• Berkeley Haas School of Business Essay Tips and Examples

June 6, 2023

Jeremy Shinewald

Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, Essay Analysis - mbaMission

Berkeley Haas 2023–2024 Essay Tips

Required essay #1: what makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why (300 words maximum).

Perhaps you are familiar with the psychological concept of “flow,” which is a mental state people enter when they are completely immersed in and focused on something they enjoy and are enthusiastic about—it is also described as being “in the zone.” With this question, Berkeley Haas is basically asking you to discuss what puts you in the zone. If you are truly excited about something—and, we would assume, therefore engage in it on a regular basis—writing about it should not prove too challenging. Like all other application questions, this one has no “right” answer, so do not try to guess what you think the school wants to hear. Authenticity is key to your success here. Note that the prompt includes the words “when you are doing it,” so although you may feel strongly about certain causes or values, such as animal rights or environmental matters, for this essay, you will need to discuss an activity rather than an ideology.  

The school does not stipulate that your topic needs to come from a specific area of your life (e.g., professional life, community service, personal life). We appreciate that you are likely passionate about your career, but this is not automatically your best choice for a topic here, especially given that the school’s second required essay offers a better opportunity to discuss your professional side. What Berkeley Haas wants to learn from this essay is what gets your heart pumping and mind revving. Enthusiasm and intensity can be very inspiring and energizing and can lead to big ideas and actions. Sharing what incites such feelings in you gives the admissions committee an idea of where you might someday make an impression on the world, how you might leave your mark—especially once you are equipped with all you will gain and learn during your MBA experience.

That said, do not worry if the thing you feel so fervently about might initially seem commonplace to someone else. For example, perhaps you feel passionate about basketball. Because this is an interest anyone could share and enjoy, you might have concerns that it could sound pedestrian or unremarkable—and for many, this is a completely unremarkable pastime and one they should not write about. If, however, you can show that you have engaged with basketball in a way that takes the activity well beyond being a commonplace hobby and that it is something you connect with on a deep level and in various ways (perhaps having played for many years, you now coach youth teams from underprivileged neighborhoods in your community), then it most definitely becomes an acceptable discussion topic. In such a case, basketball could be used to reveal intensity, dedication, commitment to yourself and others, growth, longevity, and/or resilience. Of course, we are offering basketball here just for illustration purposes. We imagine you likely feel the flow when engaging in a completely different activity or even in disparate activities that are unified by a single behavior, such as when you are creating something or perhaps motivating others. The options are very much endless.

Once you have identified the passion you wish to discuss, avoid simply telling the admissions committee about it and instead illustrate how it manifests in your life. For example, rather than starting your essay by stating, “I have been watching and playing basketball since I was a child,” you need to create a more vivid impression of your dedication and involvement, such as “From playing with my brothers after school to varsity ball in college to now coaching a youth league in my community, I can hardly remember a time when basketball wasn’t an integral part of my life.” Or consider a more narrative approach, such as, “Dripping with sweat, I thrust my right arm up and knocked the basketball away, just as the buzzer sounded.” Once you have set the scene and presented the object of your fervor, you must then explain why you connect with it so strongly or so well. Perhaps it gives you a sense of peace or purpose, or it makes you feel connected with others in a meaningful way, or it allows you to challenge yourself mentally or physically. A successful essay response will not only paint a clear picture of your passion but also highlight the elements of your personality that make it significant to you.

Required Essay #2: How will an MBA help you achieve your short-term and long-term career goals? (300 words max)

With this rather no-nonsense query about your motivation to earn an MBA and expectations as to where you will go with it professionally after graduation, Haas simply wants you to spell out what you have in mind as you approach this phase of your life and career. With just 300 words, focus on presenting your answer as directly and thoroughly as possible. Keep in mind that the rest of your application needs to provide evidence that your stated goals align with your existing skills and interests, especially once they have been augmented by an MBA education. This will show that your professed objectives are achievable and thereby lend credibility to your statement. Also take care to present your goals in such a way that the transition from your short-term objective to your long-term aspiration makes sense. Although the school does not explicitly ask you to discuss your past experiences here or why its program in particular is the best one for you, succinctly touching on both of these points would be advisable and important to both providing context for your stated goals and demonstrating your fit with and need for a Haas MBA specifically.

This straightforward question basically constitutes the core of a typical personal statement essay. And because personal statements are similar from one application to the next, we created our mbaMission Personal Statement Guide , which helps applicants write this style of essay for any school. This publication is available free of charge and provides both detailed guidance and illustrative sample essays. Be sure to download your copy today.

Required Essay #3: (Video) The Berkeley MBA program develops leaders who embody our four Defining Leadership Principles . Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee, explain which leadership principle resonates most with you, and tell us how you have exemplified the principle in your personal or professional life. (Not to exceed 2 minutes.)

Start by taking a deep breath. We understand that video essays can make you feel like you are being put on the spot, but Haas is really not trying to stress you out. The admissions committee simply wants a more dynamic representation of your personality than a written essay can provide. So just deliver your response honestly, as smoothly as you can (despite any nervousness you might be feeling), and be yourself. 

If you have not done so already, you should of course start by familiarizing yourself with the four Defining Leadership Principles so you can determine which one you connect with most and should therefore speak on in your video: Question the Status Quo, Confidence Without Attitude, Students Always, and Beyond Yourself. This question offers you incredible flexibility and is essentially an opportunity for you to share a strong relevant story from your past—one that relates directly to one of the four key principles. First you must “introduce yourself to the admissions committee,” and given that this part is about a topic you know very well (you!), the only real challenge will be keeping this portion succinct. (Remember that your entire video can be no longer than two minutes!) After that, launch right into your story. Absolutely avoid beginning your anecdote with a statement like “The key principle I have displayed is [fill in the blank].” Instead, let your actions speak for themselves and naturally reveal the connection with one of Haas’s four key tenets. If that connection is not clear on its own, you need to keep refining your story until it is. In a little under two minutes, you can absolutely convey a clear narrative with a distinct beginning, middle, and end that shows the admissions committee your strengths, rather than simply stating that you possess certain characteristics. Do not use any part of your video to pitch your candidacy, detail your career goals, or express your admiration for the program. 

Remember to bring energy and enthusiasm to your submission. You are trying to connect with the admissions committee as well as communicate information, so a little charisma is welcome.

Required Essay #4 (Short Answer): Can you please describe any experience or exposure you have in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging whether through community organizations, personal, or in the workplace? (300 words max)

Without question, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are on many people’s (and companies’) minds these days, and Haas is certainly not the only top MBA program asking its applicants to discuss these topics. Some schools are asking candidates to discuss a time when they cultivated a more diverse community or encountered a challenge related to DEI or had their world view altered by a DEI-related experience, but Haas’s prompt leaves things a bit more open-ended: “ any experience or exposure” (emphasis ours). Given that this is a required essay—albeit a short one—this leeway will likely be helpful to candidates who might have less exposure to such issues or environments.

You can draw from any area of your life (professional, personal, community/volunteer), so truly reflect on the entirety of your background for possible stories for this essay. Consider your role in the different situations. Were you a leader of a diverse team? A participant or member of a diverse group? An observer? The object of someone else’s focus? Next, consider both your actions and the effect the experience had on you. Did you learn a valuable takeaway or change your mind about an issue, person, or group? Did you change someone else’s perspective? Were you inspired to act in some way—or to maybe cease acting in some way? Did you have to (or choose to) speak up or confront someone, and if so, why? 

You do not need to have led a revolution or camped out for days in protest to craft a compelling, effective response to this question (though such stories would understandably make an impression). Authenticity, honesty, and sincerity are all key here. Speak genuinely and directly about your personal experience in the DEI/justice/belonging space and share its import for you and the effect it has had on you, so the Haas admissions committee can understand your level of  familiarity and engagement with these meaningful issues.

Optional Essays: The admissions team takes a holistic approach to application review and seeks to understand all aspects of a candidate’s character, qualifications, and experiences. We will consider achievements in the context of the opportunities available to a candidate. Some applicants may have faced hardships or unusual life circumstances, and we will consider the maturity, perseverance, and thoughtfulness with which they have responded to and/or overcome them.

Optional information #1: we invite you to help us better understand the context of your opportunities and achievements..

1. What is the highest level of education completed by your parent(s) or guardian(s)? 

  • Did not complete high school
  • High school diploma or equivalency (GED), associate’s degree (junior college), or vocational degree/license
  • Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS)
  • Master’s degree (MA, MS)
  • Doctorate or professional degree (MD, JD, DDS)

2. What is the most recent occupation of your parent(s) or guardian(s)?

  • Skilled worker
  • Professional

3. If you were raised in one of the following household types, please indicate.

  • Raised by a single parent
  • Raised by an extended family member (grandparent, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, cousin)
  • Raised in a multi-generational home
  • Raised in foster care

4. What was the primary language spoken in your childhood home?

5. If you have ever been responsible for providing significant and continuing financial or supervisory support for someone else, please indicate.

  • Extended family member (grandparent, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, cousin)

6. Please elaborate on any of your above responses. Alternatively, you may use this opportunity to expand on other hardships or unusual life circumstances that may help us understand the context of your opportunities, achievements, and impact. (300 words maximum)

Optional Information #2: This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate.

Although Berkeley Haas’s first optional essay prompt is somewhat elaborate, it is not necessarily all that complicated, and we imagine it will offer some applicants an easy way of highlighting particular elements of their background without having to try to fit them into a different essay. The school clearly wants direct information and basic explanation(s) from this option, so simply answer the questions and succinctly provide any necessary clarifications using the allocated word count. The second optional essay prompt asks applicants to focus specifically on information they deem most “relevant,” and the lack of a word limit means candidates can fully explain whatever they feel the admissions committee truly must know to be able to evaluate them fully and fairly, though the note about using bullet points implies that succinctness would be appreciated. This is not , however, a blank-slate invitation to dump every bit of remaining information about yourself that you feel the school is lacking. Also, avoid the temptation to simply reuse a strong essay you wrote for another program here or to offer a few anecdotes you were unable to incorporate into your other Berkeley Haas essays. Be judicious in your use of this opportunity, and submit an optional essay only if you truly believe a key element of your story or profile is needed for the school to have a complete and accurate understanding of you as a candidate. Consider downloading your free copy of our  mbaMission Optional Essays Guide , in which we offer detailed advice on when and how to take advantage of the optional essay (including multiple sample essays) to help you mitigate any problem areas in your profile. 

The Next Step: Mastering Your Berkeley Haas Interview

Many MBA candidates find admissions interviews stressful and intimidating, but mastering this important element of the application process is definitely possible—the key is informed preparation. And to help you develop this high level of preparation, we offer our  free Interview Guides ! Download your free copy of the  Berkeley Haas School of Business Interview Guide  today.

To learn more about the essays for other top business schools, visit our MBA Essay Tips and Examples Resources Page .

2023-2024 Berkeley-Haas Business School Essays MBA Essay Tips

Tags: Berkeley Haas business school essay MBA application essays optional essay

Upcoming Events

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  • Mar 26, 2024 Your 2024 MBA Application Action Plan (Online)

Upcoming Deadlines

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Click here to see the complete deadlines

2023–2024 MBA Essay Tips

  • BU Questrom School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Cambridge Judge Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Chicago Booth School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Columbia Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management Essay and Examples
  • Dartmouth Tuck School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Duke Fuqua School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Emory Goizueta Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • Esade Essay Tips and Examples
  • Georgetown McDonough School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Harvard Business School 2+2 Deferred MBA Program Essay Analysis 2024
  • Harvard Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • HEC Paris Essay Tips and Examples
  • HKUST Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • IE Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • IESE Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • INSEAD Essay Tips and Examples
  • International Institute for Management Development (IMD) Essay Tips and Examples
  • Ivey Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • London Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • Michigan Ross School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • MIT Sloan School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
  • Northwestern Kellogg School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
  • Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • NYU Stern School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Ohio Fisher College of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Oxford Saïd Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • SMU Cox School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business Application Essay Tips and Examples
  • Texas McCombs School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Essay Tips and Examples
  • The Wharton School Essay Tips and Examples
  • Toronto Rotman School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
  • UCLA Anderson School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
  • UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Essay Tips and Examples
  • USC Marshall School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • UVA Darden School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • UW Foster School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management Essay Analysis, 2023–2024
  • Villanova School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
  • Yale School of Management Essay Tips and Examples

Click here for the 2022–2023 MBA Essay Tips

MBA Program Updates

  • Berkeley-Haas
  • Boston University (Questrom)
  • Cambridge Judge Business School
  • Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
  • Columbia University (Columbia Business School)
  • Consortium for Graduate Study in Management
  • Cornell University (Johnson)
  • Dartmouth College (Tuck)
  • Duke University (Fuqua)
  • Emory University (Goizueta)
  • George Washington University (GWSB)
  • Georgetown University (McDonough)
  • Harvard University (Harvard Business School)
  • IE Business School
  • IESE Business School
  • Indian School of Business
  • Indiana University (Kelley)
  • Ivey Business School
  • London Business School
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)
  • New York University (Stern)
  • Northwestern University (Kellogg)
  • Notre Dame (Mendoza)
  • Ohio State University (Fisher College)
  • Oxford University (Saïd Business School)
  • Penn State Smeal College of Business
  • Rotman School of Management
  • Saïd Business School
  • Southern Methodist University (Cox School of Business)
  • Stanford University (Stanford Graduate School of Business)
  • University of California Los Angeles (Anderson)
  • University of Cambridge (Judge)
  • University of Chicago (Booth)
  • University of London (London Business School)
  • University of Michigan (Ross)
  • University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler)
  • University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
  • University of Southern California (Marshall)
  • University of Texas at Austin (McCombs)
  • University of Virginia (Darden)
  • Vanderbilt University (Owen)
  • Villanova School of Business
  • Yale University (School of Management)

Berkeley Haas MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Looking to ace your Berkeley Haas MBA application essays? Our comprehensive guide provides an overview of the essay prompts, valuable tips, and real examples to help you craft compelling and impactful responses.

Posted March 1, 2024

haas mba application essay

Featuring John K.

Financing Your MBA

Tuesday, march 19.

10:00 PM UTC · 60 minutes

The UC Berkeley Haas School of Business MBA program is highly regarded for its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on leadership development. As part of the application process, prospective students are required to submit several essays that provide insights into their experiences, goals, and values. In this comprehensive guide, we will take a closer look at the UC Berkeley Haas MBA essays, providing an overview of the application process, offering expert tips for each essay prompt, and providing examples from successful applicants.

UC Berkeley Haas Application and the Role of Essays

Before diving into the essay prompts, it is important to understand the significance of the essays in the UC Berkeley Haas MBA application. While your academic and professional backgrounds are essential components of your application, the essays allow you to showcase your unique personality, aspirations, and fit with the Haas program. The admissions committee wants to gain a deeper understanding of who you are beyond your resume and test scores. Therefore, investing time and effort into crafting compelling essays is crucial to stand out from the competition.

When it comes to the UC Berkeley Haas MBA application, the essays are more than just a requirement. They serve as a platform for you to express your thoughts, ideas, and experiences in a way that cannot be captured by your academic records or work history alone. Through the essays, you have the opportunity to paint a vivid picture of your journey , highlighting the defining moments that have shaped your personal and professional growth.

One of the key aspects that the admissions committee looks for in the essays is authenticity. They want to see the real you, not a polished version that you think they want to see. This means being honest, vulnerable, and genuine in your writing. Don't be afraid to share your failures, setbacks, and challenges, as they can often be the most powerful sources of personal growth and resilience.

Another important element to consider when writing your essays is the alignment between your goals and the Haas program . The admissions committee wants to see that you have done your research and understand how Haas can help you achieve your aspirations. This requires a deep dive into the program's curriculum, faculty, clubs, and resources. By demonstrating a clear connection between your goals and what Haas has to offer, you show the admissions committee that you are not only a good fit for the program but also have a well-thought-out plan for your future.

Furthermore, the essays provide an opportunity for you to showcase your leadership potential and ability to make an impact . Haas values individuals who are not only driven to succeed personally but also have a desire to contribute to the greater good. Whether it's through your professional experiences, community involvement, or extracurricular activities, highlight instances where you have taken initiative, influenced others, and created positive change.

Lastly, don't underestimate the power of storytelling in your essays. Instead of simply listing your achievements or qualifications, use anecdotes and narratives to bring your experiences to life. This will not only make your essays more engaging but also allow the admissions committee to connect with you on a deeper level.

In conclusion, the essays play a crucial role in the UC Berkeley Haas MBA application. They provide an opportunity for you to showcase your unique qualities, demonstrate your fit with the program, and highlight your leadership potential. By investing time and effort into crafting compelling essays that are authentic, goal-aligned, impactful, and well-told, you can increase your chances of standing out from the competition and securing a spot at UC Berkeley Haas.

UC Berkeley Haas Essay Prompts (2023-2024)

  • Prompt 1: Tell us a six-word story that reflects a memorable experience in your life-to-date.
  • Prompt 2: Share a time when you questioned an established practice or thought within an organization and how your perspective changed as a result.
  • Prompt 3: Describe a situation where you had to work with others to achieve a common goal. What did you learn from the experience?
  • Prompt 4: Describe a leadership experience and how you created a positive impact.
  • Prompt 5: Briefly describe your most significant professional accomplishment. Explain why you view it as such.

Each of these essay prompts presents a unique opportunity for you to demonstrate your abilities, values, and personal growth. It is crucial to approach each prompt thoughtfully and tailor your response to showcase your fit with the Haas MBA program. Let's delve into expert tips for each essay prompt to help you craft compelling essays.

List of Expert Tips for Each Haas Essay Prompt

Essay prompt 1: tell us a six-word story that reflects a memorable experience in your life-to-date.

1. Be concise and impactful: With only six words, every word counts. Craft a story that leaves a lasting impression and conveys a significant aspect of your life.

2. Reflect on personal growth: Choose a story that showcases personal growth or transformation. Highlight how this experience has shaped your values or perspectives.

3. Show authenticity: Use this opportunity to reveal your authentic self. Be genuine and avoid generic or cliché stories.

Essay Prompt 2: Share a time when you questioned an established practice or thought within an organization and how your perspective changed as a result

1. Choose a relevant example: Select a situation that demonstrates your critical thinking skills and willingness to challenge the status quo.

2. Highlight your adaptability and openness to learning: Describe how your perspective evolved and what you learned from this experience.

3. Connect with Haas values: Emphasize how your new perspective aligns with the innovative and inclusive culture fostered by the Haas MBA program.

Essay Prompt 3: Describe a situation where you had to work with others to achieve a common goal. What did you learn from the experience?

1. Highlight collaboration and teamwork: Narrate a story that showcases your ability to work effectively in a team and achieve shared goals.

2. Show self-awareness: Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses in a teamwork setting and discuss how you have grown as a team player.

3. Discuss your learnings: Clearly articulate the valuable lessons you gained from this experience and how they will contribute to your success in the Haas MBA program.

Essay Prompt 4: Describe a leadership experience and how you created a positive impact

1. Define leadership in your context: Start by defining what leadership means to you and how you have embodied it in a specific situation.

2. Highlight your ability to influence: Describe how you inspired and motivated others to achieve a common goal.

3. Show the positive impact: Quantify and emphasize the positive outcomes of your leadership actions. Discuss how you left a lasting impact on individuals or organizations.

Essay Prompt 5: Briefly describe your most significant professional accomplishment. Explain why you view it as such

1. Choose your most impactful achievement: Select an accomplishment that showcases your skills, resilience, and impact within a professional setting.

2. Provide context: Clearly explain the significance of the accomplishment and the challenges you overcame to achieve it.

3. Reflect on personal growth and skill development: Discuss how this achievement has shaped your professional journey and why it holds great value to you.

UC Berkeley Haas Essay Examples From Success Admits — With Analysis

While understanding the tips and strategies is essential, studying real-life examples of successful Haas MBA essays can provide valuable insights. At Success Admits, we have compiled a collection of UC Berkeley Haas essay examples with detailed analysis. These examples will help you understand how successful applicants approached the essay prompts and how they effectively communicated their stories.

UC Berkeley Haas Essay FAQs

1. How long should each essay be? As per Haas guidelines, each essay should be limited to a maximum of 350 words. It is important to be concise and impactful within this word limit.

2. Should I answer all the essay prompts? While it is not mandatory to answer all the prompts, it is generally recommended to provide responses to as many prompts as possible to give the admissions committee a broader understanding of your experiences and abilities.

3. Can I reuse essays from other MBA applications? While you can draw inspiration from previous essays, it is crucial to tailor your responses specifically for the UC Berkeley Haas MBA application. This ensures that your essays align with Haas's values and mission.

By following these tips, studying successful examples, and devoting sufficient time for reflection and revision, you can craft compelling UC Berkeley Haas MBA essays that enhance your chances of admission. Good luck with your application!

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October 31, 2023

UC Berkeley Haas MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2023 – 2024], Class Profile & Podcast Episode 547 with Eric Askins

haas mba application essay

While the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, has made it very clear that applicants need outstanding academics to get in, the program will not compromise its values to maintain it high stats. Haas’s four Defining Leadership Principles are taken very seriously by the school’s administration and admissions team. You will need to show that you share and live by those principles if you are to receive serious consideration as an candidate. The four principles are as follows:

  • Question the Status Quo
  • Confidence Without Attitude
  • Students Always
  • Beyond Yourself

Keep those principles very much at the forefront of your mind as you prepare your Haas application.

Ready to get to work on your Haas application? Read on. 

Haas application essay tips

  • Haas application deadlines 

Haas class profile

Don’t miss our  admissions straight talk  podcast interview with eric askins, executive director of full-time mba admissions at uc berkeley haas. he reveals why prospective applicants in their applications are encouraged to focus on their overall story and narrative, and how they can demonstrate their ability to handle the academic rigor of the program. eric askins also encourages applicants to engage with current students and alumni to learn more about the program and its opportunities. listen below or click the image to read the full transcript..

haas mba application essay

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Haas Essay #1

What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (300 words maximum)

Just reading this question excites me because it conjures up memories of my first SCUBA dive, playing tag with my stepsons when they were children, singing songs with my dad when he was ill, laughing until I cried at my husband’s jokes, and getting legislation passed that helps cancer patients live better lives. These are just some of the things that give my life meaning and purpose. 

So sit back and relax before you start writing this essay. Take some time to really consider the things that put a smile on your face. Is it spending time in nature? Being in nature helps us not only de-stress but also appreciate the beauty of the world around us. Is creating something new what makes you feel alive? Writing a poem, playing the guitar, painting a picture (or a house), building furniture, gardening – these can all be enriching experiences. Creating something from nothing allows us to express ourselves and share our talents. Does helping others make you happy? Making a difference helps us feel good about ourselves, enables us to connect, and builds strong relationships. 

Whatever your “it” is, it can be as common as a morning run or as unique as walking a tightrope – or as tasty as making barbeque sauce (for Ted Lasso fans). Regardless, it’s an activity you repeat because you just can get enough of it. It fills you with energy, love, and a need for “it” in your life. So, don’t try to guess what you THINK the adcom wants to read and write about that. The truth is that they want to read about your authentic self. Be descriptive so they can be in the moment or activity with you. And remember to write about why your “it” makes you feel alive, because the “why” is more important than the “it.” 

Haas Essay #2

How will an MBA help you achieve your short-term and long-term career goals? (300 words max)

To write this essay well, you must first understand and share Haas’s four Defining Leadership Principles (as presented on the Haas website): 

  • Question the Status Quo: We thrive at the epicenter of innovation. We make progress by speaking our minds even when it challenges convention. We lead by championing bold ideas and taking intelligent risks.
  • Confidence Without Attitude: We make decisions based on evidence and analysis, giving us the confidence to act with humility. We foster collaboration by building a foundation of empathy, inclusion, and trust.
  • Students Always: We are a community designed to support curiosity. We actively seek out diverse perspectives as part of our lifelong pursuit of personal and intellectual growth. There is always more to learn.
  • Beyond Yourself: We shape our world by leading ethically and responsibly. As stewards of our enterprises, we take the longer view in our decisions and actions. This often means putting the collective good above our own interests.

I recommend one of two approaches:

1.     Start by describing your long-term goal, and then explain how your short-term goal, combined with a Berkeley MBA education, with help you achieve it.

2.     Start by describing your short-term goal and build toward your long-term goal, explaining how a Berkeley education would be the catalyst to achieve both goals.

With respect to your short-term goal, be realistic. As for your long-term goal, consider the big problems you want to solve using business tools. 

Regardless of how you start your essay, be sure to address how Haas’s four principles align with your goals. Since they only give you room for 300 words and you need to discuss how Haas’s resources will enable you to become a better leader, you can focus on one or two principles on which to elaborate. You will have an opportunity later in Haas’s video essay to elaborate on another principle.

Discuss how Berkeley Haas’s curriculum and resources can help you achieve your goals. For example, you could discuss how the program’s strong focus on entrepreneurship can help you launch your own business, or how its commitment to social impact can help your future company solve some of the world’s most challenging problems.

Also, explain how Berkeley Haas’s unique culture can help you develop into a better leader. For example, you could discuss how Haas’s emphasis on collaboration and teamwork can help you build stronger relationships with your colleagues, or how its commitment to diversity and inclusion can help you become a more inclusive leader.

Finally, summarize why Haas excites you most and how you will grow personally and professionally by earning a Berkeley MBA.

Haas Essay #3 (Video)

The Berkeley MBA program develops leaders who embody our four Defining Leadership Principles . Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee, explain which leadership principle resonates most with you, and tell us how you have exemplified the principle in your personal or professional life. (Not to exceed 2 minutes.)

Berkeley Haas has joined other MBA programs in asking applicants to submit a personal video. With a video, Haas accomplishes several things:

  • The admissions committee is able to see and hear the applicant in action. They get to assess the individual’s communications skills, personality, energy, and overall fit before they request an interview. Videos cut down on the resources the school needs to conduct interviews.
  • Each member of the admissions committee can review the video, and the team can then discuss it, whereas they must rely on just one person’s opinion and notes with an interview. The video makes the process more comprehensive and universal.
  • The committee can evaluate the applicant’s creativity and originality.
  • It can make the process more personal for the committee.
  • The committee can analyze how the applicant shares their chosen defining leadership principle.

As for how to approach the video, you’ll need to start by identifying which principle you want to address. Review the school’s list, and keep in mind any that you have already discussed in your written essays for the school. 

When the time comes to record your video, briefly introduce yourself to the committee in 30 seconds or less . Remember, you have only two minutes for the entire video! Explain why you are interested in attending Haas. The adcom wants to get to know you, so include a little color in your background, and don’t mention things they can learn from your resume or other parts of your application.

Then, note the leadership principle that resonates most with you, and explain why it is meaningful to you. The entire defining principle section should take 45-60 seconds.

Next, describe how you have exemplified the principle in your personal or professional life. Use the STAR format to do this:

S = situation (the background)

T = task (the goal)

A = Action (how you solved the problem or enhance an issue)

R = Result (what the quantifiable outcome was)

Do not exceed two minutes!

Here are some other tips to keep in mind:

  • Be yourself: The admissions committee wants to get to know the real you, so be yourself in your video. Don’t try to present yourself as someone you’re not.
  • Be natural: Don’t try to memorize your lines or read from a script. Just act and speak naturally.
  • Be positive: The admissions committee wants to see that you’re excited about attending their school. So be upbeat and enthusiastic.
  • Be concise: Keep your video short and to the point – no more than two minutes.
  • Practice, practice, practice: Rehearse over and over again for your video before you submit it. Practicing will help you feel more comfortable and confident in front of the camera. Most of my clients do 10-30 takes.
  • Invest time: Take the time to make a well-crafted video that showcases your best qualities.
  • Use good lighting: Light the room well. Consider using a circle light if you have one. 
  • Reduce distractions: Make sure there’s not a lot of outside or background noise.

Haas Essay #4 (Short Answer)

Can you please describe any experience or exposure you have in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging whether through community organizations, personal, or in the workplace? (150 words max)

To craft your response to this prompt, we suggest beginning by discussing the importance of inclusion. Then, provide evidence to support your claim by using the STAR format (explained in our guidance for Haas’s video [Essay #3]). Regardless of your answer, make sure to explain how inclusion can help create a sense of belonging for everyone and how diversity helps make both teams and organizations stronger. 

Haas Optional Essays

The admissions team takes a holistic approach to application review and seeks to understand all aspects of a candidate’s character, qualifications, and experiences. We will consider achievements in the context of the opportunities available to a candidate. Some applicants may have faced hardships or unusual life circumstances, and we will consider the maturity, perseverance, and thoughtfulness with which they have responded to and/or overcome them.

Optional Information #1

We invite you to help us better understand the context of your opportunities and achievements.

Berkeley Haas is committed to diversity and inclusion, fairness and equity, leadership and innovation, and of course, social impact. The adcom wants to understand the challenges you have faced, the obstacles you have overcome, and the injustices you have defeated to get to where you are today. 

For example, were you raised in a single-parent household? If so, how did that impact your decisions later in life? Are you an immigrant or an international student whose parents arranged your marriage when you were just 2 years old? Have you had to work to help your family thrive since you were 10 years old? Are you a first-generation college student, and if so, what does it mean for your family to see you go to graduate school? While these situations might have affected your grades or test scores, the key to this essay is demonstrating that despite your circumstances, you have beat the odds.

If you have not faced obstacles in your life, describe your commitment to working toward a more just and equitable society. How did this kind of thinking develop in you? Did you discuss social issues at the dinner table? Did you march against (or for) Dobbs? Have you composted and recycled your garbage since the age of 7 in hopes of leaving a better climate for your future children and your children’s children? Did you foster animals during the pandemic (yes, animals deserve fairness, too)? Do you advocate for legislation that will help the elderly or infirm? Have you started or are active in an NGO that educates children who can’t afford a proper education?

As you answer this essay question, consider the following:

  • Your involvement in community organizations that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging
  • Your efforts in the workplace to create a more inclusive environment
  • Your belief that everyone deserves to feel welcome and respected, regardless of their background or identity

Optional Information #2 

This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate.

Haas’s optional essay #2 allows you to ensure that the admissions committee does not have to guess the reasons behind any of the following situations (or a similar one):

  • You had terrible grades in your first year at university (Perhaps your parent became ill, and you flew back and forth to care for them, or you worked 30 hours/week to make ends meet.)
  • You received a subpar GMAT or GRE score (Maybe you are not a great test-taker and can prove it with your inadequate ACT or SAT score and 4.0 GPA. Or perhaps you were initially premed and realized after volunteering at a hospital that medicine is not your thing.)
  • You did not ask an immediate supervisor to recommend you (Maybe you have been with the company for only a short time, and they do not know you well. Or perhaps doing so could lead to you losing your job.)

If you have multiple excuses, take care to not sound whiney. Instead, discuss how you have rebounded from poor grades or can demonstrate how you will perform well in grad school courses because you have taken additional coursework and received As.

For expert guidance with your Berkeley Haas MBA application, check out Accepted’s MBA Application Packages , which include comprehensive guidance from an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to Berkeley Haas’s MBA program and look forward to helping you, too!

Haas application deadlines

Source: The deadline chart can be viewed inside Berkeley Haas’ online MBA application .

Here is a look at the UC Berkeley Haas MBA Class of 2024 (data taken from the Haas website ).

Class size: 247

U.S. minority: 45%

Underrepresented minority: 17%

Female: 46%

LGBTQ+: 16%

Veterans: 4%

Average years of work experience: 5.6

Middle 80% range of years of work experience: 3.2-8.2

International: 41%

Countries represented: 45

Average undergrad GPA: 3.64

Middle 80% range undergrad GPA: 3.4-3.92 

Undergraduate majors:

  • Engineering: 23%
  • Economics: 15%
  • Social Sciences: 15%
  • Business/Commerce: 13%
  • Finance: 6%
  • Natural Sciences: 5%
  • Arts/Humanities: 4%
  • Math/Physical Sciences: 4%
  • Computer Science 3%

Average GMAT score: 729

Median GMAT score: 730

Middle 80% range GMAT score: 700-760

Average GRE Verbal score: 161

Median GRE Verbal score: 162

Middle 80% range GRE Verbal score: 153-167

Average GRE Quant score: 163

Median GRE Quant score: 163

Middle 80% range GRE Quant score: 155-169

Pre-MBA industries:

  • Consulting: 23%
  • Financial Services: 18%
  • High Technology/Electronics: 13%
  • Health/Pharma/Biotech: 9%
  • Not-for-Profit: 6%
  • Consumer Products/Retail: 4%
  • Real Estate: 4%
  • Military: 3%

Which MBA program is right for you? Want to know which schools to target for your best chance of admission? Check out these resources to help you make your decision:

  • Top STEM MBA Programs: A Comprehensive List and Overview of STEM-OPT Eligible B-Schools
  • Which MBA Program Is Right for Me? The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an MBA Program

Getting into Haas, or any other top-tier MBA program, is a very competitive process. Our MBA Application Packages include all the resources and support you need to get you there. We’ll match you with an experienced admissions consultant who will work with you one-on-one to create an outstanding application and prepare you to ace your interview. So give yourself an edge, and get ACCEPTED!

Natalie Grinblatt Epstein admissions expert headshot

By Natalie Grinblatt, a former admissions dean/director at three top business schools. Natalie has reviewed more than 70,000 applications, interviewed more than 2,500 candidates, and trained nearly 700 admissions directors and alumni volunteers to select outstanding candidates for admission. Her clients gain admission to top programs, including those at Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, MIT, Cornell, Columbia, Berkeley, Chicago, Northwestern, and NYU. Natalie holds an MBA from Michigan Ross.  Want Natalie to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related Resources:

  • Leadership in Admissions , a free guide
  • Four Tips for Displaying Teamwork in Your Application Essay s
  • Admissions Straight Talk Podcast for MBA Applicants

How to Get Accepted to UC Berkeley Haas Full-time MBA Program [Episode 547]

haas mba application essay

UC Berkeley is number four on Accepted’s MBA Selectivity Index . It’s matriculating students post a stellar GMAT and GPA. They enjoy proximity to San Francisco and Silicon Valley, not to mention the California weather. It sounds like a dream, but how do you get in? Well, let’s ask Berkeley Haas’ Executive Director of Full-time MBA Admissions.

Welcome to the 547th episode of Admissions Straight Talk , Accepted’s podcast. Before we join our wonderful guest, I have to mention something. You’ve seen the stats that most people have a great return on their MBA investment, but what about you? Are you going to see that return? We’ve created a free tool that will help you assess where the MBA is likely to be a good investment for you individually. You’ll not only get an assessment, but the opportunity to calculate different scenarios. Again, it’s all free. 

It gives me great pleasure to have back on Admissions Straight Talk Eric Askins, executive director of full-time MBA admissions at UC Berkeley Haas. Eric has a lot of experience in higher ed and admissions. He became the senior associate director of admissions at Haas in 2018 and assumed the role of executive director in 2020. Prior to coming to the left coast, he served in admissions at Fordham’s law and business schools and at The New School.

Eric, welcome back to Admissions Straight Talk. [2:06]

Linda, thanks so much for having me back. Great to be here.

My pleasure, and great to have you. Now, I’d like to start with some general questions about the Haas program and then move into more admissions-related questions. To start, can you give an overview of the Haas full-time MBA program, focusing on the more distinctive elements for those listeners who are probably not that familiar with it? [2:12]

Sure. I’d be happy to. Here at the Haas School of Business, let’s start at the very top, we’re located in beautiful Berkeley, California, just across the bay from San Francisco, a couple short minutes away from Silicon Valley, and really what we often say is that we’re at the heart of what’s next, and what that means is that we’re at the heart of innovation culture. If you were to take the region that we’re located in and put it in the context of global economies, we are in the fifth largest economy in the world. Hopefully, I don’t offend any of you German listeners, but we are on track to overtake Germany to be the fourth largest economy in the world just in terms of all the activity that’s happening.

That’s one of the things that makes Haas unique. Oftentimes, we’re seen from the lens of this is a school nestled in Berkeley, which is this amazing campus. There’s a community of Nobel Prize winners here, the inventions that come from here, but more than that, the focus is on how do people achieve their success while also making an impact on the world? I think one of those things that we captured, this would be the identity of the schools, it’s a little bit of what you asked, was our defining leadership principles. I mean, this has been the core of how we talk about the school over the last, I think it was codified maybe 11, 12 years ago now.

I was just thinking that. [3:44]

Yeah. Yeah, so over a decade, we’ve been talking about the school from the framework of these defining leadership principles, so what are they? They’re a core philosophy that we have about what makes great leaders great leaders. One of the things that makes you a Berkeley leader, one of these great leaders, is that you are pushing boundaries. You’re questioning the status quo. You are developing a sense of confidence, but you’re doing so without pushing others to the side. You’re focused on always learning, always being a student and, beyond all things, you’re thinking beyond just yourself, and that’s really captured in the community here.

I remember talking to your predecessor when those principals were codified, and I was amazed at how well they really captured the ethos of UC Berkeley Haas. They were so succinct and meaningful. I mean, over the years, I’ve seen various branding changes at different schools, and sometimes I think they’re very meaningful and sometimes I think they’re window dressing. I was very impressed, and I have continued to be impressed with the four defining principles at Haas. [4:20]

Linda, one of the things that’s really spoken to us, that it isn’t simply a marketing window dressing or anything along those lines, so when we made a big announcement about them and then, at the 10-year mark where I was already here, we made a sort of a, “It’s been a decade since we’ve launched these.” We had some wonderful feedback, including from a Haas alum, I want to say a 1960s Haas alum, who said, “These aren’t new. We’ve been talking about these in some sense or another since way back when I was at the school.” We’ve got a lot of feedback from our alumni. I think we spoke maybe more succinctly, but the concepts were always here. It’s one of the reasons that the school has lasted. I don’t know if you know this, we’re in our 125th year-

No, I didn’t know that. That’s really impressive. [5:41]

Yeah. We celebrated our anniversary on September 13th. This is a school founded by Cora Jane Flood, one of the only business schools founded by a woman, especially 125 years ago. We’ve just been very proud of all that we’ve accomplished in those last little bit, and we’re looking towards the next 125.

Well, congratulations. Happy birthday. We’ve talked about Berkeley’s past. What’s new? [6:03]

Oh, well, that’s always a great question to answer. What’s new? Now, if we were talking about what’s new in the world today, I think you’re going to find there’s a connection to what’s new at Berkeley Haas. What’s new in the world today? What’s new in the world today? Generative AI. They’re probably the number one topic here especially when we talk about schools that have a touch to the technology sector. Anybody who’s been doing this long enough understands the technology sector has ebbs and flows. It peaks in one, it valleys in another period of time, but the next growth peak appears to be around Generative AI. It’s one of the things that we’ve been working on for years.

Actually, October 8th, I believe, just coming up, we have an AI summit. It’s not our first AI summit. We’ve been doing this for a good long time, but what I love is that we are so connected that we’ve got the folks from IBM Watson, we’ve got the folks from Google, we’ve got the folks who are coming through to talk about what is happening in the world of AI today. The coursework has been there. The coursework will continue to be there, but that coursework has a Berkeley flavor, ethics and AI. It’s one of the biggest courses that we have in this space right now. We need to be talking about that, and we have been. In fact, I won’t plug too many things here because I don’t want people googling and all that stuff, but if you get a chance, our Center for Equity, Gender and Leadership built a playbook maybe 2019, 2020 around ethics and AI. Right now, it’s one of the most downloaded things on our website.

One of the things about being on the cutting edge is sometimes you’re talking about something before people are ready to hear it. That’s AI, but what else are we talking about? We’re also talking about sustainability in business. Now, we have been, again, for several years. Dean Anna Harrison joined us in 2018. She came with three key initiatives. It was innovation, it was inclusion, and it was sustainability. I think that we’ve continued to hit on all those three topics along with all the other things that we do, but within the sustainability, I don’t think there’s another business school that’s doing five topic areas within sustainability, including energy, including agriculture, including corporate accountability, real estate and finance. Oftentimes, when people think about sustainability, it’s hard for them to “What box do I put this?”

What does finance have to do with it? [8:22]

Sustainability and impact finance is one of the courses that people are most interested within the sustainability sector here at Haas, exploring exactly what it means to invest in sustainable business and how to see that grow. At the end of the day, the most powerful sustainability person in any organization are their leaders. It’s the CEO. It’s the CFO. We want to make sure that anybody who comes through our program is getting that level of exposure so that they can be tackling what is probably one of the greatest challenges in the world in front of us, which is climate change, which is how do we grow and continue to thrive without harming the environment around us and actually to go back and maybe fix some of the damage that we’ve already done.

One of the things I noticed in preparing for our call today was something called the Applied Innovation course requirement at Haas. I don’t remember that from the last time we spoke. Can you touch on that a little bit and tell us what it is? [9:06]

Sure. Absolutely. Applied Innovation is the language that we use to describe experiential learning. We launched Applied Innovation coursework. It might be two decades old now. We weren’t one of the first.

Experiential learning I know it’s been there for a long time. You just changed the name. [9:34]

Well, what we did is we focused a little bit on what it is that we actually want to come away with, right? You want to apply what you’re learning, and you want to apply it towards growth and change. Within Applied Innovation, that’s over 20 courses within that subset. You’re required to take at least one, but I know students who’ve taken more than one, have taken two, some have taken three. This is a great place for you to test the hypothesis.

A lot of the learning happens in the ivory tower separated from business, and that’s not what we’re looking for here. We want to make sure that our students have the opportunity to go in market and test these ideas, and so you’ll see that there’s a variety of different courses within Applied Innovation. They include courses like international business development where you have an opportunity to take a consulting project at a global scale, and that includes going in-country to deliver your results. Whether that means implementation, whether that means presentations to leadership, that’s part of that course. It’s probably one of the most popular of our Applied Innovation courses, but then, depending on where you’re looking for, if you’re in a niche market, you may find an Applied Innovation opportunity exists there for you as well.

We’ve got clean tech to market that’s focused on bringing sustainable ideas into the marketplace with a technology focus, social sector solutions, strategic and sustainable business solutions. You’ll find a number of these across the gamut, and what they are is your opportunity to go do work within the context of the actual business space with the guidance of faculty and your group projects and your group work.

What don’t people know about Berkeley Haas that you would like them to know, perhaps a common misconception that you’d like to dispel? [11:09]

Sure. I know that many people find the school’s using a ranking index, something along those lines, and in the rankings, one of the things that actually makes us stand out as unique is that we’re among the smallest business programs in our tier. Top 10, top 20 schools, I think we might actually be the smallest, and sometimes there’s a little ebb and flow with some of the other schools. I don’t always know, and that’s on purpose because we want to build a really strong community with individuals who are connecting with one another. If all you know about us is this, you think, “Well, this is a small bespoke program,” and ultimately, if you dig up just that one surface level deeper, we are located in the heart of one of the major research institutions in the globe.

Our students have the opportunity to take advantage of that, including courses outside of the business school at the School of Public Health even if you’re not doing a joint degree, at the engineering school, arguably the top engineering school in the world, at the high school, at the law school, at the School of Public Policy. If you want to take courses with Robert Reich, you can do so. This is all in the field of opportunity for our students, and that I think is this incredible information exchange. It’s also incredible that you’re connecting into that network.

The joke here is once you’re Berkeley, you’re Berkeley for life, right? Like the Mafia, you can’t get out. This is part of your history forever, but it isn’t just Berkeley Haas and the 50,000 alumni that are connected in that community. It’s Berkeley writ large and the half a million alum in that community. That’s your network, and that oftentimes gets lost because we talk about our corner of campus, but it’s the whole campus that our students have access to.

You have the intimacy of the small business school, but backed by this major research. It is the largest UC campus, I believe, isn’t it? [12:57]

It is the largest UC campus. It is oftentimes-

It’s 30,000 total. [13:09]

Yeah, and it’s oftentimes ranked the number one public institution in the globe.

In preparing for the call, I was reviewing the required core curriculum at Berkeley Haas, and I was struck by the number of classes devoted to both analytics, quantitative side and communications so you’re developing and working and exercising both sides of the brain, I guess. Indeed, business requires quant jocks and leadership, which involves communication, listening, teamwork skills, all that. Is that intentional? Can you elaborate on that a little bit? [13:14]

Absolutely. One of the things that I think we pride ourselves on is that we are educating for the pace of change. The job that you came in to potentially pursue two years ago may not even be here two years from now. That’s the pace at which the world is changing. What’s important for us is to make sure that every student coming through our program has the core and foundational skills to be a leader and to be a successful leader in any industry vertical, in any job function. For that to happen, we need to make sure that that core foundation exists.

I know that there are other schools who choose different models. Some have a more of a choose-your-own-adventure model where you can really narrow in into one specific area. We do give you that opportunity to take advantage of the elective coursework here, but not before we establish a strong foundation which I think puts our students in the exact best position to be able to pivot and adjust to a world that is constantly changing.

Speaking of constant change, one of the things that is changing dramatically is testing admissions. You have the GMAT, the GMAT Focus, the GRE, which now has a shorter GRE. They’re required at this time by Haas. Is there any thought to expand the number of tests that you’ll accept, allow for test waivers, or go test optional? There is a comment -the writing sample component is required, but the GMAT Focus doesn’t have a writing requirement. How are you dealing with all this change, this kind of change that’s right in your basket? [14:43]

Yeah. It’s a great question to ask. Now, I’ll start, Linda, by saying I actually am in support of the changes to the GMAT, the GMAT focus and the changes to the GRE. I think the testing agencies have heard that they need to be more applicant focused. They need to be leaning into what the applicants need in order to succeed. We don’t want the testing agencies to become gatekeepers of great talent that doesn’t reach us in the business school universe.

At the same time, we have to understand that there’s a significant amount of academic rigor in our core coursework, and we need to make sure that the students who come through are going to be successful, so we do need measuring sticks. We do need benchmarks, so where do we land with this world of ever-changing testing landscape and the need for a level of consistency? The way our team operates is we don’t actually evaluate individual application components and then weight them because how do you weight the GMAT versus the GMAT focus versus the new GRE versus the old GRE? Certain schools are taking the EA or any number of other testing-

GMAT, DAT, LSAT. It’s a whole alphabet soup of possibilities. [16:25]

At some point, you have to ask yourselves if you are taking a test that doesn’t cover the material, what is the value to the school? I don’t want to go too deep into that section. What instead I will talk about is what we’re doing. What we are doing is we have a set of competencies that we’re looking for within our evaluative process. One of those competencies includes demonstrated ability to handle the academic rigor of our core. That demonstrated ability, that can show up in your testing, but it can also show up in your undergraduate performance. It could also show up in your professional journey. Because we’re taking that lens, it allows us to then think about these pieces from their actual value components.

I’m not interested in the fact that a GMAT score on the old GMAT is 720 and the concordance tables tell you that in the GMAT focus it’s a 655, and what does a 655 mean versus a 720? It is meaningless. These numbers are in the air. What I am interested in is what is your percentile score on the specific quantitative piece of that? Does that suggest that you will be able to handle the rigor of our core? If that’s not on the GMAT, I’m also going to look at the GRE. Maybe it exists there. If it doesn’t exist there, maybe it exists within your undergraduate performance, maybe the last three years you’ve been working as a data analyst, and that’s where I’m going to see the strength of your skill and ability is. I’m not going to say that one carries more weight than the other. I’m looking for evidence.

This is the dad joke, corny bit of my story. We’re the admissions office. The goal is to admit. We’re not the deny office. We say that’s the financial aid office. That’s the joke. Our focus is on finding evidence in your application that allows us to admit you, and it can exist in a lot of different places. To summarize, I’m in support of any testing agency that’s going to be applicant focused, that’s going to be delivering content that’s useful to the applicants in order for them to succeed, shorter tests. It sounds like a great way to stop them from being the gatekeepers that potentially they have been in the past. For us to receive the most number of qualified applicants or interested applicants that allow us to engage with them meaningfully in all the aspects of their application, any obstacles we can reduce I’m in favor of, but I do think that we still need points of evidence to understand the student’s journey.

Now, going back to one question I had in the last question, there is a comment in that the writing sample component is required, but the GMAT Focus doesn’t have a writing requirement. Will applicants be asked to provide some other writing sample or is it just going to be their essays? How is that? Are you going to remove that comment from the site? I mean, what’s going to happen with that? [18:47]

Sure. We’ve explored that a little bit. The writing section, the AWA section of the GMAT I believe is provided in sort of a raw score format for us as well as an opportunity for us to understand a little bit more about their background. We have writing components within our application. We have the ability to look for those strength areas. That piece of the puzzle, once that disappears from the overall submission, we will backfill because, again, it’s not based on application elements, it’s based on competencies. Within those competency structures, we’re going to look for the pieces that we do have.

Makes sense. [19:48]

One thing I’m actually really excited for, Linda, hopefully I’m not preempting your question, is some of the new things that we’ve brought into this ecosystem, including our video essay. Is that okay for me to talk a little bit about that?

Please go ahead. [19:57]

One of the things that we looked at was what are the challenges to people submitting an application? What are we learning from these pieces of the application, and what could we shift and move around? One of the things is, and I think a lot of schools have this, they have two or three bespoke essays. It’s unique enough and clever enough that you can’t cut and paste the other school’s essay into our essay. We really want you to think about us, and is that a benefit to the evaluative process or is that simply another hurdle or obstacle to the applicant?

We took a close look at what we were doing, but we turned one of our essays into a career goal statement. The career goal statement is it does not need to be unique to Berkeley. It can be. It does not need to be. Theoretically, what you’re looking to do isn’t going to change dramatically by the schools, that you’re going to fit the schools to your journey, not the other way around. That’s probably a best fit for candidates, to fit the schools to their journey and not the other way around. That piece will stay static. We have our “alive” essay. We love our “alive” essay. This is an essay that gives us an understanding of who the student is.

That is custom to Haas. [20:56]

That’s our personal statement. That’s our way to get to know who are you as an applicant. We want to know you. We want to understand how you’re going to show up as a student. We’re going to imagine you in our ecosystem. We love that piece of the puzzle, and then we understood that there was this question that we often got asked. Where do I tell you about Berkeley? Where do I tell you that I love Berkeley? What we didn’t want to see was shoehorning in of a list of courses. Somewhere in the application, I’m going to put a list of courses to show you that I read your website, so we thought what was valuable to us? Linda, you brought it up at the start of this podcast. What was valuable to us is our defining leadership principles? What does it mean to be a leader? How do you think about leadership? How do you engage with these principles?

We thought we’d give a place for students to do that, prospective students to do that, but a place where they didn’t have to sit down and write a whole long thing and try and cut and paste the mission statement from our website and adjust it, ChatGPT it and all the rest of the things that people could do. We wanted an honest engagement with the topic. What we did is we stood up a video. We’re calling it a video introduction. It’s 90 seconds to two minutes. We’re not asking for a prepared speech. Tell us in a sentence about you and then pick a defining leadership principle that’s meaningful to you and engage with it a little bit.

Now, I don’t want to have people be nervous about this, so I’ll be very honest, with the rubric on the other end is we’re judging your understanding of our culture, one of our culture forward pieces, our defining leadership principle. We’re also paying attention to your business communications skills. That’s it. That is the one, two-piece of that whole puzzle. It doesn’t matter. We’re not interested in language skills in this regard. We’re not interested in how you present. You don’t need to be in a suit and tie for this. This is simply an understanding of who you are as an individual, one to two sentences. Here’s this thing about us. We want to know that you know who we are as an institution. Tell us in a sentence or two about it.

I know a lot of the video essays, I’m talking about other schools now, they are assessing the applicant’s presence and poise, but you just said that’s not what this is about. [22:58]

One of the things that’s really important to us is that we don’t use simple disqualifiers, but a simple disqualifier would be, “Oh, well that room is messy,” or, “Well, they didn’t think to put on a tie,” or, “We’ve got normative understandings of what presentation should be.” Those are disqualifiers that are not based in your ability to succeed in the program.

They can also be taught. [23:37]

Now, the student’s communication skills are. Can you articulate a point clearly? That will matter to us. I think, presence, it’s a bit of a gray area, and we don’t ever want to be in the disqualifying business.

Again, it’s an admissions office, not a declining office. Right? [23:52]

Yeah. Exactly. It’s corny, but it’s true.

I think it’s a perspective. On some level, you say you don’t want the test to be gatekeepers, on some level you are a gatekeeper. While I know you want to be in the admissions business, in the end, you have many more applicants than you can admit. [23:59]

Which is true.

I get the focus. I understand what you’re saying, but there is a numerical component to this. [24:18]

I can see the point. It’s true.

Now, you’ve talked and emphasized and we’ve discussed Haas’ four principles as exemplifying, epitomizing the culture and values of Berkeley Haas. Obviously, the video essay asks people to discuss one of those principles that really resonates with them. Do you want to see evidence of all four values in the application or are you willing to admit people who are open to perhaps considering the values and having them inculcated? I’m sure you want some identification, but is it important that all four be present? [24:27]

I don’t see the four as truly being independent ideas ultimately. Questioning the status quo is about a mindset of curiosity. Confidence with that attitude has a lot to do with curiosity of others, wanting to hear what they have to say and making space for them. It’s also a curiosity frame and, going beyond yourself, there’s a curiosity of what matters to others. There’s lots of different through lines and themes within these. These are not four independent ideas.

Humility? [25:39]

Humility is very much a part of all of those pieces as well, right?

Yes. [25:44]

The ability to understand that maybe somebody else has something else to bring, the fact that you recognize that you have more to learn, all of these, they’re ultimately through lines that give us an understanding of the core characteristics of the student. I don’t need you to itemize. Don’t give me a list of the seven ways in which you X in which you are different or beyond.

Show X, right? Show principle one. Show principle two. Right. Don’t do that. Don’t do that. No. That’ll come out a little forced anyways. 

What’s the most common mistake you see applicants making in their applications [26:07].

Generally speaking, and this is going to be one of those answers that I don’t think is satisfying to a lot of folks, I think there’s a moment in time when students decide that they want to pursue business education at this level when they have an idea in their head, and that idea tends to be their most authentic version of what they want to explore. Then they go ahead and they attend an information session and they get a piece of advice, and then they talk to somebody else and they get a piece of additional advice, and then someone says use this format or use this structure or use these other pieces, and the finished product, if it looks markedly different from the initial idea, I think there’s a loss there.

How do you solve for that, because you do have to refine your work and you do have to bring your best work forward? This is the one that’s always difficult because all of us admissions folks say, “They should be authentic.” Be authentic to that moment. How can you be authentic while also being polished, while also being these things? I think really the piece of advice I would give is to be mindful of that. It’s to be mindful of that original idea because that’s the reason to reinvest in yourself, to take two years out of the workforce if you’re pursuing a full-time program to not only not earn money for two years, but also spend money during those two years because it puts your finances in a deficit in most cases, potentially taking on loans. It’s a risk, and you chose to pursue this journey because something, some moment, whether it can be pointed to as a pivotal inflection point in life or whether it was a slow accumulation of ideas, there’s came a point in time where it tilted and you said, “Yes, I’m going to pursue this.”

That there, that’s to me the most powerful thing that you can deliver to an admissions office. Those get massaged and they get formatted and they get layered, and someone says, “Well, I know that you want to change the world, but if you just wrote that you wanted to be a consultant, you’ll get in.” They get modified away. For those people who hold onto that little nugget, that’s gold in an admissions office because we can see it. It resonates because then it carries through. There’s echoes throughout the application in the journey if it has a meaning.

Also in the interview. [28:34]

I know I’m up here in the little woo woo space, but it’s-

No. It’s much easier to be enthusiastic about something you genuinely believe in, and that comes through in your writing. It comes through in your interview to be sure. It might come through probably in the video if you’re genuinely enthusiastic about something as opposed to just making something up. It can’t be faked. [28:38]

Totally agree, and I will tell you, Linda, that this is not advice that ends at the application stage.

Of course. [29:01]

This becomes the story of how you network with the students that you share the space with. This becomes the story that when you attend a speaker series and you wait afterwards to chat up the speaker that, if you’ve got something powerful and exciting to talk about, they’re going to remember you. If you’re into the workforce and you’re starting, you’re trying to secure that summer internship, it’s going to be the thing that’s passionate and exciting when you’re at the other end and you’re looking to settle in that first job and when you realize that that first job isn’t going to get you where you want to go because the real value of the MBA is lifetime, right? It really doesn’t show up till four or five years when you end up in the C-suite. This kernel is going to carry you through the whole way or the enthusiasm behind it.

Now, you started out, you didn’t start out, but you certainly mentioned very early on in the interview artificial intelligence and ChatGPT and, obviously, Berkeley is a leader in that. What about applicants using it? [29:46]

Good question. I think I’ve gone on the journey that a lot of my peers have gone on. The first piece of this journey was, well, I hope our fraud software can catch it. I think a lot of the world has gone on this journey with us where you stop and then you say, “Well, this is a tool. This is a tool like the calculator is a tool.” I think that’s probably the common thread I’ve heard. I’ve already had typing in an email and I’m getting suggested next three sentences. This is where we are. The tool exists.

I am still going to suggest that there’s no tool that’s going to tell me your career goals. Now, that tool might help you articulate those career goals a little bit better, but those goals will have to be yours. There’s no tool that’s going to tell me the moment that made you feel alive or why it gave meaning to you. It may be that that tool helps you frame your thoughts, put those pieces together in a way that’s cohesive. If English is not your first language and you’re trying to organize your thoughts in a way that would give you the tools to succeed, it could very well be that this is a really useful tool to organize, but those core thoughts have to be yours.

I think that’s key here, and I don’t think that we’re going to move on that concept, but those core thoughts and ideas have to be yours, and then if you’re going to use the tool, I hope that you use it well. Maybe the thing you’re demonstrating to me is your expertise in the use of the tool because I will, and we have seen already, poorly framed and poorly worded things that don’t really seem to capture the individual. This is probably the first year that we’re starting to see that.

That makes sense that this is the first year you’re seeing it. I’ve played with it a little bit. I’ve said this before on the podcast. If you use it blindly, you’re going to produce drivel, very generic and not very meaningful. If you use it either to edit your work, perhaps to generate some ideas or to help you structure an essay, but the ideas are your own, perhaps it has value, but you’re still going to spend a significant amount of time on it. [31:39]

Well, you should. Yeah.

Yeah, or you say, “I might as well just write the thing.” [32:09]

I’m one of those folks that believes the magic happens in the editing. I know other people think it happens in the writing, so the idea generation. I think it’s the moment where you come back and say, “Oh, well, now I see how those pieces should fit together.” With that in mind, I understand that the tool may be used.

We have a statement at the bottom of our application. We haven’t changed it. We’ve had it for a while. It says, “The work product seen here is mine and mine alone.” I think folks should be able to answer that honestly. The work product here is mine and mine alone. Now, if that means that they used the tool to take their ideas and put it on paper and then they reorganized it to reflect the story that they wanted to tell and they feel that that is theirs, they were the producer of the ideas, they were the producer of the finished product, they use an intermediary tool the same way you might use a spellchecker or a grammar checker, I’m going to have to just accept that that’s the world that we’re in today. I don’t think there’s any magical tool that solves that one yet. Generative AI is probably the best tool to catch generative AI, but I’m going to focus on the content. As long as the content is strong, I think that that’s going to be in the candidate’s best interest.

Switching gears again, can you touch for a minute on the Accelerated Access admissions program at Berkeley Haas? Who is it for? How can one get in? It was brand new when we last spoke. Have has any of the earlier deferred admits matriculated yet at Berkeley Haas? [33:20]

Yes, they have. Okay, so let’s go-

A lot of questions, I know. [33:39]

… through all those pieces. What is the Accelerated Access program? The Accelerated Access program is a deferred enrollment program here at Berkeley Haas. It is geared for people in their graduating year of undergraduate or graduate school if they did not have more than one full year of work experience in between. This is a pre-experience application focused on folks who are completing their academic journeys and who are committed to going to professional life for two to five years– that’s typically the window of time – for them to gain experience in the world, but to want to get that application admission early, right? This is the time when they’re the best test takers usually because they’re still in their academic space. Oftentimes, this is where they can lock in a future opportunity. Maybe that safety net allows them to take the other job.

I was going to take the two-year consulting stint, but I’ve locked in an admission to a top business school. I’m going to join the robotics startup. That’s not a random example. That’s an example of somebody who did in fact do that. That’s who this is for. It’s for somebody who is certain that business school is in their future, who is going to be strong academically.

I’ll put that out there in front. We have fewer application components, so we’re going to have to look for our competencies across the limited amount of things that you have to offer, so probably a heavier weight on undergraduate performance, standardized testing, internships, extracurricular activity within your experiences there. Those are going to be the pieces of the puzzle that are useful for us.

We are traveling the globe with a member of my team, Verse Gabrielle, who’s out there talking about accelerated access. We’ve gotten into a little consortium with a couple of other business schools so that we can make the most value in the delivery of this content so that we are in front of folks with a sampling, and they can pick which schools.

Of all the deferred programs? [35:35]

Yeah. It just started this year. I’m really excited to actually see what campus recruitment looks like for the MBA in this context. In terms of the other part of your question, what does it look like for those students who matriculated? We matriculated seven in this incoming class.

So that’s the first one. [35:52]

The first set coming through.

That makes sense just judging by, again, time that’s elapsed. [35:56]

Yeah. Two of them ended up in some profiles that we put out into the world so you can actually see some of the journeys for these students. We thought it would be really valuable, as we shared profiles with other media outlets, that we included people who had this type of journey, to see how it looked a little bit different and how they navigated the experience. I think that they complete and total fit with the program. They’re not outliers. They don’t sit outside the experience. In some cases, because they’ve been engaged with the admissions office and the school for three-plus years before they got to campus, they were fully onboarded by the time they got here. They were the best student ambassadors on day one.

It’s been a wonderful experience to be able to actually reach people at this different point in time in their lives. To be fair to those people who’ve been in the professional life, you’ve had a chance to test a couple of hypotheses, figure out what works, what doesn’t. These students, they kind of read as all potential. They blue sky a lot. I can do anything. I can do all these things. We watched them crystallize the idea over the two, three-year time before they get to campus. What a great journey for us in the admissions office to be able to watch them grow into the MBA candidate and then go from there.

How many students are you admitting every year through the accelerated MBA program? [37:14]

It’s going to vary based on application volume. Primarily, we want to be sure that we are giving an equal probability each year to candidates who apply and also being mindful of how we want to balance the class coming on the other end. It’s been somewhere around 20 in that window of space. Again, we’re a small program and we don’t want to overwhelm when students come through. They have different entry points.

You don’t really know what year they’re going to enter. [37:47]

Yeah, between two and five years, so there’s different entry points for those students depending on when they’re ready. We have a student who’s most certainly going to go to full five because they’re in the midst of building something really unique and then they’ll come join us. We get somebody who was ready after two and they really were ready after two. They had done what they needed to do to put themselves in the best position to succeed. In this particular case, it was in the food and agriculture sustainability side. It’s going to be unique to the individual.

Now, you’ve given tons of advice in the course of this interview, but what advice would you give to someone thinking about applying now? They want to matriculate in 2024. They’re probably in the middle of the process. They probably didn’t submit round one. They’re aiming for round two. What should they be doing? What should they be thinking about now as they listen to this podcast? [38:16]

Sure. I’ll put two things out there. The first is that they don’t over-invest in application elements and they focus on the whole story. This has been my message to the whole podcast, but I really do believe that if you hyper-focus on the tests or you hyper-focus on some other aspect of the application, you miss the opportunity to share a bit more about your whole journey. What’s the narrative? What are you hoping to accomplish? What community do you want to serve? What problem do you want to solve? These are the bigger questions that I really want to understand about the candidate.

The other thing is there’s members, myself, my admissions team, we’re all here to answer these questions. We’re here to support people in this journey, and we have a really robust community of student support, so not just for our program, but for any program. Reach out and see if you can connect with the students. I think that’s one of the most valuable things. It has two pieces. The first is they successfully navigated our application process, so they may have interesting things to say about what should be in a strong application.

The second is they’re actually experiencing the experience that you’re looking for. What does the student experience look like? What does on-campus life look like? Are faculty approachable? Are the things that you’re learning valuable for you? What type of speakers come to campus? How often are you getting to connect with industry outside of your campus community? All of those questions are questions that could be answered and, in particular, are set up with our student ambassadors is that they are the go-betweens. They are available if you want to ask them a question. If you want to ask something very specific like, “I’m really interested in understanding about how climate and finance interact, and I’m looking to talk to somebody specifically who understands that context in a certain part of the world,” we may have that pathway for you.

You can speak to somebody like Arno, one of our second year students who actually just spoke to a Belgian newspaper about his climate finance journey. These really unique pieces, they seem niche, but there may actually be somebody doing that, and so ask it. We may be able to put you in touch with exactly that right person.

Now let’s look a little bit further ahead. What advice would you give someone thinking ahead to a fall 2024 or fall 2025 application? They’re not part of the accelerated access program, but they do know that they want to go for an MBA and they’re thinking seriously about pursuing that MBA at Berkeley Haas. [40:47]

I think the first thing to do is to really crystallize why you want an MBA. Before you’re thinking about, “What do I need to do to get into an MBA program,” you’re going to want to have a really strong narrative for, “What I want to do when I come out of an MBA program.” What do I want to accomplish?

I know I’m repeating myself, but what do you want to see beyond that? It’s not just at grad, right? I will tell you that every stinking ranking and survey out there is going to focus on what does it look like at grad or three months past graduation. That’s not where the value of an MBA kicks in, right? I’m not going to throw rankings out there because I’ve been digging on them all day, but if you think about what are the frameworks for some of the strongest rankings, they’re around what does it look like four or five years out, not just compensation.

What is your position within the organization? What are you able to actually change about the world based on your level? That happens four or five years out. That’s the part of the story that we want to work back from, and then understand, okay, now I know what I want to achieve or I know what I want to engage with. I think I have a sense of what that journey’s going to look like post MBA. What do I need during the MBA to get there and then what do I need to get into an MBA program? What are the pieces there? If that’s a clear narrative all the way through, it just carries so much more weight. It has a lot more value. It has the value of being true and authentic to what the student wants to accomplish. Yes, there’s going to be a lot of work in putting together an application, but if you know your story, then it’s just about putting the pieces together.

Two comments, I frequently advise applicants that that post-MBA goal, and I’m usually talking about the immediate post-MBA goal, but I do agree completely that there should be a longer vision because the cost is high and the payoff has to justify it. I refer to that as the North Star. It should just guide you. It should guide you in the school you choose, the program you choose. Maybe it’s not an MBA. Maybe it’s a different program. The schools you choose to apply to, the schools you ultimately choose to attend, the courses you take, the things you get involved in.  Yes, it can evolve. Of course, it can evolve. My goodness, at 25, you don’t have to feel locked into a profession. That’d be true at  28, whatever, 30 even. You don’t have to be locked in.

That’s one point just in support of yours. the other point is i got my mba and, for a variety of reasons, i don’t really think i started using it and really getting value out of it until 14, 15 years later. it’s just how my life worked. now, i did not pursue the typical, the traditional mba path, well, certainly not at that time, but i’m glad i got it. it just took a while for it to pay off for me. anyway, just a couple of points there. , what about reapplicants do you have any pearls of wisdom for reapplicants [45:52].

Well, I’ll start with the fact that the data that we have suggests that reapplicants have a higher rate of admission than candidates who are applying in the first round out. Why is that? I think part of the reason is you’ve had a chance to really think about what are the strengths and where are my areas of growth and how I might focus on my areas of growth.

Now, because of the volume of applications we receive, we’re not able to give direct feedback to candidates who don’t get in in the first pass. What we are always able to do is engage with people who are applying this year, whether they can sign up to Q&A session. Most of this is available both in-person and virtually so that there’s an opportunity to connect with us no matter where you are within the globe. You can ask questions about the forward piece. You have the benefit of actually having a foundation that you can build on. Right?

Again, back to the idea that the magic happens in the editing. Like, okay, I’ve done it once. I know where I can tweak, where I can adjust, where I can change. The biggest miss is when reapplicants don’t tell us what they’ve been doing since the last application. You’ve got another year around the sun. What have you accomplished? Have you leveled up within your professional journey? I mean, sometimes the updated resume will tell us a little bit about that. Have you refined your goals? Have you explored more and different opportunities to test some hypotheses and rethink some of your journey?

These are all really valuable to us, and then of course, we should speak plainly. We’re also looking for evidence of your ability to do well in the program. If you think that that was the area of growth, the first submission, then other evidence. Now, you can’t go and change an undergraduate journey that’s typically fully baked by the time you apply, but you can take graded short courses. You can demonstrate other places where you’ve shown that you can succeed when it comes to the academic component of the application process.

Great advice. I think the saddest thing is when the reapplicant comes to me and says, “I know it was my GMAT score, so I retook the GMAT. I got a much higher score. My essays were great. I’m not going to change them at all.” That makes me sad. [46:13]

Yeah. There’s so much opportunity there.

Exactly, and like you said, I’m not joking, that does happen. I’m sure you sometimes see those applications. You’re showing little initiative. Yes, you studied before and you got your higher GMAT. Okay. Great. You’re not showing what you did in the past year. You’re not showing any growth whatsoever, and you are demonstrating a certain laziness and lack of commitment to the process, so don’t do it is the bottom line. [46:31]

I’m going to both agree with you and slightly disagree, Linda.

Okay. Go ahead. [47:01]

I will agree with you. I would love to see folks who are making those levels of commitment. I don’t always call it laziness. I think sometimes folks don’t have a full understanding of the process. I think folks who engage with you, they’re getting the benefit of their knowledge. Those who engage with us get the benefit of ours. Those who are operating out there independently, they may not know that they’re missing a great opportunity. Hopefully, those listening on this line, if you know somebody else who’s applying and doesn’t know this, share this message along.

Sounds good. I’ll be kinder next time. 

Okay. what would you have liked me to ask you [47:30].

Sure. I think one of the challenges that we face here at Berkeley is that we’ve done really well in some spaces and, in some corners of the market we’re known for these one or two things. “Well, Berkeley is really great in the tech sector because, look at their access, a third of their students go into tech,” or, “Berkeley is really great in the entrepreneurial sector. According to PitchBook, there’s only three programs at the top, and it’s Stanford, Harvard and Berkeley,” or, “Berkeley’s really great in the sustainability space. No other school is doing five different sustainability topics,” but we’re also the second most placed students into consulting, the third most place students into finance. When it comes to our finance students, the number of students who end up in internships on the West Coast, we top all other schools in that space. We are a great school for a lot of different things.

When I was looking back and thinking about what are we going to talk about with 125 years worth of history here, the technology sector doesn’t go back 125 years. What’s been sustaining the school this entire time, what’s the common thread really is that we’ve been educating for the pace of change. The world keeps changing, and we want to make sure that people are prepared for that. That hits in all sectors, and so we would love for people to know that about the program, not to put us in a little corner, but if you’re interested in a topic and you didn’t think Berkeley was that, come find out. Maybe it is.

Eric, I want to thank you so much for joining me today. This has been delightful and highly informative. Where can listeners and potential applicants learn more about Haas’ full-time MBA program? [48:59]

Absolutely. The easiest thing to do is visit the Haas MBA website .. Come check us out. Once you land on that page, there’s a lot of resources that’ll put you in a lot of different places. I would encourage you to go to the events section because you’ll get an opportunity to see all the different places that we are in the globe as well as all the different things that we do virtually. No matter where you are in the world, you can get a connection to our community.

More great advice. Thank you. [49:37]

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Relevant Links:

  • UC Berkeley Haas MBA
  • Accepted’s MBA ROI Calculator
  • UC Berkeley Haas Expands Deferred MBA Program
  • When Should I Plan to Apply to Grad School? NOW!!!

Relevant shows:

  • From the Military to Haas MBA – podcast Episode 223
  • University of Michigan’s Ross MBA Program: Everything You Need to Know – podcast Episode 479
  • UCLA Anderson MBA Admissions According to Dean Alex Lawrence – podcast Episode 215

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Advice, tips and insights from the admissions dream team., table of contents, how to answer the new berkeley haas mba essay and video.

  • By Sharon Joyce

haas mba application essay

When you apply to the University of California -Berkeley Haas School of Business, they want to know what makes you feel alive, how an MBA will help fuel your MBA goals and what kind of leader you are —and they want you to show them.

Haas has added a video essay as one of the required MBA application components for 2023–24 and changed its Essay #2. My colleague Peter Johnson , a former Assistant Dean for the Full-Time MBA and Admissions at Haas, and I have fresh advice on how to answer these essay questions. 

Haas introduces the essay section of its application with a statement of its Defining Leadership Principles (DLPs). The Berkeley MBA program develops leaders who embody these principles: 

  • Question the Status Quo
  • Confidence Without Attitude
  • Students Always
  • Beyond Yourself 

The new video essay asks applicants to “briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee, explain which leadership principle resonates most with you, and tell us how you have exemplified the principle in your personal or professional life.” Videos must clock in under two minutes.

Acing the Video

Video replies are gaining popularity among all b-schools. It’s a useful way to assess poise and presence as well as the thoughts and information you share. It’s also a way to enhance authenticity. While essays can now easily be cranked out with ChatGPT (although we definitely don’t recommend it ), an effective and personal video is harder to automate.

Videos are also a great way to assess judgment. Is a reply TMI? Admissions committees want to get to know the real you, but it’s obviously important to be appropriate. And, finally, videos can be a fun and fresh way to express your excitement about Haas. The DLPs are a distinctive draw that attracts students to Berkeley, so it can be a creative way to share your enthusiasm.

Be succinct. Two minutes may seem like a lot when you’re staring into the eye of the camera with admissions on the line — but it’s really not. With only that short window to work with, don’t try to address all four of the principles. Instead, focus on one of the principles and demonstrate how you reflect it with clear and cogent examples. 

Once you’ve sketched out your thoughts and know what you want to say, practice!  As noted the evaluation of these responses are likely to be graded on communication skills and poise as much as on content. And if you’re a bit intimidated about talking on camera or mastering the technology, Fortuna has you covered. Our fellow coach Cassandra Pittman explains how to ace your video here , and Karen Hamou offers advice on what to wear . 

Advice for Essay #2.

Leadership was the topic of Berkeley’s second essay last year. Now that the video is covering that theme, the new Essay #2 asks, “How will an MBA help you achieve your short-term and long-term career goals? 

Last year, this was a question embedded within the application and was 150 words on immediate short-term goals. With the word count expanded to 300, this question is likely probing more deeply to see if applicants have realistic goals that can be met through the program at Haas.

Although the prompt asks, “How will an MBA help…,” this essay is really looking beyond the credential of the recognized degree. Berkeley wants to know what skills you will build or enhance and what experiences you will leverage in pursuit of career goals. It’s important to be specific. Make sure you call out what specific aspects of Berkeley ’s MBA program will bolster your success after graduation.

We sometimes suggest citing companies that heavily recruit at Haas when applicable as a way of showing your awareness of the school and the link between your goals and what is achievable. For the budding entrepreneurs, perhaps mention Haas alumni entrepreneurs who are working in a similar space.

Our take on the rationale behind this question is this:  The committee wants to know if your personal and professional goals are aligned with the program at Haas and how you will leverage the Berkeley MBA experience to achieve them.

Start with a Splash in Essay #1

Essay #1 remains the same: “What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why?”

As someone who has read thousands of applications, we love the wording of this question. Any opportunity to learn about what ignites the spark in a candidate is really exciting to read. (Remember that most Haas admissions readers will be plowing through some 2,000 application essays in a single cycle.)

This question is also evocative of the iconic Stanford GSB essay, “What matters most to you, and why?” –  which similarly gets personal and requires a profound level of self-reflection and sincerity. This question also underscores that Haas is looking for people who will actively contribute to the community and beyond, not just in the classroom. This essay prompt allows the admissions team to understand “what makes you tick,” above and beyond what they’ll glean from your academic record and work history.

Your intellectual acumen and accomplishments being a given, what are you passionate about and why does it ignite that spark of life within you? A successful essay will share a specific and personal experience that helps the reader get to know you better, giving insight into your character, values, or how you would uniquely contribute to the Berkeley Haas community. 

Given that you only have 300 words, the maxim to “show, not tell” is critical here. You want to bring the reader on the experience with you so they can smell, taste, feel and connect to whatever it is you’re describing – what it felt like to summit that mountaintop and peer into the volcano’s smoky belly, or the felt experience in a devotional act of creation that erased any sense of time. 

Unless it’s deeply sincere and absolutely rings true, a community service moment or tutoring exchange isn’t necessarily the experience to spotlight. Dig deep and dare to have a little fun here; your voice can convey your personality.

Short Tips for Short Answer Essay #4 The final required essay asks, “Can you please describe any experience or exposure you have in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and belonging whether through community organizations, personal, or in the workplace? (150 words max)

One of the goals at Berkeley Haas is to develop leaders who value diversity and aspire to create an inclusive environment in which people from different backgrounds feel welcomed and supported.

Some or many applicants will not have direct experience in supporting DEI, especially international candidates for whom the concept may be new.  Even so, it’s important to demonstrate awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion and to share one’s own exposure to the concepts and perhaps how they hope their time at Haas will add to their ability to be inclusive leaders. 

Remember that diversity can be much broader than race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Feel free to explore differences in national origin, class or lived experiences and the lessons you learned from these experiences. 

The optional questions remain the same.

One final change this year is that Berkeley Haas has moved to using the Common Letter of Recommendation from GMAC : This change eliminates one additional question specific to Haas that asked recommenders to explain how applicants reflect the value of “confidence without attitude.” Haas explained to us that they adopted this change to streamline the process, making it easier on many fronts for applicants, letter writers and programs.

Sign up for our free consultation to learn how we can offer more personalized coaching.to optimize your MBA application. 

Fortuna Admissions coach Dr. Sharon Joyce is the former associate director of admissions at Berkeley Haas. Fortuna Director Peter Johnson is Former Assistant Dean for the full-time MBA Program & Admissions at Berkeley Haas.

  • Posted on June 18, 2023

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Homepage > MBA Admissions > UC Berkeley Haas MBA essays 2022-2023 – Examples, Analysis and tips

UC Berkeley Haas MBA essays 2022-2023 – Examples, Analysis and tips

Posted by Atul Sharma | Jan 25, 2023 | Business Schools , MBA Admissions , MBA Application Process

UC Berkeley Haas MBA essays 2022-2023 – Examples, Analysis and tips

UC Berkeley Haas School of  Business  has retained the essay format from the last cycle for the 2022-2023 application season. Instead of the four essay questions in earlier cycles (3 required and 1 optional), the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business application now consists of 2 required essays and a series of optional short answer questions.   You are going to find the following types of essays in your UC Berkeley Haas MBA application:

  • Two required essays focused on your passion and leadership skills
  • A series of supplemental questions (optional) that are targeted toward your background, life circumstances, jobs, and academics
  • And one optional essay toward the end to help you convey additional information

UC Berkeley MBA Essays Analysis and Tips

In this article, we are going to analyze the UC Berkeley HAAS MBA essays, and provide you helpful tips on how to create an effective MBA application

Here is an outline of this article:

e-GMAT tips for UC Berkeley Haas MBA essay #1

Sample uc berkeley haas mba essay #1, e-gmat tips for uc berkeley haas mba essay #2, sample uc berkeley haas mba essay #2, common mistakes to avoid in your uc berkeley haas mba optional essays, mba application deadlines uc berkeley haas, uc berkeley haas mba essay #1.

Haas MBA Essay 1

“What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why?” (Word limit: 300)

Through this essay, the admission committee is looking to understand the influences that have shaped your decisions, and what motivates you. The admission committee goes through over 2000 applications every year, and the essays help them in selecting candidates who will add value to the MBA classroom as well as be successful in their post-MBA career goals. 

Here are some tips for you on how to answer this UC Berkeley Haas MBA essay question:

e-gmat tips for essay #1

Think beyond academics

The main motive behind this essay question is to convey what you are passionate about. The admission committee at UC Berkeley wants to make sure that besides having excellent academics and a professional career, you can also be a valuable addition to their community.

You can talk about the community work that you have been extensively involved in, or, you can write about a sport that has always been a significant part of your life. There are no right or wrong responses to this essay question. But it shouldn’t look like you have written about something just for the sake of the essay. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and how it makes you feel while you are involved in it.

Support your response with examples/anecdotes

The UC Berkeley Haas admission committee has to go through a large number of applications to fill their relatively small MBA class. Your answers to the UC Berkeley Haas MBA essays have a sleek chance of being unique. A lot of applicants may come up with essay responses similar to you, may it be some kind of community work, sports, arts, etc. To make a strong point for yourself, you need to support your response with an anecdote that demonstrates your involvement in whatever it is you are writing about.

Examples from your life can help you connect with your reader. The examples will help the admission committee imagine the kind of contribution they can expect from you at the UC Berkeley Haas community.

‘Why’ is as important as ‘What’

It’s great that you could think of something that ignites passion in you when you are doing it, and you could also demonstrate examples from your life about them. But your response won’t have the expected influence on your reader unless you can justify why you feel the fire while doing whatever it is.

The ‘why’ part of this MBA essay can help you reveal your inborn talents and skills. Does the community work you do make you feel more at peace? Do you play the sport because you feel the immense adrenaline rush while playing it? Are you good at managing teams to accomplish complex tasks for the community work? There has to be something that drives you to be so passionate about it. You need to figure out what motivates you and the driving force behind your actions.

sample essay #1

Here is an example of essay #1 from the UC Berkeley Haas MBA application.

Note : This sample is brief in nature and is just meant to give you an idea of how to develop an essay for your own application.

“I believe traveling is something that makes me feel the most alive. I have traveled to four Asian countries in the last four years. My first stint with traveling started when I was eighteen. Even when I lived in a small town in the suburbs of Odisha, India, I believed the world has far more to offer to me than I can imagine. I would spend my leisure hours reading books written by solo travelers and watching travel video blogs.

During my under-graduation, I started taking up freelance writing jobs. Also, I worked part-time at Subway to gather some funds for my travel. I did not want to burden my parents with my passion and took the matter in my own hands. With the little money I could save, I would travel to the nearby states in India. I have been to 18 Indian States. I would use my skills in written English to take up volunteer work to reduce my expenses.

In 2014, when I was in a distant village in Himachal Pradesh called Mana, I was helping an NGO called Save the Children. The NGO helps spread awareness on how one can have a better future through education. I taught primary level English language to the village kids. Since it was new for them, they would quickly get bored. I came up with an idea to reward them with a game of frisbee if they could stick with me through the lesson. It worked, and the kids loved the game. From the next day onwards, the kids came for the lessons in full attendance. I was there for 12 days, and I believe those were some of the best days of my life.

Just recently, I was going through Save the Children’s Facebook page, and I found out that the game of frisbee has become a routine for the kids in the village. I am glad I could make a little difference in the world. Right now, I have goose-bumps while I write this essay.”

UC Berkeley Haas MBA essay #2

Haas MBA essay #2

“ At Berkeley Haas, we are redefining leadership. We value different opinions and perspectives, recognizing that we always have more to learn about others’ lived experiences and histories. We encourage speaking up and listening, and courageously use our power to address barriers and drive change for positive impact.

Tell us how a Berkeley Haas MBA would enhance your leadership profile, incorporating specific examples.” (Word limit – 300)

The first UC Berkeley Haas MBA essay was directed towards one aspect of your character, passion. The second required UC Berkeley Haas MBA essay shifts the focus towards another important aspect of your personality and leadership skills. This essay gives you a chance to highlight how have you used the leadership quality in you to make an impact in any situation. If you analyze the second part of the essay prompt carefully, you will notice that UC Berkeley Haas is on a lookout for students who are aware of the social issues. If you have ever actively worked towards breaking barriers in the society or have been vocal about prevalent social issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, conservation of natural resources, equal rights for all races, etc., your application is in for a brownie point.

Let’s further analyze this essay topic along with some tips from e-GMAT on how to impress the admission committee through this essay:

e-GMAt tips for Haas MBA essay 2

Let your leadership skills take the front row seat

‘ power to address barriers and drive change for positive impact .’ This line of the essay prompt speaks volumes about what the admission committee is trying to seek from your response. You may have used your leadership skills to lead your team through complex situations at your job, or you may have been the voice of the less-confident ones outside work. Think of the times when your leadership characteristics were at the display, and how you would want to take them further with the help of the opportunities UC Berkeley Haas MBA has to offer. Reflect on your abilities and strength and highlight how you are going to use the resources during your MBA at Berkeley Haas to hone them further.

Highlight your career-goals

This essay question is closely related to your short-term and long-term career goals. Think about how you want your shape up your career, and how are you going to use your leadership virtue to get there. Berkeley has a lot of resources to offer to you to hone your leadership skills. Research on the clubs, alumni groups, and networks that can be of great use to you to improve your abilities. You can sight examples and highlight the leadership roles within the clubs or groups that you are excited about.

Sample Haas MBA essay #2

Here is an example of essay #2 from the Berkeley Haas MBA application.

After working for 5 years in an MNC as a Supply manager, I decided to quit and pursue a start-up to improve the efficiency in the transportation management section of the Supply chain industry. I started with a small team of five to develop an integrated software that could make the complete transportation and warehouse management system more automated than current systems. After a couple of months, one of my colleagues from my previous job, Samuel, decided to join me in my quest. I could not pay him the salary he received from our former employer, but he assured me that he is joining because he believed in my idea.

A couple of months into the job, I found out that Samuel was not as motivated towards our goal as everyone else in the team. He was a little too laid back and had to be constantly pushed to complete projects in time. He would do the minimum necessary and was not willing to put in any extra effort.

I had a tough decision at hand to either fire him and lose a talented and experienced employee, who could be a great resource for our company, or try to push and bring out the best in him. I went with the latter option. To encourage him to work mutually towards our goal, I enhanced our company’s bonus program. I made it a point in front of the whole team that as soon as the company started making some revenue, they would be the first ones to benefit from it.

The strategy worked. Not only did Samuel start to put in the extra effort, but the other employees also upped their game too. The product was ready in the next six months, and it was through Samuel’s network that we got a chance to showcase our product in front of a crowd of SCM experts in a supply chain conference held at New Delhi, India.

I believe, with the opportunities at UC Berkeley Haas, I would be able to hone my leadership skills further to be able to manage larger teams. I have a dream that my idea for the automated transportation management system reaches a larger supply chain network. And, with international exposure through the UC Berkeley Haas network combined with my polished leadership skills through its MBA program, I can work towards achieving this dream more efficiently.”

UC Berkeley Haas MBA optional essays

Haas MBA optional essays

Besides the two required essays, the UC Berkeley Haas MBA essay section has a series of optional essay-type questions that you may choose to answer. The optional essays can help you convey a broader picture of your character, experiences, opportunity, and background. Have a look at the optional essays asked in the UC Berkeley Haas MBA application:

  • If you have not provided a letter of recommendation from your current supervisor, please explain. If not applicable, enter N/A.
  • Name of organization or activity
  • Nature of organization or activity
  • Size of organization
  • Dates of involvement
  • Offices Held
  • The average number of hours spent per month

If not applicable, enter N/A.

  • List full-time and part-time jobs held during undergraduate or graduate studies indicating the employer, job title, employment dates, location, and the number of hours worked per week for each position held prior to the completion of your degree. If not applicable, enter N/A.
  • If you have ever been subject to academic discipline, placed on probation, suspended, or required to withdraw from any college or university, please explain. If not applicable, enter N/A. (An affirmative response to this question does not automatically disqualify you from admission).
  • This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include an explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate.

You can look at these essay questions from two perspectives. First, you can either answer only those questions that suit your circumstances, such as if you have not provided a letter of recommendation with your UC Berkeley Haas MBA application, or you were ever placed on probation or were suspended due to disciplinary reasons. Or, you can choose to answer the questions to give the admission committee a better understanding of your backgrounds, such as an achievement that you could not convey through any other part of your application or details about the part-time jobs you have held during your school or college years.

Common mistakes to avoid in Haas MBA optional essays

Answering optional questions irrelevant to your situation

While you may want to give deeper insights about your background to the admission committee through your optional essays, you must avoid attempting the optional essay questions that are irrelevant to your situation. For example, if you were not extensively involved in any part-time job or were involved in one for a very short period, you should refrain from attempting the optional essay question related to a part-time job. Because it is anyway not going to add any value to your application.

Repeating your accomplishments

The optional essay question towards the end of the UC Berkeley Haas MBA essay section is an opportunity for you to convey something qualitative about you that could not be done through other parts of your application. However, if you repeat any experience or achievements that have already been highlighted through your letter of recommendation, or any other essay, it may backfire on your part. The admission committee has to go through more than 2000 applications in a single phase. It may ridicule them go through the same content over again.

That was all about different types of UC Berkeley Haas MBA essays.

Here are a bunch of other articles related to UC Berkeley Haas MBA that can be helpful to you:

  • What is a good GMAT score for UC Berkeley Haas School of Business?
  • UC Berkeley Haas MBA Class Profile, employment report, and notable alumni

You can also take help from the following article for your UC Berkeley Haas MBA essays:

  • Five types of MBA essays
  • Overcoming low GMAT score through essays
  • Importance of MBA Essays in Business School applications
Do you aspire to get into the UC Berkeley Haas MBA Program? A 740+ GMAT score can significantly improve your chances of admission. Kickstart your GMAT preparation by  Signing up for our Free Trial ! For any queries, write to us at  [email protected] . We are the  most reviewed GMAT prep company on gmatclub  with more than 2100 reviews.

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Tips for Your Berkeley Haas Application Essays 

June 13, 2023

Melisa Prevost

Berkeley Haas Application Essay Tips, 2023–2024

It’s another exciting year in MBA applications, and Berkeley Haas has decided to meet that excitement with some changes to its application. While keeping the “what makes you feel alive” essay from years past, the adcom has made more official a goals essay and added a video essay. In addition, they reduced the number of short-answer questions and switched to accepting the Common Letter of Recommendation . As always, it will be key to demonstrate how you embrace or embody one or more of Haas’s four Defining Leadership Principles: Question the Status Quo, Confidence Without Attitude, Students Always, and Beyond Yourself. And now, the video essay directly asks you to do so. Through these principles, Haas makes culture a differentiator, and Haas’s culture is extremely important and valued. Make sure you show that you understand this element of its MBA program, and share how you will contribute to and enrich it.

The school’s optional essay, which continues to demonstrate Haas’s commitment to understanding its applicants’ unique paths, allows you to articulate how the events of your life have affected you. While some schools ask about your background as a part of the application, Haas takes this to a higher level by giving you 300 words in which to share your story.

As a smaller MBA program, Haas wants to know how you will fit into and contribute to its very close-knit, collaborative, and student-driven community. Be authentic and write about who you are—not who you think Haas wants you to be. Find a comfortable spot with your beverage of choice and think about the following questions: Why do you want an MBA? Why now? And why Haas? Use the school’s application essays to share your unique answers.

Free: Download Stratus Admissions’ Guide to Getting into Berkeley Haas School of Business

What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why (300 words maximum).

When thinking about how to respond to this prompt, you can also consider what you are passionate about and why. A great way to start this essay is with a quick story (of maybe 100–150 words) describing a memorable experience that illustrates what makes you feel alive. Finish the story by explicitly stating your answer so that the admissions team doesn’t have to guess.

The bulk of your essay, or the remaining 150–200 words, should explain why this passion is important to you and how this ties back into your overall story. Although your activity does not need to be directly tied to your goals, it should enhance your application. It doesn’t have to connect directly to your career goals, but you do want to be explicit about how this passion will support you in the pursuit of your goals. You could also communicate how your story has influenced you or helped you gain perspective. After you have written your essay, have someone who knows you well read it—and make sure they pick up on the themes you are trying to present.

How will an MBA help you achieve your short-term and long-term career goals? (300 words max)

Here, Haas has taken last year’s 150-word short-answer question about immediate short-term goals and given you expanded word count to talk more about your professional trajectory. When writing a goals essay, consider starting with the end in mind. What problem do you want to solve long term in your career? Then, work to determine what might be your first post-MBA role to make a step toward that goal. Next, clarify why you have chosen this path—was it a professional experience? Are you wanting to pivot to a personal passion? The larger the change, the more in-depth your reasoning needs to be. And finally, identify what you need from an MBA and Haas to achieve these goals. Where do you need to grow? What resources at Haas might help you get there? And how will you get involved in or contribute to those clubs, centers, and/or experiences to give back to the Haas community?

Essay #3 – Video

The Berkeley MBA program develops leaders who embody our four Defining Leadership Principles . Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee, explain which leadership principle resonates most with you, and tell us how you have exemplified the principle in your personal or professional life. (Not to exceed 2 minutes.)

And here is the newest element of the application! Think of this video as a way to highlight how you embody a Haas Defining Leadership Principle and to fill in any gaps in your story that are not revealed in your other essays. Keep in mind that two minutes is roughly equal to 300 words.

Start by introducing yourself. For the introduction, think about what is important for the admissions team to know about you. Keep in mind all the information you are sharing across the application, and try not to be redundant in your introduction.

Next, state which core principle resonates with you and give a brief explanation as to why. Finally, give an example of how you have embodied that core principle. Your story can be from either your professional life or your personal life. Also, consider using the STAR (situation, task, action, result) or CAR (context, action, and result) approach when telling the story.

Can you please describe any experience or exposure you have in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging whether through community organizations, personal, or in the workplace? (300 words max) 

It is extremely helpful that Haas is including its short answers with its essays. While this question was asked last year in a different part of the application, it now is getting full billing as an application essay. This highlights the importance with which Haas views DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging—with “belonging” being new to the question this year). In your response, Haas is looking for you to highlight how you play a role in creating inclusive environments. One of the beauties of the Haas community is that as part of a small class, you will have the opportunity and necessity to interact with classmates from other cultures, geographies, industries, and lifestyles. Haas wants you to share a story that helps show that you will make the most of this diversity and further the school’s inclusive culture. Think about times when you have worked with others that are different from you. In addition to the obvious examples of geography and background, you could consider times when you’ve worked across generations or various working styles, or when you’ve helped others contribute their best to a group. Given that 150 words is pretty short, be sure to spend enough time describing your actions while ensuring that you fully explain the situation and result.

Optional Information #1

We invite you to help us better understand the context of your opportunities and achievements..

This optional essay shows Haas’s commitment to diversity across all levels. The admissions team wants to know what experiences have shaped your path and the skills these experiences have taught you. Some call it grit or resilience, but find your own way to describe it. As with the other parts of the application, be honest and genuine. In your elaboration, focus on how these experiences have influenced your life, goals, and future plans. However, you only want to answer this question if it truly applies to you. Use your best judgment.

Optional Information #2

This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. this may include explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. you are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate..

This question needs to be addressed only if there are gaps in your employment or some other element of your candidacy for which providing some background or context would be helpful. Some other examples would be if your transcript resembles Swiss cheese, with holes or bad grades scattered throughout, or if you don’t feel you have the necessary quantitative caliber or sufficient experience. Avoid making this essay “flowery” or overly descriptive; just focus on the facts, offer your explanation(s)—not excuses—and describe any actions you took to mitigate the issue. There is a separate question about recommender choice, so that does not need to be included here. This essay does not even need to be an essay at all; it should be kept concise and used judiciously.

Supplemental Information

– if you have not provided a letter of recommendation from your current supervisor, please explain. if not applicable, enter n/a., – list, in order of importance, significant community and professional organizations and extracurricular activities in which you have been involved during or after university studies. include the following information for each using the format below:, – name of organization or activity, – nature of organization or activity, – size of organization, – dates of involvement, – offices held, – average number of hours spent per month, – list full-time and part-time jobs held during undergraduate or graduate studies indicating the employer, job title, employment dates, location, and the number of hours worked per week for each position held prior to the completion of your degree., – if you have ever been subject to academic discipline, placed on probation, suspended, or required to withdraw from any college or university, please explain. if not, please enter n/a. (an affirmative response to this question does not automatically disqualify you from admission.).

Simply use these short answers to provide the requested facts and explanations. Be clear and concise with your responses.

In Stratus Admissions’ Guide to Getting into Berkeley Haas School of Business , you will find information on a variety of the MBA program’s offerings, such as tailgating, the Berkeley Haas Entrepreneurship Program, and Consumption Functions. Download your free copy today!

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Haas MBA Essay Examples

Haas School of Business MBA Essay Examples

Haas essay examples can be a great starting point to find inspiration in writing your own MBA admissions essays for Berkeley Haas. The Haas School of Business at the University of Berkeley is one of the best MBA programs in the world and home to one of the best part-time MBA programs . Competition is fierce, so every part of your application needs to be stellar, including your Haas essays. In this blog, we’ll look at the Haas business school essay requirements, how to write a great Haas MBA essay and some Haas essay examples.

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Article Contents 7 min read

How to write an mba personal statement for haas school of business.

Haas uses your MBA admission essays to learn more about your candidacy and see how well you fit with the Haas School of Business Culture. Haas takes a holistic review of your application, so the admissions committee considers all the personal and professional experiences, achievements and opportunities you share in your application when deciding on admissions decisions. Haas also examines how you fit with the school’s core values, which are:

  • Question the Status Quo
  • Confidence Without Attitude
  • Students Always
  • Beyond Yourself

Berkeley Haas is at the top of MBA rankings , and the requirements for the Haas essays are specific. Your MBA personal statement is an opportunity to strengthen your application by standing out and diversifying yourself in a pool of competitive applicants, so acing the Haas essays is important. You should not be restating accomplishments from your MBA resume or relisting your best MBA extracurriculars for these essays. It’s important to dig deep, address the prompts head-on, and demonstrate maturity, personal growth and passion for your industry and career.

Wherever possible, demonstrate how you align with Haas’s 4 core values and how you will contribute as a student of the program. If you have unique career goals that will disrupt the status quo of your industry, talk about it in your essay. If you are eager to advance yourself in your chosen career field by studying the latest innovations in business, make this a focus in your essay.

The Haas admissions essays also have a very short word count limit, so every word counts!

If you’re not sure where to start with drafting your essay for Haas, you can look into an MBA essay writing service for feedback on your writing, or have an MBA admission consulting service review your application with you.

MBA requirements often include admissions essays or an MBA personal statement. There are 2 required admissions essays for the Haas MBA program and 2 optional “essays” or supplemental information.

The required MBA essay topics center on Haas’s core values, and are deeply personal, self-reflective questions. The MBA essay questions for Haas are:

  • What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (300 words maximum)
  • What kind of leader do you aspire to be, and why? (300 words max)

The format for these required essays is short essay, with an introduction, body paragraph and conclusion. They should be double-spaced and no longer than 300 words. The word limit is a bit more restrictive than most MBA programs, so it is absolutely crucial to revise your essay for maximum impact. You need to get straight to the point, address the prompt and cut out any unnecessary details. Writing an essay in under 300 words is tricky, but it can create an opportunity to stand out.

For the Haas MBA essays, your answer can be more personal, focus more on your professional accomplishments, or both. There is no guidance on the content of your essay, so it will be up to you to decide what experiences and accomplishments best answer the essay prompts. Take the time to reflect on the essay questions and take notes on which life experiences you have answer them best.

Check Out Our Podcast for More Free & Useful Content ","buttonText":"go to podcast","buttonColor":"#ff6600","bannerUnderText":null,"belowButtonText1":null,"belowButtonText2":null,"trustpilot":false}" :url=""https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/ca\/podcast\/bemo-admissions-experts-podcast\/id1642349082"" code="bannerpodcast" background-color="#000000" button-color="#ff6600" banner-image> Here are some brainstorming questions you can ask yourself to get started for Haas essay #1:

Here are some brainstorming questions you can ask yourself to get started for haas essay #2:.

Once you’ve written down some answers to these questions in bullet or point form, try condensing your answer down into a single point or main idea. You won’t have a lot of room for details, so try to pick one answer for each essay. Once you have the central idea of your essay, draft an outline with an introduction paragraph, a body paragraph and a conclusion. Once you’ve written a draft, work on cutting it down to fit within the word count by eliminating unnecessary details or words. Aim for no more than 500 words in your first draft, so it is easier to cut down to a lean 300 words or less.

Want some tips for writing an MBA personal statement?

Haas Optional Essays

The Haas optional essays or supplemental essays are a little more vague, and do not have a strict word count limit or formatting requirements. You can certainly write a short essay, but you can also use bullet points to provide additional information in this section. The “optional essay” prompts for Haas are:

  • We invite you to help us better understand the context of your opportunities and achievements.
  • This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate.

Use this section as an opportunity to add something to your application to help distinguish you from other applicants. For instance, in response to the first prompt you might submit an MBA diversity essay . The second prompt gives you an opening to explain gaps in your MBA resume or explain a low GPA in your MBA application. If you want to know how to apply to an MBA while unemployed , you can use this section to provide context around your unemployed status and how earning a Haas MBA will help your career.

While the optional essays can be an aid to your application in specific circumstances, they are not required to be filled out. Use this section strategically and focus on acing the required Haas essays first.

Below are some MBA personal statement examples for Haas School of Business. These are written in response to the Haas MBA required essay prompts:

Haas Essay Example #1

Prompt: What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (300 words max)

Rock climbing has been my hobby for over a decade, and it is one of the things that has challenged me, fueled me and changed my perspective the most. Rock climbing requires focus, commitment, problem-solving and adaptability. It demands a great deal of physical strength, flexibility and endurance, as well as mental toughness and focus. To make an ascent, you need to be fully present in your body and mind, and 100% dialed into what you are doing every step of the climb.

Rock climbing is something that has made me hyper-aware of my own mental and physical state and the challenges I face on the wall, but it’s also something that has given me unparalleled rewards. Climbing gives you a sense of peace that is meditative. Your world shrinks to you and the rock wall in front of you. Every breath, every heartbeat and bit of effort counts towards your goal. When you reach the peak, there’s something fulfilling about standing up, exhaling and taking in the view at the top. Compared to the climb, which can take hours, not to mention the weeks or even months of preparation, the reward is a few minutes of drinking in the sights. But the reward of that view is worth it every single time.

That moment at the peak is something you would never be able to take in with your own eyes if you hadn’t put in the work and completed the climb. Even if you have to abandon your climb and try again, or find a new way up the wall, you can always come back and face the challenge. And I’ve found there’s nothing quite like knowing you finished something extraordinary and realized the reward at the end was actually small compared to the reward of the journey. (300 words).

Preparing for an interview at Haas School of Business? Here are the MBA interview question types you need to know

Haas Essay Example #2

Prompt: What kind of leader do you aspire to be, and why? (300 words max)

I aspire to be the kind of leader who doesn’t leave their team behind, who takes responsibility and leads by example. I believe this is the kind of leadership that is most effective and inspirational, and I am fortunate to know someone who embodies this kind of leadership to inspire me.

My friend, Tom Watson, owns his own business. He began as a startup founder, and over the years has grown his team from one to over 150 employees. Tom believes every victory the company has seen is a shared victory for the team. He makes it a point to regularly ask for input from his team members and listen to their points of view. He knows every birthday, the names of every employee’s kids, and he doesn’t miss an opportunity to offer constructive criticism or praise when needed. As a result, Tom’s team not only enjoys high morale, but a happier and more positive workplace. Whenever I visit Tom’s offices, I am blown away by the collaborative spirit at work. Despite some setbacks in Tom’s business, he and his team have managed to come through each one stronger than before.

I have often asked Tom for advice, and by far his favorite piece of advice on leadership is to care. He cares about his business, he cares about his team which makes the business possible. As someone who has worked on many different teams with leaders of different management styles, I can see that Tom’s leadership style does make a difference, both in the business, for the employees and for Tom himself. If my goal is to be the best leader I can be, I know it must start with being the kind of leader I’d want to follow. (290 words).

Your Haas MBA essay is written in short-essay format, in response to 2 prompts. The Haas essays should provide the admissions committee with some insight into who you are and what drives you in a personal and professional sense.

The word count limit for Haas MBA is 300 words.

The four core values of Haas School of Business are: Question the Status Quo, Confidence Without Attitude, Students Always and Beyond Yourself.

The MBA program at Berkeley Haas is one of the top MBA programs in the US and the world. It ranks in the top 10 worldwide and the top 5 in the US among business schools.

Getting your MBA at Haas is definitely worth it. It is considered one of the best business schools in the world and is known for its quality education in business. 

MBA acceptance rates in the US are competitive, and the Haas School of Business has one of the most competitive acceptance rates in the country. The school is considered very selective among business schools. 

The MBA essay questions for Haas School of Business are similar to MBA interview questions in that they are quite personal and require some serious thought and reflection. The first essay question asks what makes you feel most alive and why, and the second essay question asks what kind of leader you want to be. These can be examined from a personal point of view or a professional point of view. 

Haas Business School uses a holistic review of all its applicants. The admissions committee wants to see that you are a good fit for Haas and that the program can give you something no other program can. The admissions committee also wants to see that you demonstrate the school’s core values in your personal and professional life. If you’re not sure how to choose the right MBA program for you, research the school thoroughly first to see what opportunities it can provide you.

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Haas MBA Essays: Tips for 2023-2024

At Menlo Coaching, we noticed that most MBA essays will fall into one of a number of categories: personal essays, career goals essays, behavioral essays, etc. Read ahead for our expert guide on approaching these essays for Haas School of Business. 

The Personal Statement Essay

  • What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (text box, 300 words maximum)

The Career Goals Essay

  • How will an MBA help you achieve your short-term and long-term career goals? (300 words max)

The Video Essay

The Berkeley MBA program develops leaders who embody our four  Defining Leadership Principles .

  • Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee, explain which leadership principle resonates most with you, and tell us how you have exemplified the principle in your personal or professional life. (Not to exceed 2 minutes.)

The Diversity Essay

  • Can you please describe any experience or exposure you have in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging whether through community organizations, personal, or in the workplace? (300 words max)

Optional Essays

  • Optional Information #1: We invite you to help us better understand the context of your opportunities and achievements.
  • Optional Information #2: This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate.

Finally, Berkeley Haas also asks applicants for supplemental information , which include some additional prompts .

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Applying to UC Berkeley Haas

In this program, students are encouraged “to take risks and make mistakes.” They are looking for students who are moved to create. Through the story you relate in your essay, the admissions council is looking to see if you reflect the same values that the school does. Berkeley Haas is looking for students who are looking to develop their emotional intelligence and eager to use rigorous analysis. The best way to represent that you possess those qualities is through the type of essay you choose to write. 

Like we touched on earlier, schools are looking for the right fit for their campus community, just as you are searching for the school that aligns best with your goals. In the personal essay, this is your chance to show Berkeley Haas the values that drive you both as a person and as a student. These values tell the admissions council what you prioritize, the moral code you live by, and, most importantly, who you are as a person.

Berkeley Haas is looking for applicants who want to contribute to a larger purpose. The program is dedicated to students completing their own research and analysis in order to make decisions. They encourage intelligent risks. 

In these essays, you can talk about almost anything; typically, applicants will write about relationships in their lives, or times when there was a hardship they had to overcome. Be warned, though: there are some topics to avoid, and we have outlined a few things to watch out for in this article . 

You’re not the only one hoping you’ll have a job after you’ve graduated with your MBA. Admissions committees are looking for students who are motivated and clear in their intentions so that when they get a job post-grad, they’ll be more willing to speak positively of their experience in the program. And, of course, in the hopes that their alumni will earn enough money to become a donor to the school one day.  

There are three aspects to the career goals essay: 

  • What you want your future profession to look like.
  • Why an MBA is necessary to advance your career.
  • Particularly, why a degree from Berkeley Haas will be most beneficial to you and your job plan. 

Your aspirations need to be convincing, ambitious, and realistic. Berkeley Haas is looking for applicants who have meaningful goals grounded in their past experiences, and it’s important that you relate that notion in your essay, however it applies to your experience in life. 

Berkeley’s MBA video essay specifically pertains to their defining leadership principles, meaning that you will need to consider how your strengths as a leader reflect the values sought after by Haas.

But in terms of practical steps to take when recording, here is our advice:

  • Practice—but don’t memorize:  it’s always clear if someone has memorized what they intend to say in a video essay verbatim, and this can make your content seem staged and inauthentic. If you find that you’re repeating the same speech over and over again, change the first sentence. You’ll be surprised at how this will throw you off!
  • Make sure that your setting is appropriate:  you want to make sure that your lighting is good and that there are no empty tequila bottles in the background.
  • Speak slowly and clearly:  clear diction can make a big difference when it comes to reviewing your video essay.

If you are interested to know more about what Haas looks for in its students and, indeed, their video essays, you can head to our page on  Berkeley Haas admissions basics .

The Behavioral Essay (Diversity)

To make it simple: the behavioral essay is meant to show the team at Berkeley Haas that you have developed some sort of leadership skills, what your values are as a leader, and how you are going to most benefit from their development programs in terms of your experience with and exposure to DEI, justice, and belonging.

The admissions committee is looking for applicants that are self-reflective. Whether it’s through a setback you’ve experienced, or how you dealt with situations that have gone awry, the school is looking for students who are resilient and able to learn from their mistakes.

Do not overexaggerate (or underexaggerate!) the situations you decide to write about. Be honest about what happened; the Haas School of Business is looking for genuine people to join their campus community, and they are less likely to admit an applicant who has overinflated their prior experiences. 

Last but not least, make sure to describe what you learned and how you implemented this in a subsequent situation. This is an expected element of the behavioral essay, even if it’s not directly written in the prompt. The school is looking for applicants who will act with humility, and have confidence without attitude. Prompts that deal with these topics can be daunting, especially when they require you to write about a weakness you have or a failure you’ve experienced. 

Optional Essay

An unusual aspect of the Haas application is that they have two optional essays: one traditional optional essay, in which you can elaborate on or clarify any element of your application you feel requires further consideration, and an additional family information essay, in which you can expand on your family background and any unusual life circumstances that could fortify your overall application.

One trap that MBA applicants fall into is using the additional space provided by the optional essay to write on a whole new topic. However, this is not always the best idea.

You should only make use of this essay if you what you write will provide context to an element of your application to improve your candidacy—you don’t want to jeopardize your chances by adding unnecessary noise to your application.

Supplemental Information

Finally, UC Berkeley’s Haas MBA program has some additional prompts pertaining to your application. Here you will have the opportunity to detail activities that enhance your MBA profile as well as explain any peculiarities in your application.

Supplemental Information Prompts 2023-2024

1. If you have not provided a letter of recommendation from your current supervisor, please explain. If not applicable, enter N/A. (text box, no word limit)

2. List, in order of importance, up to five significant community and professional organizations and extracurricular activities in which you have been involved during or after university studies. Include the following information for each using the format below:

  • Name of organization or activity
  • Nature of organization or activity
  • Size of organization
  • Dates of involvement
  • Offices held
  • Average number of hours spent per month

If not applicable, enter N/A. (text box, no word limit)

3. List full-time and part-time jobs held during undergraduate or graduate studies indicating the employer, job title, employment dates, location, and the number of hours worked per week for each position held prior to the completion of your degree. If not applicable, enter N/A. (text box, no word limit)

4. If you have ever been subject to academic discipline, placed on probation, suspended, or required to withdraw from any college or university, please explain. If not, please enter N/A. (An affirmative response to this question does not automatically disqualify you from admission.) (text box, no word limit)

Writing strong, coherent, genuine stories is an essential part of your MBA application. These essays are meant to help you stand out among many other applicants, so it is worth your time to do the work and write about situations unique to your life and that you truly learned from.

Wrestling with Haas’ MBA admissions essays? Let our seasoned consultants alleviate the stress by providing expert guidance on essay crafting. Explore our MBA consultants and take your application to the next level.

Related Articles

  • UC Berkeley Haas MBA Program Overview
  • MBA Essay Tips From 3 Top Admissions Consultants
  • How to Get Into MBA Programs at Top Business Schools

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UC Berkeley Haas MBA Essays for the Class of 2026

Haas MBA essays

Are you interested in the full-time MBA program at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business ? Then let the brainstorming begin! Here are the updated Haas MBA essays and deadlines for the 2023-2024 application cycle.

UC Berkeley Haas MBA Essays

Required essay #1.

What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (300 words maximum)

Required Essay #2

How will an MBA help you achieve your short-term and long-term career goals? (300 words maximum)

Required Essay #3-Video

The Berkeley MBA program develops leaders who embody our four  Defining Leadership Principles . Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee, explain which leadership principle resonates most with you, and tell us how you have exemplified the principle in your personal or professional life. (Not to exceed 2 minutes.)

Required Essay #4-Short Answer

Can you please describe any experience or exposure you have in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging whether through community organizations, personal, or in the workplace? (300 words max)

Haas MBA essays

Optional Essays

The admissions team takes a holistic approach to application review and seeks to understand all aspects of a candidate’s character, qualifications, and experiences. We will consider achievements in the context of the opportunities available to a candidate. Some applicants may have faced hardships or unusual life circumstances, and we will consider the maturity, perseverance, and thoughtfulness with which they have responded to and/or overcome them.

Optional Information #1

We invite you to help us better understand the context of your opportunities and achievements.

Optional Information #2 

This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate.

Supplemental Information

If you have not provided a letter of recommendation from your current supervisor, please explain. If not applicable, enter N/A.

List, in order of importance, significant community and professional organizations and extracurricular activities in which you have been involved during or after university studies. Include the following information for each using the format below:

  • Name of organization or activity
  • Nature of organization or activity
  • Size of organization
  • Dates of involvement
  • Offices held
  • Average number of hours spent per month

List full-time and part-time jobs held during undergraduate or graduate studies indicating the employer, job title, employment dates, location, and the number of hours worked per week for each position held prior to the completion of your degree.

If you have ever been subject to academic discipline, placed on probation, suspended, or required to withdraw from any college or university, please explain. If not, please enter N/A (An affirmative response to this question does not automatically disqualify you from admission.

For more information on applying, please visit the Haas School admissions website . If you need guidance on your Haas MBA essays and application or wish to discuss your business school plans, don’t hesitate to reach out for a complimentary analysis of your candidacy. We’re here to help! Meanwhile, here’s a snapshot of the AdCom expertise on our consulting team:

haas mba application essay

Haas at Twilight image by Flickr user Wayne Hsieh (CC BY-NC 2.0)

haas mba application essay

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2023-2024 Berkeley Haas MBA Essay Analysis and Tips

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  • August 13, 2023

Berkeley Haas has been at the vanguard of addressing inclusivity in business schools and beyond, seeking to foster a community that reflects genuine plurality in every sense of the word. 

As a result, Haas seeks individuals who display self- and situational awareness, which is an encouragement to be both introspective and genuine in your writings – and a requirement to conduct research that goes beyond a website review.

Berkeley Haas has one of the smallest classes among top-tier MBA programs with around 250 students admitted every year. The class of 2024 consists of 247 students with an average GMAT score of 729 and average work experience of 5.6 years

Getting into such a highly selective MBA program requires you to ace every component of your application particularly the essay section.

Berkeley Haas MBA essay analysis and tips

In this article, we’ll look at the Berkeley Haas essay prompts for the 2024 intake and present their analysis to help you write essays that impress the Berkeley Haas MBA admissions committee.

Berkeley Haas MBA essays 2024 intake

Berkeley haas mba essay 2024 analysis, let us help you get into berkeley haas.

What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (300 words maximum)

How will an MBA help you achieve your short-term and long-term career goals? (300 words max)

Essay 3 (Video)

The Berkeley MBA program develops leaders who embody our four  Defining Leadership Principles . Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee, explain which leadership principle resonates most with you, and tell us how you have exemplified the principle in your personal or professional life. (Not to exceed 2 minutes.)

Essay 4 (Short Answer)

Can you please describe any experience or exposure you have in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging whether through community organizations, personal, or in the workplace? (300 words max)

Optional Information

The admissions team takes a holistic approach to application review and seeks to understand all aspects of a candidate’s character, qualifications, and experiences. We will consider achievements in the context of the opportunities available to a candidate. Some applicants may have faced hardships or unusual life circumstances, and we will consider the maturity, perseverance, and thoughtfulness with which they have responded to and/or overcome them.

Optional Information #1

We invite you to help us better understand the context of your opportunities and achievements.

Optional Information #2 

This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate.

Supplemental Information

  • If you have not provided a letter of recommendation from your current supervisor, please explain. If not applicable, enter N/A.
  • Name of organization or activity
  • Nature of organization or activity
  • Size of organization
  • Dates of involvement
  • Offices held
  • Average number of hours spent per month
  • List full-time and part-time jobs held during undergraduate or graduate studies indicating the employer, job title, employment dates, location, and the number of hours worked per week for each position held prior to the completion of your degree.
  • If you have ever been subject to academic discipline, placed on probation, suspended, or required to withdraw from any college or university, please explain. If not, please enter N/A. (An affirmative response to this question does not automatically disqualify you from admission.)

The admissions committee wants to know how your decisions have been affected by outside factors and what drives you. The committee that decides who gets into the MBA program looks at more than 2,000 applications every year. The essays help them choose people who will be good in the classroom and will be able to reach their career goals after they get their MBA.

Here are some tips on answering this UC Berkeley Haas MBA essay question.

Go Beyond your job and grades

Your response to this essay question should demonstrate your level of enthusiasm for the topic at hand. The admissions committee at UC Berkeley wants to make sure that you can be a valued member of their community in addition to having good academics and a professional job.

You can write about a sport that has always played a key role in your life, or you can discuss your broad involvement in community activities. 

This essay question has no right or wrong answer. The essay should not, however, appear as if you have written on something merely because you were assigned to do so. Make it clear how much you enjoy the activity and how it makes you feel when you are a part of it.

Use anecdotes to back up your claims.

To fill a relatively small MBA class, the UC Berkeley Haas admissions committee must go through a large number of applications. 

Your essays for the UC Berkeley Haas MBA program will have a good chance of being one of a kind if you follow these simple guidelines. Many applicants, whether they’re involved in community service, sports, the arts, or something else, may submit essays that sound a lot like yours. 

Anecdotes that indicate your personal engagement in the topic you’re writing about are essential if you want to build a compelling argument for yourself.

Using examples from your own experience might help you establish a personal connection with your audience. You can use these examples to demonstrate to the admissions committee your potential value to the UC Berkeley Haas community.

Think of ‘Why’ over ‘What’

Your ability to recall and share personal examples from your own experiences while performing an activity that piques your interest is commendable. In order for your reaction to have the desired effect on the reader, you must be able to explain why you are experiencing the burning sensation while performing whatever action you have chosen.

This MBA essay’s ‘why’ section might assist you in revealing your innate abilities and qualities. Undertake you feel better at ease because of the work you do in the community? Do you participate in this sport because it gives you such a rush of adrenaline? Do you have the ability to lead a team of people to complete challenging community service projects? Something must compel you to care so much about it. You must identify the source of your inspiration and the impetus for your actions.

  • Start by introducing what truly excites you – whether it’s a sport, travel, or hobby that makes you come alive.
  • Dive into why this passion ignites such a strong response, whether it’s the rush of adrenaline, a sense of purpose, or the joy of self-discovery.
  • Conclude by summarizing your ongoing dedication to this pursuit, emphasizing the positive impact it has brought to your life.

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Essay 2 Analysis

This question demands a comprehensive coverage of your short and long term goals within tight space constraints. It’s beneficial to review other essays, observing how they craft narratives despite word limits. By identifying common writing patterns, you can devise strategies for your own response. The essence of a successful essay for this question lies in preparedness, effort, and shaping a clearly defined outline.

How to write Essay 2

Focus on transitions.

Establishing effective linkages between your short-term and long-term goals is crucial to create a flow of ideas and a coherent thought process in your MBA application.

When discussing your short-term goals, lay down a foundation that paves the way for your long-term aspirations.

View your short-term goals as integral stepping stones toward your future. Emphasize the significance of these short-term objectives as valuable experiences that are essential for achieving your long-term ambitions.

As you transition to your long-term goals, draw the connection by highlighting how your short-term achievements and skills will contribute directly to your larger vision.

Conclude your discussion on long-term goals by emphasizing the pivotal role that pursuing an MBA plays in your journey. 

Create markers

The standard MBA application question about your short-term and long-term goals, utmost clarity in your responses is essential. Not only due to word limits, but also for demonstrating your consideration, efficient articulation, and a well-defined trajectory. Include explicit markers in your answers, specifying your desired location, envisioned role, and areas of focus. Evade vagueness by providing clearly outlined information that leaves no room for ambiguity.

  • Start by outlining your short-term goals, briefly introducing your current job role, and explaining the origins of these aspirations.
  • Elaborate on the significance of your short-term goals as essential stepping stones and valuable life lessons that will equip you for the journey toward your long-term objectives.
  • Transition to your long-term goals, providing a clear outline of their importance and the broader impact you aim to achieve through their realization.
  • Conclude by discussing the benefits an MBA will bestow upon your pursuit of these goals, highlighting the  role it will play in your path toward achieving your long-term goals.

The Berkeley MBA program develops leaders who embody our four Defining Leadership Principles. Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee, explain which leadership principle resonates most with you, and tell us how you have exemplified the principle in your personal or professional life. (Not to exceed 2 minutes.)

Video Essay Analysis

The video essay condenses to approximately 300 spoken words within a two-minute span.

To excel, conduct thorough research on the defining principles. Prioritize not only refining your delivery, eye contact, and presentation skills, but also crafting a concise outline of your content.

It’s advisable to script your essay instead of improvising or relying solely on keywords. This approach minimizes retakes caused by errors or subtle issues that may go unnoticed during impromptu delivery. Writing down your essay aids in time efficiency and ensures a polished performance.

How to create the Berkeley Haas MBA Video Essay

Embody the ‘defining principles’.

Among the four defining principles, ‘Question the Status Quo,’ ‘Confidence Without Attitude,’ and ‘Beyond Yourself,’ your video essay provides an avenue to showcase your affinity for one of these principles. After identifying the principle that resonates with you, illustrate how you’ve embodied it by surmounting challenges or instigating a movement.

Pinpoint an event and outline the strategic steps you initiated to drive its progress. Uncover the intrinsic significance of both the chosen principle and the project, illuminating the underlying reasons for your commitment. For instance, if ‘Question the Status Quo’ strikes a chord, delve into why challenging established norms holds personal value.

Remain concise

The brief time allotted aims to assess your ability to deliver a compelling ‘elevator pitch.’

Your task is to convincingly present yourself as a strong candidate with well-organized thoughts and ideas. Opt for a focused approach, avoiding radical departures or excessive verbiage.

Eliminate filler words like ‘umm,’ ‘ohh,’ and ‘ahh’ that may crop up due to nerves. Rehearse diligently to refine your delivery. Prioritize information directly related to answering the question, omitting unnecessary details.

Essay 4 Analysis

This question aims to uncover your abilities as a team member, specifically your ability to enhance team dynamics by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

It seeks insights into your approach to self-education on DEI, facilitating discussions, creating an inclusive space for all members, and devising strategies to embed DEI principles in your endeavors. These aspects offer insights not only into your personal identity but also into your teamwork capabilities.

When discussing your experiences, choose to highlight initiatives such as established policies, corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects, or extensive philanthropic volunteering engagements. This aligns with the question’s exploration of your awareness of justice and belonging. To ensure cohesiveness, focus on activities that have been ongoing for several years and that you are genuinely passionate about. Construct a narrative that delves into your motivation, intentions, and future aspirations. Illustrate these points through anecdotes while ensuring you address the aforementioned aspects.

How to write Essay 4

Research thoroughly.

Take the time to read about DEI and delve into common practices within workspaces. Create a list encompassing key ideas, words, and phrases associated with DEI. Building this database of knowledge empowers you to discuss the topic with greater precision, highlighting your familiarity with its nuances and mechanisms. This initiative demonstrates your dedication to going beyond the basics of DEI, showcasing a deeper level of involvement that enhances your resume.

Please read this article to gain a deeper understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) .

Common DEI Practices

  • Representation and inclusion
  • Unconscious bias training
  • Affinity groups
  • Mentorship and sponsorship programs
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Diversity recruitment strategies
  • Inclusive leadership training
  • Employee resource groups
  • Accessibility and accommodations
  • Cultural competency workshops
  • Employee surveys and feedback mechanisms
  • Diverse interview panels
  • Transparency and accountability
  • Intersectionality awareness

Framework for Essay 4

  • Start by highlighting the specific attributes of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) that resonate with you. Explain why integrating DEI principles is significant for both your personal and professional spheres.
  • Detail the actions you’ve undertaken to advance DEI. Whether through organizing events, engaging in volunteering activities, or implementing strategies within your workplace, emphasize how you’ve actively pursued DEI goals.
  • Conclude by briefly outlining your future intentions for sustaining and expanding these efforts across all aspects of your life. Highlight how you plan to carry forward your commitment to DEI in all your future endeavors.

Optional Questions

Please bear in mind that this MBA essay is entirely optional, so there is no need to feel pressured into making a big deal out of something little in order to add extra content to your application. Spend some time thinking about it, and then explain to the admissions committee how the events brought up in their questions or in other scenarios impacted you.

Haas is interested in uncovering the less obvious variables that have had a greater impact on the lives, opportunities, decisions, and character of candidates. 

Overall, Haas is aiming to acquire a better grasp of the background from which a candidate has evolved, both professionally and personally. 

This includes both the candidate’s past experiences and their current ones. 

In case you go ahead and answer these optional questions, remember that these questions encourage you to reflect on your mindset and the extent to which you are able to bounce back from challenges. 

The most important part of this essay is that you rapidly set the context, and then you expand on how you dealt with the circumstance, as well as how much you matured as a result of it.

It is essential to keep in mind that you should steer clear of engaging in a “blame game” and instead concentrate on determining the factors that led to your actions. 

The most crucial thing for you to do is to give an explanation (or account) for your actions and briefly comment on the reasons why the scenario was challenging for you. After all, overcoming adversity to achieve one’s goals is an essential component of resilience.

Optional Essay 2

You should think carefully about how to answer this question because writing an essay that isn’t required gives the person reading the applications more work to do. 

This is a good place to talk about special circumstances that have affected your academic or professional background, to talk about weaknesses in your application, or explain why you chose an unusual recommender. 

The wording of this question is broad enough that you may also choose to talk about a part of your background that isn’t shown in other application components.

However, you will need to show good judgment in doing so, which means that the information should be of a kind that makes a real difference to your application, and you should sum up the information as briefly as possible.

In the UC Berkeley Haas MBA essay section, in addition to the two required essays, there are a number of essay-type questions that you can choose to answer or not. 

The supplemental essays can help you show more about who you are, what you’ve done, and where you come from. Check out the UC Berkeley Haas MBA application’s optional essay questions:

  • Offices Held
  • The average number of hours spent per month

If not applicable, enter N/A.

  • List full-time and part-time jobs held during undergraduate or graduate studies indicating the employer, job title, employment dates, location, and the number of hours worked per week for each position held prior to the completion of your degree. If not applicable, enter N/A.
  • If you have ever been subject to academic discipline, placed on probation, suspended, or required to withdraw from any college or university, please explain. If not applicable, enter N/A. (An affirmative response to this question does not automatically disqualify you from admission).

These essay questions can be looked at from two different points of view. First, you can either answer all of the questions or only the ones that apply to you.

For example, if you haven’t sent a letter of recommendation with your UC Berkeley Haas MBA application or if you’ve ever been put on probation or suspended for disciplinary reasons, you can answer only those questions. 

Or, you can choose to answer the questions to help the admissions committee learn more about you. For example, you could talk about an accomplishment that you couldn’t discuss anywhere else in your application or the part-time jobs you had in high school or college.

We will help you write essays that portray your unique strengths and experiences in the most favorable light so that your application shines above the rest. We have helped hundreds of students get into top US business schools. Let us help you too.

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