Explore a Winning Business School Admission Essay
In the competitive arena of MBA, Masters in Finance, and EMBA admissions, a strong resume is only half the battle. Elite programs at M7 and T15 institutions - like Harvard, Wharton, and INSEAD—are looking for candidates who can articulate a clear "Why an MBA" and a "Why Now." They don't just want to see what you’ve done; they want to see how you think as a leader.
Explore our featured Business School Admission Essay Sample to see how we help professionals bridge the gap between their past achievements and their future executive potential.
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Before
Topic: Feel free to provide any other information you think would help us evaluate your potential to succeed in the program. (Maximum 375 words)
Honestly speaking, compared with other applicants’ overall GPA, my overall GPA might seem to be under average and a little disadvantageous. However, I want to say it is just in number and I do not think that my low overall GPA is a determinant makes me considered as that kind of person who has no ability in the past and no potential currently to achieve professional triumph. I want to demonstrate my academic ability and explain for the relatively low overall GPA via some additional detailed information and facts. The relatively low overall GPA should be mostly attributed to my study attitude in the first two years of undergraduate. At that time, I planned to start up my own business following graduation and developed a preference for abundant practical experience over excellent academic performance. Therefore, I chose to exercise myself via practical projects rather than attempt to acquire achievement in grades. As the class president, I arranged activities for class such as organize journey after examination and parties at holidays. I also managed a stock account of my own, which I have run since my sixteen and for about 6 years, and judged when and what to invest. I even tried to start and operate a small business with my friends, which is somewhat like today’s GroupOn, though failed for some reasons. But, after the two years, I gradually changed and re-planned my life blueprint: rather than start up my own business, I decided to pursue a graduate degree in financial engineering, because I found myself more interested in and more suitable for working as a quant. Realizing that, I immediately began to take academic seriously and my overall GPA of the following three semesters rose to about 3.5/4.0. Besides, I gained 82% in GRE subject mathematics test, passed the CFA Level I exam, and gained 730 in GMAT, which are all testimony of my potential and my desire to prove it. Last but not least, there are two facts useful in determining my academic performance. The first is that I, ranked by the overall GPA, was recommended to graduate college exempted from Chinese Graduate Entrance Examination. The second is that half of the students of session 2008 of my college (more than 300 in nearly 600) failed in a mandatory course, Signal and Systems, where I am a student of session of 2007 and gained a score of 82. I hope that these two facts will establish a comprehensive understanding of my overall GPA and the college grading policy.
After
Feel free to provide any other information you think would help us evaluate your potential to succeed in the program. (Maximum 375 words)
In addition to the other information in my application, I would like the university to know about my ambition and my leadership skills. I believe these personal qualities should receive as much consideration as my grades because they help paint the overall portrait of who I am and what I can contribute to your school.
During my first two undergraduate years my goal was to start a business. I devoted myself to learning all I could through practical projects and experiences. I was so passionate about this endeavor that my grades slipped, which I addressed as soon as I realized what had happened.
In addition to developing a business, I demonstrated leadership by serving as class president, arranging class trips and holiday parties. I have also managed my own stock account since I was sixteen, which has taught me about finances and investing.
Following two years of growth and change, my goals evolved. Rather than start my own business, I decided to pursue a graduate degree in financial engineering so I could work as a quant. I immediately poured all my resources into improving my grades. My overall GPA for the following three semesters rose to about 3.5/4.0. In addition, I scored an 82 percent on the GRE subject mathematics test, passed the CFA Level I exam, and earned a 730 on the GMAT. These results testify to my raw ability and my academic potential. I would also like to highlight two additional achievements. First, based on my overall GPA, I was recommended to graduate from college exempt from the Chinese Graduate Entrance Examination. Second, I received a score of 82 in the mandatory course Signal and Systems in 2007, while half of the students in the 2008 session (more than 300 in nearly 600) failed this challenging course.
While my overall GPA might not be as high as other applicants, I believe that is primarily due to my focus on business during my first two undergraduate years. When viewed as a whole, my academic achievements are clearly stellar. I believe I have demonstrated that I am more than prepared to take on the rigors of your program. I urge you to consider not just my GPA, but my overall ability and performance.