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Stanford

Tell us in your own words who you really are. Answer essay questions 1, 2, and two of the four options

for essay 3.

Essay 1: What matters most to you, and why?

The best examples of Essay 1 reflect the process of self-examination that you have undertaken to write

them.

They give us a vivid and genuine image of who you areand they also convey how you became the

person you are.

They do not focus merely on what you've done or accomplished. Instead, they share with us the values,

experiences, and lessons that have shaped your perspectives.

They are written from the heart and address not only a person, situation, or event, but also how that

person, situation, or event has influenced your life.

Essay 2: What do you want to doREALLYand why Stanford?

Use this essay to explain your view of your future, not to repeat accomplishments from your past.

You should address three distinct topics:

your career aspirations

the role of an MBA education in achieving those aspirations

and your rationale for earning that MBA at Stanford, in particular.

The best examples of Essay 2 express your passions or focused interests; explain why you have decided

to pursue graduate education in management; and demonstrate your desire to take advantage of the

opportunities that are distinctive to the Stanford MBA Program.

Essay 3: Answer two of the four questions below. Tell us not only what you did but also how you did it.

What was the outcome? How did people respond? Only describe experiences that have occurred duringthe last three years.

Option A: Tell us about a time when you built or developed a team whose performance exceeded

expectations.

Option B: Tell us about a time when you made a lasting impact on your organization.

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Option C: Tell us about a time when you generated support from others for an idea or initiative.

Option D: Tell us about a time when you went beyond what was defined or established.

Harvard

Essays (MBA applicants only):

All application questions below are required.

Tell us about three of your accomplishments. (600 words) Tell us three setbacks you have faced. (600 words) Why do you want an MBA? (400 words) Answer a question you wish we'd asked. (400 words)

Wharton

. Reflect on a time when you turned down an opportunity. What was the thought process behind your

decision? Would you make the same decision today? (600 words)

3. Describe a failure that you have experienced. What role did you play, and what did you learn about

yourself? How did this experience help to create your definition of failure? (600 words)

4. Discuss a time when you navigated a challenging experience in either a personal or professionalrelationship. (600 words)

MIT

Essay 1: Please describe a time when you went beyond what was defined, expected, established, or

popular. (500 words or less, limited to one page)

Essay 2: Please describe a time when you convinced an individual or group to accept one of your

ideas. (500 words or less, limited to one page)

Essay 3: Please describe a time when you took responsibility for achieving an objective. (500 words or

less, limited to one page)

Columbia

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Essay 2: Please tell us about yourself and your personal interests. The goal of this essay is to get a sense

of who you are rather than what you have achieved professionally. (Maximum of 500 words)

Yale

Personal Statements

Choose two (2) of the following topics and answer them in essay form. Please indicate the topic numbers

at the beginning of your essays. (500 words maximum per essay)

1. What achievement are you most proud of and why?

2. What is the most difficult feedback you have received from another person or the most significant

weakness you have perceived in yourself? What steps have you taken to address it and how will business

school contribute to this process?

3. Describe an accomplishment that exhibits your leadership style. The description should include

evidence of your leadership skills, the actions you took, and the impact you had on your organization.

4. An effective leader for business and society is one who is able to hear, understand and communicate

with people from all segments of society. In order to educate such leaders, Yale SOM is committed to

promoting diversity and creating a community that cultivates a wealth of perspectives. In this spirit,

describe an instance when, as part of a team, you played a role in bringing together individuals with

different values or viewpoints to achieve a common goal.