The Thunderbird not-so direct essays are a challenge and a wonderful opportunity at the same time. Don't be intimidated by them, rather write thoughtful answers and use them to make your application stand-out!
Essay 1: What are your expectations of how this degree will compliment your education and work experience to date and influence your career moving forward? (500 words or less)
Essay 1 Tips: A goal essay in disguise! However, Thunderbird has given you a broad canvas to depict your expectations. It also requires you to have a very good understanding of the program and clear ideas on how it can help you.
So first and foremost, get your goals on paper. Then see what are the areas where you currently lack. Next conduct research on the Thunderbird program to evaluate how this degree can fill the gaps and help you achieve your career vision.
Essay 2: A successful business leader embodies a cosmopolitan outlook, passion for diversity, self-assurance, intercultural empathy and diplomacy. How will this program enable you to utilize these competencies to create impact on a global scale? (500 words or less)
Essay 2 Tips: Thunderbird is one of the most globally-focused business schools in the US. From courses to global studies to second language requirement, Thunderbird's MBA seeks and prepares students with global mindset. If you have experiences that relate to making an impact beyond your region, your country, your comfort zones- that will be very much appreciated.
Talk about your leadership experiences and how an MBA will help you go ahead in life to make a larger impact. It would be ideal to talk about your career goals as well as a vision you have for making a positive impact in the industry of your choice and expertise. Displaying a healthy understanding of the program will also be required.
Good luck!
Optional Essay: Is there anything that you think the Admissions Committee should know which you feel has not been covered? If your credentials and essays represent you clearly and fairly, do not feel obligated to answer this question. (Please limit response to 1,500 words.) To help ensure successful processing, please include a file extension (e.g. essay.doc) and limit the size of uploaded files to 5.0 MB
Optional Essay Tips: You have a unique opportunity with this expansive 1,500 word-limit essay!
The main question in any optional essay is to decide whether you need to write it at all.
Do not submit your optional essay as an addendum to any of your previous essays.
You could use this space to describe at length an extraordinarily positive information that you couldn't accommodate in the other essays.
Another use of this opportunity could be to explain any shortfalls in your application which you feel are truly detrimental to your candidature. Areas of underperformance (academic or professional or GMAT) or events which stick out (gaps in your resumes or second MBA) or application issues (reapplications) can be commented on if you have an explanation that is intelligent, interesting and credible.
