Steps and Suggestions in Writing a Personal Statement for an MBA Application
Along with the GMAT, resume, and recommendation letters, a personal statement is one of the main requirements that almost all MBA schools include in the application process. Also called the statement of purpose, graduate school essay, or application essay, the personal statement MBA essay helps the Admissions Board of MBA schools to determine whether an applicant is suited for the intellectually competitive environment of their institution. This is why an applicant’s personal statement MBA essay should be well thought of, insightful, and elaborate — yet at the same time, succinct and concise.
Writing a personal statement MBA essay can be a very taxing task. It usually involves collating and condensing all past experiences into one or two insights, which would then have to be further expounded and elaborated on. As most of you probably know already, there is no set of standards in writing a personal statement MBA essay. Members of the admissions board of MBA schools differ in terms of the specific qualities they look for in potential MBA degree-takers. There are, however, certain things to keep in mind when drafting and writing a personal statement MBA essay.
One of the things that usually irk the members of the admissions board or committee is when they have to read a personal statement MBA essay that is longer than necessary. Some schools even have a set number of pages to be followed for the personal statement MBA essay. Mentioning the works of an inspirational figure is perhaps acceptable, but to go on and on about how that individual lived her or his life is another thing. The personal statement MBA essay should mainly be about the applicant and her or his academic background and experiences, and not some other individual’s great works.
A personal statement MBA essay should also contain a clever phrase or anecdote that shows passion for the field one is applying for. It also helps if the opening line of the personal statement MBA essay contains something about the applicant that the reader will remember him or her by. Whether it be “the girl who made her own computer” or “the boy who tripped Bill Gates,” a catchy anecdote in the personal statement MBA essay will stick to the reader’s mind and make the applicant instantly memorable. Once this is accomplished, the personal statement MBA essay should proceed to include the following:
- Purpose and intention in taking an MBA
- The specific area of specialization
- Career goals and plans after graduate school
- Related skills and extracurricular experience
This list can go on to include explanations for whatever inconsistencies showed in one’s academic records. In this part of the personal statement MBA essay, the applicant can provide positive and truthful explanations and justification for the said inconsistencies. A useful tip would be to end this with a reiteration of related skills and positive attitudes like determination and resiliency.
