How to write an MBA personal statement

Applying to business school and looking for personal statement tips? We’ve created this handy guide for students filling in their applications for MBA courses to help them with writing a personal statement. The best personal statements are ones which are well-written, tailored specifically for the course, and show what unique additions you can bring to the classroom and the wider business community. This is your first opportunity to impress admissions tutors, so it’s important to take your time on your personal statement to ensure that it’s good as it can be. Read on to learn what to write in your personal statement to help it stand out from the crowd. 

• What is an MBA personal statement?
• How do I write an MBA personal statement?
• What should I write in an MBA personal statement?
• How should I structure an MBA personal statement?
• What style should I use for an MBA personal statement?

When applying for an MBA programme, you get to submit a personal statement that tells your story. This is an opportunity to portray why you deserve a place on the course.

Admissions tutors are looking for your unique experiences and how you'll bring innovation to the classroom. They want to know what motivates you, where you find inspiration, how you’re well-rounded and what makes you special.

How do I write an MBA personal statement?

Your MBA personal statement is tailored to a particular business school's course, as with other postgraduate applications. When putting it together, you need to be specific about why you want to study that course at that school.

Before you start writing, thoroughly research the course and find out all you need to do to apply. When you know exactly what’s required of you, make a list of:

• Your relevant work experiences and academic achievements
• Aspects of the course that you’re particularly interested in
• Anything else the business school wants you to include

What should I write in an MBA personal statement?

• What are your long-term career goals?
• What are your relevant achievements?
• Why have you chosen this business school?
• How will it help with your plans?
• Have you learned anything from the school’s academics or students?
• Are there any opportunities (such as internships) that you’d utilise well?

If the business school provides a list of desirable candidate criteria, you can use each point as a heading and write notes about how you meet the requirements for each one.

As real-life business environments face obstacles every day, it can be good to demonstrate your ability to overcome setbacks. Sometimes, what you’ve learned from a challenging situation can show more about your character and skills than from a smooth-sailing successful project.

How should I structure an MBA personal statement?

Next, put together all your notes into a plan and decide what to write where. Generally, you want to include:

• A gripping introduction that says why you want to do the MBA
• Interesting middle paragraphs about your interests, achievements and experiences
• A concluding paragraph that summarises why you’re the best person for the course

What style should I use for an MBA personal statement?

When writing out your statement, make sure to explain each point and provide evidence where appropriate. Try to keep it relevant, current and specific to the school you’re applying to.

Unless the school has set a word limit, aim for around one side of A4 paper. Be concise and make every word count – admissions tutors want to know that you can communicate effectively. They also want to see that you take care of your work.

• Reading it out loud to ensure it makes sense
• Using grammar and spellchecking tools
• Reading it backwards to spot any typos
• Asking someone else to read it through and give feedback

For more advice on how to write a personal statement, take a look at our general postgraduate personal statements guide.

Go to: How to write a postgraduate personal statement