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INSEAD Application Essay Tips, 2026–2027

Get ready to write! INSEAD has one of the longest sets of required essays of any top MBA program — they definitely demand that you put in the time to prove your interest in the program. Additionally, you’ll need to record three short videos and perform a live written assessment for the video component of…

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Wharton MBA Application Essay Tips, 2024-2025

Tips for Your Wharton Application Essays 2026-2027

Not only does Wharton’s admissions committee want to know that you have a clear professional plan that you can begin actualizing once you arrive on campus, they also want to be convinced that Wharton is your top choice. So, thoroughly do your homework on the school before you start writing: talk to students and alumni,…

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Tips for Your Columbia Business School Application Essays 2026-2027

August term applications have three rounds of deadlines (Round 1 is September 9, Round 2 is January 5, and Round 3 is March 29). There are two application deadlines for the January term program (Round 1 is June 17, and Round 2 is August 13).  All CBS applicants must submit three essays and two short-answer responses….

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What If I Don’t Have a Compelling Story

How to Craft a Compelling MBA Personal Narrative

While contemplating how to present yourself to MBA admissions teams, are you staring at a blank page and thinking, “I don’t have a unique story”?  If so, you’re not alone.  When applying to top MBA programs, one of the most daunting tasks can be crafting a compelling personal narrative. In fact, it’s the number-one reason…

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Should I Write the Optional Essay

MBA Application Optional Essay: Strategic Tips for Applicants

When applying to top MBA programs, you’ll likely encounter an “optional essay” as part of the application process. It can be tempting to skip this section, especially if you feel your application is already strong. But should you? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all; it depends on your circumstances and the specific guidance provided by each school….

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Six Keys to Successful MBA Application Essays

Six Steps to Writing Strong MBA Application Essays

In today’s competitive admissions climate, a successful MBA application requires significant time, planning, and self-reflection. One of the most important elements of that application is the essay, which is where you set yourself apart. The right essay can have a positively transformative effect on your profile—and, with it, your admissions decisions. Given our decades of…

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Eight MBA Application Essay Mistakes

Essays are a key piece of your MBA application. Some business schools give you very few words to tell your story, while others have no word limit. Some have one essay, and some have many. But regardless of a school’s approach to essays, there are some essay mistakes that could help derail your entire MBA…

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Tips for Your UNC Kenan-Flagler Application Essays

A huge change is happening at UNC in January 2026 as Stephen D. Bell Hall will become the home of the school’s MBA program and major renovations will begin on the school’s current home in the McColl Building. Given these significant changes, it is no surprise that UNC Kenan-Flagler has also made the biggest update…

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Texas McCombs Application Essay Tips, 2024–2025

Tips for Your Texas McCombs Application Essays

Texas McCombs Application Essay Tips, 2025–2026 This year, Texas McCombs has rolled out a brand new set of essay prompts. According to McCombs, the revised questions “are purposefully designed to elicit thoughtful and introspective responses that reveal your motivations, values, and aspirations.” The McCombs application is your chance to show the adcom how you will…

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Tips for your Georgetown McDonough 2024–2025 Application Essays

Tips for Your Georgetown McDonough Essays

Tips for your Georgetown McDonough 2025–2026 Application Essays Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business’s 2025–2026 application is one of the most flexible, with a required video essay, plus three options for your main essay. Which one should you choose?  The answer will be different for everyone, so focus on the question that you can most…

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London Business School Application Essay Tips, 2024-2025

Tips for Your London Business School Application Essays 

London Business School Application Essay Tips, 2025-2026 According to London Business School (LBS), what makes its program so unique and valuable is its continued business impact, global growth, and world-class people. LBS is particularly proud of its multinational students who hail from a variety of professional and personal backgrounds. The school’s application includes two mandatory…

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Six Tips for Writing a Standout Goals Essay for Your MBA Applications

When reviewing your business school application, admissions committees want to see that you can clearly articulate your goals and tie them into your personal story. Why, you might ask, do you need to articulate your goals if many people either change their mind or want to explore career options during their time in an MBA…

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