How To Approach The Cambridge Judge Essay

The University of Cambridge Judge Business School offers an attractive MBA program at a lower cost, when compared to US B-schools. For those looking to complete their MBA in less time, the Cambridge Judge MBA program is a worthwhile choice.

Cambridge Judge specifically seeks out highly accomplished applicants, with admitted students averaging six years of work experience with a median GMAT score of 700. Karen Ponte, former Senior Program Manager at London Business School and expert coach at Fortuna Admissions, recently offered tips for how applicants should approach the B-school’s first required essay.

Cambridge Judge’s first essay prompt asks applicants to provide a personal statement under 500 words that addresses the following questions:

• What are your short, and long term, career objectives and what skills/characteristics do you already have that will help you achieve them?
• What actions will you take before and during the MBA to contribute to your career outcome?
• If you are unsure of your post-MBA career path, how will the MBA equip you for the future?

STRUCTURE ACCORDINGLY

Ponte recommends that applicants structure their essay accordingly to the three bullet points, with the third question if applicable. It’s critical, Ponte says, that applicants answer all the key areas stated in each question, especially in the first bullet.

“You could have an opening paragraph centered on your career objectives – being focused, specific, and clear on your short-term goals and a little more general/ambitious/open on the longer-term ones,” she writes. “The second paragraph of this essay should then showcase the experience you have to date and how this has equipped you with important, transferable and flexible skills to allow you to make the career move you aspire to.”

The essay also shouldn’t be a repeat of your resume, but rather a statement that highlights and discusses your skills.

“Think about team skills, leadership potential, a developing strategic perspective and skills that are more specific to the sector/role that you’re hoping to move on to,” Ponte writes. “Use examples where possible.”

SHOW IMPROVEMENT

In response to the second bullet, applicants should clearly state the areas in which they feel could be improved and discuss how they’re working to improve these areas.

“Are you thinking of any preparatory courses at all? What are they and how will they benefit you? Show that you’re aware of the networking opportunities available to you at the school – including companies that have existing relationships Judge, networking with peers, and the career services team,” Ponte writes.

EXPLAIN HOW THE MBA FITS

Lastly, finish your statement strong by tying your goals back to the MBA program at Cambridge Judge.

“While it is okay to be unsure, you should show some sense of your future path – as this will reassure the admissions team about your post-grad employability,” Ponte writes.

Check out tips for the other Cambridge Judge essays here.

Sources: Fortuna Admissions, US News, P&Q