UCLA Anderson stands out among MBA programs because of its location in a large city with many different industries, its collaborative culture, and the flexibility it offers to customize your business school experience. Anderson looks for applicants who embody the school\u2019s three pillars: sharing success, thinking fearlessly, and driving change. As you think about the authentic story that you want to tell about yourself, weave in examples that show how you exemplify these pillars. As with any other school, to get a true picture of Anderson\u2019s culture, it is important to talk with students \u2014 this is where the elements that make Anderson special can really shine through. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year, Anderson has changed its essay questions pretty significantly. Take time to think through what is important to tell the admissions committee about your experiences as you dive in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
For the 2026\u20132027 application year, Anderson\u2019s three short essays are required for both first-time applicants and reapplicants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Describe your short- and long-term post-MBA goals, including your desired role, industry, and examples of target companies. How will an MBA support your path to achieving your goals, and which UCLA Anderson resources do you expect to rely on most to reach them? (250 words)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Think of this essay as a pretty standard goals essay. In a goals essay, I like to begin with the end in mind. Start by describing the types of problems you want to be working on in the long term. This goal can be more broad: Who knows what the landscape will look like long term? So think directionally. For example, you might write something like \u201cI want to ensure that everyone has equal access to education and training that can help them succeed and grow in their careers.\u201d For your short-term goal, identify the role, industry, and at least one example company (two would be even better and match Anderson\u2019s ask!). A solid short-term goal might be something like \u201cI want to be a product manager at an education-access-focused company such as Coursera or Google.\u201d From there, you should discuss what you need from an MBA program that will help you achieve these goals. Identify three or four gaps in your knowledge or skills that UCLA Anderson can fill or provide. Did you study something other than business as an undergraduate? If so, you probably need insight into business overall. What functional knowledge do you lack? And in which area do you want to grow as a leader? If there is something unique about your profile (e.g., you\u2019re applying earlier or later in your career than most candidates do), you could also include why now is the right time for you to get an MBA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, showcase the research you\u2019ve done on UCLA Anderson and highlight classes, clubs, and\/or experiences that will help you build the skills to achieve your goals. It is important to be specific \u2014 make sure that the names of the classes and clubs you highlight are correct (and exact). For example, the consulting club at Anderson is called The Management Consulting Association \u2014 not the consulting club. Make sure you\u2019ve got this right! Think of this as showing Anderson why it is the perfect place for you to get your MBA, but don\u2019t forget to include how you will be involved and what you can bring to the class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How do you hope your UCLA Anderson classmates will describe you by the time you graduate? What qualities and\/or values do you want to be known for, and how will you demonstrate them as a student leader and community member? (200 words)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Throughout the application process, you should reflect on your strengths and areas of growth. Either one could answer this question. If you have a key strength that you hope to come out in the application that will support you in your future career goals, you could describe that strength here. But don\u2019t stop there; also describe how Anderson will help you enhance that strength. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternatively, maybe you have an important skill or trait that you\u2019d like to build in business school, and this is a great option too! With this approach, think about what you will get involved in at UCLA Anderson that will support your growth in this area. Talk about club leadership positions or experiences with your classmates where you will leverage this quality\/value. Be specific, not just about the club but also about what you will do in that club to demonstrate who you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, let\u2019s say you have developed strong client relationship skills through consulting, and you hope to leverage those skills of working with clients in your future role as a product manager at a large tech company. You should think about how you will leverage your relationship building to help yourself and others interested in big tech or product management. Maybe you\u2019ll take a role in AnderTech or the Marketing Association. But don\u2019t stop there! Will you reach out to companies and pull together panels on topics that are interesting to the club? Or will you look for an opportunity to create connections between clubs? How will you stay involved as an alumni?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Short Essay Prompt 2<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Short Essay Prompt 3<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n