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Haas School of Business

Berkeley Haas 2021-22 MBA Essay Tips

The University of California Berkeley’s Haas School of Business ranked number eight in P&Q’s “Top Business Schools” ranking.

The prestigious B-school keeps a tight circle with an acceptance rate of 12%. At Haas, the community is everything and admissions officers are incredibly selective about whom they let into that community. Stacy Blackman, of Stacy Blackman Consulting, recently discussed this year’s Berkeley Haas MBA essays offering insight into how applicants can highlight the right traits to convey the strongest narrative to Haas admissions.

ESSAY 1

The first required essay prompt at Haas asks applicants the following:

What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (300 words maximum)

This open-ended essay question, Blackman says, involves a two-step approach.

“As a first step, think about activities you find completely fascinating—for example, hobbies, sports, or artistic pursuits,” Blackman writes. “Or, maybe there’s an activity at work that absorbs you. Above all, it should reveal something personal and go deeper than your resume.”

The second step requires asking yourself the ‘why’ – a critical piece to your Haas essay.

“The ‘why’ is more important than the ‘what’ because it reveals who you are,” Blackman writes. “For example, maybe you enjoy research projects. You like to solve problems at work and have the freedom to pursue the question wherever it takes you. In that case, consider whether you enjoy research because it allows you to be creative or solve problems. Delve into your motivations to see what is driving you—being specific about the ‘why’ will help you with all of your essays.”

ESSAY 2

The second required essay prompt at Haas asks applicants the following:

The definition of successful leadership has evolved over the last decade and will continue to change. What do you need to develop to become a successful leader? (300 words maximum)

When approaching this essay, Blackman says, applicants should familiarize themselves with the leadership principles that Haas outlines.

“For Haas, leadership is both inclusive and bold,” Blackman writes. “Also, Haas prioritizes innovation, community, and collaboration.”

Once you have a strong understanding of what leadership principles that Haas prioritizes, you’ll want to define your own idea of leadership.

“How has that definition evolved?” Blackman writes. “If you had to define your leadership principles, what would they look like? For example, perhaps helping is a core part of your identity. And, for you, leadership means driving the development of your team.”

Sources: Stacy Blackman Consulting, Berkeley Haas, P&Q, P&Q

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