Business schools have varying procedures for applying to their MBA programs. There are however, common requirements that almost all admissions committees of business schools look for. These include your academic records, resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and your MBA personal statement. So before you worry endlessly about how to write your MBA personal statement, it would help to have a checklist of the other requirements you need to submit.
Application form
A common tendency among applicants is to dwell too much on their MBA personal statement that they don’t give ample time to fill out the application form properly. Your application form should be neat, and contains clear and complete information. A helpful tip is to photocopy the original form and fill out drafts. Double check the contact details you write so the school will know how and where to get in touch with you.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
If the school you’re applying to requires a separate CV, make sure it is typewritten and includes concise information about your experiences and achievements. It would also help to include some interesting topics which you can elaborate on in your MBA personal statement or during your interview.
Letters of recommendation
Take time to think about who would be the best reference persons to comment on your character. It helps to get someone with a recognized title in the academe or business industry, but this title would be of no use if your reference person doesn’t even know you. Pick someone who’s had an impact on your life, this can also be a topic you can use in writing your MBA personal statement.
Transcript of records, and test/exam scores
Most schools require applicants to submit their GMAT scores and/or TOEFL, if applicable. Having a low GMAT score won’t necessarily lower your chances for admission, as you can explain and justify this in your MBA personal statement. Print a few copies of your transcript before submitting it, just in case your original copy gets lost.
MBA personal statement
The MBA personal statement is perhaps one of the most important requirements in applying for an MBA. Your MBA personal statement should have a central theme that reflects your career goals, as well as who you are as a student and as an individual. The MBA personal statement is also a chance for you to discuss inconsistencies in your academic and professional records.
Some business schools give specific questions for their MBA personal statement. If this is the case, make sure you answer all the questions given and comply with the set specifications like margins, word limit, etc. Your MBA personal statement should also include your reasons why you chose the specific institution and how you aim to contribute to the school and academic community using your MBA education.
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No matter how meticulously you are in planning out your application to a business school, it still involves a huge leap to go from planning to actually executing these plans. Take your MBA personal statement for example. You may spend hours, days, weeks even, just thinking of how to write your MBA personal statement; the theme you’ll focus on, the angle of presenting information, etc. But when it comes to the actual writing of your MBA personal statement, you’ll find that it’s still no easy task no matter how much you got your concepts down pat.
This is where MBA admissions consultants come in. These are people who help out MBA applicants in the various processes of their MBA applications. Aside from editing your MBA personal statement, admissions consultants also offer other services to prepare you for your MBA application. These other services include mock interviews, resume editing, GMAT review, etc. International students often seek the help of MBA admissions consultants not only to edit their MBA personal statement, but also to get familiarized with the academic environment and processes in the US. However, the purpose for which applicants often hire MBA admissions consultants is to help them write their MBA personal statement.
The difference between hiring a regular writer or editor and an MBA admissions consultant is that the latter has years of experience in helping applicants draft their MBA personal statement. An MBA admissions consultant will give you an objective and informed criticism of your MBA personal statement, and give you insider information on which information you should include in your MBA personal statement.
A lot of admissions committee members say that what they look for in an MBA personal statement is a factoid, an interesting tidbit about the applicant that would convince them to admit the applicant into their business school. An effective way to do this is to include an interesting, unusual story in your MBA personal statement that reflects your individuality and shows your passion for the industry. Using insider knowledge, an admissions consultant can help you present this unusual story in a way that would make your MBA personal statement stand out. A lot of admissions consultants are actually former members of admissions committees from business schools, so they can tell you which storytelling methods are effective.
When choosing an MBA admissions consultant, it would help to check out MBA student forums on the internet and see what they have to say about the admissions consultants that helped them. Make sure you also check if their rates are affordable, and are within the amount you’re willing to spend for that much-needed MBA help.
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An MBA personal statement must present your best self to the universities you are applying to. So, what do you think a bad MBA essay will project to the admissions committee? When a university decides to reject your application, you will not be there to explain yourself. In order to prevent this from happening, you must write a winning MBA personal statement. To do that, you need to avoid the top 5 features that can make your application essay simply terrible.
The top 5 things that you must avoid in your MBA personal statement are carelessness, vagueness, sensitive topics, long-windedness, and reiteration of resume content. Your statement of purpose can be destroyed by carelessness, because you may be presenting an MBA essay that is filled with grammatical errors, and misspellings. This gives your MBA personal statement an unprofessional finish, which will of course reflect on your character. To avoid a sloppily written statement of purpose, it is best to manually check your application essay for errors after running your software’s grammar and spell checker. While you are proofreading, you may already identify areas of long-windedness. Your sentences may get so lengthy that your MBA personal statement may no longer express its thoughts clearly. Long-windedness can make your MBA personal statement boring. So, you better cut your sentences into shorter sentences that can still flow with the rest of the paragraph they are in.
Now, let us turn to the content of your MBA personal statement. The other three factors that make a bad MBA personal statement are concerned with the essay’s content. One thing you must not do is repeat what is already in your resume or academic records. You can use the space to write more about who you are and why you are the perfect MBA candidate. It does not help to mention your Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) results. The university you apply to will require you to submit your official GMAT results anyway. Then, your MBA personal statement must not be vague. You are writing to show your personality, so it does not help not to give details. The university wants to know if you are really the right person for the MBA. After all, there are so many other applicants vying for the MBA placement. So, your MBA personal statement must avoid vagueness at all costs. Another thing that your MBA personal statement must not contain is any sensitive topic. You are not writing your MBA personal statement in order to make strong opinions about religion or politics. Instead, focus on who you are, the qualities that makes you deserving of an MBA degree, and your future goals.
An MBA personal statement is meant to represent an MBA candidate. So, any negative feature must be avoided. You are trying to get a chance to be called in for an interview. Even with a near-perfect GMAT, a bad MBA personal statement can completely destroy your application. Why? This is because although universities are looking for intellectuals, they are also selecting people who have qualities that will help them become the future’s competent corporate leaders. Your MBA personal statement your way of packaging yourself.
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An MBA personal statement is your sales pitch to the MBA School of your choice. Instead of selling a product, you are selling yourself as a candidate. This means that your MBA personal statement must be well-written, and well-thought of. You have to catch the attention of school officials before they have a chance to see you; doing otherwise may get your application discarded. The MBA personal statement may be referred to as your statement of purpose or your application essay. Whatever the term has been used, you are expected to present a high-quality MBA essay that will show who you are beyond your Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score.
Like in any other plan of action, it is great to have a checklist to work with. There are five very important features your MBA personal statement must have. Without one of these features, your statement of purpose may not achieve its goal. As with any piece of writing, your grammar and spelling must be flawless. Your MBA personal statement may be well-meaning, but technical mistakes can make it difficult to read. This kind of MBA essay will make you look careless and incompetent. Another must-do for your MBA personal statement is to answer whatever question that has been given by your chosen university. Your application essay may be perfectly executed, but without what the university it is asking for, it really is not worth much.
Now, let us inspect the details of your MBA personal statement. The content must present why you are the perfect candidate by stating some experiences and qualities that qualify you as an MBA student. Your MBA personal statement must also contain specific details, not just overviews. You have to prove whatever you claim about yourself, so evidence through your specifics is important. The essay must of course be easy to read in order for it to connect with its audience. Some very technical writing can prevent readers from appreciating the content. Finally, you have to submit a distinctive MBA personal statement. You may be everything you have said and more, but without an edge that will distinguish you from other candidates, you may end up not getting in the program. Your MBA personal statement must then be fresh, and compelling, but genuine.
So, let us reiterate the five signs of a good MBA personal statement. One, it must be technically flawless. Then it must answer the question or give what is asked. The last three features also deal with content: it must emphasize your qualifications by giving specifics, connect with its audience and be distinctive. With the five features, you form a powerful MBA personal statement. This, together with a good GMAT result can make you a competitive candidate for Ivy League schools.
As soon as the essay question for your preferred MBA program has already been posted, you may start working on your MBA personal statement. In order to include the five important features of a good MBA essay, you have several drafts ahead of you. This is important to ensure that you have several chances to correct mistakes you may have neglected to see on the first proofread. After giving your essay your best shot, it is time to submit it to the university or universities of your choice, cross your fingers, and wait for the call.
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Loads of money. Prestige and honor. Entrepreneurship. These are just some of the reasons that people have for applying to business schools. Whatever your reason may be, it is something that you would have to defend and elaborate on in your MBA personal statement.
An MBA personal statement is an essential requirement that you must meet when applying to business schools. Also called statement of purpose or application essay, an MBA personal statement is used to assess whether the applicant possesses the skills needed for the program s/he applied for. Aside from providing a personal backgrounder and discussing your goals, one of the commonly tackled topics in an MBA personal statement is why you chose a specific MBA program from that school.
There are different types of MBA degrees that you can choose from depending on your time availability, financial resources, and focus of study. Assess your options well before choosing which MBA degree to take, because your choice of program will constitute a significant part of your MBA personal statement. If the reason you’re pursuing an MBA is to make gazillions of money and you fear this isn’t a good reason, don’t worry. You can still justify this reasoning in your MBA personal statement. Listed below are some tips on structuring your MBA personal statement according to the type of MBA degree you’re applying for:
One-year or Two-year Full-time MBA Degrees
Full-time MBA degrees are the most demanding in terms of time and financial resources. Applicants aiming for full-time MBA degrees should clearly state in their MBA personal statement why a full-time degree is the most suitable for them. An MBA personal statement for full-time MBA degrees should also show the applicant’s commitment and focus to getting an MBA degree.
Executive MBA Degree
The MBA personal statement of someone applying for an executive MBA degree should include professional achievements and explanation of career progress. Executive MBA degrees are designed for managers, executives, and working business professionals, which implies that the applicant should have years of work experience and a business track record. In this case, the applicant’s MBA personal statement should also explain whatever inconsistencies there may be in the applicant’s professional and business records.
Specialty MBA Degree
When aiming for a specialty MBA degree, your MBA personal statement should include detailed explanations of why you want to specialize in that field. Specialty MBA degrees involve highly targeted training programs, so your MBA personal statement should show your fiery passion for that chosen field.
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There are various factors that contribute to the growing popularity of online learning in higher education. Professionals who can’t afford to leave their jobs and go to campus-based classes can now earn their MBA degrees without compromising their careers. Students from different parts of the world also benefit a great deal from distance learning MBA programs because they can now experience international education at a minimal cost.
One of the greatest perks of getting an MBA degree online is the time flexibility it offers. You can take your classes at a schedule that would be most convenient for you and right at the comfort of your home or office. You can earn your MBA degree and learn at your own pace.
Not all online learning business schools require an MBA personal statement. This is a big change from the traditional MBA degrees which all require an MBA personal statement from applicants to explain in a more personal manner the information that their records provide. In addition to waiving the MBA personal statement requirement, some distance learning schools also do not even require their applicants to take the GMAT. One such school is the online learning program at the University of Phoenix. Recognized as one of the most popular distance learning schools in the US, Phoenix is also known for their no-frills application processes. They only require TOEFL or TOEIC for non-native English speakers.
The University of Phoenix does not require applicants to take the GMAT and submit letters of recommendation. Perhaps one reason for this is that most of the applicants for online degrees are already professionals and have had years of work experience. They do, however, require an MBA personal statement, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5, and transcript of records.
Writing your MBA personal statement for Phoenix
If you’re thinking of applying for the online program at Phoenix, your MBA personal statement should showcase your professional goals, achievements, and self-assessed career progress. Your MBA personal statement in Phoenix, like with any other business school, should explain why you chose to pursue an online MBA degree from their institution.
There are no set questions for the MBA personal statement in Phoenix. However, if you’re planning on getting financial aid, you have to explain in your MBA personal statement the circumstances that make you qualified for a financial aid from the institution. Your MBA personal statement should also explain how an MBA degree from Phoenix will help you achieve your career goals. An MBA personal statement is important because it shows the committee why you deserve to be in their institution. Even though you’re applying for a distance learning program, your MBA personal statement should still include how you plan to contribute to the community using your Phoenix education.
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It shows in an applicant’s MBA personal statement if she/he doesn’t have the slightest idea of what to expect in MBA school. One of the most common MBA personal statement questions that business schools ask is how applicants intend to use their MBA degrees to achieve their short-term and long-term career goals. From this question alone, admissions committees can already gauge from the MBA personal statement whether applicants are serious in pursuing an MBA education from their institution.
This is why an MBA personal statement is an important MBA admission requirement. It allows admissions committees to see whether the applicant is worthy to be accepted into their institution’s academic community above all the other applicants. Providing definitive answers in your MBA personal statement regarding what you expect to gain from your MBA degree will show that you have done your research, and that you are prepared to face the difficulties you will encounter in the course of your MBA education.
One of the things you can expect to get from an MBA degree is valuable, extensive knowledge about different aspects of business. MBA schools provide this to students not just through lectures on business theories, concepts, and strategies, but also through internships and training. You will learn how to apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world business operation setting. You can mention in your MBA personal statement how you intend to use the knowledge you’ll gain from internships when you go out and venture into marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, etc.
An MBA education will also hone your leadership and management skills. MBA degrees involve tons of presentations, group projects, writing assignments and reports, and training. These will teach you how to deal with people from different backgrounds and in the context of real-life business situations. Keeping all these in mind, you should then write an MBA personal statement that includes how you look forward to facing these challenges. Your MBA personal statement should also include details on your experiences and how you dealt with similar situations.
Another commonly asked MBA personal statement question is how and what you can contribute to the school’s community and the learning experience of your fellow students. In this part, your MBA personal statement should reflect your networking and communication skills.
Most importantly, your MBA personal statement should explain why you believe an MBA degree from that specific institution is the key element in helping you bridge the gap between your goals and where you are now. Tempting as it may be to gush about the institution’s academic excellence, make sure your MBA personal statement reflects realistically what you think and feel about your pursuit of an MBA degree.
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I came from a family who made constant use of street smarts to survive living in Nigeria. Both of my parents have not even finished secondary education. However, my hardworking mother never wanted the same fate for me. She never dare imagine me as a mainstay in the sweltering, overpopulated streets of Lagos, in danger of becoming the next victim of violence. It is a city full of tribal and religious tensions, forever waiting to explode. Yet, this was where I had learned leadership and discipline. It was hard enough to live in a dangerous neighborhood, but to concentrate in my studies while helping my parents sell market goods during my free time seemed next to impossible. I made a game out of it, giving points to myself for everyday I was able to fulfill all my duties. If I had to add the points together and redeem them in a form of money, I would now be a very rich man. With points in my imaginary bank, I was able to get a college degree in Economics. This made sense to me because I had always been interested in supply and demand. My parents’ daily toil in the market awakened me to this idea since I was just a young boy. I was also interested in the idea of rewarding a job well done, as I used to do to myself. An Economics degree also made me understand how some countries could rise and fall. I want to be able to control the rise of a future business.
Here in the United States, I worried more about social acceptance and understanding. I am, after all, a minority among minorities, a black Muslim. The dangers that I was exposed to back home had taught me how to put on a brave front. However, I realized there was no need to be afraid. Even though there were still people who would look at me curiously when I don my traditional Nigerian clothes, everything is almost perfect. I say almost perfect, because we are always still working toward perfection. I am now aiming to enroll into an MBA program, hoping that this will enhance whatever business skills I already have. I want to be able to create a safer environment, in which my parents can sell their goods. Maybe I can convince them to start a new business, aside from selling in a market stall. An MBA degree is a special tribute I give to my parents. My parents value education, though they were not so lucky to become fully educated. It is with gratitude that I turn to them, looking back to the day I received my Economics diploma. It is with hope that I face my future, hopefully with an MBA degree that can help not just myself but my beloved parents to survive their plight.
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Feeling some unease and restlessness about your present career, you rightfully thought of enrolling into an MBA program. You must already have an idea that getting into an MBA is not as simple as enrolling into an undergraduate degree. It is also not only about writing an application essay. But if you truly want an excellent education background that can make you go places, you must know all the steps to getting an MBA. The steps will involve research, MBA essay(s), interviews, and so much more. Money, time and genuine interest are important ingredients that you have to mix in. Also, one very valuable part of getting an MBA is writing an excellent MBA personal statement, and getting a good result in your Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
The first thing you need to do is research the top MBA programs for their admission requirements. Of course, there is also a possibility that you prefer relatively unknown business schools near your area. Find out if they have minimum GMAT requirements, questions for MBA personal statements, and years of working experience required. Know if the program you are looking at is the right MBA program for you. Are they offering night classes for working students? Can you handle the tuition? Is the campus conveniently located? You may also be looking for accredited programs with culturally-diverse environments.
Your MBA essay will make you stand out among other applicants. How you write your MBA personal statement will show your skills in organization, and your meticulousness in eliminating errors. The content of the MBA personal statement meanwhile will show the personality you want to put forward. Of course, you must practice the qualities of a good candidate. A good MBA candidate writes his or her MBA personal statement honestly and realistically. The content of the MBA personal statement must be true, including achievable goals.
An MBA personal statement must project yourself as a true professional. The MBA personal statement must highlight your strengths but acknowledge your weaknesses. It is a must that you write something distinctive about yourself. Without this unique information, your MBA personal statement may get lost in a thick pile of application essays. Imagine having your statement of purpose dumped in such a way. So, to prevent something like this from happening, handle your MBA personal statement with care. As a statement of purpose, it demonstrates where you plan to go after earning your MBA degree. Remember important documents that you need to prepare are your academic records, GMAT results, certification of work experience from employers, recommendation letters, and your MBA personal statement. Without a good MBA personal statement, you may not be able to move on to the interview part of your application.
After the success of your MBA personal statement, you need to show your personality next in your interview. Once you have passed the interview, you are already accepted in the program. The road towards an MBA degree begins in the application process. Universities are trying to see how willing you are to pursue the degree. You also get to know the program that you are applying for, while the admission committee is getting to know you.
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Question:
Please describe your career goals and your educational objectives in participating in _____ University’s program.
Growing up in Taipei, I was exposed to the world of business and politics. A few close relatives had become very active campaigners for local politicians or had become politicians themselves. Not everyone was lucky to win a position, but had already displayed leadership within their political parties. My own parents, meanwhile, enjoyed co-ownership of a chain of laundromats with my cousins. This constant exposure to world of business and politics had prompted me to pursue a double major in Business Administration and Economics while in college. I already knew that two of my four siblings were keen on being part of the laundromats’ management, so I decided that I had to make my own career choice. Though politics is the most popular venue for leadership, I ultimately chose the world of business. I already have the combined knowledge of how to manage a business and how a business is affected by world economies. However, I need something that will further strengthen not just my knowledge but also my credibility.
As I move forward to another chapter in my life, I face a new world here in the United States. This chapter is, however, still part of the whole story that is my life. I know that this chapter will mostly focus on the leadership and knowledge part. My family are still in Taiwan where their skills continue to run the family business. I am now aiming to earn an MBA degree, so I can become a member of the corporate world. Through my experiences and education, I know that I am now ready for a chance to immerse in corporate politics. An MBA degree will polish the skills that I already have into something that will hopefully into a top corporation. It has always been a dream for me to become part of companies that have made big names for themselves. Though helping out manage our laundromats had given me some insight into how businesses are run, becoming so successful and well-renowned has always intrigued and challenged me. How did these businesses rise above that have soon failed? The answer must lie in good leadership. I want to be a part of businesses that practice good leadership.
Where I will make my mark one day I will leave that to my destiny. However, I still have high hopes that after getting an MBA degree, I can work with top corporations here in the United States. After having learned my craft in the best way possible, I want to start my own smaller business from scratch in Taiwan. I do not want to inherit a business; I want to create a business whose foundation is good leadership and proper management. I know that I can achieve all of this with an MBA.
