Here’s How to Ace MIT Sloan’s Cover Letter & Video Statement

MIT’s Sloan School of Management, which ranks number six in P&Q’s ‘Top Business Schools’ ranking, is an epicenter of research and innovation. And the B-school’s admissions committee specifically seeks out students who are not only high achieving but can think outside the box.

Stacy Blackman, founder of Stacy Blackman Consulting, recently offered some insight into MIT Sloan’s 2022-23 cover letter and video statement, and how applicants can convince the admissions committee to offer them a seat at one of the leading B-schools of research and innovation.

COVER LETTER

For the cover letter, MIT Sloan asks applicants to address the following prompt:

MIT Sloan seeks students whose personal characteristics demonstrate that they will make the most of the incredible opportunities at MIT, both academic and non-academic. We are on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. We seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities and the drive and determination to put their stamp on the world. We welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative — true doers. We want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems, and strive to preempt unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. We demand integrity and respect passion. Taking the above into consideration, please submit a cover letter seeking a place in the MIT Sloan MBA program. Your letter should conform to a standard business correspondence, include one or more professional examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria above, and be addressed to the Admissions Committee (300 words or fewer, excluding address and salutation).

The MIT Sloan cover letter format is strategically designed to filter candidates and seek out applicants who can demonstrate practical, yet innovative ideas. Blackman says the cover letter is an opportunity for applicants to both highlight their accomplishments, while demonstrating their candidacy for admission.

“Take the MIT Sloan cover letter idea literally and approach this essay as if you were applying for a demanding new job,” Blackman says. “Can you highlight essential stories in your background to prove you take an innovative approach? How can you tell stories that will show you have integrity and passion?”

A successful cover letter, Blackman says, utilizes one or more concise illustrations.

“For example, you could discuss a time when you have approached a business problem and provided a creative solution,” she says. “Have you innovated a process at work? Or, perhaps you have suggested a new approach to a customer problem. Also, think about times when you have been able to provide a fresh perspective at work. Finally, for each story, describe what you did in those situations to demonstrate problem-solving skills and passion.”

VIDEO STATEMENT

MIT Sloan’s video statement prompt states the following:

Introduce yourself to your future classmates. Here’s your chance to put a face with a name, let your personality shine through, be conversational, be yourself. We can’t wait to meet you! Videos should adhere to the following guidelines: No more than 1 minute (60 seconds) in length; Single take (no editing); Speaking directly to the camera; Do not include background music or subtitles

The format of the video statement allows MIT Sloan’s admissions committee to evaluate your presence, passions, and interests. Blackman recommends approaching the video statement by writing down stories that demonstrate your personality.

“First, brainstorm stories that reveal the real you,” she says. “For example, you might be passionate about travel and experiencing new cultures. Have you made several exciting trips in your life? Each has likely given you a new perspective. Maybe you developed a passion for Thai cuisine after a trip. Or, you collected Brazilian art from your travels to that country.”

After you’ve brainstormed stories, you’ll want to tie in discrete examples and tie the stories and introduction together.

“Make sure to practice until you are comfortable before you start recording,” Blackman says. “Finally, when recording the video essay response, speak slowly and clearly to the camera. Though it will feel awkward to speak to a camera, try to be natural. The most important goal is to convey your personality. Remember, the admissions committee wants you to be authentic and have fun.”

Sources: Stacy Blackman Consulting, P&Q