Tips for UC Berkeley Haas MBA Essays

The Haas School of Business, which ranks number 9 in our “Top Business Schools” ranking, offers a highly selective MBA program with an acceptance rate of just 23%.

Haas admissions officers specifically seek out students who can stand out from the crowd and demonstrate a strong understanding of the B-school’s Defining Leadership Principles. Stacy Blackman, founder of Stacy Blackman Consulting, recently offered insight into the Haas application essays and explained how applicants should approach each prompt.

ESSAY 1

The first required essay prompt asks applicants the following:

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

This essay is all about getting to know who you are beyond your test scores and career accomplishments. Blackman recommends first thinking about activities or hobbies that you’re passionate about.

“Above all, it should reveal something personal and go deeper than your resume,” Blackman says.

Once you’ve identified an activity to talk about, take some time to think about “why” this activity means so much to you.

“The ‘why’ is more important than the ‘what’ because it reveals who you are,” Blackman says. “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.”

ESSAY 2

The second required essay prompt asks applicants the following:

How will an MBA help you achieve your short-term and long-term career goals? (300 words maximum)

Essay two is more of a traditional MBA admissions essay in regard to career goals. The key with this essay, Blackman says, is showing how Haas can help you achieve your goals and ambitions.

“Be specific about your path and be very clear about why an MBA is necessary,” Blackman says. “A few reasons might include the MBA coursework, the network you will build, and the practical experiences you will have. Make sure you have researched Haas thoroughly and know what is available through the program and how you will take advantage.”

ESSAY 3 (VIDEO)

The required video essay prompt asks applicants to provide the following:

The Berkeley MBA program develops leaders who embody our four Defining Leadership Principles. Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee, explain which leadership principle resonates most with you, and tell us how you have exemplified the principle in your personal or professional life. (Not to exceed 2 minutes.)

To prepare for the video essay, Blackman suggests researching the Haas leadership principles: Question the Status Quo, Confidence without Attitude, Students Always, and Beyond Yourself.

“Next, think about your personal definition of leadership,” Blackman says. “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. Therefore, you aspire to be a leader who develops others.”

Once you’ve defined your leadership principles, think of an example that best illustrates each principle.

“If you are focused on developing others, think about a story when you managed a team or project,” Blackman says. “Or even a mentoring experience either at work or through your network.”

Practice is critical when it comes to the video recording. Blackman stresses the importance of rehearsing before submitting your final video essay.

“Make sure you are still coming across as conversational and expressing your personality,” Blackman says. “The reason to use a video instead of a written essay is to understand a bit more about your personality, style, and expression. finally, make sure to show enthusiasm for leadership and your future at Haas.”

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

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