ability to contribute to your community while succeeding in these other areas at the same time. That said, if you didn't have time in the past or could not balance these activities successfully, let us know how you have grown professionally and personally to be able to manage effectively as an MBA student. In the end, we value all contributions, big and small, that our students make to create the amazing environment and culture that we have on campus!
Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!
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