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Student Spotlight: Kelsey Charles, MBA at DFW ’22

April 26, 2022 / / Comments Off on Student Spotlight: Kelsey Charles, MBA at DFW ’22

Meet Kelsey Charles, MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth Class of 2022. At McCombs, Kelsey is a part of the McCombs Ambassador Committee as a MAC Chair. She is currently a Strategic Sports and Entertainment Sponsorship Director at MVP. Kelsey tells us about her experience juggling life and work, while in school, and shares advice for students looking to apply to McCombs.

What were you looking forward to most when you started your MBA journey?

“When starting my MBA journey, one of the things I was most excited about was the opportunity to connect with like-minded people. Undergraduate programs are awesome and set a great baseline in terms of general knowledge, but deciding to go back to school for an advanced degree, especially while working full-time, is a different level of commitment and drive. I think it’s important to surround yourself with people who push you and the McCombs MBA program does just that.”

Why did you choose the Texas McCombs MBA at Dallas program for your MBA?

“McCombs is iconic and well-respected internationally. There is simply no other way to put it and it’s for good reason. Texas picks the best and brightest but also places an emphasis on culture which I think is important. By coming to UT, you are joining one of the most well-rounded, well-known, and respected groups in the world. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime.”

What was the application/interview process like for you? 

“The application process was great. I really appreciated McCombs asking what my goals were in the short and long term because it ensured that I had intention when entering the program. I also really enjoyed the conversations I had with alumni and the admissions staff- it was very clear what type of people go to McCombs and I immediately knew I found my home when I realized that culture was just as important as intelligence and experience.”

What were some of the challenges, if any, that you and your peers faced in the first semester?

“Juggling a full-time job in addition to school is always difficult at first. On top of that, many people have spouses, families, or even additional commitments and side hustles. I personally have several other commitments and jobs on top of my 9-5, so working out a schedule to balance it all was imperative for me in the beginning.”

What were you surprised by in the first semester?

“I was surprised by the diversity of the curriculum, in the best way. I feel like a lot of schools are focused solely on tactical types of programming, whereas McCombs truly builds future leaders through career coaching, leadership classes, and of course, a core business foundation.”

Kelsey also took part in the Austin Intensive Seminars.  The Austin Intensive Seminar is a week-long signature program that kicks-off your first and second year in the MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth and MBA at Houston programs.  They are an opportunity for you to get to know your classmates, start learning from McCombs faculty, and launch your first and second year of MBA studies on The University of Texas at Austin campus. The Austin Intensive Seminars bring together first and second year students from our two weekend programs in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston.

What were Austin Intensives like? 

INTENSE. But SO FUN. It truly was the epitome of ‘work hard, play hard’ and was the perfect combination of drinking from a fire hose and learning so many incredible things, but doing it alongside your friends in the program. It was a true bonding experience.”

MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth Class of 2022 in Austin.

Bonding with your classmates is an invaluable part of the MBA experience. The MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth program also includes a Residency component, in which you’ll stay in Dallas at the Marriot Dallas Uptown, the official program hotel, on class weekends during the first semester. The Residency cuts down on commute time, fosters a more immersive environment, and creates additional networking opportunities for students and faculty.

How did the first-semester residency impact your part-time MBA experience?

“Residency is great because it gives you a chance to truly get to know your peers. This program FLIES by. You will be done before you know it and residency is just another way to get to know your fellow classmates and make friends and connections that will last a lifetime.”

What is the work/life/school balance like for you? 

“Work/life/school balance has been great. I think identifying days upfront that you will be studying is key and really leaning into your study groups is helpful too. Teamwork makes the dream work, right? You’re not alone in this so asking others what works for them is always a great idea and then fine-tuning it to fit your personal schedule has been my strategy.”

What is your study group like? Did you find it helpful to have those selected for you?

“My study group was one of the most impactful and valuable aspects of McCombs for me. It was just another element of the program that showed me how customized the school made the program. Our study groups were so well-rounded in terms of background that it made learning that much more collaborative and insightful. One person might run point as the subject matter expertise and could help the others by providing real-world examples, etc. It truly helped bring the material to life and make it that much more impactful.”

Kelsey Charles with Emily Le, Senior MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth Admissions Officer.

What has been the biggest lesson you have learned?

“That being a successful leader in the business world isn’t all about the work you produce, but also the qualitative values you bring to the table too. Being a good leader, pushing the envelope, not being afraid to roll up your sleeves, asking the tough questions, and diving in.. the secret sauce is in being more than one-dimensional and I know I have been equipped with the proper tools to be successful as a leader in my field moving forward.”

Do you have any advice for future students starting the program in the fall? 

“DO THE ACCOUNTING BOOTCAMP! And if you do not have a business background, don’t worry. You will be successful. This is truly a program of well-rounded individuals. Don’t be afraid to ask for help where you may have blind spots- you will truly get what you put into the program.”

Learn more about the MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth and stay up to date with all things McCombs by subscribing to our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram to see more about student life. If you have any questions, please reach out to MBA Admissions. Hook ’em!

The Full-Time MBA – Applying in Round 3

March 9, 2022 / / Comments Off on The Full-Time MBA – Applying in Round 3

Our Round 3 deadline for the full-time MBA Program is right around the corner on March 29, 2022!

One of the most common questions we receive from applicants is whether they should submit in Round 3 or wait until the following cycle to apply. Round 3 tends to be a smaller round because some candidates simply didn’t realize an MBA was an option or on their radar until later in the application cycle. Historically, we always have spots available in Round 3, but each year the number varies. We can’t say it enough– A strong, complete, well-researched application always stands out. 

“The Admissions Committee uses Round 3 to fill out the incoming class. We wouldn’t have a Round 3 if we didn’t need it! Some of our best students applied in the last round – maybe they were waiting for that higher score or promotion, or maybe they just decided a little later in the year that they wanted to pursue an MBA.” 

– Stacey Batas, Director of Full-Time MBA Recruiting & Admissions

Below we break down some of the reasons why students chose to apply in the third round, and why it was still a great option for them. 

Student Perspectives 

Bradford Smith headshot

Bradford Smith
Full-Time MBA ’22

Bradford Smith, Full-Time MBA ’22, shared his experience applying in Round 3.

In the summer of 2019, Bradford Smith started thinking about business school. He took the GMAT to see how he would do and thought that if he studied more he could score higher and be ready to apply. He and his girlfriend were living in Los Angeles, California at the time and both agreed they could both use a change of scenery. He noticed the Round 2 deadline was quickly approaching and decided to wait until Round 3 to give him extra time to study for tests and submit his application.

“I didn’t feel comfortable applying with the GMAT score I had, so I figured I’d wait until Round 3. I studied more and got a score that I felt good about and thought well, I don’t want to have to wait another year so I’ll just go for it.” 

To prepare his application, Bradford first reached out to his recommender to give them as much time as possible. During this time he was actively studying for the GMAT and taking practice tests.  He also asked his friends to read through his essays and give him feedback. He suggests that applicants be honest about their stories and try to share as much as they can about themselves.

“It’s a tough process because you get, at least from my perspective, self-conscious. It’s hard to have the blinders on because there’s always going to be someone that has an impressive resume or a crazier story, but everyone has something unique about them. It’s more about being honest and not trying to fit into a box. I wouldn’t worry about trying to scrape something together that makes you think you’re more impressive. I would focus on something that is genuine, and have some of your good friends read it because odds are, they probably know a lot about you and can help you craft it.” 

Renee Beauchamp headshot

Renee Beauchamp
Full-Time MBA ’22

Renee Beauchamp, Full-Time MBA ’22, also applied to McCombs in Round 3.

In July 2019, Renee was living in New York and decided she wanted to go to business school. By that time, the Round 1 deadline had passed and she knew she wanted to take some time with her application.

 

“I listened to the advice that most business schools tell hopeful admits – to apply when I felt I had the strongest application. Fall of 2019, I was focused on building and strengthening that application until I just had to go for it in Round 3.”

Renee says she chose McCombs because of the connections she felt between the admissions team and the student that interviewed her. She was looking to be in an energetic, entrepreneurial city and had visited Austin before and loved it. When she was admitted, she had a little more than two months’ notice before starting school, and within a month, she was living in Austin.

“I understand the worry associated with this process especially when you feel like you’re late to the game. I encourage applicants to stay positive, submit the best application you can, and be confident that that’s enough. Also, it doesn’t hurt to create advocates! Build relationships with people who can root for you and put in a good word.”

Tips from the Admissions Committee

  • Submit your application only when you’re 99.9% ready. Supplemental application materials submitted after a round deadline are incredibly risky since there is no guarantee the Admissions Committee will see them. Once your file is read, we will not re-review again based upon new information received post-deadline. 
  • Don’t wait until the last minute! We are not able to accept applications submitted after 11:59 PM Central Time on the day of the deadline. Stay aware of deadlines, and give yourself extra time to account for technical difficulties that arise for some applicants every round, every year. In the interest of a fair process, we don’t make exceptions to our deadlines, no matter what reason you have for a late submission. 
  • Be patient. The Admissions Committee does not begin reviewing applications for the Full-Time MBA program until the round deadline has passed. 
  • The Admissions Committee does not provide individual feedback on applications, out of fairness to all applicants and due to the volume of requests we receive. 

We look forward to reviewing your application this year and are always here to answer your questions about applying. Hook ’em! 

Meet the Full-Time MBA Admissions Team

January 26, 2022 / / Comments Off on Meet the Full-Time MBA Admissions Team
Rodrigo Malta, Paul Mannie, Stacey Batas, and Patrick Olson holding up a hook 'em at Rowling Hall.

Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA Admissions Team.
(From Left to Right) Rodrigo Malta, Paul Mannie, Stacey Batas, Patrick Olson.

Every year, the Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA admissions team meets with hundreds of people interested in pursuing their MBA. Our Admissions Officers are experts in helping people navigate the application process and cultivating a class of diverse ideas and talents.

Get to know more about them, below. 🤘

Rodrigo Malta Headshot

Rodrigo Malta – Managing Director of MBA Recruiting and Admissions

Rodrigo Malta, also known as Digo, is originally from Brazil and immigrated to the United States during high school. He earned his MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business, and his bachelor’s degree in management from Missouri State University. Before and after his MBA, Digo worked for Fortune 100 companies in internal audit and marketing in the telecom and technology industries. 

One of Rodrigo’s proudest moments was becoming a United States citizen in 2008, which was the same year Rodrigo joined Texas McCombs as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions, Lead Diversity Recruiter for the Full-Time MBA program.

“I was a McCombs Ambassador Committee co-chair as an MBA student and that experience ignited my passion for admissions and higher education. In 2008, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to transition from tech to higher education and never looked back.”

He now serves as Managing Director of MBA Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions over Texas McCombs’ Full Time, Evening, Weekend – Dallas, Weekend – Houston, and Executive MBA programs. His most rewarding experience is working with his team and representing the Longhorn Community all over the world. Digo is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is passionate about building a collaborative work environment where individuals can be their authentic selves. 

“We bring together students from all corners of the world with unique personal stories and varied professional backgrounds. Add in our award-winning faculty members and this is the perfect recipe for lively class discussions and an amazing learning environment.”

Digo says the best thing you can do when applying to Texas McCombs is to be authentic and ensure your application highlights who you are personally and professionally.

“Focus on the things you can control and be yourself. Engage with us in a purposeful manner, but do not over do it.”

When Digo is not reading applications, you can find him at the movies, enjoying tacos and margaritas, or spending time with his husband and two dogs. Connect with Rodrigo on LinkedIn.

Stacey's headshotStacey Batas – Director of Full-Time MBA Recruiting and Admissions

Stacey Batas has been a part of the McCombs family since 2015. Prior to working at McCombs, she worked for an Austin-based marketing firm focused on college and university admissions that helped clients with social media, branding, search campaigns, publication design, etc. She also spent 8 years in admissions and marketing at a private college in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she managed events and recruited transfer and international students. While in Charlotte, she attained her MA degree in Higher Education.

“I was an admissions tour guide in undergrad and fell in love! I found my calling in higher education at the ripe old age of 21, when I started my career in admissions. I loved the industry so much that I got a master’s in higher education in 2012 and have been in various roles in the industry ever since. My husband is also a graduate of the Texas McCombs Evening MBA program, so I’m a member of Cohort 5 as well!”

Stacey says the best thing about being a part of the  Admissions Team is working with the student ambassadors and helping newly admitted students. Moving to Austin and starting the program can be stressful but being able to help them through the process is incredibly rewarding for the team.

“I love working with the student ambassadors. Seeing how they grow professionally and personally over the course of the two-year program is so rewarding. I also love to travel, so visiting our prospective students on their turf is a great perk of the job. I’ve been able to visit applicants in India, Latin America, and all across East Asia.”

When applying to McCombs, Stacey advises prospective students to not rush their applications and take some time to proofread everything before clicking ‘submit.’ Many of the mistakes the admissions team sees on applications are because they were rushed or waited until the last minute. When looking over applications, Stacey says the most notable are the applicants who have a cohesive story.

“I love the applicants who have a cohesive story. I understand their background, why they want an MBA, and what they want for themselves after the MBA. Really think about how to weave that story throughout your application.”

She also warns about some things applicants should not do:

“While we do want our applicants to interact with us, remember that ‘more’ is not always better. Registering for and no-showing to a ton of events can reflect poorly on your application.”

Stacey isn’t always looking over MBA applications, she also loves driving her Vespa— she uses it daily to get to Rowling Hall —along with spending time with her husband and dog, Phoebe Cates.

Connect with Stacey Batas. 

Paul headhsotPaul Mannie – Full-Time MBA Recruiting and Admissions Officer

Paul Mannie is a Longhorn Alum with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to becoming a part of the Full-Time MBA Admissions team in September 2021, he worked as a Student Program Coordinator for UT for Me – Powered by Dell Scholars. Paul is also currently pursuing a Master in Higher Education and Leadership from the University of Texas.

“I got into admissions after a internship with UT’s undergraduate admissions office. Helping recruit historically underrepresented students just seemed perfect. McCombs brought together a lot of my professional passions and the work environment is the talk of the town.”

Paul says he loves talking to current and prospective MBA students to learn about what they are passionate about and where they see themselves going in the future.

“Ask all of the questions. Even that one that you thought ‘no, probably shouldn’t.’ Just be mindful of who you are asking (admissions officer vs. alumni vs. current student).”

Before submitting your MBA application, Paul suggests reviewing it as a whole to be sure it effectively captures the whole story.

“Tell your story and tie together the pieces of your application to form a complete picture. This takes some introspection and looking back on your application as a whole before hitting submit or interviewing.”

Paul warns that while excitement about the program is encouraged, you should not try to “overdo it.”

“Don’t overdo it. If this is where you’re supposed to end up, it’ll work out. Come to the events you need to, talk to the people you need to. You don’t have to come to everything nor talk to everyone.”

When Paul isn’t on the Forty Acres or studying for class, he could be found hiking the trails of Austin, spending time with his puppy Yeaux-Pierre, or playing the trombone.

Connect with Paul Mannie.

Patrick Olsen headshotPatrick Olson – Full-Time MBA Recruiting and Admissions Officer

Patrick Olson grew up in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. He earned his bachelor’s in Business from the University of South Carolina and a master’s from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to starting at McCombs in October 2021. He worked as an Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator for the UT College of Pharmacy.

Patrick got his first start in admissions as a student ambassador as an undergrad and found a passion for higher education and recruiting. While Patrick is fairly new to the team, he has had the best time meeting and working closely with our McCombs Ambassador Committee. 

“Working in Admissions was my first job out of college and I’ve enjoyed every aspect of it. McCombs is a special place to work because of the caliber of students. Our MBA students are both driven and well-rounded. McCombs students are proud to call themselves alumni of the program and regularly give back to their community. I thrive off the Texas McCombs energy.”

Patrick says video essays catch his attention the most when going through applications.

“I am a sucker for the video essays. I love seeing the creativity students put into their video and it helps me see a different perspective that isn’t typically available in the traditional application. That said, your video doesn’t have to be academy award quality to be “good.” An iPhone and a location that is meaningful to you is perfect!”

For those preparing for a virtual interview, Patrick has some advice.

“Don’t read off notes or a second monitor when interviewing virtually. Your answers should be honest and authentic. I rather you tell me one specific story about yourself than ten surface-level fast facts. You will never be able to share your entire life story in an application, so focus on telling one good story.”

When Patrick is not talking to students or prospective applicants, you can find him spending quality time with his partner, young twins, and their puppy, Maddie. Patrick is an avid runner and participates in local road and trail races–his favorite being the Longhorn Run, which happens annually on the UT campus. He also spends time volunteering with the Young Men’s Business League and Austin Sunshine Camps.

“If you can, please visit our campus and Rowling Hall! It is easy to compare and the quantifiable difference between MBA programs, but it is so important you feel comfortable, welcome and safe in your MBA program. The McCombs community and the city of Austin are what make our program different from any other MBA program in the world. Come see for yourself!”

Connect with Patrick Olson.

Talk with our MBA Admissions Team at an upcoming admissions chat, info session, or any other Full-Time MBA event.

Executive MBA New York City Immersion: Changing for the Best

January 10, 2022 / / Comments Off on Executive MBA New York City Immersion: Changing for the Best

Each semester the Executive MBA program hosts an off-campus, Immersion class weekend, to provide opportunities for in-depth experiential learning. The first Executive MBA Immersion took place in New York City in November 2021, and the remaining Immersions for the EMBA Class of 2023 are currently planned for Dallas, Washington DC, and the Austin-area Hill Country. Each is linked to course content and includes executive/company visits, alumni networking, cultural experiences, and time to network and bond with classmates. Immersions provide real-time, real-place exposure, and direct application to what Executive MBA students are learning in the classroom. Read more about the Executive MBA Immersions here.

The MBA Insider content below comes from Lexy Scheen, EMBA ’23. She writes about her experience during the inaugural Executive MBA Immersion weekend in New York City.

One definition of immersion is “deep mental involvement.” There really is no better description of the 3-days our Executive MBA cohort spent together in New York City.

The learning theme of the weekend was “Leading Planned Change.” Fitting, as I believe my classmates will agree that we have all changed so much in the three short months we’ve been together.

A jam-packed first day began with a Veteran’s Day celebration. We honored the four veterans in our group and visited The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum Complex.

students standing in front of the Intrepid ship

A change simulation took place Thursday afternoon. Led by Dr. Luis Martins, our study groups had spirited discussions around best practices for implementing company transitions. We ended the day with the privilege of meeting and hearing from an incredible panel of top corporate executives across many industries. Many of our speakers were former longhorns and were in our Executive MBA shoes not too many years prior. They are proof that hard work, dedication, and being just crazy enough to go back to school while balancing full-time careers, and families pays off in the end.

Students working at a table

Executive MBA students work in teams to compete in a change management simulation hosted by Professor Luis Martins as part of their Leading People and Organizations course, held during their first immersive experience in New York City at the American Management Association, Thurs Nov 11th.

Despite many Executive MBA ’23 songbirds karaoke-ing until the wee hours, the group rallied for the portion of the agenda we likely dreaded the most; improv class. But, as with most things in life we stress over, improv class turned out to be a huge hit and a major topic of discussion for the remainder of the weekend. It reminded us of the art of listening, which came in handy as our speaker series continued into Friday afternoon. Professor Steve Limberg brought financial reporting to life through discussions with Blue Apron and Moody’s.

students in a circle with their hands in the air

Executive MBA students developing communication skills while engaging in Improv for Business Leaders during their Executive Seminar course, led by Professor Angie McDermott and co-led by the Executive MBA Career Management Team Sarita Soldz and Alma Moore.

Saturday morning, we turned to a conversation with Paul Levy. Levy’s impressive transformation of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a case we have been studying all semester. The access to such a profound list of leaders is a tribute to the dedication of the McCombs faculty who are ingrained in these experiences with us.

TK

Executive MBA students after speaking with distinguished guest Paul Levy hosted at UTNY Campus as part of their Leading People and Organizations course led by Professor Luis Martins on Saturday, Nov 13th.

Early in the year, we learned from Professor Angie McDermott that, “what got us here won’t get us there.” This immersion drove that point home. To be effective and engaging leaders, we must be honest, transparent, and collaborative. Luckily, it’s become clear those three attributes are stamped into the DNA of this amazing group of individuals. In three short months, we’ve helped each other through business problems and trusted each other with very personal conversations. We’ve enjoyed the social side just as much as the classroom through dinners, happy hours, and Broadway show nights. This is a special group. Everyone has a seat at each other’s table.

I am honored to be part of the EMBA ’23 cohort, grateful to learn alongside them, and eager to see how much transformation takes place over the next eighteen months.

The UT motto is “What Happens Here Changes the World,” and what happened in New York City changed us all into better leaders, and people.

Hook ‘em!
Lexy Scheen, EMBA ’23

Learn more about the Texas McCombs Executive MBA on our website, and contact us with any questions at TexasEMBA@mccombs.utexas.edu. Sign up to receive Executive MBA news here, and register for an Executive MBA event to meet admissions and program staff, current students, and alumni.

The Executive MBA program application is open for Fall 2022 enrollment. The next deadline is February 15, 2022, and the final deadline to apply is June 15, 2022.

The working professional & executive mba application: essay writing tips

Working Professional and Executive MBA Essay Questions

October 19, 2021 / / Comments Off on Working Professional and Executive MBA Essay Questions

The essays in your MBA application are an important part of sharing your unique story. The most successful essays thoughtfully address the prompts, clearly communicate why you want to attend Texas McCombs, and authentically share who you are. We’ve shared some tips below to aid you in submitting a strong set of essays.

Texas McCombs MBA Essay 1

We will learn a lot about your professional background through your resume and letter of recommendation, but we want to get to know you further. Please introduce yourself. Select only one communication method for your response

a. Write an essay (250 words)
b. Share a video introduction (one minute in length)

First, this prompt is purposely open-ended. It grants you the freedom to introduce yourself in a way that is genuinely “you.” Think about what gives you energy and recharges you. When you first meet someone, what’s your personal elevator pitch? How does it share your values? Give us a well-rounded mix of information in this essay so we can better understand you beyond your work life.

Don’t forget about the first sentence of the prompt: “We will learn a lot about your professional background through your resume and letter of recommendation.” The admissions committee already read your resume, letter of recommendation, education history, and goals. While your professional life is important, this essay is your opportunity to share who you are outside of those components.

Finally, the choice is yours: written essay or video. We have seen significant success with both mediums and do not have a preference for one over the other. Therefore, play to your strengths! If your skill is in writing, focus on the essay. If you’re not shy in front of a camera, then record a video. However, if you do submit a video, keep in mind that sending us a photo slideshow isn’t advisable. These slideshow submissions don’t grant the admissions committee the chance to actually see and hear from you, which is really what we are looking for in a video submission. Have fun with either submission and do not take this essay for granted— it can go a long way in setting the stage for your MBA application and creating another great impression.

Texas McCombs MBA Essay 2

Describe how the Texas McCombs MBA will help you realize your professional aspirations, and the unique knowledge and experiences you have to share with your classmates. (500 words)

Essay Two provides an opportunity to explain why you’re applying to Texas McCombs.

By answering the first part of the prompt, we will understand why the Texas McCombs MBA, your career plan, and discover how you want to develop yourself both in and out of the classroom. What classes, organizations, and experiential opportunities specifically relate to your career plan? Connect the dots between your goals and how McCombs will get you there.

By answering the second part of the prompt, we will learn what you will bring to the program.  How do you envision yourself becoming an active member of our community? What personal and professional attributes and experiences will you be sharing with your classmates?

Make sure to give us specifics. If you’ve engaged with the program, you know there is a lot to look forward to: challenging classes, organizations, student/alumni networking, award-winning professors, unique career-oriented opportunities…the list goes on. Illustrate what attributes of the program you plan to take full advantage of and how you plan to make a positive impact while you are a student. What will be your MBA legacy? Convince us that you are indispensable to our community.

MBA Optional Statement

Please provide any additional information you believe is important or address any areas of concern that you believe will be beneficial to MBA Admissions in considering your application (e.g. gaps in work experience, choice of recommender, academic performance, or extenuating personal circumstances). If living outside of the metro area that the program is held in, please provide explanation regarding your plans to commute or relocate to the program location. (250 words)

Honestly, the most important piece of advice we can provide you on the optional statement is to remember that it is just that– optional. Only applicants who feel some piece of their profile deserves more explanation should submit an optional statement. This section of the application is not to tell us more about your extracurricular activities or expand upon your personal introduction. While we love to see how excited you are to share additional information with us, there are other ways to let the admissions committee know about additional projects or passions. The bottom of your resume or your interview are likely better forums for these details. Optional statements should focus on filling gaps or answering questions we are likely to have about you.

Our Top Essay Writing Tips

  • Be patient with yourself. Take time to reflect, brainstorm, rewrite, and EDIT. It will likely take more than one draft to realize your final submission.
  • Don’t Copy and paste. Do not use the same content for multiple business schools. We can always spot recycled content.
  • STAY ON PROMPT. If you bypass the actual questions in an effort to tell us something you think we want to hear, you will not provide the information we are looking for. This includes sticking to the word counts and time limits that are given.
  • Be honest. These essays are our way to learn more about you. Our community values authenticity and we look for essays that reflect your authentic self.
  • Have someone you trust read over your essays. Those closest to you can provide valuable insights, feedback, and perspectives as you highlight your personal gifts and qualities.

We hope these insights into the essay prompts give you some ideas to think about and some points to revisit as you write (and rewrite) your essays. Good luck and happy applying!

Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

Hook ’em!

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