Should I Write the MBA Optional Essay?
Almost all MBA applications will give you the chance to write an Optional essay. It might also show up as an “additional information” or “supplemental” essay.
The Optional essay really only exists to address any gaps in your application that the AdCom might have questions about. It might be tempting to use it as an additional essay to fit in that extra teamwork or leadership story, but don’t – it won’t reflect well on you. MBA programs value self-awareness and the ability to edit yourself, and to follow instructions. And besides, they should already have all the critical information they need to evaluate you from your core essays and the rest of your application!
These are the Optional Essay prompts for some top MBA programs:
Columbia: Is there any further information that you wish to provide the Admissions Committee? If so, use this space to provide an explanation of any areas of concern in your academic record or your personal history. This does not need to be a formal essay. You may submit bullet points. (500 words)
INSEAD: Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (300 words)
In some cases, the optional essay may ask more targeted questions about your background or hardships you have encountered. Like:
MIT Sloan: We would like to give you the opportunity to expand on your background. This question is completely optional.
How has the world you come from shaped who you are today? For example, your family, culture, community, all help to shape aspects of your life experiences and perspective. Please use this opportunity if you would like to share more about your background.
Please do not include any links in your response. (250 words)
NYU Stern: Please provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee and/or give context to your application. This may include important aspects of yourself not otherwise apparent in your application, including but not limited to: hardships you have encountered, current or past gaps in employment, further explanation of your undergraduate record or self-reported academic transcript(s), plans to retake the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, IELTS or TOEFL, or any other relevant information.
So when should you answer the MBA optional essay question?
If any of the following apply to you, you should address them in the MBA optional essay:
Low GPA: This is one of the most common applicant concerns that we get. Applicants typically benchmark their GPA against the average GPA at their target MBA program. If their GPA lies at the bottom end of this range, it may lower your chances of admission (unless you have a strong GMAT score and a solid story).
If you have a lower GPA than the class average, use the optional essay to proactively address this weakness. You may also have other issues with your academic performance, like dropped classes, pivoting your major in the middle of your degree, a semester where you performed especially poorly, a specific subject you tanked, academic probation, or inconsistencies in your class transcript.
Don’t make excuses for your performance. Focus clearly on what happened, offer a legitimate reason (like health issues, family conflicts or changes in your living situation, or being unprepared for the course; definitely don’t say you partied too hard before an exam!), and how you improved/attempted to improve your grades. Be honest, and take responsibility for any mistakes you made or situations you had control over, but didn’t manage correctly.
Your language should be direct and concise. The AdCom isn’t expecting to read emotional stories about struggle and resilience here, as this isn’t a core part of your application. You may want to end your answer with a brief statement on what you learned from this experience.
For more about explaining your low GPA in your optional essay, including an example essay, click here.
Employment gaps: In our experience, AdComs always pick up on gaps in your resume. Don’t brush these under the rug! Many schools have separate questions for employment gaps of a certain length (2-3 months or more in most cases), so pay attention when you’re on the application portal. If the school has a separate employment gaps question, you do not need to address it in the optional essay.
Again, answer honestly. You may have been laid off, fired, or may have quit your job due to health or family issues or to pursue a passion. Don’t keep the AdCom guessing, and state directly the reasons for any employment gaps.
Poor test scores: Many applicants feel that their current test scores are an inaccurate representation of their profile and academic (especially quantitative) strengths. If this is you, don’t just acknowledge your low test score and leave it at that. Provide evidence of your quantitative, data interpretation, and verbal skills. You may want to emphasize that you’ve booked the GMAT/GRE again for a specific date, you’re taking additional quant classes or quant-heavy responsibilities at work, or you are pursuing a certification like CFA Charter or CQF.
Choice of recommender: If your current manager/supervisor isn’t a recommender, address this in your optional essay (unless the school has a separate space in the MBA application for this question).
Many applicants don’t want to share their MBA plans with their employers as it may negatively affect their appraisals or promotion. Others may have just joined their current role, or been in their current role for a relatively short period of time, so they believe that their manager isn’t as equipped to speak to their strengths and achievements as their previous manager. Our advice remains the same: directly and clearly explain the situation without adding too much fluff.
Disciplinary/criminal issues in the past: AdComs do their background checks, so it’s unlikely that any criminal past or disciplinary action you have faced previously will slip by their notice. It’s best to clarify the issue yourself and show accountability and growth. Without any overly emotional language or long-winded storytelling, directly explain what happened, how it impacted you, and how you have grown from the incident since.
Personal background: As we saw above, some schools specifically ask applicants to provide more information on their personal background or hardships they have experienced in the optional essay. For questions like this, it’s important to stay relevant and concise. This isn’t a “Challenges” essay. Your answer should provide more context to your profile, core values and communities that have shaped you, MBA goals, and the lived experiences that have influenced your career/personal decisions. If there are any extenuating personal circumstances or experiences that have affected your life, include them here in brief.
Tips to write the MBA Optional Essay
Do any of the above factors apply to you? When you include them in your MBA application, remember the following:
Word limit: Don't feel like you need to hit the word limit! Almost nobody hits the limit. It’s not a good look to add detail to your optional essay just to use up extra space. Like we said, MBA programs value the ability to edit yourself. Keep your answer brief and direct. No flowery language or long-winded explanations, please.
Don’t be tempted to demonstrate the fit: Your core essays are where you should discuss your alignment with the school’s culture and MBA program. Don’t include additional information about opportunities at the school or how you plan to contribute to its community here.
Repetitive essays: Don’t repeat information from your core essays or other parts of your application here. The AdCom reads thousands of essays every cycle - you’re only taking up more of their time!
Be direct: No stories, please. Get right to the point about the situation and how it impacted you, and what you did/are doing to grow from it.
Access example Optional Essays in MBAconsultant.com, our self-guided online course. Still unsure of how to write about a difficult situation in your optional essay? We can help. Book an introduction call with a consultant.
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