How to Choose Your Best MBA Essay Option

MBA essay option

When approaching the essay questions in MBA applications, many candidates fall into the trap of overanalyzing or second-guessing their choices. “They must have a favorite prompt they’re hoping everyone picks, even if they don’t say so,” applicants fret. Or, “What if there’s some unspoken preference, and I choose the ‘wrong’ one? Maybe I should dig into forums or find out which MBA essay option past admits chose.

Please don’t go down that rabbit hole! We swear these prompts aren’t testing your ability to suss out the “right” MBA essay option. Instead, think of these options as an opportunity to present your unique story in an authentic way.

Business schools recognize that no two applicants are alike. That’s why they offer multiple essay question options: to give candidates the flexibility to highlight different aspects of their personal and professional journeys.

Whether it’s a question about your career goals, a pivotal experience, or how you envision contributing to the school’s community, the aim is to select the prompt that resonates most with your experiences and aspirations.

Are you curious about your chances of getting into a top B-school? Contact us to talk strategy with a free 15-minute advising session with an SBC Principal Consultant.

The Myth of the “Preferred” MBA Essay Option

A common misconception among applicants is that there is a preferred essay option that will increase their chances of admission. This mindset leads to overthinking or tailoring responses to what they assume the admissions committee wants to hear. However, admissions officers are not trying to elicit a specific answer. They seek genuine, well-articulated insights into your identity and what drives you.

For example, the 2024-2025 MBA essay options in the Cornell Johnson application offer two distinct paths for candidates to shine: by sharing a unique trait or describing how they would impact the Johnson community.

Meanwhile, Georgetown McDonough School of Business lists three MBA essay options applicants can choose from to “highlight their experiences, characteristics, and values that showcase the value proposition that they can bring to the McDonough community.”

Once again, the Yale School of Management offered three choices for the one required essay question: “Sharing What Matters to You.” These options provide the SOM with insights “into your background, passions, motivations, responsibilities, ideals, identities, challenges, or aspirations, depending on where you take your response.” 

Bruce DelMonico, Yale SOM’s Assistant Dean for Admissions, emphasizes the importance of choosing a topic that resonates deeply with you: “We have no preference among the prompts; you can focus on personal or professional experiences.” The key is to go beyond the surface and describe your behaviors and actions. As DelMonico advises, “Point to the specific actions you have taken relating to your chosen commitment, community, or challenge.”

Several other business schools also offer options in their essay prompts or will in the future. So, how should you decide which MBA essay option to tackle?

Decision Time

Start by reflecting on your journey. What experiences or themes are central to your narrative? Consider which prompt allows you to tell the story that aligns most closely with your goals and values.

Perhaps you’re passionate about a particular professional achievement. In that case, choose a prompt that lets you explore that moment in detail. If you’ve faced a significant challenge, such as a difficult decision or a failure, that shaped your perspective, use the essay to share that experience and how it influenced your future decisions.

B-Schooled Podcast Episode #235: Authenticity in Your MBA Applications

Above all, prioritize authenticity. Admissions committees can easily spot essays that feel forced or overly strategic. Instead of worrying about what might impress the committee, focus on crafting a response that genuinely represents you. A sincere, well-written essay will always stand out more than one that tries to check perceived boxes.

Ultimately, having MBA essay options is a gift—not a litmus test. By thoughtfully selecting the prompt that best aligns with your unique story, you can give the admissions committee a deeper understanding of who you are and how you’ll contribute to their program. Remember, there’s no “right” or “wrong” choice—only one that feels right for you.

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Stacy Blackman Consulting offers multiple services to meet your MBA application needs. From our All-In Partnership to interview prep, essay editing, resume review, and much more, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for a free 15-minute advising session to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant. 

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