Some Sample Questions (back to contents)
The following are essay questions and/or suggested topics from a variety of business school applications. Bear in mind that most B-school applications require several essays.

From Wharton:
Why did you decide to pursue management education? Looking ahead, what type of job would you expect or like to have five and ten years after receiving your master’s degree? What is your ultimate career objective? In realizing these goals, do you foresee your career as a business leader having an impact on society at large?
What do you consider to have been your single most significant achievement to date?

From Kellogg:
What is the most challenging problem that you have faced, and how have you solved it?
You have been selected as a member of the Admissions Committee. Please provide a brief evaluative assessment of your file.

From Stanford:
Describe an ethical dilemma that you have personally encountered. What alternative actions did you consider and why? Do not tell us what you decided to do.

From the University of Michigan:
There is a lot of controversy over the usefulness of the MBA. What do you consider to be the strengths and weaknesses of the degree?

From Dartmouth:
What are your principal interests outside of your job or school? Why do they appeal to you?

From Harvard:
Given your experience with your current employer (or school you attend) and given the opportunity to effect one change, what would that be? How would you implement the change?
Do you feel your academic history is indicative of your ability to succeed at Harvard Business School? Why or why not? If not, please support with additional evidence of your academic ability.

From Southern Methodist University:
Describe a recent accomplishment that demonstrates your potential for a successful management career.
Write an article that would be published about yourself in eight to ten years from now.

From Duke:
Please discuss your previous professional experiences, your long-term career goals, and the role the MBA will play in those plans. What do you hope your contribution will be to an MBA environment?

From M.I.T.’s Sloan School:
The statement of objectives is your opportunity to describe your reasons for wanting to do graduate work in management at the Sloan School … We have not posed specific questions for you, preferring that you determine which aspects of your background and aspirations are relevant to your application.

From UCLA:
Write your own essay question and answer it. Take a risk.
Discuss a situation, preferably work related, where you have taken a significant leadership role. How does this event demonstrate your managerial potential? (Limit to one page.)