If UCLA Anderson is on your MBA application list, Personal MBA Coach is here to help you develop a compelling application. Below, find details on UCLA’s application deadlines along with Personal MBA Coach’s guidance on the 2024-2025 UCLA MBA essays and how to approach them.
If you are looking to learn more about UCLA Anderson’s MBA Program, take a look at the class of 2025 profile and find out if the school may be the right fit for you.
The Upcoming UCLA Anderson Application Deadlines Are:
Round 1: October 1, 2024
Round 2: January 6, 2025
Round 3: April 14, 2025
2024–2025 UCLA Anderson Application Essays:
This year, UCLA Anderson changed its application. The school now has three short essay questions, all of which are fairly straightforward. Combined, these essays should clearly and concisely tell UCLA why you want an MBA at UCLA and how the UCLA MBA experience will transform your leadership style and prepare you to make an impact.
To write a winning Anderson MBA essay, Personal MBA Coach recommends reading our tips on writing winning essays along with our school-specific advice below to make sure you are up to speed on the basics of MBA application essay writing.
Now, let’s look at Anderson’s essay questions.
UCLA Anderson Essay 1: Why are you pursuing an MBA? (150 words)
With only 150 words to use here, there is not much space to recount your resume. However, a strong essay will set context for the reader in terms of where you are in your career, what you have accomplished to date and, finally, WHY you are ready for an MBA. This is not the time to talk about your goals (that is essay 2); instead this is the time to explain – in simple language – your career path to date and what motivates you to take this next step.
UCLA Anderson Essay 2: Describe your short-term and long-term post-MBA career goals. (150 words)
For this second short essay, you want to tell UCLA exactly WHAT you hope to accomplish after business school. This should include your immediate plans and your long-term career vision.
Need help articulating your MBA goals? Check out Personal MBA Coach’s blog for guidance.
UCLA Anderson Essay 3: At Anderson, our mission is to prepare transformative leaders by developing students to think innovatively, problem-solve, and adapt to others – all with a driven and purposeful mindset. How do you plan to achieve your goals and develop into a transformative leader during your time at UCLA Anderson? (250 words)
With this essay question, you want to think about where ULCA fits into your process. UCLA begins this third essay question by describing the school’s mission. There is a lot of detail in this mission so be sure to read it carefully and think about the type of leader that UCLA is trying to build as you craft your answer.
Then, tie this back to UCLA’s specific offerings. Take the time to research the school’s offerings, paying careful attention to the leadership opportunities available. Then, select a few specific items that you are most attracted to. As you write this essay, remember that quality is more important than quantity. You should take the time to show UCLA that you have carefully thought through each opportunity selected and how it will help you to grow as a leader on campus and succeed throughout your career.
Optional Essay: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the admissions committee should be aware? (250 words maximum)
The optional UCLA Anderson essay should be answered only by those with extenuating circumstances. That said, the program assures that no preference is given in the evaluation process to those who choose to respond to this optional essay, so please use your best judgment.
Looking for help developing your UCLA Anderson application?
Schedule a consultation with Personal MBA Coach today to find out how we can help you with your Anderson MBA application!
