As you did for the last two years applying to Yale SOM, you need to make the most of its single required essay, but you also need to take the time to make every box in the application a home run. They are not after-thoughts. Your job descriptions and activity history are very important. Write and edit them carefully. Focus on achievements. Quantify when possible and keep in mind Yale’s commitment to “educating leaders for business and society.”
My tips are in blue.
Describe the biggest commitment you have ever made. (500 words maximum)
This essay would do really well with an anecdotal response telling the story of the commitment you made. What was the challenge or problem that triggered this commitment. How did you follow up? What were the results? Did you solve that initial problem or successful achieve your goals in meeting that challenge? You can start with the moment of challenge or the moment of triumph. If you choose the latter, then go back, provide context, and tell your story of commitment, resolve, hurdles overcome, and challenge handled. If the impact has lasted — on you and others — say so.
If you would like professional guidance with your Yale MBA application, please consider Accepted’s MBA essay editing and MBA admissions consulting or our MBA Application Packages, which include advising, editing, interview coaching, and a resume edit for the Yale SOM application.
***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***
By Linda Abraham, president and founder of Accepted and co-author of the definitive book on MBA admissions, MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools.
Related Resources:
• 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your MBA Application Essays, a free guide
• Bruce DelMonico on The Yale School of Management, a podcast episode
• How to Write About Overcoming Challenges Without Sounding Like a Whiner
