Berkeley Haas Essays and Tips (2006-2007):

Berkeley Haas Short Essay 1

What is your favorite quote, and why is it meaningful to you? (250 word maximum)

Berkeley Haas Short Essay 1 Tips

A quote is often the the favorite essay kickoff mode for many applicants. Berkeley Haas has probably received too many irrelevant quotes and now wants a change!

Choose an interesting quote that is relevant to your value system and/or career goals. Choose the quote of a person who might be recognizable by the Haas admissions committee. Choose a quote that can highlight your best traits and your personality/career development. Preferably choose a quote that is not directly or negatively comparative - any negativity in your essays, especially those of individual or specific groups, rubs off on you.

There are millions of beautiful quotes just a click or a look away. If you choose the right one, 30% of your work for this essay is done. Simple?

Berkeley Haas Short Essay 2

Tell us about your most significant accomplishment. (250 word maximum)

Berkeley Haas Short Essay 2 Tips

As usual keep in mind that this essay is part of a bigger package. Write accordingly. For example, there is a bigger leadership essay that will follow, so choose the achievement carefully. Also, within the context of your Berkeley Haas essay package this should be "your most significant accomplishment" - see that there are no contradictions there.

Berkeley Haas Short Essay 3

At Haas, we value innovation and creativity. How have you demonstrated these qualities in your professional or personal life? (250 word maximum)

Berkeley Haas Short Essay 3 Tips

Good question!

This is a rare chance, since (in my knowledge) no other B School is willing to exclusively devote an entire essay to your creativity and innovation.

Berkeley Haas Short Essay 4

If you have visited Haas, please let us know what about your visit made the most lasting impression on you. If you have not visited Haas, what steps have you taken to familiarize yourself with our MBA program? (250 word maximum)

Berkeley Haas Short Essay 4 Tips

Key Essay Tip: If possible, especially if you are based in USA, visit Haas. Being in USA and not visiting, is in my book a straight 25% off for this essay.

Regardless of whether you visit Haas or not, this essay does require some investment of time and effort.

The Berkeley Haas essay seeks answers to these questions: How serious are you about seeking admission at Berkeley Haas? What kind of online and offline research have you done so far about Haas? Have you talked to current Berkeley Haas students or alumni? Have you visited Haas or any of the fairs or receptions hosted by them? How can you show that your Berkeley Haas application a reflection of your specific interest in Haas and not just another applications to lower the odds.

Berkeley Haas Required Essay 1

Give us an example of a time when you displayed leadership. (500 word maximum)

Berkeley Haas Required Essay 1 Tips

As we keep saying in our mba essay tips the recommended length of the essay is an important guide to its importance. On that score this Berkeley Haas essay is definitely important.

Recollect and write about an experience that witnessed you in a leadership position. Select the example based on the extent of your contribution to the team's success and what the story tells about your leadership skills. Choose an experience that is not only a definite success in the context of team objectives but also effectively underlines your leadership skills.

The incident can go back in time but should preferably have occurred in the last 2-3 years.

Berkeley Haas Required Essay 2

What are your short-term and long-term career goals? How do your professional experiences relate to these goals? Why do you want an MBA from Berkeley at this point in your career? (1000 word maximum)

Berkeley Haas Required Essay 2 Tips

This is a straightforward career progression, career goals and "why this B School" essay.

And you cannot complain about lack of space either!

"Why Haas" is an important part of the question and so is "Why Haas now"; answer both parts of the question.

Remember that you can blend in non-career aspects that are relevant to your story since your career is intricately connected to your personal life and personal goals.

Go for it!

Berkeley Haas Optional Essay

(Optional) Please feel free to provide a statement concerning any information you would like to add to your application that you haven’t addressed elsewhere. (500 word maximum)

Berkeley Haas Optional Essay Tips

Use the Berkeley Haas optional essay to explain shortfalls in your application which you feel are truly detrimental to your candidature. In case you find any of the above applicable, note down the options and then consider yet again if the optional essay is a strong constructive addition to your candidacy. If yes, then start working on the essay.

Go for it!