The Berkeley Haas Accelerated Access MBA application is now open. Berkeley’s Accelerated MBA application is similar to the school’s full-time MBA application; however, there are some key differences.
Berkeley Haas Accelerated Access 2024-2025 Application Deadline: April 24, 2025
Below, you will find Personal MBA Coach’s advice on tackling the Haas Accelerated Access MBA essay prompts.
Berkeley Haas Accelerated Access MBA Essay Prompts
Berkeley Haas MBA Essay 1: What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (300 words maximum)
The first Berkeley Haas essay gives applicants an opportunity to share a bit more of their story with the admissions committee. As you brainstorm topics, think about your passions, hobbies and experiences to get at what truly drives you! The 300-word limit does not give applicants much space for fluff so be sure to avoid a lengthy introduction here.
There is no wrong topic for this essay, as long as it is meaningful. Personal MBA Coach has had applicants write about sports, mission-driven work, on-campus activities or other extracurricular work. While it is possible that your career pursuits are what drive you, this can be a difficult subject to write authentically about, particularly given that accelerated access applicants have limited professional experience. However, if you have had strong entrepreneurial success, this could be an option.
As you answer this question, consider both the “what” and the “why.” Though this essay is not meant to be overly boastful, you should show Haas what sets you apart from your peers and what drives you.
Berkeley Haas Accelerated Access MBA Essay 2: Why are you applying to the Berkeley Haas Accelerated Access Program? (300 words maximum)
To answer the second Berkeley Haas Accelerated Access MBA Essay, applicants should consider two key things:
1: What are your career goals?
2: Where does Haas fit in?
Personal MBA Coach has written extensively about how to think about career goals. Keep in mind that, for a current student, your goals should give a glimpse of your pre-MBA plans, and they DO NOT have to be directly related to your undergraduate field of study. The beauty of an MBA is that it allows applicants to pursue a long-term career unrelated to their undergraduate expertise. However, both your pre- and post-MBA should be feasible.
Next, you want to tell Haas where they fit in and why you are interested in applying to business school now. Be sure as you answer this second piece that you go beyond praising Haas. Instead, be specific about what you will learn and how you will apply these learnings during your career.
Optional Berkeley Haas Essay Prompt
Berkeley Haas also has one optional essay.
Optional Essay 1: This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate.
For this Haas optional essay, answer only if you have specific or extenuating circumstances to explain. Read more on our approach to optional essays here.
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