Written communication: How to make your MBA essays suitable for top business schools?3 min read

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We collect information from several articles and a recent video conversation with Poets&Quants editor-in-chief Lohn A. Byrne for Ultimate MBA Game Plan by Fortuna Admission to share with you writing tips for your MBA admissions essay. Effective communication affects processes, efficiency, and each person in a company. It is also necessary when you try to capture an admissions reviewer’s attention with your story and authenticity, persuading them to learn more by inviting you to interview. Can you explain why you and the program of your dream are a great fit? According to experts from INSEAD, they want to understand how your presence and participation will enhance the overall experience — for others as well as for yourself.

Tip#1 – Laser focus on the question
Sharon Joyce from Fortuna Admissions advises: “Speaking to what chosen BSchool asks.” You should «take the pulse of the program and show that you understand what the school cares about and that its values are aligned with your own.» And outlining key messages will help you keep a laser focus on the question.

Tip#2 – Get personal and storytell
Work to distinguish your uniqueness, and balance work-related examples with personal stories. Do so, and you’re poised to build a clear, compelling narrative that leaves the admissions committee wanting to learn more by inviting you to interview.
– for that, experts have a few ideas to consider:
• What are your major accomplishments, and why do you consider them accomplishments?
• Does any attribute, quality or skill distinguish you from everyone else? How did you develop this attribute?
• What was the most difficult time in your life, and why? How did your perspective on life change because of the difficulty?
• Have you ever struggled mightily for something and succeeded? What made you successful?
• Have you ever struggled mightily for something and failed? How did you respond?
• What are your most important extracurricular or community activities? What made you join and continue these activities, and why are you passionate about them?

Tip#3 – Edit, edit… then edit some more
There are recent examples from successful MBA applicants who shared their essays for What Matters? What More? a unique collection of 50 successful essays written by applicants to either Harvard, Stanford, or both business schools.

Tip#4 – For applicants to the most selective MBA programs in Stanford GSB and Harvard Business School
According to Rachel Erickson Hee from Fortuna Admissions, Stanford GSB is the most selective MBA program in the world – only 6.2% of its annual MBA applicants secure a seat in its class. The dean estimates that Stanford is the preferred choice for 3 out of every 4 applicants admitted to both HBS and the GSB. Stanford’s prompt is among admissions’ most iconic MBA essay questions: “What matters most to you, and why?.” Harvard asks applicants the following: “As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program?”. So successful candidates adopt their narratives to fit each school’s requirements rather than getting annoyed due to both questions’ simplicity and open-ended nature. The schools have low acceptance rates – currently 6% and 10%, respectively.

WHAT STANFORD GSB IS LOOKING FOR: 5 KEY TIPS
• Demonstrated pattern of excellence and high performance
• Compelling and personal career vision
• Convey your fit with community values
• Know “What Matters Most to You”
• Show you’re an agent of change

Do so, and you’re poised to build a clear, compelling narrative that leaves the admissions committee wanting to learn more by inviting you to interview.