Sample MBA Essays and School Specific Tips

Prompt 2: I am out of my comfort zone when

Before you articulate how you came out of the comfort zone, understand what the term means. If you are working on a project where the tasks have become routine, with low to no pressure and there are few incentives to take the risk, then you are in your comfort zone.

Two traits define comfort zone: anxiety and skills.

Example 1:  Losing a Client

Ross values volunteering and extra-curricular activities. If you have more than two active volunteering experience, use this question for highlighting both or offering context on the challenges, setbacks, and change that you brought about with one active volunteering.

The applicant in the example addresses the complexity of sanitation and enabling behavioral changes. With the emphasis on infrastructure, funding, and marketing, the essay concludes with the impact the applicant had on the slums in Mumbai.

Prompt 2: I made a difference when I

The admission team wants to know the triggers that encourage you to make a difference. Is it intrinsic (responsibilities & challenges) or extrinsic motivation (compensation & titles)?

Another personality trait they want to measure is your ability to take initiatives.

Are you aware of your role in a team?

Do you value excellence?

What is the guiding principle that is pushing you to act?

Example #1: Consulting for a Pharma Giant

In the second example, we look at an applicant who has worked in a non-profit for 5 years as their Business Development/Fund-Raising Manager. Even though she had a positive impact on the lives of women and children migrating from oppressive regimes, an encounter with a Kellogg MBA Alumnus and a Technology Entrepreneur opened up ideas to upgrade her skills.

In the first example, we share the journey of an applicant, who has a natural inclination to find bigger opportunities. Starting as a Technologist, his keen sense of observation and listening skills, helped him earn $5mn for the company. The transition from a Technologists to a Consultant encouraged the applicant to consider Management Consulting. Kellogg MBA becomes the obvious bridge. The first half of the essay narrates the events that transitioned him to Consulting.

Applicants with monetary goals are easy to spot. Their narration about professional growth is focused exclusively on hierarchical growth within the organization or the performance bonuses they earned. It is never about the experience of helping a colleague, pushing oneself, or learning about one’s true strengths.

Kellogg MBA Essay 2 Tips: Pursuing an MBA is a catalyst for personal and professional growth. How have you grown in the past? How do you intend to grow at Kellogg? (450 words)