An MBA admissions expert breaks down each essay in the 2010 Haas MBA application. Part of the 'Write Like An Expert' Series on BeatTheGMAT.com

1. Haas Essay Analysis

3. BA in English Literature from Vanderbilt

4. Post College Career in Advertising

5. MBA from Kellogg

6. Worked in Product Management for Intuit

8. Confidence without Attitude: collaborative team player, respect for others

9. Student Always: self awareness, intellectual vitality

11. Essay 1 – What are you most passionate about? Why? (250 word maximum) Keep a pencil by your bed 250 words = keep it simple and to the point “What” does not matter as much as “Why” Support answer with concrete examples It does not have to be about saving the world: music, freedom, language, personal connections

12. Essay 2 – Tell us about your most significant accomplishment. (250 word maximum) Describe the accomplishment using STAR Be sure to tell why it is significant/meaningful Scale of the accomplishment not as important as why

13. Essay 3 – At Haas, our distinctive culture is defined by four key principles — question the status quo; confidence without attitude; students always; and beyond yourself. Give an example of when you have demonstrated one of these principles. (250 words maximum) Be specific in linking to one of these principles Consider all settings: professional, personal, extra-curricular Demonstrate fit with Haas

14. Essay 4 – There are many ways to learn about our program, what steps have you taken to learn about the Berkeley MBA? (250-word maximum) Go beyond the basics such as website and info session Be sure to do your homework in many ways: speak with students, speak with alums, speak with club leaders, tour the school, research professors, sit in on a class

15. Essay 5 – Give us an example of a situation in which you displayed leadership. (500 word maximum) As you discuss your leadership experience, consider Haas’ key principles Consider every setting; many early career applicants will not have leadership examples from work Remember to include other players – leadership cannot be a solo act

16. Essay 6 – What are your post-MBA short-term and long-term career goals? How do your professional experiences relate to these goals? How will an MBA from Berkeley help you achieve these specific career goals? (1000 word maximum) Explain how business school fits as a bridge between points A and C If you are switching careers, make sure you draw on skills from prior career, include source of inspiration Be very specific about Haas; make sure you cannot substitute name of another program

17. Essay 7 – (Optional) Please feel free to provide a statement concerning any information you would like to add to your application that you haven’t addressed elsewhere. (500 word maximum) Not required but important Opportunity to explain: gaps in experience, low GPA, choice of recommenders OR highlight another aspect of your story

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