Yale SOM 2012 - 2013 Essay Tips

What prompted your decision to get an MBA?  When did you realize that this was a step you wanted – or needed – to take? (150 words maximum)

• This question is challenging because (a) 150 words and (b) most people don't really have a "moment of truth" when they realized the MBA is necessary
• Having said that, it's important to briefly discuss at least 1 - 3 triggers that pushed you to realize you needed an MBA
• Since there's not a lot of room to describe elaborate situations, you have to describe the triggers as succinctly as possible so as to leave enough room for why you need it now

Describe a difficult professional decision you had to make.  What were the consequences, and what, if anything, did you learn?  Would you make the same decision again? (300 words maximum)

• This is a difficult question – and most people struggle with it – it’s not easy to come up with a past decision you made, and even less to recreate it in your current situation
• A good idea for this question is to come up with 2 or 3 situations, write them up in draft, and this will give you a good idea of which one to move forward with
• The question we get from a lot of candidates for this is – do I have to answer “no” to the last part of the question – i.e., would you make the same decision today?  No – you don’t have to – it’s perfectly okay to say that you would make the same decision today
• It’s important to articulate the thought process behind your decision – this is the meat of the question – what were the elements of your decision?  What was most important to you?  If you are going to say that you would not make the same decision today, explain why – candidates can use this to highlight their growth and evolution

The Yale School of Management provides a leadership education characterized by broad-minded and intellectually curious students with diverse backgrounds, a distinctive integrated curriculum, connections to one of the great research universities in the world, and the broad reach of an innovative and expanding global network of top business schools.  What will you contribute to the Yale SOM community, and how will being part of it help you extend your professional vision? (300 words maximum)

• This question is a mouthful – but piece it apart, and it’ll seem less challenging.  The question is really asking what key experiences have shaped and developed your leadership skills?  How will you apply those skills to Yale SOM?
• This question is open ended – gives you a great chance to pick some experiences you want to describe that have helped you become either a professional or community leader
• Remember to tie in what you discuss to your professional vision - your leadership contributions at Yale should seem like a bridge to your goals

What do you consider to be your most significant accomplishment?  Why? (300 words maximum)

• Pick only one accomplishment – can be personal or professional – describe why you think it is your most significant accomplishment
• To the extent possible, try and qualify and/or quantify the impact of what you did so that a reader can relate to it more easily — this is especially true if you are picking a professional situation