The personal statement is a key component of the admission requirements, because it presents you as a person to the Admission Board and not just a name on the roster of candidates.  Although it may seem as if the business school just wants to give you a difficult time, your personal statement can actually become your best tool in ensuring your slot, if you know how to use it to your advantage.

What it takes to write an outstanding admission essay for MBA

Although grammar and style are important, especially when writing to an academic institution, it would take more than that to make your essay stand out.  The content should cover your purpose for pursuing an MBA, personal insights and events consistent with your goals, and values that show how you would fit in well to the culture and principles of the business school. 

Use sample personal statements as a guide

If you are not quite sure what to include in and exclude from your essay, read several sample personal statements by successful applicants to the MBA program of your choice.  You will find these on the business school website.  To use them effectively, take note of the characteristics which they have in common.  These should help you understand what the preferences of the Admission Board are when it comes to structure and composition.  No matter how good these are, however, resist the urge to cut them up and re-organize them into your own personal statement.  This would make your essay less original and personal, which are important qualities of a good personal statement.

Be specific

In order to present yourself as a good match to the MBA program of a particular business school, you should take time to learn about the business school’s culture.  What principles does the business school stand for?  What makes their MBA program different from others? The more you know about the values of the business school, the better you can choose which topics to discuss in your essay and present yourself as a suitable student for the MBA program. 

You can do this by citing specific experiences and events which significantly influenced your decision to pursue an MBA.  Also, highlight personal qualities which are considered strong points in a corporate career.  If you plan to specialize on a particular track, such as financial advising, make it a point to include interests and activities which show how good you are with numbers and logic.  Beyond serving as a statement of purpose, your MBA admission essay should also explain why you will make a good business person, marketing executive, or financial analyst someday.  After all, the business school isn’t a genie that will make everyone’s wishes come true, but an academic institution which provides sought-after slots to students who show the potential and determination to do something good with their degree. 

Be honest

Do not make up stories, experiences, and achievements in an attempt to grab attention and impress the Admission Board.  Most business schools conduct interviews as part of the selection process, and the Board is skilled at spotting inconsistencies.  If you have lied about anything in your application, they are bound to find out and reject you.  Lying is one act that will never be considered appropriate in any field.