Why are you pursuing an MBA? (150 words)
A simple straightforward question. Your why MBA answer must directly connect with your career goals.
So, very briefly describe your career aspiration and how would the UCL MBA enable your goals. Very briefly because the essay 2 gives you full 150 words to talk about your short and long term career goals.
If you are in early part of your research about MBA - then think about MBA from academic, professional, personal, as well as leadership and career development aspects.
Describe your short-term and long-term post-MBA career goals. (150 words)
When describing your short term goals - clearly mention the industry, function, your role, the geography and names of a few target employers. Please also include how your recent work experiences connect with your goals. This to give confidence to UCLA admissions team that your profile would be valued and desired by your target employers.
When describing your long term goals - talk about your vision and what kind of impact you would make in this industry, what transformative leadership you would implement.
At Anderson, our mission is to prepare transformative leaders by developing students to think innovatively, problem-solve, and adapt to others – all with a driven and purposeful mindset. How do you plan to achieve your goals and develop into a transformative leader during your time at UCLA Anderson? (250 words)
UCLA MBA has a strong focus on leadership.
Through this essay, the MBA admissions team seeks to understand how you would utilize UCLA MBA to become a leader of impact in future. Pursuing MBA education is lot about business knowledge but a significant focus is on building leaders through various opportunities and initiatives. You must research the UCLA program details to find how you'd engage with the community and build your skills and expertise as a leader who thinks innovatively, is adept at problem-solving and able to adapt to changing times.
Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? (250 words)
Use this optional essay to explain shortfalls in your application that you feel are truly detrimental to your candidature. Areas of underperformance (academic or professional or GMAT) or events which stick out such as gaps in your resume or a previous MBA or academic disciplinary actions are possible reasons why you attempt this optional essay. Comment on your shortcomings with intelligence, perspective, and credibility: giving vague excuses or blaming xyz for failures will be completely counter-productive. Explain the issue clearly and maintain a greater focus on the correction of the issue. And keep it brief.
UCLA MBA application requires you to submit a one-page resume along with details about your employment and academics. The typical MBA resume format consists of employment, education, and extracurricular details. MBA resume tips
New applicants are required to submit two recommendations. Reapplicants only need to submit one new recommendation.
Recommendations should be written by individuals who are well acquainted with your performance in a work setting, preferably from a direct supervisor or manager.
Like many top business schools in the US, UCLA MBA application constitutes of letter of recommendation questions from the GMAC MBA letter of recommendation template. MBA LOR tips
As is the policy with most top business schools, UCLA MBA interviews are conducted only by invitation. Students typically would recieve an invite 4-6 weeks after submitting their MBA applications.
Interviews are blind in order to avoid interviewer bias. Your interviewer will receive a copy of your resume in advance but will not see your application.
Questions are straightforward and generally cover topics already addressed in the application, such as reasons for getting an MBA, short-term and long-term career goals, fit with UCLA Anderson and personal interests.
As per UCLA MBA admissions team, Interviews are rarely the deciding factor in an admissions decision; instead, they typically mirror or round out information already provided in the application. We are interested in getting to know you as an individual and understanding how you'll fit into the next class. We assess your communication skills, social skills and readiness for our program. MBA interview tips
