UCLA Anderson MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Learn how to craft compelling MBA essays for UCLA Anderson with our comprehensive guide.

Posted March 1, 2024

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Are you considering pursuing an MBA at UCLA Anderson? One crucial aspect of the application process is crafting strong essays that showcase your unique experiences and aspirations. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide an overview of the UCLA Anderson MBA essays and offer tips and examples to help you create compelling and impactful essays.

UCLA Anderson Application and the Role of Essays

The UCLA Anderson application requires you to submit essays that allow the admissions committee to get to know you better, beyond your academic achievements and test scores. The essays offer an opportunity to showcase your personal and professional background , your goals, and how an MBA from UCLA Anderson will help you achieve them.

Admissions officers evaluate your essays to gain insights into your leadership potential, critical thinking skills, and fit with the program. Therefore, it is crucial to approach the essays thoughtfully and articulate your unique qualities and experiences.

When crafting your essays, it is important to consider the specific prompts provided by UCLA Anderson. These prompts are designed to elicit specific information about your background, goals, and motivations. Take the time to carefully analyze each prompt and brainstorm ideas that will allow you to effectively address the questions asked.

One strategy to make your essays stand out is to provide concrete examples and anecdotes that illustrate your points. Instead of simply stating that you have leadership potential, for example, you could describe a specific situation in which you demonstrated leadership skills and the impact it had on the outcome. By providing specific details, you not only make your essays more engaging but also provide evidence to support your claims.

Another important aspect to consider is the overall structure and flow of your essays. Each essay should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion . The introduction should grab the reader's attention and provide a brief overview of what will be discussed. The body should delve into the details, providing examples and explanations to support your main points. Finally, the conclusion should summarize your main ideas and leave the reader with a lasting impression.

While it is important to showcase your achievements and strengths in your essays, it is equally important to be authentic and genuine . Admissions officers are looking for applicants who are not only qualified but also have a genuine passion for their goals and a strong sense of self. Therefore, it is important to be true to yourself and let your unique voice shine through in your writing.

Lastly, don't forget to proofread and edit your essays thoroughly. Spelling and grammatical errors can detract from the overall quality of your writing and give the impression of carelessness. Take the time to review your essays multiple times, preferably with the help of a trusted friend or mentor, to ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and error-free.

In conclusion, the essays play a crucial role in the UCLA Anderson application process. They provide an opportunity for you to showcase your personal and professional background, your goals, and how an MBA from UCLA Anderson will help you achieve them. By approaching the essays thoughtfully, providing concrete examples, and being authentic in your writing, you can make a strong impression on the admissions committee and increase your chances of being accepted into the program.

UCLA Anderson Essay Prompts (2023-2024)

Each year, UCLA Anderson provides essay prompts that applicants need to address in their application. The prompts for the 2023-2024 application cycle are as follows:

  • Prompt 1: Share your short-term and long-term career goals. How does UCLA Anderson align with your career aspirations? (750 words maximum)
  • Prompt 2: Describe a significant accomplishment and why it makes you proud. (500 words maximum)
  • Prompt 3: Share a time when you faced a challenging situation and how you overcame it. (500 words maximum)
  • Prompt 4: Describe a time when you went above and beyond to help others. How did this experience shape your leadership style? (500 words maximum)

These prompts are carefully designed to elicit specific information about your goals, achievements, resilience, and impact on others. It is important to craft your responses strategically, showcasing your strengths and demonstrating why you are a strong candidate for UCLA Anderson's MBA program.

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List of Expert Tips for Each Anderson Essay Prompt

Here are some expert tips to help you navigate each of the UCLA Anderson essay prompts:

Prompt 1: Career Goals and Alignment

When addressing this prompt, it is essential to clearly articulate your short-term and long-term career goals. Additionally, explain how UCLA Anderson's resources, curriculum, and community will help you achieve these goals. Research specific resources, such as clubs, courses, or faculty, and explain how they align with your aspirations.

Highlighting UCLA Anderson's unique offerings that resonate with your objectives will underscore your commitment and understanding of the program.

Prompt 2: Significant Accomplishment

For this prompt, choose an accomplishment that truly reflects your abilities, resilience, or personal growth. Provide context to help the reader understand the significance of the accomplishment and explain why it makes you proud.

Focus on the challenges you faced, the actions you took, and the outcomes you achieved. Be sure to highlight the skills and qualities that contributed to your success. By showcasing your accomplishments, you paint a picture of your potential to make an impact at UCLA Anderson.

Prompt 3: Overcoming Challenges

When addressing this prompt, select a challenging situation that demonstrates your ability to persevere, adapt, and overcome obstacles. Clearly describe the situation, the hurdles you faced, and the actions you took to navigate through the challenges.

Highlight the lessons you learned, the skills you developed, and how this experience shaped your character and resilience. Admissions officers look for candidates who can handle adversity and find innovative solutions, so be sure to convey your ability to do so effectively.

Prompt 4: Helping Others and Leadership Style

This prompt allows you to showcase your leadership abilities and commitment to making a positive impact on others. Choose an experience where you went above and beyond to help someone or a group of individuals.

Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the results achieved. Reflect on how this experience influenced your leadership style and values. Admissions officers seek candidates who can lead with empathy, collaboration, and a genuine desire to contribute positively to society.

MBA Essay Tips: How to Write Compelling Essays

Successfully crafting compelling essays requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some MBA essay tips to help you create impactful essays:

  • Reflect on your experiences: Take time to introspect and identify experiences that align with each prompt. Choose the most relevant and impactful ones.
  • Show authenticity: Be true to yourself and present an honest and genuine portrayal of your experiences, aspirations, and values.
  • Structure your essays: An effective essay has a clear structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs that provide evidence and anecdotes, and a strong conclusion.
  • Focus on storytelling: Use vivid language, anecdotes, and specific examples to engage the reader and create a memorable narrative.
  • Connect your experiences to UCLA Anderson: Demonstrate how your experiences and goals align with the UCLA Anderson program, emphasizing the unique value you will bring to the community.
  • Revise and edit: Proofread your essays carefully, ensuring they are free from grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies. Seek feedback from trusted mentors or friends.

UCLA Anderson Essay Examples From Success Admits — With Analysis

Learning from successful applicants' essays can provide valuable insights. We have compiled a collection of UCLA Anderson essay examples from successful admits, along with analysis and commentary. These examples will help you understand what makes a strong essay and how you can apply those techniques to your own writing.

UCLA Anderson Essay FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions about the UCLA Anderson MBA essays:

  • Q: Are the essay word limits strict?
  • Q: Can I reuse essays from other MBA applications?
  • Q: How should I choose the experiences to write about?
  • Q: Is there a specific essay format or structure I should follow?

Answering these questions will provide you with additional guidance and clarity as you embark on your essay writing journey.

As you navigate the UCLA Anderson MBA application process, remember that the essays play a crucial role in showcasing your unique qualities and fit with the program. Follow the expert tips provided, review the essay examples, and craft compelling essays that truly reflect your aspirations and potential. Good luck!

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UCLA MBA Essays: Tips for 2023-2024

If you are looking for guidance on how to write successful MBA essays for UCLA Anderson, you are in the right place. The UCLA Anderson MBA application can be difficult and time-consuming, but with these tips and tricks, you can be more confident about one of the biggest parts of your application: the UCLA Anderson essays. This article will cover how to compose UCLA MBA essays that will fit the criteria for admissions and hopefully earn you a place in UCLA’s graduating class of 2025. 

At Menlo Coaching, we noticed that most MBA essays will fall into one of a number of categories: personal essays, career goals essays, behavioral essays, etc.. Read ahead for our expert guide on approaching these essays for the UCLA Anderson School of Business.

Impact Essay

  • UCLA Anderson seeks to develop transformative leaders who think fearlessly, drive change, and share success. We believe the ability to persevere is an essential component of effective leadership. Please share an example from your personal or professional life where you demonstrated perseverance to accomplish a significant goal or milestone. (text box, 250 words maximum) 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.

Career Goals Essay

  • Describe your short-term and long-term post-MBA career goals. (text box, 600 characters)
  • How can UCLA Anderson help you achieve your career and/or personal goals? (text box, 1000 characters)

Optional Essays

  • Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions committee should be aware? (text box, 250 words)
  • “More About You” Section. If you wish to provide additional information about academic or personal circumstances not included in your Optional Essay or elsewhere in this application, please do so here. (text box, maximum 1000 characters)

Applying to UCLA Anderson

UCLA is a prestigious business school with renowned faculty and a focus on academic success. UCLA wants to admit students who are intelligent, determined, and prepared to undertake a rigorous curriculum. Further, UCLA Anderson values sharing success, thinking fearlessly, and driving change. Applicants should pay attention to the specific requirements and expectations set out by UCLA’s admissions committee when writing UCLA MBA essays. Through these UCLA Anderson essays, applicants have a chance to demonstrate their skills, accomplishments, and personal interests. 

Anderson’s Impact Essay

This UCLA MBA essay involves demonstrating how recent events have influenced the impact you would like to make in your community, career, or both. This UCLA Anderson essay gives you a space to identify how you have developed after recent events. UCLA’s MBA admissions committee wants assurance that you are self-reflective and able to identify why you would like to make a particular impact in your community and/or career.

In this UCLA MBA essay, it is important to be truthful and sincere and to explain what impact you would like to make in a compelling manner. You should include as much detail as possible for this type of UCLA MBA essay. You should reflect on what a recent event has taught you and how your goals have changed based on that event.

In this UCLA MBA essay, you might want to reflect on how you have learned from previous events and how they have shaped you as an individual.

Anderson’s Career Goals Essay

The UCLA Anderson career goals essay provides applicants with a place to let the UCLA admissions committee know how the MBA program you want to attend will help you achieve your professional goals. This UCLA Anderson essay is a great place to explain why UCLA is truly the best fit for you.

It is vital for UCLA applicants to have a solid plan for their post-MBA career aspirations. First and foremost, this is because UCLA wants its graduates to succeed. However, there are a few selfish motivations for the career goals essay, including the fact that UCLA wants to have an impressive employment report and produce graduates who will become donors someday. Further, the UCLA admissions committee wants to ensure that applicants have a career plan that plays on their past experiences and thus ensures success. They also want applicants with the foresight to develop an alternate career plan in case their first choice does not work out. 

Other things to keep in mind for this essay is the necessity to have a career goal that is both ambitious and practical. Applicants should have meaningful goals that fit with what is offered at UCLA’s MBA program. Along this vein, networking is extremely important when preparing to write your career goals essay. The more you know about the program and how it can help you achieve your personal goals, the better. UCLA Anderson also asks applicants to share how UCLA specifically can help you achieve your career and/or personal goals in a separate MBA essay.

Optional Essay

Once you’ve completed your application, the optional UCLA MBA essay gives you an additional opportunity to provide the AdCom with any additional information or clarity that you feel would enhance your application.

One trap that MBA applicants fall into is using the additional space provided by this essay to write on a whole new topic. However, this is not always the best idea.

You should only make use of this essay if you what you write will provide context to an element of your application to improve your candidacy—you don’t want to jeopardize your chances by adding unnecessary noise to your application.

Applicants to UCLA should pay close attention to the specific expectations for each type of UCLA Anderson essay. Although it may be tempting to look up sample essays and draw from these formats, it is most important to let your personal background guide the construction of your UCLA MBA essays.

Menlo Coaching can help you throughout your MBA essay writing process, offering one-on-one MBA coaching and exclusive materials.

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2023-2024 UCLA Anderson MBA Essay Analysis

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  • August 3, 2023

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 an 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 the essays.

ucla anderson mba essay analysis

UCLA Anderson 2024 MBA Essays

Ucla anderson mba essay 1 framework, ucla anderson mba essay analysis, ucla anderson mba essay 2 framework, ucla anderson mba essay 2 analysis, final thoughts.

Just like many other business schools, UCLA’s MBA admissions process is quite straightforward when it comes to essays. They have just one compulsory essay 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 2024 application cycle, as per their website:

A) Essay: For the 2023-2024 application year, we have one essay question that is required for first-time applicants and optional for re-applicants:

UCLA Anderson seeks to develop transformative leaders who think fearlessly, drive change, and share success. We believe the ability to persevere is an essential component of effective leadership. Please share an example from your personal or professional life where you demonstrated perseverance to accomplish a significant goal or milestone. (250 words maximum)

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)

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.

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’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.

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.

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 .

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Winning UCLA MBA Essay Examples 2023-2024

If you’re considering applying to UCLA Anderson MBA Program this year, writing a winning admission essay is one of the most important steps in creating a successful application. It’s your chance to introduce yourself and make a strong impression on the admissions committee – so it has to be great! We’ve put together some UCLA MBA essay examples for 2023-2024 applicants that will help you stand out from the crowd. Drawing on years of experience reading dozens of applications each year, which provide insight into both successful target schools and what sets some apart from other candidates, we’ll show you exactly how to craft powerful essays that get results. From crafting unique angles and delving deeper into impactful stories to editing thoroughly and presenting minutiae with confidence —these UCLA MBA essay examples will provide inspiratio for developing persuasive arguments.

ucla anderson essay examples

What are the key elements of a successful UCLA MBA application essay

The key elements of a successful UCLA MBA application essay hinge on authenticity, self-awareness, and showcasing a clear career vision.

Authenticity is crucial – the admissions committee wants to see your true self and understand your unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives. This includes sharing your personal and professional goals, passions, and values.

Self-awareness, demonstrated through reflection on your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth, is another important element.

Finally, a clear career vision implies not only defining your short and long-term goals but also illustrating how UCLA Anderson’s MBA program will help you achieve these.

Remember, coherence and solid writing skills can greatly enhance the clarity and impact of your message.

Tips for Writing a Compelling UCLA MBA Application Essay

  • Understand and Address the Question: Begin by grasping the essay prompt thoroughly and make sure your essay directly addresses the question. While it’s important to weave in your personal and professional experiences, they should always connect back to the question. Straying too far from the topic can create confusion and reduce the impact of your essay.
  • Tell a Story: Use your UCLA MBA application essay as a platform to narrate your life story, your ambitions, and what has shaped you as a person. Personal narratives are powerful tools for demonstrating dimensions of your character and motivations that aren’t evident from other parts of the application. Be genuine and avoid exaggerating.
  • Highlight Your Unique Qualities: What makes you different? Show the admissions committee why you’re unique and how your distinct qualities will add value to the UCLA Anderson community. Be true to yourself – don’t try to mold your essay to fit what you think the admissions committee wants to hear.
  • Explain Why UCLA Anderson: Show that you have done your research about the school. Convey your enthusiasm for UCLA Anderson by explaining how specific resources, or faculty align with your career goals.
  • Proofread: Finally, never underestimate the importance of proofreading. A well-polished essay leaves a good impression and reflects your attention to detail. Have someone else review your essay for grammar, punctuation, and clarity to make sure your ideas are effectively communicated.

Strategies to answer the UCLA MBA essay questions

Before moving forward with our UCLA MBA essay examples, let’s break down each question to help you get to its essence.

 Essay 1

UCLA Anderson seeks to develop transformative leaders who think fearlessly, drive change, and share success. We believe the ability to persevere is an essential component of effective leadership. Please share an example from your personal or professional life where you demonstrated perseverance to accomplish a significant goal or milestone. (250 words maximum)

This essay prompt from UCLA Anderson is designed to assess your leadership abilities, your courage in the face of challenges, and your resilience. When you approach this question, it’s important to select a situation that truly tested your mettle and demonstrated your ability to persevere. This could be a professional challenge, a personal obstacle, or even a significant academic project.

Be specific about the situation, clearly outlining the problem, your approach, the actions you took, and the outcome. Remember to underline the lessons learned and how the experience has shaped you as a leader.

Avoid generic language and be honest about the difficulties you faced and how you overcame them. Furthermore, ensure that your response aligns with UCLA Anderson’s values of transformative and fearless leadership, driving change, and sharing success . Your narrative should be concise and compelling, as you only have 250 words to make an impact. It’s not just about explaining your resilience but showing how this trait can contribute to your performance in the MBA program and your future career.

To effectively portray your impact, focus on selecting one story that truly leaves a lasting impression. Avoid providing generic descriptions of your accomplishments and instead concentrate on a single experience that demonstrates a significant impact. It is crucial to consider what you want Anderson to learn about you. Since Anderson’s application is concise, every word counts and you must showcase the best you have to offer.

When brainstorming your stories, ensure that you choose one with a clear and meaningful outcome. This could be overcoming personal hardship, successfully delivering a crucial project, or helping a mentee achieve their goals. Once you have compiled a list, narrow it down to examples where you displayed perseverance. Stories that encompass conflict or specific challenges tend to work best in this context.

Finally, consider what you believe the admissions committee needs to learn about you and select your winning story accordingly.

Once you have shared your story, if there is space, consider including a sentence or two that highlights how your experience aligns with UCLA Anderson’s culture. You can specifically mention one or more of the characteristics listed in the essay prompt.

ucla anderson essay examples

Short Application Questions

Describe your short-term and long-term post-MBA career goals (600 characters, including spaces)

When responding to this question, it’s crucial to start by identifying your career aspirations and how an MBA will help you achieve them. In your short-term goals (roughly 0-5 years post-MBA), be specific about the role and industry you aim to be in, underlining how the MBA program will bridge your current profile with this immediate goal. For your long-term goals, think about where you want to be in around ten years, focusing on the impact you wish to make in your chosen field. While long-term goals are inherently less specific, they should still be realistic and aligned with your short-term goals and the trajectory an MBA can provide. Remember, you only have 600 characters – including spaces – so be concise and clearly state how the MBA fits into your career plan.

How can UCLA Anderson help you achieve your career and/or personal goals? (1000 characters, including spaces) 

This question seeks to understand how well you align with the university’s program and values. It’s important to provide a response that ties your goals to specific resources available at UCLA Anderson.

Begin by outlining your personal or career goals that you have already mentioned in the previous question. Then delve into how UCLA Anderson’s specific curriculum, unique programs, clubs, or faculty can contribute to achieving those goals.

For instance, if your goal is to work in technology consulting, you might discuss how Anderson’s Easton Technology Management Center and its specific courses could provide you with invaluable insights into the industry. If you wish to improve your leadership skills, the school’s Leadership@Anderson initiative could be highlighted.

Remember to go beyond the generic aspects of an MBA program and point out specific offerings of UCLA Anderson that align with your goals. This demonstrates that you have researched the program thoroughly and understand how it can shape your career or personal growth.

Above all, be authentic and clear about your ambitions and how UCLA Anderson fits into that picture. This will help you craft a strong, convincing response within the 1000-character limit. Remember this is not just about what Anderson can offer you, but also what you can bring to the Anderson community.

Optional Essay Tips

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)

When addressing this question, it’s crucial to understand that the Admissions Committee is looking for context that might explain certain aspects of your profile. This could be low grades during a certain period, gaps in your employment, or even a career change.

Firstly, honesty is key. If there were indeed circumstances that impacted your academic or professional performance, outline these sincerely. However, remember to avoid sounding defensive or making excuses. Instead, focus on how these experiences have shaped you, the lessons you’ve learned, and the steps you’ve taken to overcome these challenges. This will demonstrate resilience and maturity, traits that are appreciated in a business school environment.

Secondly, keep it concise. With a maximum limit of 250 words, be clear and direct in your explanation.

Finally, remember that this essay is optional. If there are no significant issues to address, it’s perfectly acceptable not to write this essay. Use this space only if you feel that it will provide critical context to understand your journey better.

Bear in mind, the aim of this essay is not to elicit sympathy, but to provide clarity. Your ability to reflect on these experiences and learn from them will demonstrate your potential for personal growth at UCLA Anderson.

ucla anderson essay examples

3 Best UCLA MBA Essay Examples 2023-2024

Here are three UCLA MBA essay examples that we hope will provide you with different strategies to write an outstanding essay.

During my tenure as a project manager at XYZ Tech, I was tasked with delivering a major software update within a challenging three-month timeline. ( Description of personnel changes and technical roadblocks. ) Despite unexpected personnel changes and technical roadblocks, my unwavering dedication and relentless problem-solving ( describe the steps you took to overcome challenges) led to the successful implementation of the software update. ( Describe and quantify the impact of this work on the organization). This experience not only honed my leadership skills but also instilled in me the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

In my personal life, I set a goal to run a marathon despite having no previous long-distance running experience. The journey was arduous, filled with physical exhaustion and moments of self-doubt. ( Describe difficulties and what you did to surmount them. ) Nevertheless, my relentless pursuit of the goal, disciplined training, and mental toughness allowed me to cross the finish line. This accomplishment has since fueled my belief in the power of perseverance, and I apply this principle in all my pursuits.

As a junior analyst at ABC Corp, I was given an ambitious goal to identify strategic merger opportunities, a responsibility typically reserved for senior associates. The task was intimidating, and I faced several obstacles, including a steep learning curve and tight deadlines. ( Describe in details what the learning curve involved, how tight were the deadlines, and what you did to overcome these obstacles ) However, my tenacity and dedication to personal growth drove me to reach this milestone. I developed a comprehensive report that led to a successful merger, demonstrating my ability to persevere and achieve significant results.

Conclusion:

Crafting your MBA application can be overwhelming, but our UCLA MBA essay examples for 2023-2024 applicants are here to help. From creating meaningful angles and impactful stories to highlighting the nuances of persuasive arguments, these tips will give you strong insight for developing MBA essays that turn heads. All you need now is thorough editing — and we have just the thing: check out our MBA editing services ! No matter what path you take, with significant effort and dedication, you can create an unforgettable impression on the admissions committee. Let us help you make your dreams come true! Good luck!

With a Master’s from McGill University and a Ph.D. from New York University, Dr. Philippe Barr is the founder of The Admit Lab. As a tenure-track professor, Dr. Barr spent a decade teaching and serving on several graduate admission committees at UNC-Chapel Hill before turning to full-time consulting. With more than seven years of experience as a graduate school admissions consultant, Dr. Barr has stewarded the candidate journey across multiple master’s and Ph.D. programs and helped hundreds of students get admitted to top-tier graduate programs  all over the world .

Subscribe to Dr. Philippe Barr’s  YouTub e  channel for tips and tricks on navigating the grad school application process and get the maximum out of your graduate school experience.

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UCLA MBA Application Essays for 2023-2024

UCLA MBA application

If the UCLA Anderson School of Management is on your shortlist of target MBA programs, then let the brainstorming begin. Here are the UCLA MBA application essays and deadlines for the 2023-2024 season. This year, Anderson has one updated essay question that is required for first-time applicants and optional for re-applicants.

UCLA MBA Application Essays

Required Essay:

UCLA Anderson seeks to develop transformative leaders who think fearlessly, drive change, and share success. We believe the ability to persevere is an essential component of effective leadership. Please share an example from your personal or professional life where you demonstrated perseverance to accomplish a significant goal or milestone.  (250 words maximum)

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:  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)

Reapplicants

Reapplicants are those who applied to the MBA program within the last two application years, so those who applied three or more years ago are considered new applicants.

Reapplicants may answer one or both of the essay questions above as options, and they must provide additional updates within text boxes given in the application for any new test scores, career developments, or other changes since their last application.

For more information on applying, please visit the UCLA Anderson MBA admissions website .

Stacy Blackman Consulting offers multiple services to meet your MBA application needs, from our  All-In Partnership  to hourly help reviewing your MBA resume.   Contact us today for a  free 15-minute advising session  to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant. Meanwhile, here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on  our SBC team .

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With deadlines around the corner, you may be interested in the world-famous SBC Flight Test . Once a full set of application materials for your initial school have been drafted, but not finalized, the application will be sent to a former admissions committee member for a one-time review, adcomm style. You’ll have the benefit of a true admissions committee review while still having the ability to tinker and change.  You will receive written feedback within two business days after submitting.

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2023-2024 UCLA Anderson MBA Essay Tips and Example Essays

Jul 10, 2023

ucla anderson essay examples

  • Who is UCLA Anderson looking for?
  • How should I answer the UCLA essay questions?
  • Make sure you get into UCLA Anderson
  • UCLA Deadlines

UPDATE : This article was originally posted on September 19, 2018. It has been updated with new information and tips below.

Located in sunny southern California, the UCLA Anderson of Management stands out not only for its flexible curriculum and wide array of specializations, but also for its relentless drive to prepare its students to think outside the box and harness the power of innovation in creating the future of business. 

However, with more and more students wanting to pursue careers in technology and take advantage of the school’s location in Silicon Beach, getting admitted to Anderson is more challenging than ever. 

That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you use your UCLA admissions essays to stand out. 

1. Who is UCLA Anderson looking for?

ucla anderson essay examples

“When you collaborate to win, you share success. This ethic is at the very core of our character.” UCLA Anderson Admissions

Every year, Anderson’s admissions team sorts through thousands of applications to find the perfect admits for its class of 330 students. With a strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration , there is no “standard” student at Anderson, yet the average student admitted to the Class of 2024 had 6 years of work experience and a 711 GMAT score (down from 714 last year). 

Nonetheless, Anderson looks beyond the numbers. Famous for its 3 pillars (share success, think fearlessly, and drive change), Anderson looks for applicants who will deliver value in the community as well as the classroom. 

ucla anderson essay examples

Furthermore, Anderson states that it looks for candidates who demonstrate academic horsepower (through strong GPAs and test scores), a track record of contributing to the community , employability, and focus. 

If this sounds like a community in which you’d be right at home, you’ll first have to prove you’ve got what it takes by successfully answering Anderson’s open-ended admissions essay question. 

2. How should I answer the UCLA essay questions?

2.1. essay 1 tips.

UCLA Anderson seeks to develop transformative leaders who think fearlessly, drive change, and share success. We believe the ability to persevere is an essential component of effective leadership. Please share an example from your personal or professional life where you demonstrated perseverance to accomplish a significant goal or milestone. (250 words maximum)

This year, UCLA Anderson has kept things simple and streamlined again. Considering how much room you have across the application to share information about yourself, it’s essential to choose the perfect story for this essay. After all, you’ll only have this one shot to demonstrate what you bring to the table. 

Before starting your essay, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with UCLA Anderson’s guiding principles since demonstrating that your values align with the school’s culture is essential to answering the question and proving you’d fit in at Anderson. 

After doing this research, we suggest you start thinking about your strongest achievements in your life and career. As UCLA makes clear, you can choose to write about a personal or professional experience in this essay. 

Regardless of which option you choose, the key to this question is “ demonstrated perseverance to accomplish a significant goal or milestone.”

That means you want to choose one story with a clear impact and tell it in STAR format. 

This means avoiding general descriptions of the impact you’ve had at your company and focusing on a single experience that packs a serious punch when it comes to generating a clear impact (the R of your STAR story). Most importantly, consider what you want Anderson to learn about you. Anderson’s application is short and sweet, which means that you won’t show off the best you have to offer unless you make sure every word counts . 

So, when brainstorming your stories, first, make sure you choose a story that has a clear result that means something to you. This can be overcoming a personal hardship, delivering a key project, or even helping someone you mentor reach a goal of theirs. 

Once you’ve made this list, filter it for examples where you had to show perseverance. In general, stories where you faced some sort of conflict or had to overcome some sort of specific challenge are going to work best here. In this essay, unlike many others, being affected by external factors, such as an economic downturn or being conscripted into military service, would work perfectly well as your conflict/challenge here. 

Of course, as your last step, consider what you think the adcom needs to learn about you and choose your winning story. 

With this in mind, it’s time to start drafting. As mentioned above here, following the STAR method is essential here. You want to make sure that when showing the Situation, you adequately express the conflict/challenge so your later actions sufficiently demonstrate perseverance. 

After you’ve told your story, if you have space, you might want to write a sentence or two about how the experience connects to UCLA Anderson’s culture, specifically mentioning one or more of the characteristics listed in the essay prompt. 

Need more guidance? 

Our MBA Resource Center includes guides for all top global MBA programs, detailed essay brainstorms, interview tips and mocks, CV templates, and recommendation letter guides. Click to join! 

2.2. Short Application Questions

Describe your short-term and long-term post-MBA career goals (600 characters, including spaces)

Here you have such a short amount of space that it’s critical you present a clear, focused answer. Considering the short character – not word – count, your greatest challenge is going to be providing a complete picture of your future ambitions as concisely as possible. 

For this answer, given the length, make sure to be direct. Include what you plan to do career-wise after your MBA, both short- and long-term, including both job title and industry. 

Statements like: “I want to be an executive” will not be specific enough for this task. 

You don’t need to mention specific companies you want to work for unless you’re going sponsored , and then it’s good information to include. If you have space, you can also include why you are interested in pursuing these goals. 

How can UCLA Anderson help you achieve your career and/or personal goals? (1000 characters, including spaces) 

For this short space, quality over quantity is key. 

When touching on how UCLA can help you reach your goals, first consider your professional ambitions and how the UCLA MBA is set up to help you prepare for these goals. This should not be a “laundry list” of 10+ classes you found on the UCLA site, nor a section in which you repeat clichés about the school. 

Instead, you should thoughtfully consider how you must grow personally and professionally to reach your stated short-term and long-term goals and what elements of UCLA Anderson (classes, faculty, clubs, etc.) will help you reach them. If you have interacted with members of the Ross community, you may also want to mention them here (don’t just name-drop – mention how they shaped your view of the school). 

Additionally, since the question mentions that you may include personal goals, you might want to include aspects of the community you want to get involved in that relate to your extracurricular interests or personal growth ambitions. 

TOP TIP : The analysis above is exactly 1000 characters, so keep this in mind when choosing the 2-3 reasons you most identify with Anderson!

2.3. Optional Essay Tips

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)

This is not a place for you to retell your life story or sum up your interest in UCLA or need for an MBA. The Anderson Admissions Committee made that crystal clear by updating the wording of their optional essay question this year, stating that not writing the optional essay will in no way damage your application. 

As such, it’s especially important to make sure you focus only on weak spots and also discuss what steps you have taken or took to rectify the weaknesses. 

Find additional tips and tricks to help you master the optional essay here . 

2.4. Reapplicant Essay Tips

Reapplicants are those who applied to the MBA program within the last two application years, so those who applied three or more years ago are considered new applicants.

Reapplicants may answer one or both of the essay questions above as options, and they must provide additional updates within text boxes given in the application for any new test scores, career developments, or other changes since their last application.

Here, make sure you clearly demonstrate how you have improved since your previous application. Also include any relevant updates on your goals and interaction 

We have written a separate post on the topic of reapplying to business school , including insider tips and tricks to help make sure your second shot at your dream school is successful!

3. Make sure you get into UCLA Anderson

One of the most common mistakes we see in MBA essays is that candidates fail to tell compelling stories . This is important because if your stories are not compelling, they will not be persuasive. At the same time, they must be backed by strong examples that establish a track record of success and prove to the admissions committees why you belong at their school. 

Striking this balance between content and creativity can be tough, however, as succeeding means not only choosing the right stories but ensuring they are told in an optimal manner. 

This is why our iterative developmental feedback process here at Ellin Lolis Consulting helps you mold your message through the application of our storytelling expertise until it reflects exactly what makes your profile stand out and show fit with your target program. 

That’s the approach we took with our client Alexandre, who was admitted to UCLA Anderson with a scholarship. In his words, “ From day one, I could see that working with Ellin Lolis Consulting was the right choice for me. I come from a not so common background so having someone with who could give me detailed feedback on my essays was the key point that helped me differentiate myself from the rest. Getting accepted to UCLA Anderson School of Management with a $40,000 scholarship is a turning point in my career, and I am very happy to acknowledge Ellin’s huge part in that success.”

Not only can you take advantage of our editing expertise through multiple edits – you can also benefit from it after a single review! If your budget is tight, our editors will be happy to help polish your text as much as possible and leave “bonus comments” so you can keep working on it on your own!

ucla anderson essay examples

No matter how long we work with you, we will always ensure your essays shine . Sign up to work with our team of storytelling experts and get accepted.

4. UCLA Deadlines

Here are the deadlines for the 2023-2024 season. You can access UCLA Anderson’s online application here . 

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UCLA Anderson’s MBA essay

ucla anderson essay examples

This year we have reduced the number of essays for our MBA application from three to just one required essay. We anticipate that some of you may be feeling relieved that the application just got shorter, but we also know that some of you will be feeling a bit more anxious. After all, you will have fewer words to tell us about yourself and your post MBA plans. This post is intended to share with you our rationale for this change and give you some useful pointers to get you off to a great start. 

We reduced the number of essays to only one because we want you to concentrate your energy (and ours) on what matters most. The selected essay serves as an excellent proxy for a face-to-face interview before we have an opportunity to meet you in person, thus rounding off our assessment of the information your are providing on the rest of the application.

This year’s essay question is:  What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how will an MBA from UCLA Anderson specifically help you achieve these goals?

At first glance this question may seem overly simplistic but, if used correctly, the answer can provide the admission committee with lots of valuable information about you and enhance your application. Your essay will help us understand your plans (short and long-term). It also tells us about your self-assessment/awareness and your professional maturity. A good essay should address the path you intend to follow in our program and beyond; connect it to your passions and show some insights into areas you wish to develop. Thoughtful applicants will also look to identify any resources and tools the program may offer to help you achieve your goals. Examples may include classes, activities, clubs and other extra curricular opportunities.  The goal is to communicate that you are ready for an MBA and that you have a solid understanding of what is needed to make the most of your experience. And lastly, that you have a clear plan for your post MBA life.

Now that we have laid out the foundation for a good application essay, you may be thinking about how you will be able to stand out from the several hundreds or even thousands of essays that we will be assessing this season. The secret ingredient is “YOU.” Letting a little of your personality, style and passion show through while you speak candidly about your plans will help make your essay distinct and interesting. While we know that most people are not professional writers or even native English speakers, a little personality and specific details can make it more compelling. We suggest that you have friends or family read your drafts to confirm that others understand what you want to convey and that you are adequately answering the questions. It also goes without saying that you should proofread it carefully. A good admissions essay should not have grammatically or typographical errors. We also check your essays for plagiarism, so make sure you always submit your own work.

For those of you that may have additional situations to address such as an unexplained leave off absence from work, or a suboptimal academic performance during a particular time in college, you might consider using our optional essay to address those situations.

For more information on our essays (including optional and reapplicant essays) please visit the application requirements section of  our website . 

Good luck and happy writing!

UCLA Anderson MBA Admissions and Financial Aid

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September 25, 2022

UCLA Anderson Executive MBA Application Essay Tips & Deadlines [2022 – 2023]

UCLA Anderson EMBA Application Essay Tips & Deadlines

The Anderson EMBA ‘s two questions together cover past, present, and future, in that order. Essay 1 addresses the past by asking for a particular story drawn from your experience, and essay 2 addresses the present and future by asking about why now is the right time for you to be pursuing this degree. The questions indicate that the adcom believes the personal informs the professional; who you are defines your career and your work. Consequently,  who you are as a person matters .

It helps to see these essays as two phases of a continuum:

  • In essay 1, portray qualities, skills, and experience(s) that support  your goals .
  • In essay 2, show that your future plans fulfill the mission and purpose of the character portrayed in essay 1.

UCLA Anderson EMBA application essays

Ucla emba essay #1.

Legendary UCLA basketball Coach John Wooden once said that one’s leadership is derived from one’s character. Please provide an example of a time when your own leadership was at its best.  (500 words max)

There are two key words in this question:  leadership  and  character . The implication in the latter word is that UCLA seeks applicants who not only have the requisite track record of leadership and impact that is commonly sought by top EMBA programs, but also gravitas, depth as a human being. Your chosen example should include leadership/impact and gravitas/depth.

You can select a topic for this essay either from your work experience or outside it – but keep the phrase “at its best” on your radar. What does “your leadership at its best” mean to  you ? This point reflects your character. For most people, I suggest going with a professional example in order to give the adcom a glimpse of you in your work environment, handling important and high-stakes situations. Go with a non-work example if it has some specific strategic value for your application. Also, use a relatively recent experience if possible, to allow the adcom to see the person who will show up in the classroom.

Let the story itself carry most of the weight in the essay – depict not just the story of leadership but how you inspired others to follow due to  your character , example, and leadership style. At the end of the essay, write a short concluding paragraph explicitly summarizing why this is you as a leader at your best.

UCLA EMBA essay #2

Why are you interested in pursuing an MBA at this time? Please share any goal(s) you may have that the MBA will help you achieve. (500 words max)

Starting the question prominently with “why now?” indicates that the factor of timing as you perceive it is as important as the goals themselves to the adcom. There is a practical dimension to this interest that should be reflected in your essay. 

First I’ll discuss “why now” in both a micro and a macro view. The micro view looks at the particulars of your current situation – your current responsibilities and challenges and likely next step. This should position you at the right experience, responsibility, and decision-making level for a competitive EMBA like UCLA’s, and the next step should be a role for which the EMBA learning is either essential or at least a clear asset. The macro view looks at the longer-term career vision and the continuum of your career. Within that continuum, why is now the pivot point where you should make the investment of time, effort, and (most likely) money? How will pursuing the Executive MBA now prepare you not just for the next step but for the long term?

In describing your goals, indicate  why  you are planning that path. For shorter-term goals, detail specific positions, company, scope of responsibilities, and desired impact (i.e. what your desired “footprint” would be). Longer-term goals need less detail but should present a clear direction, building on the earlier roles.

The question does not ask you why you are choosing UCLA’s EMBA, but you can add a brief  discussion of this point . If you do, be specific: describe how the program meets your key learning needs; refer to the features of the program that are most important to you.

UCLA EMBA essay #3 (for reapplicants)

Please describe your career progress since you last applied and how you have strengthened your candidacy. Include updates on your short-term and long-term career goals. (500 words max)

As a reapplicant , you should show growth from the previous application. Discuss professional developments such as promotions, awards, and new projects, as well as any significant community involvements and/or educational endeavors. Describe the activity/experience and note its positive impact if any, plus what you have gained or learned from it. Try to include an anecdote for at least 1-2 of the activities. Finally, be selective and present only those activities that are relevant and enhance your application and candidacy in some way.

If you have refined or revised your goals, explain it and make a strong case for why you are now pursuing this altered path.

UCLA EMBA essay #4 (Optional)

Are there any additional circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? (500 words maximum)

The phrase “should be aware” indicates that this essay should be used to explain any extenuating circumstances, as well as points that are important to fully understand your candidacy. It’s not the place to add enhancements.

For expert guidance with your UCLA Anderson EMBA application, check out Accepted’s  MBA Application Packages , which include comprehensive guidance from an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to UCLA Anderson’s EMBA program and look forward to helping you too!

UCLA Anderson Executive MBA application deadlines 2022 – 2023

Source: UCLA Anderson EMBA website

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  • The Ultimate Guide for EMBA Applicants

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UCLA EMBA Application Deadlines and Essay Tips: 2023-2024

UCLA EMBA application deadlines and essay tips

UCLA Anderson has shared their Executive MBA application essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle. This year, the school’s application includes two required essay questions and one optional essay.

For those interested in the UCLA Anderson EMBA Program, take a look at the latest class profile to assess whether the school may be a good fit for you. Accepted students had an average of 15 years of professional experience and an average of 9 years of management experience. The most recently reported class represents 28 different countries and consists of 36% women. The students come from 36 different industries and held jobs across 22 functions.

Below, please find the upcoming application deadlines and our analysis of the UCLA EMBA application essays.

The 2023-2024 UCLA EMBA Application Deadlines Are:

Round 1: December 1, 2023

Round 2: February 1, 2024

Round 3: May 1, 2024

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2023-2024 UCLA EMBA Application Essays:

UCLA EMBA Essay 1: Legendary UCLA basketball Coach John Wooden once said that one’s leadership is derived from one’s character. Please provide an example of a time when your own leadership was at its best. (500 words maximum)

Personal MBA Coach’s Tips:

In this essay, first you want to clearly define what you think leadership means: what traits it encompasses and how it manifests one’s personality.

Then, the bulk of the essay should be about a situation/anecdote/time in which you demonstrated those traits, and your leadership was at its best. Pick a situation that is easy to set up so that you can quickly get into the details of what happened, the choices you made, and how you led the situation. Make sure your leadership comes through in the actions you took and in the results you produced.

If appropriate, you can conclude with something you may have learned or how this experience may have sharpened your leadership. Finally, end by looking forward: “I hope to build on this at UCLA.”

ucla anderson essay examples

UCLA EMBA E s say 2: Why are you interested in pursuing an MBA at this time? Please share any goal(s) you may have that the MBA will help you achieve. (500 words maximum)

This essay is what we refer to as a “goals” essay. This essay is your chance to share your specific short-term and long-term goals. Even if your goal is to remain in your current role (as is often the case for EMBA applicants) you want to be specific in terms of what you hope to accomplish in your career.

A strong answer will also tell the reader where you are today and what skills/expertise you have already developed to prepare you for your future ambitions.

Finally, you want to include the UCLA programs, classes, clubs, and activities that will help you acquire the skills you need to achieve your future objective(s). Be specific about what you want to learn, making it clear that you researched the school and that you are focused on how to create an optimal learning experience at UCLA.

Optional Essay: Are there any additional circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? (500 words maximum)

The optional UCLA EMBA essay should be addressed only by applicants with extenuating circumstances . Read more about how to answer this optional essay question .

Looking for help with your UCLA EMBA applications? Personal MBA Coach’s MJ Shores is a former UCLA Anderson admissions officer and we offer customized Executive MBA admissions consulting packages to maximize your chances of success.

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Full-Time MBA Requirements

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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

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Online Application

All applicants must apply to the MBA program online. Applications will be accepted for Fall 2024 starting August 1, 2023. 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

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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 the GMAT-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.

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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 (beginning Q4 2023), 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.

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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

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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.

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We look forward to learning about your perspectives and plans via your essay responses. Essays complement the answers you provide throughout the application to show us your whole profile. The best applications are introspective, genuine and succinct in directly answering our questions and showing clear plans for the future.

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 .

A) Essay: For the 2023-2024 application year, we have one essay question that is required for first-time applicants and optional for re-applicants:

UCLA Anderson seeks to develop transformative leaders who think fearlessly, drive change, and share success. We believe the ability to persevere is an essential component of effective leadership. Please share an example from your personal or professional life where you demonstrated perseverance to accomplish a significant goal or milestone. (250 words maximum)

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)

Reapplicants

Reapplicants are those who applied to the MBA program within the last two application years, so those who applied three or more years ago are considered new applicants.

Reapplicants may answer one or both of the essay questions above as options, and they must provide additional updates within text boxes given in the application for any new test scores, career developments, or other changes since their last application.

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)

(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)

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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.

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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 Graduate Division Office 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 GMAT verbal scores and the AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) 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.

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Reapplicants are those who submitted a completed MBA application within the previous two years (that is, who applied for the MBA program starting in 2022 or 2023) 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.
  • 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.
  • Reapplicants may answer the Essay question and/or the Optional question , but they are not required.
  • 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:

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Download our MBA Brochure and explore our UCLA Anderson Program.

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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

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COMMENTS

  1. UCLA Anderson Essay Examples & Tips, 2023-2024

    UCLA Anderson 2023-2024 Essay Tips. Required Essay: UCLA Anderson seeks to develop transformative leaders who think fearlessly, drive change, and share success. We believe the ability to persevere is an essential component of effective leadership. Please share an example from your personal or professional life where you demonstrated ...

  2. UCLA Anderson MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

    UCLA Anderson Essay Examples From Success Admits — With Analysis. Learning from successful applicants' essays can provide valuable insights. We have compiled a collection of UCLA Anderson essay examples from successful admits, along with analysis and commentary. These examples will help you understand what makes a strong essay and how you can ...

  3. UCLA MBA Essays

    The following essay topic analysis examines the University of California, Los Angeles, Anderson School of Management ( UCLA / Anderson) MBA admissions essays. The UCLA MBA essays are for the 2023-2024 admissions season. You can also review essay topic analyses for additional leading MBA programs as well as general Essay Tips to further aid you ...

  4. UCLA Anderson Essay Tips & Deadlines: 2023-2024

    The Upcoming UCLA Anderson Application Deadlines Are: Round 1: October 1, 2024. Round 2: January 6, 2025. Round 3: April 14, 2025. While we wait for the school to confirm this year's essay questions, take a look at last year's essays and Personal MBA Coach's tips on how to tackle them to get a feel for what to expect.

  5. Tuesday Tips: UCLA MBA Application Essays, Tips for 2023-2024

    UCLA Anderson School of Management has released the UCLA MBA application for the 2023-2024 cycle. Located in Los Angeles, UCLA has a large alumni network focused on the entire Southern California region. California has a diverse economy across industries like real estate, health care, and technology—and, of course, media and entertainment.

  6. UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Essay Tips

    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. For our 2022-2023 Full-Time MBA application, our Essay Section consists of only one required essay question! Keep reading for details and tips to help you address this question ...

  7. UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Essay Tips

    Here are UCLA Anderson's full-time MBA essay requirements for the 2021-2022 application cycle. NEW APPLICANTS ... Examples include an extended gap in your resume, a personal matter or family situation, poor grades due to a circumstance otherwise not explained, and the like. ...

  8. UCLA MBA Essays: Tips for 2023-2024

    Please share an example from your personal or professional life where you demonstrated perseverance to accomplish a significant goal or milestone. (text box, 250 words maximum) ... This UCLA Anderson essay gives you a space to identify how you have developed after recent events. UCLA's MBA admissions committee wants assurance that you are ...

  9. UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Essay Tips

    Here are UCLA Anderson's full-time MBA essay requirements for the 2021-2022 application cycle. NEW APPLICANTS ... Examples include an extended gap in your resume, a personal matter or family situation, poor grades due to a circumstance otherwise not explained, and the like. ...

  10. Real UCLA Anderson MBA Essay Examples by ARINGO clients

    Free UCLA Anderson MBA Essay SamplesThe Anderson School of Management was founded in 1935 and belongs to UCLA. The following MBA essays were written by ARINGO MBA candidates who got accepted to the UCLA Anderson School of Management MBA program over the past few years.

  11. 2023-2024 UCLA Anderson MBA Essay Analysis

    A) Essay: For the 2023-2024 application year, we have one essay question that is required for first-time applicants and optional for re-applicants: UCLA Anderson seeks to develop transformative leaders who think fearlessly, drive change, and share success. We believe the ability to persevere is an essential component of effective leadership.

  12. Winning UCLA MBA Essay Examples 2023-2024

    Before moving forward with our UCLA MBA essay examples, let's break down each question to help you get to its essence. Essay 1. UCLA Anderson seeks to develop transformative leaders who think fearlessly, drive change, and share success. We believe the ability to persevere is an essential component of effective leadership.

  13. UCLA MBA Application Essays for 2023-2024

    If the UCLA Anderson School of Management is on your shortlist of target MBA programs, then let the brainstorming begin. Here are the UCLA MBA application essays and deadlines for the 2023-2024 season. This year, Anderson has one updated essay question that is required for first-time applicants and optional for re-applicants.

  14. UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Essay Tips

    For our 2022-2023 Full-Time MBA application, our Essay Section consists of only one required essay question! Keep reading for details and tips to help you address this question, decide whether an optional essay is right for you, and navigate the reapplicant process, if applicable. NEW APPLICANT ESSAY QUESTION:

  15. UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Essay Section

    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 ... Examples of such may be an extended gap in the resume, poor grades, a personal matter or family situation, and the like. ...

  16. 2023

    UCLA Deadlines. Here are the deadlines for the 2023-2024 season. You can access UCLA Anderson's online application here. We've prepared this in-depth guide to help you use your UCLA Anderson essay to stand out among thousands of applicants. Sample essays included!

  17. UCLA Anderson MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2022-2023]

    Its average GMAT is 713, up six points from last year. The acceptance rate at Anderson climbed from 20.7% for the class that entered in 2016 to a high of 34.4% for the class that entered in 202. However it has since declined and for the class that entered in 2021, it was 29.8%. Many other MBA programs also saw increasing acceptance rates during ...

  18. UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Essay Tips

    ESSAY TIPS Here are the UCLA Anderson full-time MBA essay requirements for the 2019-2020 application cycle. ... Be sure to include both functional- and industry-interest and consider including a few examples of companies you'd like to work for (if relevant). For your long-term goals, make sure that they connect with your short-term goals. ...

  19. UCLA Anderson's MBA essay

    UCLA Anderson's MBA essay. September 9, 2013. This year we have reduced the number of essays for our MBA application from three to just one required essay. We anticipate that some of you may be feeling relieved that the application just got shorter, but we also know that some of you will be feeling a bit more anxious.

  20. UCLA Anderson Executive MBA Application Essay Tips & Deadlines [2022

    The Anderson EMBA 's two questions together cover past, present, and future, in that order. Essay 1 addresses the past by asking for a particular story drawn from your experience, and essay 2 addresses the present and future by asking about why now is the right time for you to be pursuing this degree. The questions indicate that the adcom ...

  21. UCLA EMBA Application Deadlines & Essay Tips

    UCLA EMBA Essay 1: Legendary UCLA basketball Coach John Wooden once said that one's leadership is derived from one's character. Please provide an example of a time when your own leadership was at its best. (500 words maximum) Personal MBA Coach's Tips: In this essay, first you want to clearly define what you think leadership means: what ...

  22. UCLA Anderson's MBA essay

    The UCLA Anderson MBA Insider's Blog offers an inside perspective on topics relevant to prospective MBA students and others interested in learning about UCLA Anderson's world-class MBA program, faculty and curriculum. ... UCLA Anderson's MBA essay. ... Examples may include classes, activities, clubs and other extra curricular opportunities. ...

  23. Full-Time MBA Requirements

    A) Essay: For the 2023-2024 application year, we have one essay question that is required for first-time applicants and optional for re-applicants: UCLA Anderson seeks to develop transformative leaders who think fearlessly, drive change, and share success. We believe the ability to persevere is an essential component of effective leadership.