There is no single ‘right’ way to approach the MBA admissions essays, just as there is no single ‘type’ of MBA candidate that business schools are looking for. The essays are your opportunity to share who you are beyond your academic record and professional achievements. They play a crucial role in the application because they allow you to stand out.

Across my many years reviewing admissions essays, I’ve noticed that the strongest ones share three key qualities.

1. Honesty:

Your essays should be personal, reflective, and true to your experience. This is where the limitations of AI become clear. Lean too heavily on AI tools, and you risk producing something polished but ultimately generic. Schools value authenticity. They want to understand your character, your motivations, and how you think. Your essay should sound like you and demonstrate genuine self-reflection, something that can’t be outsourced. For the same reason, avoid writing what you think the school wants to hear. Admissions teams can spot insincerity quickly, and it will almost certainly catch you out at interview.

2. Interest

Admissions officers read hundreds of essays each cycle, so your story needs to capture and hold their interest. You don’t need to be dramatic or overly creative, but you do need to be engaging. Aim to share experiences and perspectives that feel fresh, specific, and distinctly yours. This is another reason to avoid heavily AI-generated work; it tends to be predictable and indistinguishable from other applicants’ essays. Your real voice and real experiences are what make your story memorable.

3. Effort

Strong essays rarely come from a single draft. Invest the time to reflect, write, revise, and refine your narrative. A rushed essay is easy to spot. Most schools ask why you are interested in their programme specifically. Use this as an opportunity to show that you’ve done your research. Demonstrate that you understand the school’s values, strengths, and culture, and how they align with your goals.

The best essays aren’t perfect; they’re authentic, engaging, and thoughtfully crafted. If you focus on telling your story with clarity and purpose, you’ll give the admissions team exactly what they’re hoping for: a real understanding of the person behind the application.

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