Approaching UCLA Anderson’s MBA Essay

Last year, UCLA’s Anderson School of Management replaced its essays with a singular prompt:

How have recent events influenced the impact you would like to make in your community, career, or both? (250 words maximum)

Jessica Chung, an expert MBA admissions coach at Fortuna Admissions and former Associate Director of Admissions at UCLA Anderson, recently discussed the UCLA Anderson prompt and how applicants should approach their essay.

SELF-REFLECTION

When approaching the essay, Chung recommends that applicants reflect on the variety of events that have changed the world in recent years—from a global pandemic to racial justice.

“Rather than referencing several events on a superficial level, pick one that allows you to convey the kind of leader you are and hope to become,” Chung writes. “As you sift through the possibilities, the single most important action you can take is to spend significant time on self-reflection.”

Once you choose a recent event, you’ll want to tie it to the impact that you want to make.

“This is a great opportunity to reveal your values, what you care about, and how recent and current circumstances motivate you to drive change in a way that serves a greater purpose,” Chung writes. “How did this incident shape your drive, your motivation, and your vision of the world? You must be able to convincingly connect the dots from where you’ve been and where you’re going, within the context of how the event of the past year have impacted your course.”

Experts say that it’s helpful to consider your own values in relation to the values at UCLA Anderson: Share Success, Think Fearlessly, Drive Change.

“How do you plan to use those values in your post-Anderson life?” Stacy Blackman, founder of Stacy Blackman Consulting, writes. “This UCLA MBA application essay covers both the professional and personal sides of your candidacy. Consider both your community and career.”

SHOW VS. TELL

When writing your essay, Chung stresses the importance of showing admissions officers the impact that you want to make versus simply telling them.

“One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen is showing a lack of enthusiasm,” Chung writes. “If your tone doesn’t convey excitement or energy, it won’t stand out from the throngs of ambitious, excellence-driven wunderkinds. Same if you haven’t taken the time to do substantive introspection and your essays lack meaningful insight or self-awareness. Remember, you want to leave the reviewer with a desire to meet you in person to learn more.”

Sources: Fortuna Admissions, UCLA Anderson, Stacy Blackman Consulting

Next Page: Carnegie Mellon Tepper Advice