ucla anderson mba essay

• Open Search box

Full-Time MBA Requirements

Everything you need to know

Plan for success.

Application Deadline

October 1, 2024

Decision release date December 13, 2024

January 6, 2025

Decision release date March 27, 2025

April 7, 2025

Decision release date May 16, 2025

Requirements

Online Application

All applicants must apply to the MBA program online. Applications will be accepted for Fall 2025 starting August 1, 2024. The application fee is $200. Note that we have three admissions rounds, each with its corresponding deadlines and decision release dates listed above. Apply Here

Four-year Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent

Candidates must hold a completed undergraduate degree in order to enroll in our MBA program. Usually this is a four-year bachelor's degree, or its equivalent in other countries.

International applicants with just a three-year undergraduate degree may be admitted if the Admissions Committee determines that their entire academic profile and overall application are strong enough.  

• You should submit scanned copies of your academic records with your application. Only applicants invited to interview should send us official hard-copy documents upon request.
• Records needed from schools outside the United States include multiple documents as described on the International Students page.
• We understand the differing rigor of schools and grading scales around the world, and we always evaluate academics within their own context, without converting them to any other system. Grades on scales other than the American 4.0 standard should NOT be converted for reporting purposes on the application. No discrepancy should exist between what you report and what we see on your transcripts.
• Undergraduate majors of all kinds are welcome in the class. View our class profile to view the undergraduate majors of students in the class.
• Quantitative preparation is key for performance in our core requirements, so all math-related courses and grades (plus any standardized test quant score) get special scrutiny.
• Grade trends are important, and we like to see averages that get better over time as undergraduates learn to thrive in their chosen major. We give you the benefit of the doubt for occasional difficulty in classes, but our students tend to show a consistent level of functioning above their peers.
• If you want to bolster your academic profile, you could complete additional coursework now and submit the transcript with the application for consideration. MBA-related classes such as calculus, statistics, accounting or finance are preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CFA, CPA, Chartered Accountant, etc., can add value to your profile and there is a section in the application to note them.
• Undergraduate courses taken in a term at another institution (e.g., during an exchange program) do not require an additional transcript as long as they appear on the degree-granting school's transcript. You should submit transcripts for all coursework taken after secondary school (high school).
• To facilitate our evaluation of your degree(s), you may choose to supply a course-by-course credential evaluation report from  World Education Services  along with the scanned documents from your school.

GMAT/GRE/EA Tests

While test scores provide an additional, relevant data point for the admissions committee to consider, a test score is not required. Applicants are given the option to apply for the Full-Time MBA program without submitting a GMAT, GRE, or EA. It is up to the applicant to decide if they want to apply with or without test scores. Please note that for some candidates without a quantitative background, a strong test score can strengthen their candidacy. For an idea of the typical test score range of admitted students, see our latest class profile .

If you choose to submit a test score , we accept the GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE, or EA. If you take a test more than once, we will use your highest total score and the corresponding breakout scores in evaluating your application. We do not mix and match scores, or do a “super score”. All test scores must be valid and active at the time of submission, as we do not take expired scores. Current graduate students at the UCLA School of Law or UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine may submit their LSAT or MCAT scores, respectively.

• Within the MBA Application, you must report the test date and score you want the Admissions Committee to evaluate.
• Official GMAT score reports are sent electronically upon your request from Pearson VUE to UCLA Anderson MBA Admissions (with the School Code 2NZ-2F-24). Official scores are required for admission but not for applying.
• Official GRE score reports are sent electronically upon your request from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to UCLA Anderson MBA Admissions (with the school code 0771). Official scores are required for admission but not for applying.
• We primarily evaluate your top score, but all scores reported to UCLA Anderson are visible to the Admissions Committee.
• No minimum GMAT/GRE/EA score is required, and the Admissions Committee has the flexibility to consider all scores in the context of your overall academic preparation and management potential.

If you choose not to submit a test score, you will need to adequately demonstrate how your academic and professional experiences have properly prepared you for the rigors of the program. You must submit an essay that provides evidence of your MBA readiness to support your case of applying without a test score. We will look closely at your past accomplishments, including but not limited to:

• Undergraduate or graduate record, especially in analytical or quantitative courses
• Post-undergraduate, full-time work experience in an analytical or quantitative function
• Professional certifications, such as CPA, CFA, or international equivalent
• Performance on an expired GMAT or GRE

Candidates demonstrating multiple academic and/or professional accomplishments as listed above are more likely to be granted admission without a test score.

Work Experience

Although the majority of our students do have full-time work experience, early career and college senior prospective students may still apply.

We evaluate candidates on their work in any given field after the completion of their undergraduate degree. Backgrounds and interests vary widely among our students, but they all share a vision of how the MBA will empower their future.

• Quality of experience is more important than quantity.
• We look at your impact in the context of the time you had and the field you're in.
• Diverse paths lead to business school, and we find that students learn more when we mix people from every type and level of organization. Your application should show us how you will contribute to the mix of your class.
• We are most impressed by increasing levels of responsibility over time; those who advance faster than their peers are the people we admit first.
• The majority of our students are career-switchers using the MBA to leverage roles in a new field. Others will springboard back into higher positions in their current sectors.
• We admit very few people without at least a year or two of post-baccalaureate work. Our "early career" admits contribute more in terms of academic excellence and contagious study skills.
• Leadership in work, campus or community organizations helps to demonstrate management potential. Show us that you can commit to an organization, create a vision and motivate others to achieve goals together.
• Jobs held prior to completing your undergraduate degree may be listed if desired, but our focus is on post-baccalaureate experience.
• A resume must be submitted with the application and should create a compelling summary of your career, ideally on one page but not more than two pages. However, your resume does not replace the need to complete the Employment Section of the application

Recommendations

New applicants are required to submit two recommendations. Reapplicants only need to submit one new recommendation. Recommendations should be written by individuals who are well acquainted with your performance in a work setting, preferably from a direct supervisor or manager. Here is a sample Recommendation Form  for your reference.

Here is the how, who, what, where, when and why of recommendations:

How & How Many: Fill out the details within the recommendations section in the application. Two recommendations are required for new applicants and one new recommendation is required for reapplicants (you may ask an individual who submitted a recommendation for you in a prior year to submit a new one). If you need to change your recommender or their e-mail, click “Exclude” (warning: recommender will lose all work already entered) and re-enter via Add Recommender.

Who: Choose recommenders who can speak to your work performance, capabilities, and potential for graduate studies and future career success. Use your best judgment on whom to ask for a recommendation -- direct supervisors are generally preferred, and other options could include current or past supervisors/managers, professional colleagues, and clients (peers, family members, and professors are generally not good selections).

What: The recommendation form asks recommenders to evaluate your strengths and areas of growth, plus rate you across a variety of metrics.

Where: Recommendation forms can only be sent and received electronically so your recommender must have a valid e-mail address.

When: Recommendations should be submitted by the round deadline in which you are applying, and it is your responsibility to ensure we receive recommendations in time. To send a reminder to a recommender, click on the Edit link next to their name and then click the Send Reminder button at the bottom of the pop-up screen. We encourage you to contact your recommenders as soon as possible to give them sufficient time (the recommender’s access code is valid for 180 days from the date you save their information).

Why: We are interested in learning more about your professional past performance, future potential, and overall fit from individuals who have worked closely with you.

Recommendation Questions and Topics*

• Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization.
• How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? (E.g. what are the applicant’s principal strengths?)
• Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.

*Please note: Questions and topics listed above are for reference only. Actual submission of letters of recommendation is done online, through the online application system only.

Short Essay Prompts

Essays are meant to complement the information provided throughout your application to highlight how an MBA fits into your career goals and journey. Strong essays are introspective, genuine, and succinct –  while showcasing a clear vision for your future and the impact you plan to make on the Anderson community. Essentially, we want to learn more about who you are and why an MBA from UCLA Anderson is the right next step in your life.

Note: The application essay for the upcoming 2022-2023 MBA application year will be posted here in July. The information below corresponds to the previous application year and it is shared here only for your reference .

Short Essay Prompts: For the 2024-2025 application year, we have three short essay prompts that are required for first-time applicants:

1 -  Why are you pursuing an MBA? (150 words)

2 - Describe your short-term and long-term post-MBA career goals. (150 words)

3 - At Anderson, our mission is to prepare transformative leaders by developing students to think innovatively, problem-solve, and adapt to others – all with a driven and purposeful mindset. How do you plan to achieve your goals and develop into a transformative leader during your time at UCLA Anderson? (250 words)

Strong essays describe the impact of your achievement and clarify its connection to your future MBA plans in the short- and long-term. We look forward to learning about the specific ways your achievement helped set you up for future success. 

Optional Essay: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions committee should be aware? (250 words maximum)

No preference is given in the evaluation process to those who choose to respond to this optional essay, so please use your best judgment.

New Applicants

a) Tell us about your MBA goals AND why you are applying to UCLA Anderson now:

• Describe your short term and long term goals (150 words maximum)
• Why is UCLA Anderson a good school for you? (150 words maximum)

b) At Anderson, we believe our students are engaged, courageous, humble, and open. Describe a time when you demonstrated one of these traits in your personal life. (250 words maximum)

c) Optional: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions committee should be aware. (250 words maximum)

Reapplicants

(For applicants who applied for the MBA program in the previous two application years. If you applied three years or more prior, please answer the "New Applicant" questions.)

a) Please describe your career progress since you last applied and how you have enhanced your candidacy. Include information on short-term and long-term career goals, as well as your continued interest in UCLA Anderson. (500 words maximum)

b) Optional: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? Please use your best judgment. (250 words maximum)

Interviews are conducted on an invitation basis only after submitted applications are reviewed. An interview must be completed to be admitted to the program.

Applications are reread following the interview, comments are added, and then the Admissions Committee decides whether to make an admission offer. Interviews are rarely the deciding factor in an admissions decision; instead, they typically mirror or round out information already provided in the application. We are interested in getting to know you as an individual and understanding how you'll fit into the next class. We assess your communication skills, social skills and readiness for our program.

• Instructions on how to set up an interview are provided at the time of invitation.
• Interviews are conducted via Zoom or in person, and they last approximately 30 minutes.
• All interviews carry equal weight; they are generally conducted by second-year MBA students who are thoroughly trained on our evaluation metrics and on providing current perspectives for candidates.
• Interviews are blind in order to avoid interviewer bias. Your interviewer will receive a copy of your resume in advance but will not see your application.
• Questions are straightforward and generally cover topics already addressed in the application, such as reasons for getting an MBA, short-term and long-term career goals, fit with UCLA Anderson and personal interests.
• Pre-rehearsed speeches do not make for a good interview. You should be prepared to succinctly walk your interviewer through your resume in 2 minutes or less so that there is ample time left to discuss specific areas your interviewer may want to explore with you.
• Remember that the word "interview" implies an exchange of views between people, so be ready with pertinent questions and go with the flow of the conversation.
• Business attire is appropriate for this professional interview, and we check photo identification to ensure integrity.
• After being invited for an interview you should submit official test scores and official academic records to us, as described in your interview invitation.
• Hint: Relax, be genuine and enjoy the opportunity for us to get to know each other.

TOEFL / IELTS

TOEFL or IELTS scores are required of all international applicants EXCEPT those from a select list of countries. For more information please refer to  UCLA Division of Graduate Education English requirements .

Please note that work experience in English is not sufficient for a TOEFL/IELTS waiver; the key factor is being educated in English. The TOEFL and/or IELTS test date must be no earlier than two years before the application submission date to be valid, and not later than the deadline date for the round in which you are applying. TOEFL and IELTS Considerations:

• Applicants who were educated in countries where English is not the primary spoken language of daily life are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS, no matter the language used at their school. This includes applicants with degrees from multilingual countries such as India, Nigeria, Pakistan and others.
• No preference is given to either language test and all scores will be evaluated in conjunction with standardized test verbal scores and writing assessments to determine your true proficiency level.
• Applications cannot be reviewed without complete test scores (as self-reported by you or officially by the testing firm), and applications are only reviewed in the round during which your scores are submitted.
• Official TOEFL score reports are sent electronically upon your request from ETS to UCLA Anderson MBA Admissions (with the School Code 4837-02). Official scores are required for admission but not for applying. IELTS are sent electronically upon your request (with school code "Uni of California, Los Angeles-Anderson School of Management"). Please do not send score reports on paper.
• Work experience in English is not sufficient for a waiver of the language exam requirement.
• More information on the university's testing rules for all international applicants is available under UCLA Graduate Division's  English requirements .
• UCLA has minimum fluency standards for graduate admissions as shown.

Reapplicants are those who submitted a completed MBA application within the previous two years (that is, who applied for the MBA program starting in 2023 or 2024) and received a final decision. The process to reapply is streamlined:

• Create a new application.
• Indicate on the Program page of the application that you are a reapplicant.
• Reapplicants are required to answer the first two Short Essay Prompts. It is suggested, but not required, to also answer the third Short Essay Prompt, as well as the Optional Essay. 
• Submit only one new recommendation (can be same recommender as previous application)
• Watch for decision notifications according to the standard release schedule.

Please note:

• Reapplicants are asked to indicate updates on test scores, career, academics, activities, and/or other changes since their last application (under the Reapplicants section on the Program page of the application.) Highlighting progress made since the prior application is the best way to get a different result this time.
• You will be evaluated by the same standards as first-time applicants, so there is no disadvantage to reapplying.
• Admission Committee members may see previous applications to provide context.
• Standardized test scores (GMAT, GRE, TOEFL and IELTS) remain on file if previously reported, though scores are subject to expiration dates.
• You may submit new test scores if desired and, of course, higher scores make an application more competitive.
• If you would like to get feedback on your application from the past season before reapplying, email [email protected] (please put "Feedback Request" in the subject line) to request feedback notes.

Application tips from UCLA Anderson MBAs:

MBA Program Flyer

Download our MBA Flyer and explore our UCLA Anderson Program.

Connect with a student ambassador.

Our Admissions Ambassador Corps (AAC) is a group of diverse student leaders who can guide you through life at UCLA Anderson and answer your specific questions about their experiences. Ambassadors lead live webinars on a regular basis and are on call to help you with your process. Connect with a Student

Follow the UCLA Anderson Full Time MBA Program:

MBA Admissions single

MBA Insider

Mba admissions menu.

• UCLA Anderson Blog Home
• MBA Insider Home

UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Essay Section

This blog post is part of our “Application Insider” blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:

Here are the UCLA Anderson full-time MBA essay requirements for the 2018-19 application cycle — as a reminder, in 2018, we made a change to the Short Answer Question for new applicants: 

NEW APPLICANTS

– Essay Question:  Describe your short-term and long-term career goals. How can the UCLA Anderson experience add value to your professional development?  (500 words max) – Short Answer Question:  What are you passionate about and why.  (300 words max)

REAPPLICANTS

Reapplicants are those who submitted a completed MBA application within the previous two years (those who applied for the MBA program starting in 2017 or 2018). If you applied three years or more prior, then please answer the “New Applicant” questions. 

– Reapplicant Essay Question:  Please describe your career progress since you last applied and ways in which you have enhanced your candidacy. Include updates on short-term and long-term career goals, as well as your continued interest in UCLA Anderson.  (750 words maximum)

As in previous years, we also have an optional question for those who need some additional space to explain extenuating circumstances that are not evident in the application. No preference is given in the evaluation process to applicants who submit a response to the optional question. The optional question can be answered by either new applicants or reapplicants.

 – Optional Question:  Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? Please use your best judgment. No preference is given in the evaluation process to applicants who submit a response to the Optional Question.  (250 words maximum)

A Plan of Approach for the Essay Question

The essay gives you the opportunity to clearly articulate your career ambitions, highlight any past accomplishments that have readied you to this end, as well as touch on the various UCLA Anderson resources that will ultimately help you achieve your goals. You are presenting a case for why an MBA is imperative at this point in your career and, moreover, why an  Anderson  MBA, in particular, is right for you.

This is NOT a trick-question. In as clear and simple terms as possible, you can start by stating your short-term and long-term career goals. Particularly for the short-term goal, be sure to include both functional- and industry-interest and consider stating a few examples of companies you’d like to work for (if relevant).

If, in your evaluation, you are making a large career leap or aiming for niche and/or highly competitive roles, consider also speaking to a Plan B that is aligned with your Plan A career ambition. We, the admissions committee, like to see that you have an open-mind, that you can be flexible, and that you have a realistic understanding of where you currently stand and where you’d like to go.

Next, be  specific  when recounting career achievements and other accomplishments in extracurricular, volunteer, or academic settings — and of course, make sure they are relevant to your goals. Quantify the impact you have made, detail the skill you’ve developed, and connect the dots between how these values and experiences relate to what you hope to accomplish post-MBA. The operative word here is  transferable skills . Again, even if you are making a large career leap, what foundation have you built already? What assets would future recruiters find attractive (in addition to your prospective MBA)?

Finally, this essay requires that you do homework on yourself (see above), as well as homework on UCLA Anderson, as a key component of the question is  how the Anderson MBA will be a value-add in your career trajector y. In order to demonstrate that you have done your due diligence and that you have a genuine interest in attending Anderson, you must be able to speak to  specific, relevant  examples of “proper nouns” (things like courses, professors, clubs, conferences, specific programming, career and academic resources, etc.). Additionally, you should consider where you can potentially lead on our campus, as one of the hallmarks of Anderson is our student-led culture. (You can  connect with our students  and check out our  Club Webpages  for ideas.)

Strategies for Tackling the Short Answer Question

As mentioned, this is a new question this year. We are seeking to understand who are you on a deeper, more personal level. In fact, if the first essay question can be deemed the “professional” question in a word, this would be the “personal” question.

What gets you up and out of bed every morning? What inspires you to do what you do each day? When you think about what you are passionate about, there may actually be quite a natural link to what your career ambitions are. Your current career path and future career goals are the things you do/want to do (the “WHAT”) and your passion is the reason(s) you are motivated to do those things (the “WHY”).

If this career-purpose/personal-passion dichotomy doesn’t quite resonate with you, perhaps you can think about what your core values are. Are traits like curiosity, creativity, grit, compassion, or the like important to you? Is there a common theme in or a pattern to the major experiences you’ve had in life? Do you subscribe to a particular philosophy, way-of-thinking, or life-approach? Are you hardcore into a sport, art-form, hobby, craft, or activity?

Whatever the case may be, it is imperative to relate the passion back to you, and explain how it reveals something meaningful and insightful about who you are as an individual. Why is this passion critical to who you are and understanding you? Provide concrete examples, be genuine, and be clear.

The Purpose of the Optional Essay

This essay is truly optional and should only be used to describe any extenuating circumstances in your application or profile. Examples of such may be an extended gap in the resume, poor grades, a personal matter or family situation, and the like.   

Please use your best judgment and discretion, and understand that no preference is given in the evaluation process to applicants who submit a response to this question.

Quick Tips on the Reapplication Essay

First and foremost, make sure you are highlighting what you have done since your last application to enhance your candidacy. List the specific action items and steps you took, as well as share any new achievements in and outside of work.

Second, make sure you are still clearly articulating your short-term and long-term goals! We want to understand if your goals remain the same, or if they have changed in any way (and if so, why).

Third, simply understand that, in most cases, the entire application does not need to be revamped or revolutionized. There were likely some strengths to your application the first time you applied, so don’t be concerned that not every single part of your reapplication is different from the first. (Continue to include your sustained strengths, and highlight new and improved differences.)

Parting Words (Read Before You Hit Submit!)

Have at least two people review your work. Ask someone who knows you well do the first read to ensure that your essays faithfully represent you, your values, and your goals. Ask someone you  doesn’t  know you very well do a second read to give you an objective perspective of how you may come across to the admissions committee. Last but not least, make sure your essays are clear, concise, and free of any spelling and/or grammatical errors.

Know that we understand that our MBA program may expose you to other professional opportunities that may, in turn, change your goals. Still, for the purpose of the essay, we need to know that you can set a goal, research the paths to get there, and develop a well-articulated plan on how you will leverage and grow your skills with an MBA from UCLA Anderson.

Check back for more “Application Insider” blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!

Stay in Touch:   Introduce Yourself Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:    Twitter  and  Instagram Questions?  Contact us at:  [email protected]

mba insider single

• Internship Spotlight: Meta, Operations Program Manager Summer Intern
• Internship Spotlight: NBCUniversal, Universal Products & Experiences Licensing Summer Intern
• First Year Perspectives: Recruiting in Multiple Industries at Anderson
• First Year Perspectives: What to Expect the Summer Before Anderson
• First Year Perspectives: Preparing for Summer Conferences
• First Year Perspectives: What It Means to be a Part of a Student Led School
• First Year Perspectives: The Art of Double Pivoting – Perspective and Advice
• First Year Perspectives: Helpful Lessons I’ve Learned in Prioritization While at Anderson
• First Year Perspectives: Finding Your Niche at Anderson
• First Year Perspectives: The Role of Location in your Business School Experience
• First Year Perspectives: What Sharing Success Looks Like at Anderson
• Behind the Scenes of the Annual Velocity Women’s Leadership Summit
• First Year Perspectives: Congrats on Your B-School Admit! Now What?
• First Year Perspectives: Insights on Navigating the MBA Journey from an African UCLA Student
• First Year Perspectives: Applying to American Business School from a European Perspective
• First Year Perspectives: A Day in the Life of a UCLA Anderson Full-Time MBA Student
• First Year Perspectives: Pursuing an MBA Without Intent to Career Pivot
• First Year Perspectives: Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Travel Opportunities at Anderson
• First Year Perspectives: Exploring Social Impact at Anderson Academically and Professionally
• First Year Perspectives: Exploring an Entertainment MBA
• First Year Perspectives: Navigating Reapplications and Waitlists as an International Student
• First Year Perspectives: Transitioning from Self-Employed to MBA Student at UCLA Anderson
• First Year Perspectives: Navigating the MBA as a Creative Thinker
• First Year Perspectives: Building Foundations in Leadership
• First Year Perspectives: The MBA Experience Beyond the Classroom

• MBA Admissions
• ISB Admissions
• MBA Application Tips
• MBA Essay Tips
• Business Schools

2024-2025 UCLA Anderson MBA Essay Analysis and Tips

Admit expert.

• July 29, 2024

When one is looking to apply for the MBA program, UCLA is one of the top choices many candidates have in mind. UCLA’s Anderson School of Management has a strong reputation and is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world. Moreover, the school’s faculty, programs, and alumni network are well-regarded within the business community. The college even fosters a diverse and inclusive environment, bringing together students from various backgrounds, industries, and countries.

While it’s not difficult to see why a candidate would look to join the school, getting admission is not as simple as applying. Since it’s one of the top MBA schools in the world, UCLA receives thousands of applicants every year. And in the sea of applications, one way to make yourself stand out and grab the admissions committee’s attention is through essays.

UCLA Anderson 2025 MBA Essays

Just like many other business schools, UCLA’s MBA admissions process is quite straightforward when it comes to essays. They have three compulsory short essays and one optional essay for anyone applying for the MBA. Both essays have a maximum word count of 250 words, which makes conciseness the key.

Let us look at their essay questions for the 2025 application cycle, as per their website :

A) Short Essay Prompts:  For the 2024-2025 application year, we have three short essay prompts that are required for first-time applicants:

1 –  Why are you pursuing an MBA?  (150 words)

2 – Describe your short-term and long-term post-MBA career goals.  (150 words)

3 – At Anderson, our mission is to prepare transformative leaders by developing students to think innovatively, problem-solve, and adapt to others – all with a driven and purposeful mindset. How do you plan to achieve your goals and develop into a transformative leader during your time at UCLA Anderson?  (250 words)

Strong essays describe the impact of your achievement and clarify its connection to your future MBA plans in the short- and long-term. We look forward to learning about the specific ways your achievement helped set you up for future success.

B) Optional Essay:  No preference is given in the evaluation process to those who choose to respond to this optional essay, so please use your best judgment:

Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware?  (250 words maximum)

What the Admissions Committee Seeks

UCLA Anderson’s admissions committee seeks individuals who are driven, have a clear sense of purpose, and are poised to make a significant impact in their chosen fields. They value diversity, leadership, and a collaborative spirit. Here are key attributes the committee looks for:

• Clarity of Purpose : Demonstrating a clear understanding of why you need an MBA and how it fits into your career plan is crucial. The committee wants to see that you have thoughtfully considered your career path and the role an MBA will play in it.
• Leadership Potential : Anderson values candidates who exhibit leadership qualities and have the potential to drive change. This includes professional achievements, personal initiatives, and any roles where you have demonstrated your ability to lead and inspire others.
• Diverse Perspectives : The committee appreciates candidates who bring diverse experiences and viewpoints. This can include cultural, professional, and academic diversity, which contributes to a rich learning environment.
• Impact Orientation : Anderson looks for candidates who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities and industries. They want to see that you have a track record of contributing to the greater good and have plans to continue doing so.

Essay 1: Why are you pursuing an MBA? (150 words)

This essay is your opportunity to articulate the specific skills and experiences you seek from an MBA program. Here’s how to craft a compelling response:

• Identify the Skills You Need : Start by pinpointing the skills and knowledge gaps you currently have. Explain how an MBA will help bridge these gaps. Be specific about the areas you wish to develop, such as leadership, strategic thinking, or technical expertise.
• Motivation and Timing : Highlight your motivation for pursuing an MBA at this stage in your career. Briefly mention your career progress to date and why you believe now is the right time for this step. Emphasize how an MBA will enable you to reach the next level in your career.
• Comprehensive Experience : Mention the holistic benefits of the MBA experience, such as networking opportunities, exposure to diverse perspectives, access to experienced faculty, and hands-on learning. Explain how these elements will contribute to your personal and professional growth.
• Personal Commitment : Conclude by demonstrating your enthusiasm and commitment to the MBA journey. Explain why you believe the investment is necessary and worthwhile for your future.

Essay 2: Describe your short-term and long-term post-MBA career goals. (150 words)

This essay requires you to clearly define your career aspirations post-MBA. Follow these steps to write an effective response:

• Specificity in Short-term Goals : Start with your immediate goals post-MBA. Specify the industry, position, and companies you are targeting. Being specific demonstrates that you have a well-thought-out plan and are serious about your career path.
• Long-term Vision : Outline your long-term career aspirations. Describe the roles you envision yourself in, the industry you plan to impact, and the broader goals you aim to achieve. Ensure there is a logical progression from your short-term to long-term goals.
• Alignment with Anderson’s Values : Given Anderson’s focus on transformative leadership, it’s beneficial to mention how you plan to make an impact in your field. This can include the type of leader you aspire to be and the changes you wish to bring about in your industry or community.

UCLA Anderson MBA Essay 3 Framework

Let’s dive into how one can go about answering UCLA’s compulsory MBA question. A main framework to keep in mind while writing the essay is as below:

• Select a specific experience from your life that aligns well with the qualities UCLA Anderson is seeking in its candidates.
• Provide ample context in your essay and properly introduce the goal you were looking to achieve as well as the obstacles you faced along the way.
• Describe how you were able to overcome the obstacles and highlight how you displayed resilience, adaptability, and tenacity in the face of adversity.
• Explain how you demonstrated leadership during this experience.
• Be specific about the positive impact the experience had on you, your team, or the organization.
• Connect your example of perseverance to your aspirations as an MBA candidate.

UCLA Anderson MBA Essay Analysis

When answering the MBA question posed by UCLA Anderson about demonstrating perseverance, it’s essential to craft a compelling and thoughtful response that showcases your ability to overcome challenges and achieve significant goals or milestones.

It is important to remember that the key to answering this question effectively is to demonstrate your ability to persevere and show how it aligns with the qualities UCLA Anderson values in its MBA candidates. Use the essay to showcase your unique experiences and leadership potential while being true to yourself and your journey. Moreover, since the essay has a maximum word limit of 250 words, make sure you don’t stretch your point on for too long.

Below are some tips to help you draft a good essay:

• Choose a Relevant Example : Select a specific experience from either your personal or professional life that aligns well with the qualities UCLA Anderson is seeking in its candidates. Look for an instance where you faced obstacles, demonstrated resilience, and ultimately achieved a noteworthy outcome. The example you choose should align with UCLA Anderson’s core values and the qualities they seek in their transformative leaders. Research the school’s mission, vision, and leadership principles to understand the traits they value, such as fearlessness, adaptability, and a drive for positive change. Your chosen example should showcase how you embody these qualities through your perseverance.
• Provide Context : Start your response by setting the stage for the situation you encountered. Briefly introduce the goal or milestone you were aiming to achieve and the challenges you faced along the way. Clearly explain the significance of the goal to demonstrate its relevance and importance.
• Highlight the Obstacles : Emphasize the difficulties and hurdles you encountered during your pursuit of the goal. This is a crucial part of showcasing your perseverance and determination. Be honest and transparent about the challenges without dwelling on negativity or making excuses.
• Highlights Resourcefulness : Explain the resources you utilized, whether they were mentors, additional training, or professional networks. Demonstrating resourcefulness shows that you sought support and took advantage of available opportunities.
• Demonstrate persistence : Describe the specific actions you took to overcome the obstacles. Show how you displayed resilience, adaptability, and tenacity in the face of adversity. Discuss the mindset and attitude you maintained throughout the journey.
• Explain the Process : Outline the steps you took to navigate the challenges. This could include strategic planning, seeking advice or feedback from others, refining your approach, or learning new skills. Showcase your problem-solving abilities and resourcefulness.
• Showcase Leadership : UCLA actively seeks out leaders for its MBA program. So, if applicable, explain how you demonstrated leadership during this experience. Leadership doesn’t necessarily mean being in a formal position; it can involve guiding and inspiring others to work towards a common goal. Highlight how you motivated or collaborated with others during this endeavor.
• Discuss Results and Learnings : Share the outcome of your perseverance and the ultimate achievement of the goal or milestone. Be specific about the positive impact it had on you, your team, or the organization. Also, reflect on the lessons you learned throughout the process and how these experiences have shaped your approach to challenges and leadership.
• Relate to MBA Experience : Connect your example of perseverance to your aspirations as an MBA candidate. Explain how the skills and mindset you demonstrated during that experience will contribute to your success in the MBA program and beyond. Consider the ways you can leverage these experiences to drive change, think fearlessly, and share success at UCLA Anderson.
• Be Genuine and reflective : Admissions committees appreciate authenticity and self-awareness. Be genuine in your response, and don’t exaggerate or fabricate your experiences. Reflect on your journey and showcase personal growth and development. 
• Practice and Edit : Draft your response and revise it multiple times. Make sure your answer is clear, concise, and impactful. Practice delivering your response with confidence and coherence to ensure it flows well during an interview.

Now that we’ve looked at how you can better answer the compulsory MBA essay, let’s see how and if you should answer the optional one.

UCLA Anderson Optional MBA Essay Framework

UCLA Anderson’s second essay is not compulsory and should only be answered if a candidate feels there are some “extenuating circumstances” in their profile that the college needs to be aware of. If there are none, it is better not to opt to answer the essay. However, if you do choose to answer it, you can keep the below framework in mind to help you address the essay better.

• Make sure you’re citing relevant circumstances that have genuinely impacted your profile and are relevant to your MBA application.
• Be honest and transparent in your approach.
• Once again, it is important to remember that brevity and conciseness are key since you have a limited word count.
• Provide ample context for the situation.
• Focus on how the circumstances in question helped you grow and the positive outcomes that resulted from them.
• Make sure that your experience can be tied back to your aspirations as an MBA candidate.
• Do not victimize yourself, and instead focus on how you’ve grown from the experience.

UCLA Anderson Optional MBA Essay Analysis

If you do choose to address the “extenuating circumstances” question in your MBA essay for UCLA, keep in mind that the opportunity is for you to provide context for any challenges, setbacks, or exceptional circumstances that have affected your profile.

Remember that by providing a thoughtful and transparent explanation of any extenuating circumstances, you can demonstrate your ability to overcome challenges, your readiness for an MBA program, and your commitment to success. This can further help the admissions committee better understand your profile and evaluate your candidacy holistically.

Here are some tips you can use while drafting your essays to help you stay on track and get your point across effectively:

• Choose relevant circumstances : Focus on significant circumstances that have genuinely impacted your profile and are relevant to your MBA application. These could include personal, academic, or professional challenges, health issues, family responsibilities, financial hardships, or any other unique situations that affected your performance or choices.
• Be honest and direct : Approach the topic with honesty and transparency. Avoid exaggerating or making excuses. Instead, provide a clear and factual explanation of the circumstances.
• Keep it concise : You have a limited word count, so make sure your response is concise and to the point. Stick to the most crucial aspects of the circumstances you’re addressing.
• Provide context : Offer sufficient context to help the admissions committee understand the situation better. Explain the timing, duration, and impact of the extenuating circumstances on your profile.
• Focus on resilience and growth : While discussing the challenges you faced, emphasize how you responded to the situation and any positive outcomes or personal growth that resulted from overcoming these circumstances. Showcase your resilience, determination, and ability to learn from difficult experiences.
• Relate to your MBA goals : Tie the extenuating circumstances to your aspirations as an MBA candidate. Discuss how the challenges you faced have shaped your motivation to pursue an MBA and your ability to contribute to the program and the business community.
• Avoid self-pity : While it’s important to explain the challenges you encountered, avoid adopting a victim mentality. Instead, emphasize how you have taken proactive steps to address and overcome these challenges.
• Connect with your readiness for an MBA : Highlight how facing and overcoming these circumstances have prepared you for the rigors of an MBA program. Discuss how you have developed the skills and qualities necessary to thrive in a challenging academic and professional environment.
• Seek feedback if applicable : If you have received feedback or evaluations related to the extenuating circumstances, briefly mention them. This demonstrates your receptiveness to feedback and will also show the admissions committee your willingness to grow and learn.

Once you draft your essay with the above points in mind, remember to proofread it and make sure that it flows well. Do not exceed the word limit of the essay, as it may not be considered by the admissions committee. Make sure that someone who doesn’t know you can still get a glimpse into the situation you faced by just reading it, and remember to bring out the positives through it.

Final Thoughts

Essays are a crucial part of any MBA application process, especially for a competitive school like UCLA. The above tips and frameworks will undoubtedly help you draft your answers to their questions better and bring out the points you have both effectively and efficiently, while at the same time keeping them brief and clear. The process is, however, not as simple as answering essays, and if you believe you could use assistance with it, our team at Admit Expert will be able to help you with that. With many experienced consultants, which include UCLA and many other top B-school graduates, we can guide you through your MBA application journey. So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us now .

Do you want to get into your dream business school?

Take the first step towards your MBA dream and schedule a free 1 on 1 application strategy call with us.

Related Posts

2024-2025 UNC Kenan Flagler MBA Essay Tips and Analysis

The UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA program is known for developing future business leaders with a strong commitment to making a positive impact. For the 2025 admissions, the essay prompts are designed to help applicants showcase their career goals, leadership potential, and unique qualities. This article offers an in-depth analysis, actionable tips,

2024-2025 USC Marshall MBA Essay Tips and Analysis

The USC Marshall MBA program is known for its emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and global leadership. For the 2025 admissions cycle, applicants are tasked with presenting their career goals and personal qualities through a series of essay prompts. These prompts offer candidates the chance to demonstrate their unique perspectives, professional

2024-2025 Notre Dame Mendoza MBA Essay Tips and Analysis

When applying to the Notre Dame Mendoza MBA program, your essays are an opportunity to showcase not just your professional ambitions but also your personal qualities. The Mendoza College of Business places a strong emphasis on integrity, leadership, and a sense of purpose that aligns with their mission to create

2024-2025 Rice Jones MBA Essay Tips and Analysis

Applying to the Rice Jones MBA program for the 2025 admissions cycle requires more than just submitting your resume and transcripts. The admissions committee wants to understand your career aspirations and what drives you personally. Through a set of well-crafted essay prompts, Rice Jones seeks to gain deeper insights into

We are here to assist you!

Want to get in touch with us sooner?

Send us a mail [email protected]

UCLA Anderson Application Deadlines and Essay Tips: 2024-2025

If UCLA Anderson is on your MBA application list, Personal MBA Coach is here to help you develop a compelling application. Below, find details on UCLA’s application deadlines along with Personal MBA Coach’s guidance on the 2024-2025 UCLA MBA essays and how to approach them.

If you are looking to learn more about UCLA Anderson’s MBA Program, take a look at the class of 2025 profile and find out if the school may be the right fit for you.

The Upcoming UCLA Anderson Application Deadlines Are:

Round 1: October 1, 2024

Round 2:  January 6, 2025

Round 3:  April 14, 2025

2024–2025 UCLA Anderson Application Essays:

This year, UCLA Anderson changed its application. The school now has three short essay questions, all of which are fairly straightforward. Combined, these essays should clearly and concisely tell UCLA why you want an MBA at UCLA and how the UCLA MBA experience will transform your leadership style and prepare you to make an impact.

To write a winning Anderson MBA essay, Personal MBA Coach recommends reading our tips on writing winning essays along with our school-specific advice below to make sure you are up to speed on the basics of MBA application essay writing.

Now, let’s look at Anderson’s essay questions.

UCLA Anderson Essay 1: Why are you pursuing an MBA? (150 words)

With only 150 words to use here, there is not much space to recount your resume. However, a strong essay will set context for the reader in terms of where you are in your career, what you have accomplished to date and, finally, WHY you are ready for an MBA. This is not the time to talk about your goals (that is essay 2); instead this is the time to explain – in simple language – your career path to date and what motivates you to take this next step.

UCLA Anderson Essay 2: Describe your short-term and long-term post-MBA career goals. (150 words)

For this second short essay, you want to tell UCLA exactly WHAT you hope to accomplish after business school. This should include your immediate plans and your long-term career vision. Need help articulating your MBA goals? Check out Personal MBA Coach’s blog for guidance.

UCLA Anderson Essay 3: At Anderson, our mission is to prepare transformative leaders by developing students to think innovatively, problem-solve, and adapt to others – all with a driven and purposeful mindset. How do you plan to achieve your goals and develop into a transformative leader during your time at UCLA Anderson? (250 words)

With this essay question, you want to think about where ULCA fits into your process. UCLA begins this third essay question by describing the school’s mission. There is a lot of detail in this mission so be sure to read it carefully and think about the type of leader that UCLA is trying to build as you craft your answer.

Then, tie this back to UCLA’s specific offerings. Take the time to research the school’s offerings, paying careful attention to the leadership opportunities available. Then, select a few specific items that you are most attracted to. As you write this essay, remember that quality is more important than quantity. You should take the time to show UCLA that you have carefully thought through each opportunity selected and how it will help you to grow as a leader on campus and succeed throughout your career.

Optional Essay: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the admissions committee should be aware? (250 words maximum)

The optional UCLA Anderson essay should be answered only by those with extenuating circumstances. That said, the program assures that no preference is given in the evaluation process to those who choose to respond to this optional essay, so please use your best judgment .

Looking for help developing your UCLA Anderson application?

Schedule a consultation with Personal MBA Coach today to find out how we can help you with your Anderson MBA application!

You also may like these other blog articles:

Find out why we are consistently ranked #1. Sign up for a 30-minute consultation today!

We have over 200 5 Star Reviews. Find out WHY!

schedule consultation