Learn more about the purpose of the optional essay and how it gives applicants a chance to expand and give perspective on any aspect of their background.
- Byline
- September 05, 2019
- Part-Time MBA - Admissions
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:
Don’t:
Past admitted candidates have written about:
We hope this helps shed light on the optional essay and as always, please contact us with any questions!
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