The LBS EMBA program goes beyond delivering necessary skills for senior managers; it is for managers who have a dynamic sense of their future and a willingness to change and grow; people who are open to being inspired. At the same time, the program reflects, and the adcom seeks in applicants, a practical perspective. You know what it takes to get things done. Your essays should mirror and convey this dual aspect: openness, excitement and creativity alongside real-world effort, understanding, and achievement.
London Business School Executive MBA application essays
LBS Executive MBA essay #1
How will the Executive MBA help you achieve your career objectives? (500 words maximum)
You may want to start by discussing your current career situation to set the context, and clarify how the MBA education will enable you to achieve your immediate goals. You can then naturally move on to your future goals sequentially. Give more detail in the roles you plan immediately post-MBA and the several years following; this time frame should comprise the bulk of your goals discussion. These details should include position, company, likely responsibilities and scope of accountability, perhaps adding in some interesting points such as possible challenges or trends you’ll encounter. Longer-term goals need less detail, but they still should present a clear direction. In describing your goals at any given point, indicate why you are taking that step.
In discussing how the EMBA will benefit you, be specific: identify what skills and knowledge you need, and how the program meets those needs. While the question asks about EMBA broadly, it would be great to refer to specific aspects of the LBS EMBA curriculum, structure and/or special features of the program, detailing how they will support you and your goals.
Ideally, in presenting your goals, you’ll incorporate both of the qualities noted in the introduction above – a sense of dynamism, vision; and a concrete, practical plan or dimension.
LBS Executive MBA essay #2
What was your response to a piece of feedback that you have received regarding an area of weakness? (500 words maximum)
The adcom wants to see how frankly you portray the feedback and your own shortcoming, and how insightfully you contextualize your experience. Secondarily, it’s about change –did you grow and change as a result of the feedback?
This essay will be most compelling and engaging if written as a story. Start right in with the story’s setting – where, who, when (ideally make it recent enough so it shows that you handle serious responsibility and long ago enough so that you can show you responded seriously and improved as a result of the feedback). Then progress through the story, highlighting not just what you and the other party said and did, but also your thinking as the story progresses. Finally, give a short example of how you have applied this feedback (or your learning from this feedback experience) subsequently – in other words, how you grew.
LBS Executive MBA essay #3
Please choose ONE essay from the following two options: (500 words maximum)
If you could choose any three people who have ever lived to join you in your ideal Executive MBA study group, who would they be and why?
OR
How would you contribute to the London Business School community as an alumnus?
If the first two questions are rooted in real-world, concrete experience, this question urges you to “play” a little and use your imagination, wit, creativity, and possibly broader passions in answering.
Which should you answer? Both are equally good; it depends on you. The first invites you to “dream” a bit and convey your broader passions. The second invites you to express these broader passions, as well as experiences and personal qualities, in the practical context of projected real contributions.
So, back to the choice: If one of these questions naturally strikes a chord with you, engages you, and you have an idea for it that you like, it’s a good indication to use that question. Go with it! BUT, do apply some objective, focused analysis as well. Ensure that your content truly illuminates you in some new and fresh way relevant to the application, and use detail and example to make your essay credible and vivid.
Another approach is strategic. If your imagination isn’t tickled by these questions, instead analyze and plan. What relevant and interesting aspects of your profile aren’t yet portrayed (or portrayed adequately) in the application? Identify one or two such points, and work back from that to find suitable topics for one of the two questions.
Random pitfalls:
- If you choose the first question, please don’t use very obvious or overly angelic people (I’ve seen this essay answered with Gandhi and Mother Teresa more often than I can believe over 15 years.) Rather, discuss people who show your creative thinking and/or are personally meaningful to you.
- If you choose the second question, don’t turn the essay into a recitation of future good intentions. Root your prospective contributions in your actual experiences, insights, commitments, and interests, and include some anecdotes and examples to lend both credibility and interest.
If you would like professional guidance with your LBS Executive MBA application, check out Accepted’s MBA Application Package, which includes advising, editing, interview coaching, and a resume edit for the LBS EMBA application.
London Business School EMBA deadlines for September 2020 intake
| Deadline 1 | February 25, 2020 |
| Deadline 2 | March 24, 2020 |
| Deadline 3 | April 28, 2020 |
| Deadline 4 | June 2, 2020 |
| Deadline 5 | July 1, 2020 |
***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***
Cindy Tokumitsu has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 20 years with Accepted. She would love to help you too. Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
Related Resources:
• Why MBA, a free guide
• The Expanded Executive MBA Profile
• How Do You Deal with Criticism? MBA Admissions Committees Want to Know
