MBA Essay Topics: What to Expect

MBA Essay Topics

While a school may change the wording of MBA prompts slightly every year, there are some common MBA essay topics that reoccur every application season. The MBA admission essay is a critical component of admission to business school, so preparing in advance by researching common MBA essay topics can give you an advantage.

Although all candidates must possess a winning combination of academic, personal, and professional achievements to get into grad school , MBA programs typically attract and accept students who have significant career experience. Therefore, your professional path is key to your admission to business school and should be emphasized in your application essays. In this article, we’ll look at 10 of the top business schools’ MBA essay topics, identify common themes that you can expect in any MBA essay prompt, and review some exemplary responses to help you prepare for this important part of MBA applications.

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Article Contents 13 min read

What purpose do mba essay topics serve.

MBA essay topics are meant to elicit what makes you the perfect candidate for an MBA and for the specific business program you are applying to. Your essay should convince the admissions committee that you have what it takes to be successful in an MBA program, based on personal, academic, and work experience, and that you are the right fit for the class. Whether you are writing an MBA personal statement , a statement of purpose, or another type of essay, your essay should tell the story of the steps you took to end up here. MBA essay topics also highlight the mission, core values, and priorities of the business school. Because business schools are all quite different, tailor your essay to emphasize the curricula and teaching approach that appeals to you in the school’s philosophy of business education and research. 

A Master of Business Administration is a highly sought-after credential. Admission to this challenging program is competitive, and the application process, like the MBA itself, is demanding. Business schools are seeking leaders, not followers, and the MBA essay is your opportunity to demonstrate how you measure up. The admissions committee will be keen to understand your background and aspirations and how you see yourself fitting in and contributing to the MBA program. Finally, they will be looking for proof of your self-assessment abilities and business acumen.

The key to acing MBA essay topics you encounter is to remember that everything you include in the essays must inevitably link back to the questions “Why MBA?” and “What makes you right for our MBA program?” We will discuss other important themes below, but as an MBA applicant, all your application components must in some way answer these important questions.

New MBA essay topics are typically published on business schools’ websites in May and June with their updated admissions requirements. However, as we already mentioned, many of the themes remain the same, even if the exact wording of the prompt changes. This is why you can start brainstorming and preparing for common essay topics long before you have to actually submit!

MBA programs may have rolling admissions or deadlines. Several business schools have three application rounds per year. The first round will be in September/October for admission in the fall semester of the following year; in other words, you are applying a full year before you hope to start the program, and your MBA essay is due when you submit your application.

What Format Do MBA Essay Topics Take?

There is a huge variety of formats your MBA essay may take. Some business schools require just an MBA letter of intent or personal statement, but most require one or more essays in different formats. MBA essay topics may be in written, multimedia, and/or video format. For example, John Molson School of Business requires a 500-word MBA statement of purpose and a video interview. Rotman School of Management asks that you include 1–3 images in your application based on their “spike factor”: life experiences that “demonstrate passion, grit, resilience, innovation, drive, ambition,” or other qualities. In addition to a 1,000-word essay, they require a 2-question video interview response with a timed 10-min. written response component. As part of their required essay package, NYU Stern asks you to describe yourself using their “Pick Six” method (six images with an introduction and corresponding captions in a PDF).

These divergent approaches underscore that you should research your preferred business schools carefully. You will see from our list of 10 of the top business schools’ MBA essay topics below that they are all quite different!

An MBA video essay or interview uses a third-party platform, such as Kira Talent , to enable you to introduce yourself and/or verbally respond to a prompt. It serves the same purpose as a written essay, but your answers must usually be much more concise. This requirement should not be mistaken for the interview extended by invitation only if the admissions committee decides to advance you in the application process! That is a separate step.

An MBA video essay, like an interview, is designed to assess your verbal communication skills as well as your ability to pitch yourself and think on your feet. It also helps the admissions committee evaluate how you might contribute to classroom discussions or teamwork. Kellogg Business School is one top b-school which requires an MBA video essay as part of its application.

Still working on your resume?

How Do I Submit my MBA Video Essay? 

Depending on the business school, you will record your video essay either via a link provided on the admissions page as part of the application requirements, or via a link sent to you after you submit your application. It is important to review the admissions page and make sure you understand the submission process.

The topics and instructions for video essays may appear on the admissions page, along with those for other required MBA essays, or they may only be provided once you access the link. In that case, there may be an option to test the platform and practice some questions before the actual recording. However, certain schools, such as Smith School of Business, present random questions in real time “designed to be answered without advance preparation … highlighting how quickly and concisely you can formulate an answer.”

You will be expected to complete any MBA video essay requirements independently, and your application will not be complete until you submit the video essay.

Required vs Optional MBA Essay Topics

With MBA essay topics, “required” vs “optional” also has diverse meanings! One essay topic may be required for first-time applicants, but it may be optional for reapplicants. Each business school may also have a different definition of a reapplicant. For example, if you applied to the MBA program within the last two years, you may be a reapplicant; however, if it has been three or more years, you may be considered a new applicant. It is essential to check which category you fit into and confirm the MBA essay topics and types that apply to you.

For reapplicants, the objective of an optional essay is usually to find out what you have done or what has changed (career moves, test scores) since your last application; in other words, why you are more worthy of admission now. Further, like many other graduate schools, MBA programs may provide the opportunity for applicants to explain any extenuating circumstances in an optional essay. In all cases, we recommend taking advantage of the optional essay to make your application stand out, unless doing so would go against the rules/requirements.

The following list outlines what you can expect in terms of essay requirements this year for admission to 10 top business schools in the United States and Canada. This list includes the name of the school and associated university/location as well as MBA essay topics, submission format, required length, and some examples of good responses.

You can also check out MBA essay questions and answers for Stanford Business School , Harvard Business School , Kellogg Business School (Northwestern U), Wharton School of Business (Pennsylvania U), Haas School of Business (California U), MIT Sloan, Yale, and Columbia.  

1. UCLA Anderson School of Management

University of California Los Angeles

The themes and topics covered by these prompts are extremely common in all types of admissions essays, including  law school essay prompts , medical school secondary essay prompts, and other graduate admissions. Keep these topics in mind as you go through other schools\u2019 prompts, as they are sure to reappear. ","label":"What are you really being asked here?","title":"What are you really being asked here?"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

2. Chicago Booth

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Notice that Booth wants to see what exactly attracts you to their program and why they would be a good fit with your goals. Schools often want to know why you chose them specifically. Did you do your research? Or are you applying blindly? For example, Booth has The Chicago Approach, which refers to a framework developed in-house by pioneering faculty in the 1950s\u201360s and which continues to evolve and inform their educational direction. This multidisciplinary framework, integrating economics, accounting, sociology, statistics, and psychology, aims to teach students how to think analytically to \u201cdefine problems, ask better questions, and develop better solutions.\u201d ","label":"What are you really being asked here?","title":"What are you really being asked here?"}]" code="tab2" template="BlogArticle">

Example for Essay Topic 1: “How will a Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals?”

Eight years ago, after earning my M.S. in Business Analytics from Franklin University, I partnered with two alumni in a startup venture. TechCapital’s mission is to assess technology needs of companies looking to retrofit their older plants. We act as an intermediary between investors and companies to structure, implement, and manage the retrofitting contract. Our unique business model has proven to be highly successful, and we guarantee significant ROI once operations begin.

Columbus, Ohio, has since come to be known as the Midwest’s “tech capital.” Recent investment in startups is booming. We launched three newly retrofitted enterprises, all representative of key industries: advanced manufacturing, logistics, and insurance. Moreover, we have tripled in size and expanded our core departments: consulting, business analytics, and contracting. Sensing that we are at the cusp of real growth, I know the time is right to step up my game.

With its reputation for innovation, impactful research, and transformative knowledge, the prestigious Booth Weekend MBA Program is my first choice for fulfilling a lifelong ambition. I certainly fit the profile of a high-potential professional seeking to rise to the next level. The Chicago Approach aligns perfectly with my analytical sensibility, as confirmed by attendance at several Roundtables and Student Panels. I am eager to learn from talented peers and an exceptional faculty. Finally, I look forward to building my professional network and ultimately establishing a second TechCapital in Chicago to share lessons learned and implement the novel, creative, and sustainable business solutions our company has pursued.

Check out more Chicago Booth MBA essay examples !

University of Virginia

Notice that Darden wants to see authentic responses based on your own perspective and experiences. They note, \u201cHow you choose to answer a particular question is often as insightful as what you choose to write about.\u201d They will be looking for evidence that their specific approach resonates with you and that you have a clear idea of what you will contribute as a unique individual. Known for its practical application of business knowledge based on research, Darden emphasizes learning by doing. So, they also expect a \u201cshow, don\u2019t tell\u201d approach to their essays, which is a good general strategy for writing most types of admissions essays. ","label":"What are you really being asked about?","title":"What are you really being asked about?"}]" code="tab3" template="BlogArticle">

Example for Essay Topic 2: “Please describe a tangible example that illuminates your experience promoting an inclusive environment and what you would bring to creating an inclusive global community at Darden.”

My first small business experience taught me valuable lessons about customer service and marketing but also about leadership and learning style. I hope to be able to share these insights with my peers at Darden.

To pay for my college tuition, I used to offer summer art classes in my backyard to neighborhood kids. I later expanded my activities by renting a small studio space. Yet, when my students went back to school, my client base shrank. To cover the rent, I offered a seniors’ promotion, and soon every hour not dedicated to my own studies was spent in the studio. It wasn’t an immediate success, however. My students weren’t happy!

In time, I got my answer. One student, expecting a lecture style as value for money, complained, “That’s not teaching.” Another contradicted them, saying, “You’re just telling, not showing.” Someone else said, “This project hurts my hands too much.”

With the kids, I recognized that they all had different needs, based on their ages, abilities, and interests, but I had assumed that my seniors would be a homogenous group. How wrong I was! To be successful, I had to address their different learning styles and expectations as well as any issues with vision, hearing, or fine-motor skills. I had to adapt my approach to each person while still presenting a coherent lesson. I had to recognize that even with adults, there is no single, correct approach.

I do have a passion for engaging with people, and I am a problem-solver by nature, but today, I take the time to better understand others’ perspectives. As a student at Darden, I will seek to connect with my peers and facilitate knowledge sharing. Perhaps most importantly, I will be prepared to challenge preconceptions and help others see things through someone else’s eyes.

4. Desautels

McGill University Desautels Faculty of Management

Desautels describes its business education as non-traditional and professes to recognize the diverse skillset, vision, and range of backgrounds of its applicants. As flexible specializations are offered to allow you to customize your degree, your essays should also reflect a clear sense of your own direction and objectives. Skills taught at Desautels that may differ from other MBA programs include financial technology, data analysis, AI, and design thinking. ","label":"What are they really asking for?","title":"What are they really asking for?"}]" code="tab4" template="BlogArticle">

Duke Fuqua School of Business, Duke University

For all business schools, the importance of an MBA essay should not be underestimated, yet Fuqua\u2019s requirements are extensive and specific. It is important to note the different word limits and details for each type of essay. For example, the first short-answer question is intended to be concise and informative, with a strong message. The second text is intended to be a list, not a dissertation; it should emphasize those experiences that you consider the most relevant, while respecting the word count and page limit. The third should focus on what you know about Fuqua and how you envision enriching the school. Given the range of formats, each essay necessarily showcases your writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow directions. The overall result should impress the admissions committee with your knowledge of the school and of yourself. ","label":"What are they really asking?","title":"What are they really asking?"}]" code="tab5" template="BlogArticle">

Example for Essay Topic 2: “25 Random Things” (10 Prompts to Get You Started)

  • If I could live anywhere in the world, I’d live _______.
  • If money was no object, I’d _______.
  • If I were to teach any subject, it would be _______.
  • If I could only read one book for the rest of my life, it would be _______.
  • I’d love to open a shop that sells _______.
  • I am most proud of _______.
  • I won an award for _______.
  • If I could start a foundation, I would aim to help _______.
  • The first paper I ever wrote was on _______.
  • If I could accomplish just one thing in life, it would be _______.

University of Western Ontario

By these essay topic choices, Ivey is seeking evidence of your character, qualifications, and experience. They are interested in diversity, initiative, and leadership. They wish to discern how the school and MBA program will complement your immediate plans and how well you can elaborate your ambitions. They are also looking for evidence that you have thoroughly researched the school by getting involved in its activities and events for applicants. ","label":"What are they really asking?","title":"What are they really asking?"}]" code="tab6" template="BlogArticle">

Example for Essay Topic 2: Decision “Tell us about a challenge you have faced in your life, and what lessons you learned from it.”  

Our firm recently went through a merger, and a major challenge was to agree on production restructuring. While our plant included a range of manufacturing processes, the other firm’s three plants were specialized. To address the bottleneck, I met with the director of that company and key personnel. It soon became clear that what was needed was not a complete reorganization of the infrastructure but rather, a creative restructuring of teams. We took advantage of the change to close one floor in our plant that had aging equipment and reorganize the warehouse. In the process, we added a fourth production facility, turned the defunct production floor into office and meeting spaces, expanded the cafeteria, and reclaimed the yard for a staff garden. We also created an innovation hub to regroup senior technicians from each firm and interns from local schools. While this represented a massive challenge, respectful, open communication between the two management teams with input from staff at all levels enabled buy-in and consensus. In fact, the process seemed to energize the new firm. Although initially resistant, the employees recognized the benefits: a safer, cleaner, more pleasant work environment with efficient equipment. This experience was formative for me in terms of conflict mediation. It also showed me that value can be generated from potentially negative circumstances. The new firm has surpassed all its targets, and our HR team can hardly keep up with response to our job postings.

Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

By these essay topic choices, Ross is looking for concise, powerful statements that accurately and honestly describe your character and skills. As none of these essays is more than 150 words, it is essential to present the most significant experiences from your background that are the most relevant in the context of this business school.  ","label":"What are they really asking?","title":"What are they really asking?"}]" code="tab7" template="BlogArticle">

Example for Essay Topic 3: “Pick one thing from your resume and tell us more.”

My internship with Agrivesta was memorable. With my interest and experience in organic farming, I felt prepared for my role as assistant production manager in this small local startup. However, a major flood changed everything. Suddenly, I had to assume management responsibilities to help coordinate the emergency response and insurance claims. All of us had to pitch in and think on our feet to arrange vet care and alternative shelter for animals. We moved the store to safely sell off produce and maintain the revenue stream. This experience showed me that I can handle pressure, take responsibility, and act autonomously.

New York University

As part of a sprawling city and large university, NYU Stern offers its MBA students a distinct image and a range of degree options, including specializations such as the Tech MBA and Fashion & Luxury MBA. It also offers dual degrees: the JD\/MBA, MD\/MBA, MFA\/MBA, and many others. As part of your responses to the essay topics, it would be important to discuss both sides when applying to one of these unique options not offered elsewhere. ","label":"What are they really asking?","title":"What are they really asking?"}]" code="tab8" template="BlogArticle">

Examples for Essay Topic: “Change _________ it.”

  • Change: Dare it.
  • Change: Dream it.
  • Change: Drive it.
  • Change: Empower it.
  • Change: Manifest it.
  • Change: [Any word of your choice] it.

Preparing for your MBA interview? Check this out:

9. Tepper School of Business

Carnegie Mellon University

Tepper is looking for evidence of how you can personally contribute to the business school\u2019s mission, values, and diversity. To assess this, they are seeking original stories, evidence of recent advancement, and the ability to overcome setbacks. Their STEM-designated program incorporates management science with expertise in technology, engineering, and mathematics. Therefore, your MBA essay responses should balance your understanding and appreciation of the school culture and your facility in the focus subject areas. ","label":"What are they really asking for?","title":"What are they really asking for?"}]" code="tab9" template="BlogArticle">

Example for Required Reapplicant Essay Topic: “Explain how your candidacy has strengthened since your last application.”

I applied to the full-time MBA at Tepper School of Business two years ago, but unfortunately, I was not accepted. In seeking feedback from Tepper’s admissions services, I learned that my work experience was not considered extensive enough and that my TOEFL and IELTS scores were too low. While my speaking skills are strong, I struggled with the written component, as my studies were undertaken in Spanish in my native Bogotá, Columbia. I believe a related issue was my decision to take both the TOEFL and IELTS, to meet the requirements of my three preferred MBA programs in the United States. Although I prepared extensively for these two exams, without exposure to much specialized vocabulary in my work environment, I had few opportunities to apply my knowledge or practice my skills. Further, I realize now that I rushed the application process due to my excitement at obtaining my F-1 student visa. Nine months did not allow me enough time to adequately prepare both exams as well as fulfil all the other requirements and maintain my performance in my high-level position in human resources.

However, in the meantime, I was accepted to the MBA program at Universidad de los Andes and have just completed my third part-time semester. I was also promoted to the position of assistant director of our firm’s Bogotá branch after three years as an HR associate and four years as department manager. Last summer, I was offered a two-month internship at our sister office in Pittsburgh to engage in the joint exercise of reconciling our reporting, data management, SOP documentation, and other protocols to be able to expand our international market. This immersion experience, which involved considerable translation between Spanish and English alongside bilingual peers, was exactly what I needed to bring both my written and spoken English up to a professional level. In fact, my recent TOEFL score was 105. My IELTS scores were an especially gratifying personal best: Listening: 9, Reading: 7, Writing: 8, Speaking: 9. In writing, I gained a full 3 points.

I have therefore decided to reapply for the Tepper MBA but in the part-time online hybrid stream. I believe this to be a reasonable choice, given my advancement and responsibilities at our firm. The recent rapprochement of our offices in the two countries means that I will be able to travel freely between them. I know that the excellent leadership and analytical training I will receive at Tepper in its STEM-designated MBA will enable me to streamline the Pittsburgh office and develop our Bogotá branch to an unprecedented high level. In fact, our management science-based approach is what sets our HR services apart in that city, and this is precisely why I have returned to re-apply to Tepper—and only Tepper—as it is the ideal environment in which to advance my leadership skills as a new director and ensure that our firm has access to the most advanced business analysis available. Finally, and most importantly, I believe my persistence demonstrates my commitment to and interest in the school as well as my ambition. I am certain my contribution, enriched by recent experiences, will be significant, both academically and among the international student body.

Dartmouth College

Tuck emphasizes both individual and team-based learning in an experiential setting. This business school offers training in specialized skills and knowledge, along with social skills focused on emotional intelligence and self-awareness to support leadership development. With an MBA student population made up of 45% women and 43% international students, the school is highly diverse and seeks to understand through its essay topics how individualism and collaboration will inform your contribution. ","label":"What are they really asking?","title":"What are they really asking?"}]" code="tab10" template="BlogArticle">

Want to see more MBA essay examples from top business schools?

  • Wharton MBA essay examples
  • Columbia MBA essay examples
  • Yale MBA essay examples
  • Kellogg MBA essay examples
  • Haas essay examples
  • Kelley MBA essay examples
  • Cornell MBA essay examples
  • Stanford MBA personal statement examples

An MBA essay is intended to show the admissions committee why you are a perfect candidate for MBA and their program specifically. It also serves to introduce you and complement your application by providing additional information about your background, career experience, aptitude to succeed in a challenging MBA program, business acumen, and motivation. 

Certain business schools tend to change their MBA essay topics each year, while others use the same or similar topics to the previous year. The business school may seek to compare applicants to the previous cohort or focus on current priorities that match their unique philosophy of business education and research.

MBA essay topics are usually announced in May and June for applications starting in the fall for the following academic year.

You can start any time to research business schools, look at the types of MBA essay topics they post, visit the campus, attend events, make inquiries, connect with alumni, make notes, and write drafts. Then, when the topic is announced, you will be ready to write your MBA essay. Give yourself around 6–8 weeks to finalize your essays.

MBA essay topics may be presented as a letter of intent, personal statement, written essay, short answer questions, multimedia presentation, or video essay. One or more essays may be required in different formats. A wide range of formats is used by different business schools.

An MBA video essay is different from an interview, but it may take the form of responses to interview-type questions, such as “tell us about yourself” or “ why do you want to pursue an MBA ?”. It should not be mistaken for the by invitation only interview, which is a separate step. Some MBA video essay topics are proposed in advance in the admissions requirements, while others may be presented via a platform as random questions to which you must respond in real time.

The MBA video essay is part of the application package and must be submitted when you apply or via a link sent to you shortly after you apply.

If you are a reapplicant or have extenuating circumstances, the MBA optional essay will be required. We recommend taking advantage of the optional essay to make your application stand out, unless the instructions state otherwise.

Many applicants wonder if admissions consulting is worth considering. It certainly is, especially if you are unsure how to tackle your MBA essay topics. Your MBA essay is one of the most important components of your application because your admission depends on your career experience, not just your grades. An MBA essay consultant can help you craft a strong written response to your MBA essay topics and prepare for the MBA video essay.

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essay writing topics for mba interview

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How To Answer MBA Interview Essay Questions

Nov 1, 2023

essay writing topics for mba interview

Harvard Business School’s Post-Interview Reflection

Mit sloan’s interview essays, chicago booth’s pre-interview video essay, yale som’s pre-interview quote, make sure you succeed in any mba interview.

UPDATE : This article was originally posted on November 22, 2018. It has been updated with 2023/24 information and tips below. 

After spending months fine-tuning your MBA application essays, you’ve finally received that long-awaited interview invitation — only to discover that now you need to write more essays!

Though not all schools utilize interview essays – essays that are required only of candidates invited to interview – they have become increasingly popular in recent years. With more and more competitive candidates applying every year, elite MBA programs are always looking for new ways to distinguish the “admits” from the “dings.” 

Though they may seem small and relatively unimportant at first, MBA interview essays are an important element of your overall application and should be carefully crafted. That’s why we’re sharing our top tips on how to approach and write your own MBA interview essays . By following these tips, you can ensure you stand out and land a spot at your dream school. 

essay writing topics for mba interview

Harvard’s post-interview reflection is perhaps the most well-known example of an MBA interview essay. Now with a suggested word limit, this open-ended question must be answered by all candidates that are selected to interview at HBS . 

As part of the application process, you will be required to complete a Post-Interview Reflection. Here are a few details:

  • The Post-Interview Reflection is not intended to be another formal essay. Think of it instead as a reflection after a meeting.
  • We will be much more generous in our reaction to typos and grammatical errors than we will be with pre-packaged responses. Reflections that give any indication that they were produced before you had the interview will raise a flag for us.
  • We do not expect you to solicit or receive any outside assistance with this exercise.
  • Your Post-Interview Reflection is due within 24 hours of the conclusion of your interview. Let the interview soak in a little bit…no need to start writing your reflection right at the conclusion of your interview.
  • There is a word guidance of 300-450 words for the Post-Interview Reflection.

How to approach your answer

Since you only have 24 hours after your interview to prepare the essay, you might be tempted to write out your answer in advance and then make small adjustments later on. 

I personally love HBS’ admissions process because the school is incredibly clear and transparent about its expectations. For your essay, they couldn’t make it clearer that a pre-packaged answer will hurt your application: 

“ We will be much more generous in our reaction to typos and grammatical errors than we will be with pre-packaged responses. Reflections that give any indication that they were produced before you had the interview will raise a flag for us. ”

That’s because the Post-Interview Reflection (PIR) works best when it’s just that – a reflection on how your interview with the school actually went . 

Though we’re sure you diligently prepared for your big day , interviews have a way of going a little differently than expected. 

Last year, for example, our client Nathalia’s interview was so focused on her new international job that she only later realized she’d never told her interviewer her reasons for wanting to attend Harvard. In her PIR, she was able to address this topic, as well as a few other points mentioned in the interview that she wanted to further expand/clarify upon. 

This approach helped Nathalia get into HBS. 

MBA Interview Prep

As such, the best strategy for your PIR is to do your best on interview day and then calmly assess your performance afterward. After reflecting, you should consider including the following elements in your PIR: 

  • A brief thank you for the opportunity to interview
  • Any points you feel are relevant but were not able to discuss in the interview
  • Any “mistakes” you’d like to correct or additional points you’d like to add
  • How you feel you can contribute to the HBS community (if you were not able to mention this)
  • Anything you learned about HBS during the interview or during your campus visit (if you interviewed in Cambridge)
  • A closing paragraph that reinforces why you are so passionate about attending HBS. 

Essentially, after reading your PIR, the admissions committee at HBS should be convinced that you deeply reflected on your interview and your place in the HBS community, demonstrating you are exactly the type of candidate they are looking for!

Finally, though the HBS admissions committee states that they are more understanding of spelling and grammar errors, try to run your essay through software like Grammarly to avoid any unnecessary mistakes. 

essay writing topics for mba interview

Photo courtesy of @mitsloan on Instagram

MIT Sloan has also long required candidates who are called to interview to submit an additional essay. This year, MIT Sloan’s interview question is as follows:

REQUIRED QUESTION #1 (DIVERSITY)

The mission of the MIT Sloan School of Management is to develop principled, innovative leaders who improve the world and generate ideas that advance management practice. We believe that a commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and well-being is a key component of both principled leadership and sound management practice.

In 250 words or less, please describe a time when you contributed toward making a work environment or organization more welcoming, inclusive, and diverse.

At MIT, diversity is a core value . This means that at Sloan, you’ll constantly interact with people who think and act differently than you do. 

Succeeding in such an environment requires a great deal of adaptability and flexibility, as well as a willingness to learn from those who are different. This type of environment, however, is not for everyone, which is why MIT seeks to gauge how you respond to diversity in this essay. 

We suggest you start by considering the brand you are presenting to MIT and examine which examples about diversity you can share that will add value to the stories you told in your cover letter and video. Then, make sure you narrow this list down to your single best story . In a 250-word essay , you won’t have time to fully explore multiple examples, so limit yourself to one killer story. 

REQUIRED QUESTION #2 (DATA)

We are interested in learning more about how you make data-driven decisions and communicate results. Please select one of the following prompts to respond to. 

  • Please select an existing data visualization and in 250 words or less explain why it matters to you. The data visualization should be uploaded as a PDF. Examples may come from current events, a business analysis, or personal research (e.g. climate change, COVID maps, etc).
  • In 250 words to less, please describe a recent data-driven decision you had to make, and include one slide presenting your analysis. The slide may include a data visualization example and should present data used in a professional context. Your slide must be uploaded as a PDF.

Considering how short the MIT application is, you should also use this as another opportunity to add something new to your application. 

With this question, MIT seeks to understand how you are able to use data to make important decisions. MIT states that this example should come from data used in a professional context, so keep this in mind. When designing your slide, remember that you’re being judged on how you present the information visually, not on the data itself.

In your essay, make sure to explain how you analyzed the data and used it to make a decision . If you are not able to show how you applied the insights gained from the data you presented in a clear, concrete way, you may want to consider a different approach.  If you don’t have a job that requires you to use data on a regular basis, question 1 would be a better fit for you. If you do use data frequently at work, question 1 may still be a good option, but showing a real and measurable way in which you used data to make a decision is an excellent way to show the adcom you possess a great fit with their program. 

TOP TIP: Make sure not to share confidential information. If you need to “sanitize” the data, this is acceptable. 

essay writing topics for mba interview

Photo courtesy of @chicagobooth on Instagram

For several years running, Booth has asked candidates who move to the next application phase to submit additional materials before the interview. Like last year, you’ll need to submit your response in video format. 

Please submit a video response to one of the following two prompts:

  • Tell us about something new you learned recently that shifted your worldview. How did it influence your behavior and/or actions?
  • What is something you wish people knew about you, but you’re not sure that they do?

Please note the following:

  • The length of the video response should be no more than 60 seconds.
  • You will not be evaluated on the styling and editing of the recording, only the content of your submission. 
  • Feel free to record the video with a cellphone, computer, or other video recording device. 

The most important task is first considering which prompts you will choose from each category , especially considering there is space for repeating themes. 

When looking at each category, choose the question that is both easiest to answer and that allows you to shed light on a new element of your profile. If you’ve already mentioned community service in one question, for example, perhaps avoid repeating community service as the theme in other answers.

Most importantly, consider what you want Booth to learn about you . Booth’s application – like its curriculum – is incredibly flexible , but it does mean that you can end up repeating themes from your essays unless you’re very careful and strategic in how you use each and every word the interview essays give you. 

Then, after choosing your best stories, use a condensed version of the STAR methodology to walk your reader through what your example is before ending with a final lesson or takeaway. 

TOP TIP : Start your video script by simply writing out the story and then refining the content/length. In our experience, applicants can comfortably speak 160-180 words in 60 seconds. You may also want to review some of these best practices to ensure you’re ready for your video debut. 

essay writing topics for mba interview

This is the first year that Yale SOM has asked candidates to send additional information when they are called to interview, though their format is highly unusual compared to the other business schools. 

Please submit a quote that has a special meaning or resonates with you. We ask that you submit this no later than 24 hours prior to your interview day.

Considering Yale SOM’s focus on values (after all, their essay question does ask you for the greatest commitment you’ve ever made), we see this as one more opportunity for you to demonstrate what motivates and drives your actions to Yale. 

Since they specifically did not ask for an essay along with the quote, we would imagine that the quote will factor into your admissions interview. Likely, the admissions committee will ask you why you chose the quote you did, so think carefully about how you would approach the quote in this context. 

As such, think about the story you might be able to connect to this quote and carefully consider how this story will add value to your profile. For example, if you volunteer, you may want to choose a quote that one of the people you helped said to you, as this can unlock the possibility to dive deeper into your extracurricular activities. 

Though you might not be practicing for your interviews, your competitors are. When you’re competing at such an elite level (and top MBA programs are about as elite as it gets), practice is the only way to get the edge you need. 

Working with highly-trained professionals, like our team of interview experts, can also be an excellent step to include in your interview process. 

  • Maybe you don’t know where to start preparing.  
  • Maybe you ramble on and lose your focus while answering. 
  • Maybe you’re concerned about making errors, discussing your strengths, or addressing weaknesses.
  • Maybe you’ve downloaded interview guides or have spent hours reading interview report forums—but still have questions and doubts. 

Our interview prep and practice service focuses on helping you determine what to highlight in your interview depending on the program while using appropriate, impact-driven language without being artificial, or worse, robotic. We also help you choose (and perfect) culturally appropriate examples based on the schools you’re interviewing for. 

As our former client Helena said:

 “ My husband and I applied for an MBA at INSEAD this year. We knew it would not be easy since we had a very small window, were applying in the 3rd round and only wanted this specific school. 

Ellin helped us with the preparations for the interviews and she really helped me organize my story, but the most special aspect was how Ellin inspired me to be more confident during the interviews. I would definitely recommend her to anyone interested in applying for an MBA! ” 

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How to Write a Powerful MBA Essay—With Examples

The MBA essay is critical to your business school application. Read our guide to writing the perfect MBA essay, with successful admit examples.

Posted March 12, 2024

essay writing topics for mba interview

Featuring Avi L.

Case Studies of Winning M7 MBA Essays

Wednesday, march 27.

6:00 PM UTC · 60 minutes

What is the MBA Essay?

The MBA admissions essay.

Those words alone are enough to make most MBA candidates run screaming. Writing in general is hard enough. Writing about why you want an MBA? Your short-term goals and career aspirations? What matters to you most, and why? Forget it.

Of course, you still have to write these essays.

The MBA essay is perhaps  the most important part of the business school application. (It's also getting more and more important by the day, with some business schools moving away from traditional, quantitative measuring sticks, like the GMAT and the GRE.) Every other part of the application — your GPA, your test scores, your letters of recommendation — are quantified, cut and dried, or out of your control. The essay is your chance to show up as a fully realized MBA candidate, with hopes, dreams, and vulnerabilities. Admissions committees are not simply assessing your candidacy as a future leader — they're looking to admit human beings. That's where the MBA applicant essays come in.

That being the case, rather than being intimidated by it, treat the essay like the opportunity that it is — the chance for you to highlight your unique, iridescent self; the only moment in the MBA admissions process (prior to the interview) when you can speak directly to the admissions officers; the time when you'll show them who you really are. It's not easy to write something that will do that, of course, but with the tips and tricks in this guide, and some help from one of Leland's vetted, world-class admissions coaches, we know you can do it. Give the essay the time, attention, and respect it deserves, and you'll be on your way to an offer of admission at your dream school.

Without further ado, let's dive in!

essay writing topics for mba interview

Ultimate MBA Essay Guide

See the MBA essay prompts, top tips from experts, and real examples from admits with this comprehensive guide.

How Long Will My MBA Essay Take?

First thing's first: let's talk about timing.

The MBA application is a behemoth; between exams, resumes, gathering your official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and the applications themselves, there's a lot to juggle. That being the case, we suggest you give yourself ample time to draft, write, and revise your essays. The last thing you want is to be rushed to the finish line.

So, give yourself  at least three months to write your MBA essays. That should allow you ample time to draft, write, and edit. For more information on timing your entire b-school application, click here for  A Comprehensive MBA Application Timeline--With Chart .

Now, on to the critical question:

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What Makes a Great MBA Essay?

At the highest level, the answer is the one that is truest to you. The whole point of these essays is to shine through as an authentic, vibrant human being, so the best essays are the ones that cut through the clutter, and allow you do to that.

Which begs the question — how  do you cut through the clutter and shine through as a vibrant human being? Here are four critical tips to follow as you begin thinking about your essays.

1. Answer the Question

This one sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many applicants launch into their story, get carried away, and forget to answer the question. Follow the prompt, and answer the question the admissions committee has asked you. Those prompts can actually be very useful when writing your essays — it's a great deal harder to write when you have no guidance or guardrails. With the MBA essays, you have a very specific question you need to answer. So answer it!

2. Be Specific

Another mistake some MBA applicants make is to stay at a high level in their essays, keeping their writing abstract and therefore inaccessible to the admissions committee. If at any point, an admissions officer could replace your name with the name of another applicant, then your essay isn't getting deep enough. It's not enough, for instance, to say that you suffered adversity in high school, or that you really, really want a Wharton MBA. You need to explain, in detail, the adversity you faced, and give concrete and unique reasons why you think Wharton is the right program for you. The best essays offer hyper-specific examples and anecdotes, with details and anecdotes that no other candidate could bring to the table. To get those anecdotes, we recommend using the STAR template, as explained below:

  • Situation : What was the situation you were facing? Where were you? How old were you? If you were in a professional role during this anecdote, what was the role, and how long had you been in it? If you were volunteering, at what organization? How long had you been volunteering there? Why did you start? Offer all the relevant information that the admissions readers will need to understand your story.
  • Task : What was the task at hand? What went wrong? In your professional role, what was the challenge you faced? In that volunteering experience, what were the hurdles you had to overcome? You can't have a good story without conflict or tension, so after you set up the anecdote, explain what that conflict or tension was (and remember, be specific!).
  • Action : What was the action you took to resolve the problem? What did you have to do to fix that issue at work? How did you clear that hurdle in your volunteer experience? Again, be specific about how you came through on the other side of that conflict/tension — and while you're doing it, highlight your leadership capabilities as much as possible! Remember that top MBA programs are looking for future leaders who can assess a situation and decisively take action. (We'll say a bit more about this below, in the Personal Statement section.
  • Result : What was the result of your action? If you were facing a growth problem at work, were you able to increase sales? If so, by what percentage? If you were advocating for diversity and inclusion at your local charity, what new programs did you implement to help with that effort, and what was the enrollment like in those new programs? Detail what happened in your anecdote with as much specificity as possible — and quantify, quantify, quantify!

Get Vulnerable

Most MBA admissions essay prompts are written with the goal of getting to know as much about you as possible in the shortest number of words. To do that, you're going to have to share real things from your life — to get personal, intimate, and vulnerable. Do not shy away from this. If you're starting to get emotional during the reflection, drafting, and writing process, good — that means you're on the right track. Keep going. Pro tip: If it’s making you cry, it will make them cry. Another good rule of thumb is to put something real and true on the table. Admissions officers have to read literally thousands of applications from thoroughly qualified individuals, some of whom might come from similar roles to yours, with letters of recommendation from equally impressive supervisors. In order to cut through that noise, you'll have to share something honest. If you're doing it right, this can feel risky. At some point, you’ll likely think to yourself: “Can I say that?” The answer is: “Yes.” Of course, there is a line, you don’t want to be crass or offensive but err on the side of being open and authentic. The very worst thing you can do is be overly cautious, and write something you think will please the admissions committee. These poor people have to read thousands of essays. If yours is just like everyone else’s, they’ll fall asleep. Don’t let that happen. Wake them up by putting yourself —your true, bright, vibrant, quirky self—on the page.

4. Don't Exaggerate

Finally, do not exaggerate, over-inflate, or lie. This goes without saying, but admissions committees are looking for honest candidates. The surest way to get rejected is to lie about something. (Business schools do a background check on you before you're properly admitted, so they will find out.) Don't be the person who over-inflates on their essays, then has their offer letter rescinded.

The Types of MBA Essays

All right — since we've covered high-level approaches to the MBA essays, it's time to dig into the various types.

There are three general categories of MBA essays you'll see across the board.

1. Personal Statement

These questions ask you to offer up something sincere about yourself. They'll often touch on such things as your values and your character. In these, you'll want to be as authentic as possible, while also highlighting attributes like leadership, intellectual vitality, and teamwork, that business schools are looking for. Here are a few examples of personal statement essays:

  • As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program? (HBS)
  • What matters most to you, and why? (Stanford GSB)

2. Why an MBA/Why This School

The next category of essays is the "Why an MBA" / "Why This School" set.

In these, schools first want to hear about how an MBA will fit into your career, both short and long term. Top MBA programs are looking for candidates who will: first of all, be gainfully employed upon graduating, second of all, have an illustrious career that will make their institution look good and encourage future generations of applicants to apply, and third, be consistent and generous donors. That being the case, they want to know about your career trajectory, and how an MBA will fit into it.

Pro tip: Here, you want to be ambitious and inspiring in laying out your future career, but not naïve. Walk the line between shooting for the stars and sounding dreamlike and uninformed.

In this set of questions, you'll also encounter questions geared at figuring out why you would want to attend a specific school. MBA programs want to know that you're serious about attending their school — yield, or the percentage of admitted candidates who accept their offers of admission, is an important metric for them — but they also want to envision how you'll contribute to their admitted class. What will you uniquely bring to the table, the things that you'll do that the other candidates wouldn’t be able to offer?

We've heard former deans of business schools say that, in choosing a class, they're curating a world-class dinner party, and that each person invited to the dinner party has to bring something different. What will you bring to the dinner party?

Pro tip: To demonstrate that you've done your research, and to help the admissions committee envision you in their program, indicate which classes you might take when earning your MBA and why, which professors you might hope to study with, and in which clubs you might participate.

Here are a few examples of "why MBA / why this school" essays:

  • How is a Columbia MBA going to help you? (Columbia)
  • What do you hope to gain professionally from the Wharton MBA? (Wharton)
  • Why Stanford? Describe your aspirations and how your Stanford GSB experience will help you realize them. (Stanford GSB)

3. Behavioral/Other

Finally, most other essays will either be behavioral, asking you about experiences, traits, strengths, weaknesses, and achievements. There's a wide variety of topics here, but all the guidelines from above apply, with the final note to always prioritize authenticity (as mentioned in the Personal Statement section) and leadership ability (remember, business schools are choosing future leaders). Here are a few examples of behavioral/other essays:

  • Describe the biggest commitment you have ever made. (Yale SOM)
  • Tell us about your favorite book, movie, or song and why it resonates with you. (Columbia)
  • Think about times you’ve created a positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, academic, or other settings. What was your impact? What made it significant to you or to others? (Stanford GSB)

Top MBA Program Essay Prompts (Updated 2022)

To help you get started, we've compiled the required prompts from a few top MBA programs below:

1. Harvard Business School (HBS)

As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program? (900 words)

For more information, visit A Guide to the HBS Essay .

2. Stanford Graduate School of Business

What matters to you most, and why? (650 words)

Why Stanford? (400 words)

Read What Matters Most When Writing the GSB Essays.

How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

For Wharton-specific advice, visit A Guide to the Wharton Essays .

4. Columbia Business School

Essay 1: Through your resume and recommendation, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next three to five years and what, in your imagination, would be your long-term dream job? (500 words)

Essay 2: The Phillips Pathway for Inclusive Leadership (PPIL) is a new co-curricular program designed to ensure that every CBS student develops the skills to become an ethical and inclusive leader. Through PPIL, students attend programming focused on five essential diversity, equity, and inclusion skills: Creating an Inclusive Environment, Mitigating Bias, Communicating Across Identities, Addressing Systemic Inequity, and Managing Difficult Conversations. Tell us about a time you were challenged around one of these five skills. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the outcome. (250 words)

Essay 3: We believe Columbia Business School is a special place. CBS proudly fosters a collaborative learning environment through curricular experiences like our clusters and learning teams , an extremely active co-curricular and student life environment, and career mentorship opportunities like our Executives-in-Residence program .Why do you feel Columbia Business School is a good fit for you academically, culturally, and professionally? Please be specific. (250 words)

5. Chicago Booth

How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250-word minimum)

An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of your career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are… (250-word minimum)

Read more at A Guide to the Booth Essays .

6. Kellogg Northwestern

Kellogg’s purpose is to educate, equip and inspire brave leaders who create lasting value. Provide a recent example where you have demonstrated leadership and created value. What challenges did you face and what did you learn? (450 words)

Values are what guide you in your life and work. What values are important to you and how have they influenced you? (450 words)

Read How to Nail Your Kellogg MBA Application Essays

7. MIT Sloan

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, respect, and 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 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)

Applicants are required to upload a 1 minute (60 seconds) video as part of their application. In your video, you should introduce yourself to your future classmates, tell us about your past experiences, and touch on why MIT Sloan is the best place for you to pursue your degree.

How to Start Your MBA Essay

So you've read about the types of essays, and seen some of the prompts from top MBA programs. Now it's time to actually start diving into the essay.

The very first thing to do, before putting pen to paper, is to look inward.

Why do  you want an MBA? What role will this degree play in your professional growth? How do you imagine it will shape your life? What do you want out of your career? What is the most important thing in the world to you?

Yes, these are life’s deep-end questions, but you’ll need to tackle them in these essays, so before you start writing, take the time to think through them. Go for a run, swim some laps, bake a cake—however you get into the flow — and start a dialogue with yourself. Put down your work, turn your phone off, and give your mind permission to go to the places it usually avoids. That’s a good place to start. That’s where the answers are.

Pro tip: The first sentence is the hardest one to write. When you're starting out if it can intimidating and anxiety-producing. The trick is to simply put  anything  down — and don't look back. Keep putting one sentence after the other. You can edit later: let whatever comes to you out onto the page. If you’re struggling with self-critique, dim your computer screen until you can’t even see the words you’re typing. Then keep going.

Additional Tips & Tricks

Once you've started your essay, it's a matter of persistence: keep writing, then keep drafting and editing until you have something you're really proud of.

To help you with that process, here are a few more tips and tricks:

  • Take Breaks

When you hit the wall — you will hit the wall — stop. This is your brain telling you it needs to do something else. Walk your dog. Take a lap around your room. Eat some cheese. Your body needs sleep every night to function; your mind is the same way. That next leap of inspiration will come exactly at the moment when you’re least expecting it.

  • Read it Out Loud

When you finally have a draft, print it and read it out loud to yourself. Your ear will catch things your eyes miss. Reading out loud is the best way to pick up on spelling errors, clunky transitions, and paragraphs that still need ironing out. It’s also a good way to envision how the admissions committee will experience your essay.

Don’t be precious with your essay. Send it to anyone willing to read it. Solicit as much feedback as you can. If you don’t like what people have to say, you don’t have to incorporate it, but you need an impartial third party to give notes on what they’re seeing, thinking, and feeling. (You’re too close to things to do it for yourself.) This is where a Leland coach comes very much in handy!

  • Complete Everything Early

This is more of a timing consideration, but you do not want to trip at the finish line because your internet went down the night before the deadline, or your credit card was denied when paying your application fee (it's happened before). Don't let that be you!

Here is another article to get you started, written by an expert essays coach: 7 MBA Essay Tips to Make You Stand Out in 2022 .

Example MBA Essays

Finally, here are two essays to help inspire you. The first, a personal statement essay, was submitted by an admit to Berkeley Haas' Executive MBA program; the second, a career goals / why MBA essay, was submitted by an admit to Chicago Booth's deferred MBA program.

Haas Admit:

A person’s identity is shaped by many different aspects, including family, culture, personal interests, and surrounding environments. Please share a facet of your identity or story that is essential to who you are. (300 words) My upbringing in India, filled with countless myths and legends, had a profound influence on me. The most formative tale was about a sage who prays for years to the goddess of knowledge, but in vain. In the end, the goddess didn’t appear for the sage because he was turning his prayer beads the wrong way! As a child, this story upset me: the sage worked so hard and had the right intentions. As an adult, though, I’ve come to realize that the goddess of knowledge was right: you can’t succeed unless you do things the right way. Seven years ago, two friends and I started a company, XXXX: a digital health platform that would allow patients to store medical records online and consult doctors remotely. We had early success—we brought on 2,000 patients at XXXX, a gynecology clinic in XXXX—but ultimately we didn’t have the resources to properly scale, and had to shut the company down. Among the many lessons I learned, the most valuable was that ideas and hard work are common; businesses succeed or fail based on execution—on doing things the right way. Two years ago, I relearned this lesson in the most painful way possible: when my marriage ended. My wife and I loved each other, but we weren’t there for each other when it mattered most. Our feelings weren’t enough—we had to back them up with the right actions. It’s disheartening when you have good intentions but still fall short. When this happens, though, you have to keep trying—because eventually you will do things the right way. I carry the story of the sage with me always, not as a harsh lesson, but as a motivating goal: one that keeps me striving towards doing things the right way.

Booth Admit:

How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250 word minimum)
I want to start a geothermal company that will help lead the energy transition away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy—by targeting existing oil wells as sites for geothermal plants. Oil fields are close to electric grids and have high nearby subsurface temperatures, making them ideal sites for geothermal plants. By building geothermal infrastructure nearby, my company will produce cleaner, cheaper energy, making it more profitable for operators to switch from oil to geothermal. As oil companies decommission their wells, I’ll negotiate for their land rights, so I can use their existing wells for new geothermal vents. I want my company to prove the case for economically viable, carbon neutral energy production. After getting an MBA I want to start a geothermal company which will help me lead the energy transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy. I plan to target developed oil fields in Texas, where, in many places, producing wells are flowing enough hot fluid to generate clean energy. Using this geothermal heat, the carbon footprint of oil and gas extraction will decrease as fewer fossil fuels are utilized to power surrounding infrastructure. As the wells approach their economic life, I will negotiate the lease from various operators, saving them millions in plug and abandonment costs, and retrofit the wells for direct geothermal energy production via closed loop binary fluid systems, bringing emissions to zero. To accomplish this goal, I need to shore up my knowledge of energy economics and entrepreneurial finance, develop a strong sense of leadership, and build a network of like minded individuals that will help me lead the transition and I believe I can get those things at Chicago Booth. My immediate career goal is to develop my first co-production site in Shelby County, Texas at the Blanton well site, which produces abnormally heated fluid from the flanks of an active salt dome. Before investing in capital expenditures, developing a strong sense of energy economics and broader markets is necessary to verify financial feasibility. University of Chicago, through the Graduate-Student-At-Large: Business program, is already allowing me to accomplish this goal with my enrollment in “Microeconomics” with Professor Andrew McClellan. His instruction helped me understand the impact taxes and subsidies have on market equilibrium, an important aspect of renewable energy as green energy tax incentives continue to change on a yearly basis. As my company continues to grow, having a strong finance and accounting foundation is imperative to building and sustaining a healthy company. Electives such as “Accounting for Entrepreneurship: From Start-Up through IPO” will provide the skills I need to be successful by following the life-cycle of a business that originates as a start-up, and covers topics such as building an initial accounting infrastructure. I understand that execution of the business is as important as developing the idea and proof of concept, and Booth is the best place for me to develop financial fluency. Leading the energy transition will require a strong sense of leadership. Not only will I need to lead those I get to work with over my career, but to lead the energy transition, and reverse the impact fossil fuels have had thus far, I must have the emotional intelligence to inspire others to join me in my journey. The “Interpersonal Dynamics” course at Booth will allow me to develop my communication skills and better understand the emotions and perceptions of my colleagues. These skills, synthesized with leadership development acquired in “Leadership Practicum” will prepare me to act as a relational leader, who understands the needs of others. As a relational leader I hope to foster an environment which promotes happiness, and maximizes efficiency, not only to make our efforts in changing the world more successful, but to excite other people to join our cause.
To find the greatest chance of success in leading the energy transition, I will need a network of like-minded individuals who can provide a diversity of thought. Chicago Booth provides the opportunity to develop that network through different community experiences. The Energy Club’s “Energy Forward” conference, which designates time to topics in oil and gas and renewable energy will allow me to hear from industry leaders, build meaningful relationships with peers and contribute my sector experience to the public forum as I learn from those around me. Opportunities through the Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Group such as “SeedCon” will help me connect with successful entrepreneurs and early-stage investors whose ideas and funding might change the course of my venture’s trajectory. Even in the GSALB program I have had the opportunity to connect with other students in various sectors, including the energy industry. I hope to continue to strengthen those connections and continue building new ones with matriculation into the full time program.

Here are several other articles that you may find helpful as you put together your MBA application:

  • The Most Frequently Asked Questions on MBA Applications
  • How to Answer the "Why an MBA?" Essay Question
  • My Top Piece of Advice for MBA Applicants
  • How I Nailed My MBA Interview and Gained Admission to Top 10 Business Schools
  • 4 Expert Tips on Paying for Business School

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essay writing topics for mba interview

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Common MBA Interview Questions and Answers in 2022-2023

essay writing topics for mba interview

Which MBA interview questions are the most important to answer?

Different universities are known to ask specific questions in their respective interviews, and this goes for the top ten business schools in the country (according to  US News & World Report ). Testimonials from MBA applicants gathered by  Clear Admit  and  Poets&Quants  paint a clear picture of the most frequently asked in MBA interviews at these top-tier universities.

By our logic, the most important questions to know about are those asked by most of these top schools. So let’s look at the five most frequently asked interview questions, note which schools are highly likely to ask them, and decide what information to include, what to avoid, and how to give a response that will make that post-interview handshake feel oh-so-satisfying.

MBA questions and answers checklist

1. Why are you interested in this school/program?

  • UC Berkeley ,  Michigan ,  Northwestern ,  Stanford ,  Pennsylvania ,  Chicago ,  Columbia ,  Dartmouth

What the interviewer is looking for:  One of the popular “Why?” questions, the answer to this question might seem obvious. After all, you are interviewing at one of the best business schools in the world. However, don’t spend too much time discussing the school’s history and prestige and focus instead on the practical reasons why this school is a good choice  for   you personally.  Admissions officers want to know what it is about their school that made you go choose them. Explain how this program aligns with your goals and interests and why it makes the most practical sense for you. And remember that honesty and authenticity are essential.

Key Factors to Include:  location, school culture, faculty, courses, the emphasis of school, industry connection, job placement, future goals

Model Answer:

“ I applied at Berkeley because it is one of the very few schools that offers an MBA program with full specialization in Entrepreneurship. I plan to run a software startup company upon receiving my degree and the  Haas School ’s emphasis on small business, reflected in the Marketing Management course led by Prof. Paul Heider, will prepare me to venture out into the competitive world of software design. Also, because I currently live in Sacramento and have residence in California, a state school like Berkeley is the most practical choice for someone in my financial position.”

Tip:  Focus on only 2-3 specific features of the school.

person writing MBA essay, MBA interview questions

2. Why are you pursuing an MBA now?

  • UC Berkeley ,  Michigan ,  Northwestern ,  MIT ,  Stanford ,  Chicago ,  Dartmouth

What the interviewer is looking for:  The emphasis here is on the “now.” What situation in life is leading you to make such a big move? If you are currently working, explain what is motivating you to change direction. Do you have a long-held interest in becoming a hedge-fund manager or in managing the branch of your bank? A complete answer to the “Why MBA now?” should include the following:

  • Context about past professional experience—job progression and key skills you have developed
  • Details about future career plans
  • Explanation of how you came to the realization that an MBA is the best possible path to achieving these plans and why now is the best time to get this education

Key Factors to Include:  current job/school position, specific career goals, financial circumstances, dreams and passions, action plan

“My decade of sales experience in the dairy industry has been extremely fulfilling and I’ve grown as a leader while developing communication and problem-solving skills through numerous campaigns. This has given me a desire to branch out to other industries as a marketing consultant, where I can use my industry knowledge to benefit growing businesses. Because I wish to devote my career to helping small organic farms acquire a foothold in mid- to large-sized markets and execute their marketing strategies, I realize that I need to gain all of the current strategies of consulting that an MBA program offers. I recently became interested in marketing strategy and how it increases visibility. I have begun networking with other consultants in the industry, leading to informational interviews that have grown my interest while showing me the necessity of a world-class business education. With my past education in sales, there is no way to break into consulting unless I ‘power-up’ my skills with an MBA. I am 38 years old and have a young family, so I can’t imagine a better time than now to take this leap.”

Tip:  Tell your story in chronological order.

3.  Tell me about yourself.

  • Michigan ,  Stanford ,  Chicago ,  Harvard ,  Columbia ,  Dartmouth

What the interviewer is looking for:  It seems like a simple question, right? But because it is so open-ended, this one trips up many worthy applicants. You want to show the best possible version of yourself, but where should you begin and what should you include? One good approach is to start with a concise description of yourself. Think “resume executive summary” but in verbal form. Use key descriptive terms that define you first before telling about your achievements and history. Weave your strengths, passions, and personality into your experiences and goals and conclude with why you are sitting in this interview. Try to follow these steps:

  • Introduce yourself—name, an important quality, position
  • Explain your passion for the industry you are in or wish to join.
  • Summarize your professional experiences.
  • Justify why you are here—what about this opportunity excites you?

Harvard Business School, MBA interview questions

Key Factors to Include:  relevant terms, work strengths, personal and professional passions, interesting facts about you, career goals

“My name is Coleen Cho and I’ve been a client relationship officer at Trident Affiliates for the past four years. The most important things to know about me are probably that I have a passion for using numbers to get the best results, and that I always look for the positive in everything I do. These traits have sustained me during challenging periods in my career but have also kindled my passion for management and my resolve to take on the role of COO for an NGO. After graduating from Texas A&M with a degree in finance, I got my first corporate job as an account analyst at Struthers & Co., where my positive attitude came in handy. During my three years at the firm, I spent a lot of time on tasks I felt did not fully utilize my skills. But through this work I learned the value of attention to detail. When I moved to Trident in 2010, I turned this attention to detail to my clients. I tried to learn everything I could about them and truly appreciate their character and values in order to maximize their satisfaction for the benefit of the company. Although working with people is a lot different than crunching numbers, I find that paying attention to details like their needs and personal perspectives requires an equal amount of care and focus. I truly love this aspect of management. I am grateful for my experience and proud of my achievements at these firms over the past seven because they have brought me to where I am today. With a deep respect for people and for hard work, and with my past experiences and the invaluable skills I will learn in this MBA program, I am optimistic about the next chapter in my career.”

Tip:  Avoid simply listing what’s on your resume—go deeper and explain what you loved about a specific position or company and why.

4. Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership. What did you learn from it?

  • UC Berkeley ,  Michigan ,  Stanford ,  Northwestern ,  Chicago ,  Columbia ,  Dartmouth

What the interviewer is looking for:  MBA programs are as much about communication and drive as about learning new skills, so leadership is one of the top-ranked competencies (right below “teamwork”) evaluated in behavioral interviews. Talk about specific instances where you led a team or overcame an obstacle. If you don’t have any strong instances of leadership within a work setting (or even if you do), talk about a time you used your leadership skills in other venues—such as in college or in your personal life—to complete a collective goal. Did you organize any events for your club or organization? Have you volunteered for a political cause or another leadership-centered project? Leadership also includes the ability to listen, respond, motivate, and inspire, so recount a time when you took the lead role and helped make your group’s goal a reality.

When responding, use the  “STAR” approach :

  • (S/T) Explain the SITUATION or TASK you were involved in
  • (A) Discuss the APPROACH—elaborate on actions you took to address a specific challenge
  • (R) Tell the interviewer how your actions led to positive RESULTS

MBA interview questions, team members doing knuckles

Key Factors to Include:  the project you were involved with, your position, duties you took on, the outcome of your project, lessons you learned

SITUATION/TASK: “When I began working as a marketing manager with Stratton Corp., sales were only at 70% of that of our closest competitor. Although we were running over twenty active advertising campaigns, our ROI was quite low. As you can imagine, the head office was unhappy with this performance and the morale in the marketing department was dismal. As a manager, I was responsible for maintaining optimal performance and for the effectiveness of the department’s activity.” APPROACH: “I decided that we needed to not only run different marketing campaigns, but to entirely rebrand at least three of our product lines. I first divided the marketing team into smaller task force groups, each responsible for brainstorming new ideas, benchmarking and researching competing brands, and creating proposals for marketing strategies to enhance our brand image. Next, I developed a marketing workflow so that new ideas could be shared ASAP with other groups and so that each group could receive feedback on their proposals. Although I was responsible for providing managerial feedback, my biggest role was in facilitating cooperation between them so that the most impactful proposals would rise to the top.” RESULT: “The positive effect my workflow restructuring had on sales was immediate. Within four months we had completely rebranded three of our main products. We recorded a quarterly sales increase of 25%, the largest in the branch’s history. But the impact on the morale of the employees was the most astonishing to me—within one month, almost every member of the task force teams was volunteering to work late to come up with the best ideas. Involving all members in the creative process and discovering strategies for improvement made them feel empowered. This success taught me that leadership is more about strengthening the lines of communication than about giving orders.”

Tip:  Use specific numbers and other quantifying language to illustrate the approach you took and the results of your actions (e.g., “an increase of 30% productivity,” “12,000 new subscribers”).

5. What are your short-term and long-term career goals?

  • Michigan ,  Pennsylvania ,  Chicago ,  Harvard ,  Columbia

What the interviewer is looking for:  Interviewers want to know what you will do with your MBA degree, and thus they will invariably ask about your career goals in one way or another. Start by dividing your goals into two categories—“short-term” and “long-term.” For each category, explain what the goal is, why it is important to you, how you will set about achieving it, and what aspects of your current career and educational choices will help you get there. Introduce your long-term goal first and then talk about how your short-term goals will help you get there. Be specific about your objectives. Instead of saying “I want to open a small business,” tell about your dream of creating a microloan NGO, including what led you to this goal and what exactly you are doing and will need to achieve it. Be sure to mention skills and positions that will utilize your MBA degree.

Key Factors to Include:  details about your career goals, reasons for these goals, action plan

“My ultimate career goal is to head an environmentally-friendly outdoor sporting goods company in Minnesota, preferably near my hometown. My deep love of the outdoors has inspired so much of what I do in life, and so I see this goal as a way to give back to my community and pass on my experiences to future generations. As CEO, I would be in a position to create a substantive company policy that ensures our products are environmentally friendly. Reaching this position will require a tremendous understanding of the ins and outs of the sporting goods industry, as well as knowledge of the manufacturing process. Therefore, my short-term plan includes getting an MBA in strategic management and then working in the sales and marketing department of a sporting goods company to learn first-hand about consumer tastes and purchasing habits. Within ten years, I would like to head product development at a branch level. This will give me a more holistic view of sales trends and inform my understanding of implementing strategies focused on environmental awareness and CSR. Ideally, I will be heading an established company or one that I found within 15 to 20 years. I expect to be experienced enough to lead as CEO after having gone through diverse experiences and having produced results at multiple levels. I feel that the knowledge I gain during my MBA will be fundamental to achieving these goals.

Tip:  Give milestones and/or deadlines for your goals.

Other frequently asked MBA interview questions you should prepare for:

Are there any questions you would like to ask the interviewer.

  • UC Berkeley ,  Michigan ,  Northwestern ,  MIT ,  Stanford ,  Pennsylvania ,  Chicago ,  Columbia

Why do you want to pursue an MBA?

  • Michigan ,  Northwestern ,  Stanford ,  Chicago ,  Dartmouth

Talk about a mistake or failure you experienced. How did you overcome it?

  • Michigan ,  MIT ,  Stanford ,  Chicago ,  Dartmouth

Why did you move to your current job/industry?

  • UC Berkeley ,  MIT ,  Stanford ,  Harvard ,  Dartmouth

Preparing for your MBA interview means gathering as much information about the program as possible and practicing your interview responses beforehand. The questions in this article are by no means the only questions that interviewers will ask, so consider doing a bit of research on what recent applicants have experienced in their MBA interviews. For more information about the MBA programs mentioned here and the general MBA application process, check out the resources below.

Whichever MBA program you choose to apply to, don’t forget to receive professional editing and proofreading services for your admissions documents, including Statement of Purpose editing , personal statement editing , and application essay editing for your MBA essay.

Wordvice Writing Resources

For admissions essay writing tips (both for MBA essays and graduate school SOPs ), visit Wordvice’s Admissions Resource pages .

Additionally, use Wordvice’s free APA Citation Generator and free AI Grammar Checker to ensure that your essay or any other academic document is ready for submission.

Wordvice Business & Writer Editing Services

After landing that sweet job position after finishing your MBA, be sure to get English editing services for any of your crucial business documents before sending them to colleagues or clients. See our list of business editing and writer editing services below.

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Top Ten Graduate Business School Admissions Websites

  • University of California Berkeley – Haas School of Business Admissions
  • The University of Michigan – Ross School of Business Admissions
  • Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management Admissions
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business Admissions
  • The University of Pennsylvania – Wharton School of Business Admissions
  • University of Chicago – Booth School of Business
  • Harvard School of Business Admissions
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Sloan School of Management
  • University of Columbia MBA Program
  • Dartmouth University – Tuck School of Business Admissions

Personal MBA Coach

How to Approach the Top MBA Essays

a desk with the tools to write the Top MBA Essays

While there are an increasing number of compelling MBA programs around the world, with impressive rankings and strong alumni networks, the M7 schools continue to be attractive choices for MBA hopefuls.

For those planning to apply to one or more of the M7 schools this winter, Personal MBA Coach is here to help you navigate the essay-writing process.

Accessible to all Personal MBA Coach newsletter subscribers, our free  M7 Essay Analysis e-book features our exclusive guidance on how to approach the 2023-2024 application essays for each of the M7 business schools.

Below, Personal MBA Coach shares the required essay questions for all of the M7 schools, as well as some quick tips for how to respond successfully to these top MBA program essays!

Stanford GSB Essays

Number of Required Essays: 2

Essay 1:  What matters most to you, and why? (650 words suggested) 

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: Take considerable time to reflect upon what you are most passionate about. In an ideal scenario, you have acted on this passion, and it is reflected in more than one aspect of your life. Think carefully about why this passion is important to you, and do not forget the WHAT here. At the end of the day, a cause or passion that you have done nothing with will not resonate strongly with the admissions committee (or be very believable).

Essay 2:  Why Stanford? (400 words suggested)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: For this second Stanford GSB essay, start by setting up why you want an MBA, including your goals and the skills needed to make these goals a reality. Then, make it clear how Stanford specifically will help you fill these skill gaps, mentioning classes, clubs, and programs that interest you. Do not forget to detail what draws you to Stanford’s culture as well!

For more Stanford GSB essay advice, check out Personal MBA Coach’s full blog here .

Wharton Essays

Personal MBA Coach suggests that you consider each Wharton essay individually while also making sure that your two responses complement one another.

Essay 1:  How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short- and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: The first Wharton essay gives applicants the opportunity to reflect on their high-level aspirations. As you consider your future, think about your skill gaps and how attending Wharton will enable you to close these gaps. Cover the opportunities you want to avail yourself of on campus and be sure to demonstrate a clear understanding of Wharton’s culture.

Essay 2:  Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: This second MBA essay question gives candidates a chance to showcase previous accomplishments and potential contributions to the Wharton community. Applicants can choose from impressive extracurricular accomplishments, specific talents, and/or distinct professional skills. A powerful response will highlight multiple contributions that clearly unite your personal story , career goals, and passions!

Get Personal MBA Coach’s detailed guidance on Wharton essays 1 and 2 here .

Harvard Business School Essay

Number of Required Essays: 1

Essay:  As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA Program? (900 words maximum)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: The HBS essay is an invitation to reveal what is truly interesting about you and let the admissions committee “meet” the person behind your MBA application.

That said, responses will vary significantly for everyone. Do not try to write what you think the admissions committee wants to read. Instead, consider the unique value that you will add to the HBS community.

Strong essays often share a detailed personal story, or at least some kind of personal anecdote, which is usually tied to a recurring theme within your HBS essay. However, be wary of trying too hard – you do not need to describe a super traumatic personal experience to impress the admissions directors.

Looking for more HBS essay advice? Visit our full blog here .

MIT Sloan Cover Letter

Rather than asking applicants to submit a standard MBA essay, MIT Sloan requests that candidates submit a cover letter.

Cover Letter:  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).

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: Here, applicants must think about their most noteworthy accomplishments, making it clear what they will bring to the Sloan community. Approach the MIT Sloan cover letter as you would approach any other professional cover letter. This means that you must tell the reader who you are and specifically ask for a place in the MIT Sloan class.

Get more of Personal MBA Coach’s MIT Sloan cover letter advice here .

Chicago Booth Essays

Essay 1:  How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250 words minimum)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: This first Chicago Booth essay is a standard goals question (for more tips on how to approach this as well as other types of application essays , check out our How to Write Winning MBA Essays blog ). Think about your short- and long-term goals, highlighting how you developed these goals and identifying your higher-level aspirations. Do not forget to think about your skill gaps and how a Booth MBA will help you achieve your post-MBA goals. You will want to detail the classes, programs, or clubs that you hope to take advantage of.

Essay 2:  An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are… (250 words minimum)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: This MBA essay prompt encourages candidates to reflect upon the personal aspects of their profile. Use this as your opportunity to show what differentiates you from other applicants. Possible topics to cover include values, passions, extracurricular activities, and hobbies.

Learn more about tackling the Chicago Booth essays here .

Kellogg Essays

Essay 1: Kellogg Leaders are primed to tackle today’s pressing concerns everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Tell us about a time in your life where you’ve needed a combination of skills to solve a problem or overcome a challenge. Which skills did you use? What did you accomplish? (450 words)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: While most share a professional story for this first question, leadership examples in your extracurriculars could also work here. A successful response for this Kellogg essay will showcase your strengths and specific skillsets.

Essay 2: At Kellogg, our values are based on research that concludes organizations comprised of leaders with varied backgrounds and perspectives outperform homogeneous ones. How do you believe your personal and professional experiences to date will help to enrich the Kellogg community? (450 words)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: This second Kellogg MBA essay is new, replacing Kellogg’s longstanding “values” essay. When answering this prompt, ask yourself what makes you special— and tell the admissions committee how you will bring your unique traits to Kellogg.

For more information, visit Personal MBA Coach’s full Kellogg essay analysis blog here .

Columbia Business School Essays

Number of Required Essays: 3

Essay 1:  Through your resume and recommendation, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next three to five years and what is your long-term dream job?  (500 words)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: This Columbia Business School essay prompt enables you to show how you envision your career unfolding. The school asks for a short- and long-term dream job so make sure you include both. Although candidates should have lofty goals here, these goals should also align with their short-term goals and story as a whole.

Essay 2: The Phillips Pathway for Inclusive Leadership (PPIL) is a co-curricular program designed to ensure that every CBS student develops the skills to become an ethical and inclusive leader. Through PPIL, students attend programming focused on five essential diversity, equity, and inclusion skills: Creating an Inclusive Environment, Mitigating Bias and Prejudice, Managing Intercultural Dialogue, Addressing Systemic Inequity, and Understanding Identity and Perspective Taking.

Tell us about a time when you were challenged around one of these five skills. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the outcome. (250 words)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: This question directly addresses a topic that is continually top of mind for admissions directors at most business schools: DEI. It is ok to think about DEI broadly here. As you write this essay, be direct and authentic and of course avoid being preachy or judgmental.

Essay 3: Why do you feel Columbia Business School is a good fit for you academically, culturally, and professionally? (250 words)

Personal MBA Coach’s Quick Tips: CBS’s third MBA essay gives applicants a chance to share what attracts them to CBS. This is the perfect opportunity to talk about the classes, clubs, and additional programs that interest you, such as speaker series and immersion seminars. Be sure to cover classes and programs that are specifically unique to Columbia Business School!

Columbia Business School applicants can access our additional CBS essay advice here .

Ready to get started? Check out our Comprehensive Packages to see how Personal MBA Coach can help you craft your MBA application essay to any of these schools!

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Most graduate business programs require applicants to submit at least one MBA essay as part of the application process. Admissions committees use essays, along with other application components , to determine whether or not you are a good fit for their business school. A well-written MBA essay can increase your chances of acceptance and help you stand out among other applicants.

Choosing an MBA Essay Topic

In most cases, you will be assigned a topic or instructed to answer a specific question. However, there are some schools that allow you to choose a topic or select from a shortlist of provided topics.

If you are given the opportunity to choose your own MBA essay topic, you should make strategic choices that allow you to highlight your best qualities. This may include an essay that demonstrates your leadership ability, an essay that showcases your ability to overcome obstacles or an essay that clearly defines your career goals.

Chances are, you will be asked to submit multiple essays, usually two or three. You may also have the opportunity to submit an "optional essay ." Optional essays are usually guideline and topic free, which means you can write about anything you want. Find out when to use the optional essay .

Whatever topic you choose, be sure to come up with stories that support the topic or answer a specific question. Your MBA essay should be focused and feature you as the central player.

Common MBA Essay Topics

Remember, most business schools will provide you with a topic to write on. Although topics can vary from school to school, there are a few common topics/questions that can be found on many business school applications. They include:

  • Why attend this business school?
  • What are your career goals?
  • What are your short-term and long-term goals?
  • What will you do with your degree?
  • How will a degree help you achieve your goals?
  • Why do you want an MBA?
  • What matters to you most and why?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • What is your biggest accomplishment?
  • What is your biggest regret?
  • How have you failed in the past?
  • How do you respond to adversity?
  • What challenges have you overcome?
  • Who do you admire most and why?
  • Who are you?
  • How will you contribute to this program?
  • Why do you have leadership potential?
  • How do you explain weaknesses in your academic record?

Answer the Question

One of the biggest mistakes that MBA applicants make is not answering the question they are asked. If you are asked about your professional goals, then professional goals should be the focus of the essay. If you are asked about your failures, you should discuss mistakes you have made and lessons you have learned, not accomplishments or success.

Stick to the topic and avoid beating around the bush. Your essay should be direct and pointed from start to finish. It should also focus on you. Remember, an MBA essay is meant to introduce you to the admissions committee. You should be the main character of the story. It is okay to describe admiring someone else, learning from someone else, or helping someone else, but these mentions should support the story of you, not cover it up.

Basic Essay Tips

As with any essay assignment, you'll want to carefully follow any instructions you are given. Again, answer the question assigned to you, keep it focused and concise. It is also important to pay attention to word counts. If you are asked for a 500-word essay, you should aim for 500 words, rather than 400 or 600. Make every word count.

Your essay should also be readable and grammatically correct. The entire paper should be free of errors. Do not use special paper or a crazy font. Keep it simple and professional. Above all, give yourself enough time to write your MBA essays. You don’t want to have to slop through them and turn in something that's less than your best work simply because you had to meet a deadline.

More Essay Writing Tips

Remember that the #1 rule when writing an MBA essay is to answer the question/stay on topic. When you have finished your essay, ask at least two people to proofread it and guess the topic or question you were trying to answer. If they do not guess correctly, you should revisit the essay and adjust the focus until your proofreaders can easily tell what the essay is supposed to be about.

  • How to Write and Format an MBA Essay
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  • How to Get Into Business School
  • FAQs About Writing Your Graduate Admissions Essay
  • Self Assessment and Writing a Graduate Admissions Essay
  • How Long Should Your Common Application Short Answer Essay Be?
  • How to Write an Outstanding College Application Essay
  • Common Topics for Graduate School Admissions Essays
  • The 2021-22 Common Application Essay Prompts
  • Tips for the 8 University of California Personal Insight Questions
  • How to Write the Graduate Admissions Essay
  • Ideal College Application Essay Length
  • Tips for Writing a Winning College Transfer Essay
  • 6 Steps to Writing the Perfect Personal Essay
  • Meeting MBA Work Experience Requirements

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Navigating the MBA Research Landscape: Topics, Tips, and Success Stories

Adela B.

Table of contents

Are you an MBA student on the hunt for your next research topic? If so, you're in the right place! Finding a compelling research subject is key to crafting an impactful paper—one that not only earns you top grades but also contributes valuable insights to your field.

Did you know?

  • According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, 89% of corporate recruiters planned to hire MBA graduates in 2022, up from 77% in 2023. This suggests the continued value and demand for MBA skills in the job market.
  • A 2020 survey by McKinsey revealed that 86% of executives found that applying academic research had a positive impact on their company's operational efficiency.
  • According to IDC, global spending on digital transformation technologies and services was estimated to reach $2.3 trillion in 2023, demonstrating the rapid pace of digital adoption in businesses.
  • A Nielsen report revealed that 73% of global consumers would change their consumption habits to reduce environmental impact, highlighting the increasing importance of sustainability in business strategies.

Yet, deciding on the perfect topic can be tricky. You need a subject that aligns with your interests, has enough depth for a thorough analysis, and is relevant to the current business landscape. Don't worry if this sounds daunting—we're here to help!

In this post, we'll explore 50 intriguing MBA research topic examples across various disciplines, from finance and marketing to HR and strategic management. Plus, we'll guide you on turning a chosen topic into a research proposal, and share some inspiring success stories.

Understanding the Shifting Business Landscape for Your MBA Research

SUMMARY : Here, we delve into the impact of evolving business trends, such as digital transformation and corporate sustainability. These insights will help MBA students choose research topics relevant to today's dynamic business environment .

The business world is dynamic, with new trends constantly emerging that shape the way organizations operate and compete. It's essential for MBA students to remain up-to-date with these trends as they can significantly influence your choice of research topic.

Take, for instance, the rise of digital transformation. This wave has been revolutionizing industries across the board, from how we market products to how we manage human resources. A research topic in this area could delve into the effects of digitalization on traditional business models or investigate how firms adapt to technology-driven changes.

Then, there's the trend towards sustainability and social responsibility. Consumers are increasingly looking to do business with companies that prioritize not just profit, but also positive environmental and social impact. Research in this domain could explore the strategies companies use to align with these values, or the implications of these practices on a firm's bottom line.

Understanding these trends, among others, provides you with a context for your MBA research. It opens up avenues for inquiry that are not only academically stimulating but also relevant and impactful in today's business environment. Remember, a trend today could be the norm tomorrow, and your research could play a part in that transformation.

List of 50 MBA Research Topics

Navigating the vast world of MBA disciplines can be a complex task, but finding a topic that resonates with your interests can make your research journey more enjoyable and rewarding. Here's a list of 50 potential research topics across various disciplines to inspire your next project:

  • The Impact of Cryptocurrencies on Traditional Financial Systems
  • Risk Management in the Era of Digital Banking
  • Evaluating the Sustainability of Microfinance Institutions
  • The Role of AI in Financial Forecasting
  • Ethical Investment and Profitability
  • The Effectiveness of Influencer Marketing in Today's Digital World
  • Customer Behaviour in the Age of E-commerce
  • Personalization Strategies in Digital Marketing
  • Impact of Social Media on Brand Awareness
  • The Role of Augmented Reality in Consumer Experience

Human Resources

  • The Influence of Organizational Culture on Employee Retention
  • HR Strategies for Managing Remote Workers
  • The Role of AI in Talent Acquisition
  • Impact of Employee Wellbeing Programs on Productivity
  • Workplace Diversity and its Effect on Company Performance

Strategic Management

  • Strategies for Business Sustainability in a Post-Covid World
  • The Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions on Company Culture
  • Corporate Governance and Business Ethics
  • The Role of Strategic Alliances in Business Expansion
  • Business Model Innovation in the Digital Era

Operations Management

  • The Role of Technology in Supply Chain Management
  • Lean Manufacturing and its Impact on Profit Margins
  • Strategies for Reducing Waste in Production Processes
  • Impact of Quality Management Systems on Customer Satisfaction
  • Challenges of Inventory Management in E-commerce

Information Systems

  • The Influence of Big Data on Business Decision Making
  • Cybersecurity Challenges in Modern Businesses
  • Role of Information Systems in Customer Relationship Management
  • Blockchain Technology and Its Impact on Business Operations
  • Adoption of Cloud Computing in Small and Medium Enterprises

International Business

  • The Effect of Globalization on Local Businesses
  • Strategies for Cross-Cultural Business Communication
  • Impact of Trade Wars on International Business
  • Navigating International Business Ethics
  • The Role of Emerging Markets in the Global Economy

Entrepreneurship

  • The Impact of Startup Culture on Local Economies
  • Entrepreneurial Strategies for Social Impact
  • Role of Innovation in Entrepreneurial Success
  • Challenges of Venture Capital Financing in Startups
  • The Influence of Ecosystems on Entrepreneurial Growth

Healthcare Management

  • The Role of Telemedicine in Modern Healthcare
  • Challenges of Healthcare Management in Low-Income Countries
  • Strategies for Effective Healthcare Marketing
  • Impact of Healthcare Policies on Hospital Management
  • The Influence of AI on Healthcare Delivery

Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility

  • Impact of Green Marketing on Consumer Buying Behavior
  • Strategies for Implementing Sustainable Business Practices
  • The Role of CSR in Enhancing Corporate Reputation
  • Measuring the Impact of CSR Initiatives on Community Development
  • Sustainability Reporting and Its Influence on Investor Decisions

REMEMBER : while choosing a topic, consider your interests, the scope of the topic, and its relevance in today's business landscape. Each of these topics opens up a world of potential for in-depth research and can serve as a starting point for your MBA research journey.

Structuring Your Research for Academic Success

Now that you've chosen a research topic, the next step is to turn it into a research proposal. This proposal serves as a roadmap for your research project, outlining the research question, objectives, methodology, and anticipated outcomes. Let's use "The Impact of Cryptocurrencies on Traditional Financial Systems" as an example to illustrate this process:

Title : Start with a clear, concise title that precisely indicates what your research will cover.

Example : "The Impact of Cryptocurrencies on Traditional Financial Systems: A Comparative Study."

Introduction : This section should provide background information about your topic, why it's important, and the gap in current knowledge that your research will address.

Example : "With the advent of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, the traditional financial landscape is undergoing significant changes. However, the impact of this disruption on traditional financial systems remains underexplored..."

Research Question and Objectives : Here, state your main research question and the specific objectives that will guide your study.

Example : "This study aims to investigate the impact of cryptocurrencies on traditional financial systems. Specific objectives include analyzing the effect of cryptocurrencies on banking operations, exploring their influence on financial regulations, and evaluating their implications for financial stability..."

Literature Review : Briefly review existing literature relevant to your research topic. Highlight the strengths and weaknesses of current research and how your study will contribute.

Example : "Several studies have focused on the technical aspects of cryptocurrencies. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research examining their broader impact on financial systems..."

Methodology : Outline the methods you'll use to conduct your research. This could include data collection methods, analytical tools, and procedures.

Example : "This study will employ a mixed-methods approach, including a review of existing literature, analysis of secondary data from financial institutions, and semi-structured interviews with financial industry professionals..."

Expected Outcomes : Briefly describe the potential findings of your research and their implications.

Example : "This study expects to reveal the profound effects of cryptocurrencies on traditional financial systems. These findings may assist policymakers, financial institutions, and researchers in understanding and navigating this digital financial revolution..."

REMEMBER : a well-crafted research proposal not only guides your research but also demonstrates the value of your study to others, such as your professors or potential funding sources. And don't forget, the Writers Per Hour team is always ready to assist, and this is the best website where you can buy research proposal online that aligns with your research ambitions.

3 Inspiring Achievements to Motivate Your MBA Research Journey

MBA research can have a significant impact, both on your career and in advancing your field of study. Let's explore a few success stories of MBA research to inspire your journey:

1. Fintech Innovation

An MBA student's research on "The Impact of Blockchain Technology on Financial Transactions" didn't just earn top grades—it also sparked a startup idea. Leveraging the insights gained from their research, the student launched a successful fintech company specializing in secure blockchain transactions. Today, the company is revolutionizing financial security for small businesses.

2. Sustainable Business Practices

An innovative research project on "Incorporating Sustainable Business Practices in Fast Fashion" led another MBA student to a prestigious internship at a leading fashion company. The company was so impressed by her research insights that they implemented some of her recommendations, significantly reducing their environmental footprint.

3. Effective Leadership

An MBA research on "The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Effective Leadership" not only brought academic success to a student but also made him a better leader. By applying his research insights into his own startup, he was able to create a more cohesive and motivated team, propelling his business to new heights.

These stories demonstrate the potential of MBA research. Whether it's launching a startup, securing a dream internship, or enhancing your leadership skills, your research can lead you down a path of success. And remember, whether it's crafting a compelling research proposal or providing feedback on your paper, Writers Per Hour is here to support you every step of the way.

Choosing the right research topic is a critical step in your MBA journey. It sets the tone for your academic exploration and can pave the way for career opportunities, innovative business ideas, and impactful contributions to your field of study. From understanding emerging trends in business and management to transforming a research topic into a detailed proposal, every step is a milestone towards your academic and professional success.

Don't forget - your research isn't just about fulfilling a degree requirement. It's about sparking curiosity, challenging the status quo, and driving positive change in the business world. Remember, there's always support at hand to guide you through this process. Whether you need help with a custom essay for MBA or the entire research paper, Writers Per Hour is just a click away.

Embark on your research journey with enthusiasm and determination. The world of business is eagerly waiting for your unique insights and innovative solutions.

Additional Resources

To support your MBA research journey further, we have collated a list of helpful resources for you.

Articles from the Writers Per Hour Blog :

1. Master Your MBA Personal Statement - This guide by Writers Per Hour shares effective strategies to create a compelling personal statement for your MBA application, which can also be a source of inspiration for your research topic.

2. How to Write and Format an MBA Essay That Gets Noticed - This post provides valuable tips on structuring your MBA essay, which can also be applied to organizing your research proposal or final research paper.

External Resources:

1. Harvard Business Review - HBR offers a wealth of articles and case studies on the latest business trends and management practices, which can provide useful insights for your research.

2. McKinsey Insights - McKinsey publishes regular reports on various industries and business functions, offering data-driven insights that can inform your research.

3. JSTOR - JSTOR is a digital library of academic journals, books, and primary sources. This can be an excellent place to find scholarly articles related to your research topic.

You can always seek support from pro essay writers at Writers Per Hour throughout your MBA research journey.

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A Comprehensive Guide For Cracking GD/WAT And PI Rounds

By sanket bhosale.

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Some Resources to follow : 

  • Heard on the Street: Quantitative Questions from Wall Street Job Interviews: Timothy Falcon (A wonderful book that includes generic quant/logic questions as well as questions about Finance interviews. Referred by almost all MBA junta to prepare for their finance interviews
  • Books by Shakuntala Devi, the world-renowned Math prodigy are also really good: Puzzles to Puzzle You: Devi Shakuntala , Mathability: Awaken the Math Genius in Your Child , Figuring the Joy of Numbers:

#2: Related to your undergrad stream/work ex

There will be a whole bunch of WAT-PI questions and answers about your core courses at undergrad (in case of freshers) and/or work-ex. Remember to be thorough with at least 2-3 subjects of your choice.

Some coaching classes have a "briefcase" of generic questions about the major disciplines like EEE, CompSci, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, etc. 

#3: Questions based on your application

Every word written on your application should be familiar to you. I remember being asked about the books I have read, their plots, my view on the story, etc. If you have mentioned that you can solve a Rubik's cube in less than 2 minutes, expect them to ask you about your technique, the logic behind it, the different techniques other people use, and in extreme cases, to solve one at the moment.

#4: General Awareness/Current Affairs

Be thorough with the most important news of the year. Read through the last 2-3 months' newspapers and around 6 months' worth of magazines like TIME and Competition Success Review. Have an opinion and an analysis-ready.

For example, the Israeli–Palestinian conflict is hotly debated right now. If the same is brought up during the interview, you would be expected to provide a stance on it (good or bad?) and also to provide your rationale and/or an honest, logical deconstruction of the same.

Some Resources To Follow :

  • Offline magazines
  • Daily newspapers
  • Use Google Alerts to monitor various facets of news
  • Use news aggregator sites like Mashable and InShorts

#5: Soft/HR questions

These are generally the most dreaded WAT-PI questions and answers as there is no right answer. Questions like "Tell me something about yourself", "Why MBA?", "Why <insert specialization of your choice?" falls under this category.

They will generally be covered during your interview prep. Be honest. Completely honest. While that might not always work in your favor, it increases the chances of the interviewer seeing that you are making up things and for you to more confidently approach the question.

Mastering MBA Admissions: Check InsideIIM's CAT Composite Score & Interview Call Predictor Tool

A.1. Some ways to tackle the "Why MBA" question.

  • Better clarity of thought and understanding of business
  • Getting the requisite exposure, networking, and knowledge of people, systems, and processes for starting up something of your own
  • Higher salary
  • Old job sucks
  • Old boss sucks
  • Sense of adventure
  • Out of boredom
  • The final option in the decision by elimination

A.2. Tackling the "Tell me something about yourself" googly

Remember to keep it short, crisp, interesting, and chronological. Start with your background, your education, work experience, etc. Move on to softer aspects like hobbies and interests. Talk about the company you started, or the app you developed, or the NGO you run or volunteer at. Tell them about things that excite you. Touch lightly upon your aspirations.

Do not make it an elevator pitch. Do not be in a hurry to say everything. Make constant eye contact. See if they are interested. Smile. Do not bring in your political, religious, or philosophical affiliations. That is dangerous territory. Do not take it as an opportunity to "sell" yourself. Make it a conversation, an ice-breaker, and give them fodder to drive the interview. 

Some Resources to Follow :  

  • Tackling Why MBA question in B-School interviews
  • WHY MBA?? How to answer this common MBA essay question

A.3. Small talk

The interviewers sometimes use Small talk to judge your interpersonal skills or make you feel at ease.

  • Six Reasons Small Talk Is Very Important---And How To Get Better At It
  • Heading Out on Your Own: Day 22 — How to Make Small Talk
  • Mastering the Art of Small Talk
  • How to Make Small Talk — Naturally

A GD is similar to the WAT-PI questions and answers round as it requires a certain level of knowledge, preparation, and being updated on current affairs.

The strategy for GD is also similar with the following exceptions: For a GD, ensure that you think about both sides of the debate because if you are late to the party and everyone has taken up one side of the argument, you will find that most of your points have been taken. Even if not, taking up an opposite stand will help you stand out a little from the crowd.

Some Pointers to Remember During a GD : 

  • Speak at least 3 times during the GD - to maintain visibility
  • Each time, have something substantial to say
  • Either try and start the discussion or try and wrap it up at the end.
  • Do not hesitate to agree with the previous speaker. However, in doing so ensure that you add something to his/her argument.
  • Do not be an asshole; even if everyone else is being one. Maintain your calm. Try and bring the situation under control.
  • Never shout. Ever.

For comprehensive guidance, Check InsideIIMs WAT PI Edge Season 4 to prepare for the 2024 WAT-GDPI Season.

WAT is an important component that can make or break your chances of being selected.

The time limit for writing essays would vary from mere 10 mins to around 30 mins. The key is ensuring you complete your essay within the stipulated period. There would be no extra marks for handwriting (provided that it is legible). You need to have some concrete ideas, arguments, and opinions and need to augment them with facts. There needs to be at least some basic structure to the entire piece.

The topics are mostly current affairs or standard debates.

C.1. Strategy

If the topic needs you to take a stand , take one in the first 10 seconds. The topics are usually such that you can defend either side with ample amounts of data, facts, figures, and logical arguments. Remember that you are not there to prove the other point wrong, but to prove why yours could be right.

If for example, the topic is, "Should marijuana be legalized?", you can start by:

  • Saying YES or NO. Let us assume you said YES.
  • Why do you say so - free market and freedom of choice, marijuana is not the same as other drugs which are addictive or harmful, there no documented deaths due to marijuana overdose, use in medical procedures
  • How higher taxes are more effective than bans - less Dead Weight Losses etc
  • What would be the benefits of legalising - new revenue source for the government, curbs the prevalent black market for drugs, police resources dedicated to enforcing the ban can be mobilised elsewhere, etc.

Have a good closing argument or summary . Clearly state what your stand is.

Other resources:  Check out InsideIIMs WAT PI Edge Season 4 to prepare for the 2024 WAT-GDPI Season.

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Write a Strong MBA Career Interests Essay

MBA "Career Interests" essay

One piece of the MBA application puzzle that candidates often overlook but that holds a lot of weight is the MBA “Career Interests” essay. This isn’t just another checkbox to tick. Think of it as an opportunity to showcase your professional dreams, career journey thus far, and strategic approach to success. 

First, think carefully about your post-MBA goals . Your gut reaction to this question might be, “I want to be a successful entrepreneur” or “I want to leapfrog up the corporate ladder.” Sadly, that won’t cut it with the admissions committee. These folks read thousands of applications each season. They’re most interested in candidates who embody Merriam-Webster’s “Word of the Year”: Authenticity .

And that starts with an extended self-reflection session . Where did your career ambitions begin? Did a childhood experience or role model set you on a particular path? You may have had an aha moment in college or on the job. Whatever that career origin story is, the next step is to illustrate how you nurtured and developed those ambitions over time.

Common examples include pursuing internships or volunteer work that supported those interests. You may have found mentors to guide you or took courses or certification programs to bolster your skill set. No matter what happened, describe your journey in a clear, detailed way. Talk about the difficulties you faced, what you learned from them, and the essential goals you reached.

Curious about your chances of getting into a top B-school?  Contact us  to talk strategy with a free 15-minute advising session with an SBC Principal Consultant.

But don’t limit yourself to the highlight reel of past experiences. The AdCom team wants to know how you plan to leverage those experiences to propel yourself forward. To succeed, research industry trends. Connect with relevant professionals. Identify the knowledge gaps you need to fill.

“We don’t need a detailed roadmap of your future professional life,” notes  Yale SOM’s assistant dean of admissions, Bruce DelMonico . “But we do hope that you’ve thought directionally about how your graduate management studies will launch you into your desired post-MBA career.”

The Golden Rule of the MBA Career Interests Essay

Above all, you want your MBA career interests essay to have concrete and tailored goals. Specificity is your friend when the task at hand is to create a convincing narrative. Remember that you also want to highlight what you bring to the table that differentiates you from the competition .

what makes you unique

Every one of us has unique strengths, experiences, and values. Whether it’s your knack for problem-solving, your leadership potential, or your passion for social impact , weave these elements into your essay to showcase why you would make an excellent addition to the class.

Rest assured, you don’t need to present yourself as a “perfect” MBA candidate. The roadblocks and detours on your journey forced you to become resilient and adaptable when facing challenges. Admissions committees seek applicants with these qualities. Whether you had to navigate a career transition , overcome setbacks, or embrace ambiguity, taking ownership of your vulnerabilities is a testament to your character.

Listen to B-Schooled Podcast #161 : Write the Essay that Scares You

Finally, wrap up your MBA career interests essay with optimism and passion. Your enthusiasm for your chosen career path will leave a lasting impression on admissions officers. After all, they’re not just looking for qualified candidates but future leaders who can’t wait to make a meaningful impact on the world.

And remember, “Your career interests will likely come up again in your interview,” says Yale SOM’s DelMonico. “Your interviewer will ask you more about your interests in an MBA and what you hope to accomplish post-MBA, so you will have another chance to expand on some details that you might not have been able to include in the written parts of the application.”

essay writing topics for mba interview

In the end, it’s not just about what you want to achieve; it’s about the journey that brought you here, the strategies you’ve employed to get there, and the unique value you bring. So, unleash your inner storyteller and craft a narrative that leaves admissions committees clamoring for more.

Stacy Blackman Consulting offers multiple services to meet your MBA application needs, from our  All-In Partnership  and  Interview Prep  to  hourly help  with essay editing, resume review, and much more! Contact us today for a  free 15-minute advising session  to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant.

Here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team .

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Ashley is a former MBA Admissions Board Member for Harvard Business School (HBS), where she interviewed and evaluated thousands of business school applicants for over a six year tenure.  Ashley  holds an MBA from HBS. During her HBS years,  Ashley  was the Sports Editor for the Harbus and a member of the B-School Blades Ice Hockey Team. After HBS, she worked in Marketing at the Gillette Company on Male and Female shaving ...

Kerry is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS). During her 5+ year tenure at HBS, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a wide range of backgrounds across the globe. She also led marketing and outreach efforts focused on increasing diversity and inclusion, ran the Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP), and launched the 2+2 Program during her time in Admissions. Kerry holds a B.A. from Bates College and  ...

A former associate director of admissions at Harvard Business School, Pauline served on the HBS MBA Admissions Board full-time for four years. She evaluated and interviewed HBS applicants, both on-campus and globally.  Pauline's career has included sales and marketing management roles with Coca-Cola, Gillette, Procter & Gamble, and IBM.  For over 10 years, Pauline has expertly guided MBA applicants, and her clients h ...

Geri is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS).  In her 7 year tenure in HBS Admissions, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a diverse set of academic, geographic, and employment backgrounds.  Geri also traveled globally representing the school at outreach events in order to raise awareness for women and international students.  In additio ...

Laura comes from the MBA Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS) and is an HBS MBA alumnus. In her HBS Admissions role, she evaluated and interviewed hundreds of business school candidates, including internationals, women, military and other applicant pools, for five years.  Prior to her time as a student at HBS, Laura began her career in advertising and marketing in Chicago at Leo Burnett where she worked on th ...

Andrea served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Harvard Business School (HBS) for over five years.  In this role, she provided strategic direction for student yield-management activities and also served as a full member of the admissions committee. In 2007, Andrea launched the new 2+2 Program at Harvard Business School – a program targeted at college junior applicants to Harvard Business School.  Andrea has also served as a Career Coach for Harvard Business School for both cu ...

Jennifer served as Admissions Officer at the Stanford (GSB) for five years. She holds an MBA from Stanford (GSB) and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jennifer has over 15 years experience in guiding applicants through the increasingly competitive admissions process into top MBA programs. Having read thousands and thousands of essays and applications while at Stanford (GSB) Admiss ...

Erin served in key roles in MBA Admissions--as Director at Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and Assistant Director at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB). Erin served on the admissions committee at each school and has read thousands of applications in her career. At Haas, she served for seven years in roles that encompassed evaluation, outreach, and diversity and inclusion. During her tenure in Admissions at GSB, she was responsible for candidate evaluation, applicant outreach, ...

Susie comes from the Admissions Office of the Stanford Graduate School of Business where she reviewed and evaluated hundreds of prospective students’ applications.  She holds an MBA from Stanford’s GSB and a BA from Stanford in Economics. Prior to advising MBA applicants, Susie held a variety of roles over a 15-year period in capital markets, finance, and real estate, including as partner in one of the nation’s most innovative finance and real estate investment organizations. In that r ...

Dione holds an MBA degree from Stanford Business School (GSB) and a BA degree from Stanford University, where she double majored in Economics and Communication with concentrations in journalism and sociology. Dione has served as an Admissions reader and member of the Minority Admissions Advisory Committee at Stanford.   Dione is an accomplished and respected advocate and thought leader on education and diversity. She is ...

Anthony served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he dedicated over 10 years of expertise. During his time as a Wharton Admissions Officer, he read and reviewed thousands of applications and helped bring in a class of 800+ students a year.   Anthony has traveled both domestically and internationally to recruit a ...

Meghan served as the Associate Director of Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute, a joint degree program combining the Wharton MBA with an MA in International Studies. In her role on the Wharton MBA admissions committee, Meghan advised domestic and international applicants; conducted interviews and information sessions domestically and overseas in Asia, Central and South America, and Europe; and evaluated applicants for admission to the program. Meghan also managed ...

Amy comes from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where she was Associate Director. Amy devoted 12 years at the Wharton School, working closely with MBA students and supporting the admissions team.  During her tenure at Wharton, Amy served as a trusted adviser to prospective applicants as well as admitted and matriculated students.  She conducted admissions chats with applicants early in the admissions ...

Ally brings six years of admissions experience to the SBC team, most recently as an Assistant Director of Admission for the full-time MBA program at Columbia Business School (CBS).  During her time at Columbia, Ally was responsible for reviewing applications, planning recruitment events, and interviewing candidates for both the full-time MBA program and the Executive MBA program. She traveled both internationally and dome ...

Erin has over seven years of experience working across major institutions, including University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, and NYU's Stern School of Business. At Columbia Business School, Erin was an Assistant Director of Admissions where she evaluated applications for both the full time and executive MBA programs, sat on the admissions and merit scholarship committees and advised applicants on which program might be the best fit for them based on their work experience and pro ...

Emma comes from the MBA Admissions Office at Columbia Business School (CBS), where she was Associate Director.  Emma conducted dozens of interviews each cycle for the MBA and EMBA programs, as well as coordinating the alumni ambassador interview program. She read and evaluated hundreds of applications each cycle, delivered information sessions to audiences across the globe, and advised countless waitlisted applicants.

essay writing topics for mba interview

SBC’s star-studded consultant team is unparalleled. Our clients benefit from current intelligence that we receive from the former MBA Admissions Officers from Harvard HBS, Stanford GSB and every elite business program in the US and Europe.  These MBA Admissions Officers have chosen to work exclusively with SBC.

Just two of the many superstars on the SBC team: Meet Erin , who was Assistant Director of MBA Admissions at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business (GSB) and Director of MBA Admissions at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.

Meet Andrea , who served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Harvard Business School (HBS) for over five years.

Tap into this inside knowledge for your MBA applications by requesting a consultation .

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Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay

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How to Write an Effective Essay

Writing an essay for college admission gives you a chance to use your authentic voice and show your personality. It's an excellent opportunity to personalize your application beyond your academic credentials, and a well-written essay can have a positive influence come decision time.

Want to know how to draft an essay for your college application ? Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing.

Tips for Essay Writing

A typical college application essay, also known as a personal statement, is 400-600 words. Although that may seem short, writing about yourself can be challenging. It's not something you want to rush or put off at the last moment. Think of it as a critical piece of the application process. Follow these tips to write an impactful essay that can work in your favor.

1. Start Early.

Few people write well under pressure. Try to complete your first draft a few weeks before you have to turn it in. Many advisers recommend starting as early as the summer before your senior year in high school. That way, you have ample time to think about the prompt and craft the best personal statement possible.

You don't have to work on your essay every day, but you'll want to give yourself time to revise and edit. You may discover that you want to change your topic or think of a better way to frame it. Either way, the sooner you start, the better.

2. Understand the Prompt and Instructions.

Before you begin the writing process, take time to understand what the college wants from you. The worst thing you can do is skim through the instructions and submit a piece that doesn't even fit the bare minimum requirements or address the essay topic. Look at the prompt, consider the required word count, and note any unique details each school wants.

3. Create a Strong Opener.

Students seeking help for their application essays often have trouble getting things started. It's a challenging writing process. Finding the right words to start can be the hardest part.

Spending more time working on your opener is always a good idea. The opening sentence sets the stage for the rest of your piece. The introductory paragraph is what piques the interest of the reader, and it can immediately set your essay apart from the others.

4. Stay on Topic.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep to the essay topic. If you're applying to 10 or more colleges, it's easy to veer off course with so many application essays.

A common mistake many students make is trying to fit previously written essays into the mold of another college's requirements. This seems like a time-saving way to avoid writing new pieces entirely, but it often backfires. The result is usually a final piece that's generic, unfocused, or confusing. Always write a new essay for every application, no matter how long it takes.

5. Think About Your Response.

Don't try to guess what the admissions officials want to read. Your essay will be easier to write─and more exciting to read─if you’re genuinely enthusiastic about your subject. Here’s an example: If all your friends are writing application essays about covid-19, it may be a good idea to avoid that topic, unless during the pandemic you had a vivid, life-changing experience you're burning to share. Whatever topic you choose, avoid canned responses. Be creative.

6. Focus on You.

Essay prompts typically give you plenty of latitude, but panel members expect you to focus on a subject that is personal (although not overly intimate) and particular to you. Admissions counselors say the best essays help them learn something about the candidate that they would never know from reading the rest of the application.

7. Stay True to Your Voice.

Use your usual vocabulary. Avoid fancy language you wouldn't use in real life. Imagine yourself reading this essay aloud to a classroom full of people who have never met you. Keep a confident tone. Be wary of words and phrases that undercut that tone.

8. Be Specific and Factual.

Capitalize on real-life experiences. Your essay may give you the time and space to explain why a particular achievement meant so much to you. But resist the urge to exaggerate and embellish. Admissions counselors read thousands of essays each year. They can easily spot a fake.

9. Edit and Proofread.

When you finish the final draft, run it through the spell checker on your computer. Then don’t read your essay for a few days. You'll be more apt to spot typos and awkward grammar when you reread it. After that, ask a teacher, parent, or college student (preferably an English or communications major) to give it a quick read. While you're at it, double-check your word count.

Writing essays for college admission can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. A well-crafted essay could be the deciding factor─in your favor. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll have no problem creating memorable pieces for every application.

What is the format of a college application essay?

Generally, essays for college admission follow a simple format that includes an opening paragraph, a lengthier body section, and a closing paragraph. You don't need to include a title, which will only take up extra space. Keep in mind that the exact format can vary from one college application to the next. Read the instructions and prompt for more guidance.

Most online applications will include a text box for your essay. If you're attaching it as a document, however, be sure to use a standard, 12-point font and use 1.5-spaced or double-spaced lines, unless the application specifies different font and spacing.

How do you start an essay?

The goal here is to use an attention grabber. Think of it as a way to reel the reader in and interest an admissions officer in what you have to say. There's no trick on how to start a college application essay. The best way you can approach this task is to flex your creative muscles and think outside the box.

You can start with openers such as relevant quotes, exciting anecdotes, or questions. Either way, the first sentence should be unique and intrigue the reader.

What should an essay include?

Every application essay you write should include details about yourself and past experiences. It's another opportunity to make yourself look like a fantastic applicant. Leverage your experiences. Tell a riveting story that fulfills the prompt.

What shouldn’t be included in an essay?

When writing a college application essay, it's usually best to avoid overly personal details and controversial topics. Although these topics might make for an intriguing essay, they can be tricky to express well. If you’re unsure if a topic is appropriate for your essay, check with your school counselor. An essay for college admission shouldn't include a list of achievements or academic accolades either. Your essay isn’t meant to be a rehashing of information the admissions panel can find elsewhere in your application.

How can you make your essay personal and interesting?

The best way to make your essay interesting is to write about something genuinely important to you. That could be an experience that changed your life or a valuable lesson that had an enormous impact on you. Whatever the case, speak from the heart, and be honest.

Is it OK to discuss mental health in an essay?

Mental health struggles can create challenges you must overcome during your education and could be an opportunity for you to show how you’ve handled challenges and overcome obstacles. If you’re considering writing your essay for college admission on this topic, consider talking to your school counselor or with an English teacher on how to frame the essay.

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IE MBA Essays : Sample Essays & Writing Tips for Students

When it comes to applying for an MBA at IE Business School, your essays are not just a formality; they are a window into your personality, aspirations, and suitability for the program.

In a world where test scores often blur into uniformity, essays offer you the unique opportunity to speak directly to the admissions committee. They allow you to showcase not only your professional accomplishments and academic prowess but also your personal journey and the distinct qualities you would bring to the IE MBA community.

Understanding the Role of Essays in IE MBA Admissions

Essays: More Than Just Words In the admissions process for the IE MBA program, essays play a pivotal role. They are the narrative thread that can weave together the various elements of your application into a coherent and compelling story. While your resume may list your achievements, and your references can endorse your capabilities, it’s through your essays that you can breathe life into your application.

Differentiating Yourself in a Competitive Pool In the competitive realm of MBA admissions, where many applicants boast impressive resumes and high test scores, essays provide a critical differentiating factor. They are your chance to go beyond the quantitative aspects of your profile and reveal the person behind the numbers. The essays are where you can illustrate your ability to reflect, grow, and face challenges, showcasing the unique perspectives and diverse experiences you would contribute to the IE MBA cohort.

Breaking Down the IE MBA Essay Questions

Decoding the Essay Prompts IE Business School’s MBA application includes essay questions designed to delve deep into your motivations, personality, and future goals. Understanding the underlying purpose of these questions is crucial to crafting responses that resonate with the admissions committee.

Analyzing Each Question Each essay prompt serves a specific purpose. For instance, a question might ask about your career goals to gauge your clarity of thought and realistic understanding of how an MBA from IE can facilitate these goals. Another prompt might invite you to discuss a significant challenge you’ve overcome, aiming to highlight your resilience and problem-solving skills. It’s essential to not only answer these questions directly but to also reflect on what each question is trying to uncover about you as a candidate.

Strategies for Crafting Compelling IE MBA Essays

Reflect and Analyze The IE MBA essay prompt asks you to reveal something significant that is not reflected in your resume or application. This requires introspection and a deep understanding of your unique attributes and personality. Start by jotting down your key experiences, achievements, and passions, then reflect on what sets them apart and how they have contributed to your development. For instance, you might have been raised in a family that frequently traveled, influencing your worldview, or you might have switched industries, driven by a shift in your future goals. Use these experiences to showcase how your unique qualities evolved through your journey​​.

Presenting Your Unique Self While discussing your attributes, emphasize why you specifically chose them to characterize yourself and how they distinguish you from others. Consider how these traits could enrich the IE MBA program. Are you particularly empathetic, or do you possess an acute cultural awareness due to global exposure? Frame yourself as a candidate who can not only augment the program’s value but also potentially redefine its dynamics​​.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in IE MBA Essays

Avoiding Gimmicks and Repetition Sincerity is key in responding to the IE MBA essay prompt. Avoid becoming gimmicky or trying to appear overly creative. Focus on narrating your personal story and providing a dynamic image of yourself. With a maximum of 650 words, be succinct and avoid unnecessary buildup or repetition. Your story should be lively and provide sufficient context for the admissions committee to fully understand and appreciate it, but it should also be concise enough to allow you to share details that add color and individuality to your message​​.

Video Essay Tips If you choose to submit a video essay, remember to be concise, expressive, and mindful of presentation. Rehearse your script to become comfortable with its rhythm and flow, and let your genuine self shine through your words. Pay attention to your clothing, background, and lighting, and ensure your camera and microphone work smoothly. After recording, check for speech or body language errors and ensure the video link works correctly​​.

PowerPoint Presentation Tips For a PowerPoint presentation, pay attention to structure and content ordering. Aim for a word limit under 50 words per slide, using a clear typeface and double spacing. Start your presentation with an overview of what’s on your resume and application, and then move on to your unique personality trait or experience. Include photographs or videos from significant moments in your life, and ensure your presentation stands out from others​​.

Success Stories and Testimonials

Essay Example 1: Redefining Urban Living In one impressive essay example, an applicant envisioned the creation of community-centered residence buildings in their home country. They discussed how smart buildings could draw people out of isolation, fostering a network of social revitalization in urban areas. This vision, coupled with their country’s technological edge and entrepreneurial values, showcased their innovative mindset. The essay linked their ambition to IE’s curriculum in real estate and entrepreneurship, demonstrating how the MBA program could equip them with the skills needed to pioneer this innovative concept​​.

Essay Example 2: Harnessing the Power of Music Another applicant shared how singing and leading a Scouts troop in an economically disadvantaged area developed their leadership and community skills. They described forming a singing group that became a community sensation, winning competitions, and performing at local events. This experience not only showcased their creative talents but also their ability to inspire and lead, reflecting the values of the IE MBA program​​.

Essay Example 3: A Vision for FinTech An essay focused on the Financial Technology (FinTech) sector illustrated the applicant’s deep understanding of the industry’s challenges, such as regulation, data security, and risk management. They discussed their background in finance mathematics and operations research, aiming to use their IE MBA to build a career in mitigating risk exposures in FinTech. This essay effectively demonstrated how their unique background and IE’s program could synergize to address significant industry challenges​​.

Essay Example 4: Leadership in the Navy Another applicant recounted their experience in the Navy as an Operations Researcher and how they transformed their assistant’s work attitude and performance. The essay detailed their journey from considering a replacement to instead inspiring and motivating their assistant, demonstrating effective leadership skills. This story highlighted the applicant’s potential to bring valuable leadership experiences to the IE MBA community​​.

The IE Business School’s MBA essay offers a platform for applicants to display their unique personalities, experiences, and visions. These essays are not just about professional achievements; they are about the human behind the application, their dreams, and how they plan to make a difference in the world. The success stories of past applicants, as seen in the examples above, illustrate the diverse ways in which individuals can contribute to the rich tapestry of the IE MBA program.

For prospective students, these examples serve as a guide to understanding what makes a compelling and successful MBA essay. By weaving together personal stories with professional aspirations and showing how an IE MBA aligns with their goals, applicants can create a powerful narrative that resonates with the admissions committee.

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100 Essay Topics for 2024

essay writing topics for mba interview

  • Government’s Vision of Amrit Kaal
  • Central Bank Digital Currency by RBI
  • How important is flow of money for the economy?
  • Need of the Hour is to Maximize Possibilities of Agriculture in India
  • 50 Crore Jan Dhan Accounts: Giant leap towards financial inclusion
  • Privatization in Defence Manufacturing
  • RBI’s strategies to tackle inflation in Economy
  • Non-Performing Assets and their impact on economy
  • India to be the world’s third largest economy
  • Global Recession and shapes of Economy
  • India becoming a leader in Renewable Energy
  • Is a 70-Hour Work Week Healthy?
  • Crypto-currency and issues related to it
  • Growing trends of Privatisation
  • Fugitive Economic Offenders and the need to bring them back

EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES

  • Higher Education versus skill acquisition
  • Entrance exams versus Qualifying exams - what is the relevance of entrance exams for admissions to UG and PG courses in India?
  • Online schooling, can it be the future of education?
  • New Education Policy: A Progressive Policy with Diverse Challenges
  • Skills or knowledge: What matters more in today’s world?

ENVIRONMENT

  • Biodiversity Conservation– Our Solutions are in Nature
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  • Net Zero Carbon Emission
  • Shifting of Earth's Geo-Magnetic field and its impact
  • Money Laundering and Illegal Wildlife trade
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  • Seed Bombs: Solution to Man-Animal Conflict
  • Growing Pollution in Rivers
  • Organic Farming in India
  • Merger of Project Tiger and Project Elephant: Pros and Cons
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  • Goodwill is the only asset that competition cannot undersell or destroy
  • Role of kindness in an utterly competitive world
  • Is defection becoming the new norm in Indian politics?
  • New India @75
  • Supreme Court Judgment on Jammu and Kashmir
  • Pro poor policies of Modi Government
  • Controversies surrounding the Present-day NDA government in India
  • Supreme Court Judgment on Demonetisation
  • India China border issues – Where is it headed?
  • Too much Democracy is Detrimental to Development
  • India needs aggressive and pragmatic neighborhood policy
  • Today India Needs ‘Harmony in Diversity’, Not Unity in Diversity
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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

  • Russia-Ukraine War and its impact on geopolitics
  • India: From SAARC to BIMSTEC
  • Israel-Hamas Conflict and Operation Ajay
  • Has UNSC become redundant?
  • 10 years of One Belt One Road (OBOR) Policy and India's Counter
  • Democracy in its neighbourhood is in India’s interest
  • Importance of regional trade blocs like NAFTA, RCEP etc.
  • G20 New Delhi Summit
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  • Rising Chinese hegemony in Indo-Pacific and implications for India
  • Climate Diplomacy and COP 28
  • NASA’s Artemis Program
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PHILOSOPHICAL/ ABSTRACT

  • A smooth sea never makes a good sailor
  • Hour work week
  • Light at the end of the tunnel is not an illusion, the tunnel is.
  • Is humanity enough to handle crises and serve people in need?
  • Is being vegetarian the way to go for the world?
  • Happiness is not an ideal of reason, but of imagination.
  • Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.
  • War is the ultimate Price we pay for lasting Peace
  • Artificial Intelligence is Not All Evil – It can Promote Social Good Too
  • Our World is in a Surplus of Multilateral Challenges and a Deficit of Solutions.
  • The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

  • Does India need more missiles or more industries?
  • Genetically Modified Crops
  • National Infrastructure Pipeline
  • How will the FASTag project help in improving the logistics and transport sector?

SOCIAL ISSUES (Society, Gender, Caste)

  • Lack of civic sense among Indians is pushing the country backwards
  • Media’s duty is to inform public, not manufacture opinion
  • Urban exclusion of migrant workers in India is a reality and needs urgent robust policy measures.
  • Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition
  • Economic Growth and Development are shaped by the societies in which they operate.
  • Social media is the fourth pillar of democracy
  • How does a leader impact the destiny of his country?
  • The Cry of Transgenders
  • Caste Census: Equity or casteism?
  • One Nation, One Ration Card
  • Legalizing Betting in India
  • The ‘Dunki’ route to illegal migration
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Update on: December 13, 2023

Written Ability Test (WAT) is an important part of IIM Final Selection process for MBA program. Other leading B-Schools for example IIFT is also using WAT in its final selection process. MBAUniverse.com provides below complete details What actually WAT is, Top B-schools using WAT, important WAT topics, how to prepare for WAT and other details  

Table of Contents

  • What is Written Ability Test? Why IIMs conduct WAT?
  • IIMs using WAT for Admissions 2024 with Weightages
  • Other Top B-schools Using WAT for Admission 2024
  • Actual WAT Topics in IIMs
  • Types of WAT Topics
  • IIM WAT Topics 2024 Expected This Year
  • Solved IIM WAT Topics
  • IIM WAT Preparation: How to write a good Essay for IIM WAT

1. What is WAT for IIMs? Why IIMs conduct WAT? WAT is a paper-pen based writing test of 20 to 30 minutes duration conducted by IIMs and other top B-schools to test your writing skills after you are shortlisted for final admission round. This test is conducted just before your personal Interview session. Most of the IIMs have replaced Group Discussion (GD) round by WAT in their final selection round.

Managers and Business Leaders are expected to possess strong effective verbal and written communication skills to make effective presentations and proposals. While verbal communication skills are assessed during Personal Interview, written communication skills are assessed by IIMs through Written Ability Test (WAT).  

2. IIMs using WAT for Admissions 2024 with Weightages – MBAUnivese.com Research While most of the IIMs which conduct individual final selection process use WAT and award varying weightage to it, the conduct of WAT in CAP participating new IIMs depends upon the fact whether both PI and WAT will be conducted or only PI round with be conducted. For admission to CAP participating IIMs, the candidate has to participate in one PI-WAT round only.

3. Other Top B-schools using WAT for Admissions 2024 with Weightages

4. Past Topics for WAT in IIMs

WAT Topics in IIM Ahmedabad Admission

  • Your Views on Change of Union Budget Presentation Date
  • How Effective has been Brexit – Share your Opinion and Thoughts
  • How do you see State of News Media in India
  • What are your views on Performance of Refineries in India
  • Spending money on Statue of Unity resulted in wastage of resources

WAT Topics in IIM Bangalore Admission

  • Aadhar has been a game changer as it has enrolled more than 100 crore people in India. However, a lot of people are worried about the privacy and protection of their data. What are your views on the same

WAT Topics in IIM Calcutta Admission

  • Social media has given the freedom of speech to the masses. However, it has led to a lot of false information being spread resulting into incidents of violence and riots. What are your views on the same?

5. Types of WAT Topics There are different types of WAT topics on which you would be asked to write a well worded fact or opinion based coherent piece in 20-30 minutes. The types of WAT Topics for MBA admission in an IIM or other top B-school can be based on:

  • Current Affairs,
  • Business, Economics, Finance,
  • Social or Political issues,
  • Sports related news
  • Abstract topics.

essay writing topics for mba interview

6. Important WAT Topics for Admission 2024: Download 100+ WAT Topics Some of the important category wise WAT Topics for MBA 2024 admission, for example, are: 

Business & Economy

  • Union Budget of India: What is “Budget” and Key Features
  • RBI Digital Rupee
  • Gati Shakti Master Plan
  • India as the world’s 5th largest economy
  • Rise of Gig Economy

Current Affairs

  • Need of Bullet Train in India
  • Article 370 Abrogation
  • Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019
  • Management Lessons from Success of Chandrayan-3 Mission

essay writing topics for mba interview

Education & Social Issues

  • National Education Policy (NEP
  • Single Use Plastic Ban
  • Shortage of Open Spaces and Playgrounds Lead to Negative Tendencies in Children
  • Women Empowerment & Gender Justice
  • Modicare: Affordable healthcare  

essay writing topics for mba interview

Abstract Ideas

  • Fact Vs Opinion: There are no facts only opinions
  • Failures can be your stepping stones or stumbling blocks
  • Work- Life Balance is a Myth
  • East or West India is the best
  • Innovation Vs Invention: What is more important?

wat for iims

7. Solved IIM WAT Topics To help you do well in WAT & PI round for IIMs, MBAUnivese.com, India’s No 1 Portal, has prepared 100+ Latest WAT Topics 2024 for MBA admission. You can download these Latest solved WAT Topics listed below:

8. IIM WAT Preparation WAT 2024 is not going to be unlimited length essay writing. You are supposed to give your best within the given time frame. So, in 20-25 minutes, a coherent, thoughtfully written piece could be around 200 to 300 words but it should not lose track on the WAT topic in any paragraph or any line.

essay writing topics for mba interview

8.1 How to write a good Essay for IIM WAT The standard structure of an essay in WAT consists of three main parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Each of these sections has a specific purpose and contributes to the overall coherence and effectiveness of the essay. Here's a breakdown of the standard essay structure for WAT:

essay writing topics for mba interview

8.2 Mastering WAT Preparation in IIMs: Essential Reading List

8.3 WAT Preparation: Key Tips To prepare for Written Ability Test in IIMs, following preparation tips will help you to write better:

  • Read the editorials in the news paper regularly. See how they are written and presented.
  • Go through the short articles and stories written by authors in the news papers and periodicals
  • Continuously Practice writing and analyse each writing piece for loss of thought and try that it does not recur
  • Avoid ambiguous thought, repetition and long explanations

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Update on: December 12, 2022

Written Ability Test (WAT) in final selection round is an important component of PI round in IIMs and other top MBA colleges in India. While IIM Ahmedabad has named it as Academic Writing Test (AWT), IIM Calcutta and IIM Bangalore have named it as Writing Ability Test (WAT). During the admission 2021 and 2022 WAT component was dropped by many IIMs due to Covid-19 pandemic. However, for admission 2023, WAT has been restored in all IIMs’ selection process.

WAT, the Writing Ability Test in final selection round of IIMs and other top B-schools is an integral part of admission process. WAT in IIMs commands good weightage in final selection. During the two years of Covid Pandemic, many IIMs dropped WAT for admission 2021 and 2022. It has been restored with a high weightage in IIMs and other top B-schools in the final admission round. Read below the tips to crack the Written Ability Test for IIMs and other B-schools

WAT Preparation

WAT, the Writing Ability Test in final selection round is an important component of PI round in IIMs and other top MBA colleges in India. During the MBA admission 2021 and 2022 WAT component was dropped by many IIMs due to Covid-19 pandemic, however, for admission 2023, WAT has become an important component in all IIMs’ selection process.

Top MBA Colleges Using WAT

B-School:  IIM Ahmedabad (AWT-WAT) Spot Test Time Limit:  20-25 minutes Suggested Word Limit:  300+ words Probable Topics:  Current affairs, Finance, economics, socio-political, abstract topics

B-School:  IIM Bangalore (WAT) Spot Test Time Limit:  30 minutes Suggested Word Limit:  400 words Appx. Probable Topics:  National, International

Important Dates

WAT as the part of PI round at top B-schools will begin in the last week of January or the first week of February 2018. This round will continue till April 2018 and the final admission offer will be made in the last week of April or in the beginning of May 2018.

Both WAT and PI will be held on the same day either in the forenoon session or in the afternoon session. The candidate does not need to come twice to attend WAT and PI separately.

My WAT Experiences

CAT, XAT, SNAP, IIFT, IRMASAT toppers have shared their WAT and PI experiences at IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Bangalore, FMS Delhi, IIM Indore, XLRI, XIMB, SPJIMR, IRMA, IMI among other top B-schools. For the benefit of the MBA aspirants going to appear in final selection round at top MBA colleges, MBAUniverse.com shares the key topics, questions and experiences of the toppers in this section. 

Topper interviews WAT

essay writing topics for mba interview

Demonetisation

essay writing topics for mba interview

My WAT Experience:   Topics at other B-schools

essay writing topics for mba interview

WAT topics were mostly related to current affairs especially related to Indian economy.

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COMMENTS

  1. MBA Essay Topics with Expert Examples

    MBA essay topics may be in written, multimedia, and/or video format. For example, John MolsonSchool of Business requires a 500-word MBA statement of purpose and a video interview. Rotman School of Management asks that you include 1-3 images in your application based on their "spike factor": life experiences that "demonstrate passion ...

  2. How To Answer MBA Interview Essay Questions

    UPDATE: This article was originally posted on November 22, 2018.It has been updated with 2023/24 information and tips below. After spending months fine-tuning your MBA application essays, you've finally received that long-awaited interview invitation — only to discover that now you need to write more essays!. Though not all schools utilize interview essays - essays that are required only ...

  3. How to Write a Powerful MBA Essay—With Examples

    The Types of MBA Essays. All right — since we've covered high-level approaches to the MBA essays, it's time to dig into the various types. There are three general categories of MBA essays you'll see across the board. 1. Personal Statement. These questions ask you to offer up something sincere about yourself.

  4. HBS Essay Topic, Post-Interview & Analysis 2022-2023

    HBS Essay & Analysis 2023-2024. The following essay topic analysis examines Harvard Business School's (HBS) MBA admissions essays for the 2023-2024 admissions season. You can also review essay topic analyses for all other leading MBA programs as well as general Essay Tips to further aid you in developing your admissions essays.

  5. MBA Interview Preparation Tips for 2022-2023

    The MBA interview could make or break your candidacy for an MBA program. This article has been updated for the 2022-2023 academic year. Although COVID-19 has impacted the graduate school admissions process in numerous ways, the MBA interview remains a vital part of getting into your school of choice.

  6. MBA Admissions: Essay Topic Analyses 2023-2024

    2023-2024 MBA Essay Topic Analyses. These schools have released their essay topics for the 2023-2024 admissions season. Babson / Olin. Berkeley / Haas. Boston College / Carroll. Cambridge / Judge. Carnegie Mellon / Tepper. U. Chicago / Booth. Columbia Business School.

  7. How to Stand Out with Your MBA Essay and Interview

    Read the essay prompt carefully and make sure you are answering it. Many prompts will relate to your career goals, and how you imagine earning an MBA will enable you to fulfill them. Check out our best practices for writing a MBA goals essays. Your essay should have a logical structure that flows nicely from one idea to the next.

  8. Common MBA Interview Questions and Answers in 2022-2023

    Weave your strengths, passions, and personality into your experiences and goals and conclude with why you are sitting in this interview. Try to follow these steps: Introduce yourself—name, an important quality, position. Explain your passion for the industry you are in or wish to join. Summarize your professional experiences.

  9. How to Approach the Top MBA Essays

    You will want to detail the classes, programs, or clubs that you hope to take advantage of. Essay 2: An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we'd like to learn more about you outside of the office.

  10. How to Write an MBA Essay

    It is also important to pay attention to word counts. If you are asked for a 500-word essay, you should aim for 500 words, rather than 400 or 600. Make every word count. Your essay should also be readable and grammatically correct. The entire paper should be free of errors. Do not use special paper or a crazy font.

  11. Updated MBA Essay Questions & Topics for MBA Programs

    Current MBA application essay questions for the coming application season. Essay topics for top business schools.

  12. Admissions Essays

    Looking for tips on how to write your business school essays? Find professional advice and read more about the GMAT and MBA programs at MBA.com. [] Partner Sites mba.com ... How to Stand Out with Your MBA Essay and Interview. January 27, 2021 Taylor Roman-Cohen . What Really Matters in Your Business School Application. December 17, 2020

  13. 50 MBA Research Topics & Essential Writing Tips

    Don't worry if this sounds daunting—we're here to help! In this post, we'll explore 50 intriguing MBA research topic examples across various disciplines, from finance and marketing to HR and strategic management. Plus, we'll guide you on turning a chosen topic into a research proposal, and share some inspiring success stories.

  14. Hardest MBA Interview Questions & How to Answer Them

    Seven Hardest MBA Admissions Interview Questions 1. Describe a failure in which you were involved. Why It's Tough. Most candidates, when preparing for an interview, focus on the positive aspects of their story. They cannot wait to share their successes and highlight their strengths.

  15. MBA 2024 GD & WAT-PI Prep: Key Topics and Questions with Answers

    How to answer this common MBA essay question. A.3. Small talk. The interviewers sometimes use Small talk to judge your interpersonal skills or make you feel at ease. Resources: Six Reasons Small Talk Is Very Important---And How To Get Better At It.

  16. NYU STERN MBA Essays : Sample Essays & Writing Tips

    ESSAY 3: BEHAVIORAL ESSAY - EMBRACING CHANGE. "Change: _____ it.". This intriguing prompt from NYU Stern's MBA application is not just about your take on change; it's a window into how you adapt, innovate, and lead in a dynamic world. Let's decode it together!

  17. 100 Most Important Essay Topics for 2021

    Top 100 Abstract Topics. Essay Writing: Stepwise Approach. Essay Writing: Grammar and Style. Common Mistakes in Essay Writing. Precis Writing. Actual Essay/ WAT topics. Top Factual Essay Topics. Essay Writing: Brainstorming Techniques. Essay Writing: Sentence Structure.

  18. Write a Strong MBA Career Interests Essay

    Finally, wrap up your MBA career interests essay with optimism and passion. Your enthusiasm for your chosen career path will leave a lasting impression on admissions officers. After all, they're not just looking for qualified candidates but future leaders who can't wait to make a meaningful impact on the world.

  19. Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay

    Writing an essay is a critical part of the application process. Use these tips to write an essay for college admission that could earn you an acceptance letter. ... One of the most important things to remember is to keep to the essay topic. If you're applying to 10 or more colleges, it's easy to veer off course with so many application essays.

  20. IE MBA Essays : Sample Essays & Writing Tips for Students

    Sincerity is key in responding to the IE MBA essay prompt. Avoid becoming gimmicky or trying to appear overly creative. Focus on narrating your personal story and providing a dynamic image of yourself. With a maximum of 650 words, be succinct and avoid unnecessary buildup or repetition.

  21. 100 Essay Topics for 2024

    Here is a complete list of the top 100 essay topics for the WAT round of B-school admissions 2024. The topics are categorized as per different areas. ... We have mentioned below a list of expected topics from different genres that were asked in Essay Writing held during previous year's MBA admissions. We have updated this list and current ...

  22. WAT 2024: Written Ability Test for IIMs and Other Top MBA Institutes

    5. Types of WAT Topics There are different types of WAT topics on which you would be asked to write a well worded fact or opinion based coherent piece in 20-30 minutes. The types of WAT Topics for MBA admission in an IIM or other top B-school can be based on: Current Affairs, Business, Economics, Finance, Social or Political issues, Sports ...

  23. IIFT Essay and GD Topics: Expected and Previous Years

    IIFT Admission 2023: Expected IIFT Essay and GD topics. Essay and GD topics of MBA admission rounds are usually based on current affairs, business events and social movements. Given the fact that in the year 2020, the world has witnessed a range of unprecedented situations, right from COVID-19 to Capitol Hill insurrection.

  24. Essay Writing Topics For Mba Interview

    Essay Writing Topics For Mba Interview. Applied Sciences. 4248. 1977 Orders prepared. Ying Tsai. #3 in Global Rating. Receive your essay and breathe easy, because now you don't have to worry about missing a deadline or failing a course.