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How to Answer Yale SOM MBA Commitment Essay (2023 Entering Class)

This is one of the most unusual questions we have seen in MBA Application. The first obvious question that comes to an applicant's mind - should I include a personal or a professional experience for this essay?

Yale SOM MBA Essay prompt: Describe the biggest commitment you have ever made. (500 words)

Personal Commitment can vary from the relationship with a partner to pursuing a skill – music, stand-up, acting or pro-sports. If you have a substantial list of achievements to show, include a personal commitment to your skill, provided the recommendation letters, transcripts, and resume will help the admission team understand your career path. The trajectory and peak in your career should be obvious. If there is a hint of confusion on whether your pre-MBA journey is enough to achieve your post-MBA goals, use the essay to capture your professional experience.
 
Let us look at the MBA Application elements for Yale SOM. For 2022-23, the application includes a Video Essay, two recommendation letters, and one essay. The Video Essay is designed to test your ability to think on the feet. The recommendation letter validates what you have written and brings a perspective from your team lead or your supervisor.
 
The 500-word written essay becomes a snapshot of your personality. We recommend that you include a professional experience for this Essay.
 
 

Yale SOM MBA Commitment Essay Tip #1: Include Leadership Experience in your Commitment Essay

Yale SOM MBA is Leadership heavy and believes in the power of internal motivation and purpose in your work.
 
Year One
Yale SOM MBA Core CurriculumThe core of the Yale SOM full-time MBA program, unlike other top MBA programs is not divided into themes based on job function or industry but strategically looks at the foundation of management program through fundamental expertise – accounting, managing groups & teams, economics, negotiation, and probability.
 
Following the foundation courses, Yale SOM trains students on roles – Customer, Competitor, Investor, Employee, The Executive, Innovator, and from the perspective of the state and macro economy.
 
A defining characteristic of Leadership is an ability to think from the other person’s point of view and create incentives for each personality type. By assigning roles, candidates learn to think from multiple angles and understand the problems faced by each role.
 
 
Year Two
Yale SOM MBA ElectivesThe second year through 60+ elective courses is designed as a traditional MBA program with themes on real estate, big data, policy, non-profit management and Global Corporation, standing out as unique for the program. 

Yale SOM MBA Commitment Essay Tip #2:  Include Patience and Discipline

Any worthwhile goals require patience and discipline. Applicants with a military background are trained to perform with rigor and focus. Discipline is expected. For other applicants, the commitment essay is a chance to showcase what it takes to perform at the highest level.
 
Although the essay is on commitment, include indirectly the responsibilities you are entrusted and how you hope to take on greater commitments with the MBA. A pattern of setting goals and persisting should be highlighted to indicate your motivation.
 
Commitment is an empty promise without a goal. Yale SOM attracts some of the best Employers in Finance, Consulting, Technology, Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Real Estate, and Consumer Packaged Goods.
 
They hope to attract candidates who are naturally good at goal setting and persisting through setbacks. Your essay is a recruitment tool, not just for an MBA, but also for Employers who want to bet on candidates with the right attitude towards work and goals.

Yale SOM MBA Commitment Essay Tip #3:  Match Values with your Commitment

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"Yale SOM MBA Essay Guide is a practical book with storytelling techniques, sample essays and insider secrets on capturing the attention of the admission team. I improvised on the techniques offered in the book and found a unique voice. " - Verified Purchase
 
"I bought this book after reading F1GMAT's Essay Writing Tips and Sample Essay for Yale. The storytelling tips and Leadership traits stood out, but the many thought-provoking observations on MBA Admissions gave me excellent ideas on writing my Essays. " - Verified Purchase
 

Yale MBA Essay Guide

 

Essay 1: Describe the biggest commitment you have ever made. Why is this commitment meaningful to you and what actions have you taken to support it?

Essay 2: Describe the community that has been most meaningful to you. What is the most valuable thing you have gained from being a part of this community and what is the most important thing you have contributed to this community?

Essay 3: Describe the most significant challenge you have faced. How have you confronted this challenge and how has it shaped you as a person?


 Download F1GMAT's Yale MBA Essay Guide

About the Author 

Atul Jose - Founding Consultant F1GMAT

I am Atul Jose - the Founding Consultant at F1GMAT.

Over the past 15 years, I have helped MBA applicants gain admissions to Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, MIT, Chicago Booth, Kellogg, Columbia, Haas, Yale, NYU Stern, Ross, Duke Fuqua, Darden, Tuck, IMD, London Business School, INSEAD, IE, IESE, HEC Paris, McCombs, Tepper, and schools in the top 30 global MBA ranking. 

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