At Chicago Booth’s Evening and Weekend MBA program we employ a holistic review of every application. That means no single part of an application will make or break a candidacy. The best applications reflect the unique strengths and experiences of a candidate. So what if one part of the application is underwhelming? If you can identify a “weak link” in your application, chances are the admissions committee will notice it too!
The opposite can also be true – if a leadership experience or recent promotion wasn’t highlighted in another portion of the application, it can be a chance to go into greater depth. The admissions committee appreciates hearing in your own words why a certain experience makes you a standout candidate.
The purpose of the optional essay is to give applicants a chance to expand and give perspective on any aspect of their background. See below for our committee’s “Do’s and Don’ts” to help you draft an impactful optional essay.
Do:
- Highlight accomplishments, extracurricular activities or unique life experiences that are not sufficiently highlighted in any other portion of the application.
- Give perspective on a less competitive application section that may give the admissions committee pause.
- Be consistent. An optional essay can tie together the elements of your personal story, and solidify your “Why an MBA, Why Part-Time and Why Chicago Booth.”
Don’t:
- Make excuses. This is a chance to show personal and professional development along with self-awareness.
- Submit without proofreading. Like all sections of the application, the optional essay should be checked for errors.
- Be redundant. If the optional essay is rehashing information present in other essays or sections of the application, it isn’t needed.
Past admitted candidates have written about:
- College athletic or leadership experience
- Extenuation of a low GPA in undergraduate
- Highlight analytical and quantitative abilities if GMAT/GRE quantitative sections are below average
- A recent leadership experience or promotion
- Account for a leave of absence from university or a gap in work experience
- Experience overcoming a unique or rare obstacle
- An explanation of personal values, motto or conviction
- A relevant writing sample, such as a business model developed, or program initiative
We hope this helps shed light on the optional essay and as always, please contact us with any questions!
