Examining the Haas Essays this year, we see one entirely new question, and several small but significant changes to last years’ questions. In preparation for the November 5 deadline, let’s take a closer look at the essay questions Haas is asking its applicants this season
Short Answer (required):
1. If you could have dinner with one individual in the past, present, or future, who would it be and why? (250 word maximum)
This question, a new one for Haas this year, is in the same spirit as Chicago’s question about stepping into someone else’s shoes, the main difference being that Berkeley wants to know whom the applicant would choose to interact with, as opposed whom he or she might like to be. By that token, while the “in someone’s shoes” selection might be driven by potential activities or impact, one’s choice of dinner companion might rely more heavily on hearing someone’s insight on a subject or just coming to understand a prominent figure better. Further, because Chicago’s question is just one of two traditional essays this year, there’s a bit more pressure to select a figure whose work might lend to a discussion of the applicant’s work, goals or an important extracurricular activity, whereas Haas’s many-short-questions format might allow a candidate to highlight an interesting but less central element of his or her candidacy.
Dissimilarities aside, there are some common concerns to keep in mind. In both cases, it’s important to remember that the purpose of each essay is to tell the reader something about the applicant, and that essay writers should therefore avoid focusing too heavily on describing their dinner companion’s background and achievements. The specifics of the conversation that might occur are also less important than the reasons behind the choice, and how admiration of, and curiosity about, the person selected reflect on the applicant more broadly.
2. Tell us about your most significant accomplishment. (250 word maximum)
This is a very tall order for a 250 word essay, so brevity will be key here. You’ll clearly want to select an impressive achievement to discuss – ideally one in which you had a positive impact on a person, group or organization (as it would reflect well on you to say that you consider it significant that you improved something for others). It will be important to comment not only on the results, but also on the actions and thought process by which you brought them about. Note that the question does not limit you to the professional realm, so feel free to think of examples from your outside activities in selecting a topic for this short response.
3. At Haas, we value innovation and creativity. Describe an innovative solution you have created to address a specific challenge. (250 word maximum)
This essay question is similar to last year’s, but the Haas adcom is now more explicitly guiding applicants to answer this question by telling a specific story about one experience rather than inquiring generally about demonstrating these principles in one’s professional and personal life. Whether the story is about creating something new, improving an existing process or approaching a classic challenge in a new way, applicants will want to take the reader through their thought process as well as their actions, as the innovative intellectual capacity is what is really going to contribute to the Haas community and success in the future.
4. What steps have you taken to learn about the Berkeley MBA program, and what factors have influenced your decision to apply? (250 word maximum)
This is a rather transparent test to determine whether you’ve done your homework and are making an informed decision in applying to Haas; though most schools look to the applicant to demonstrate his or her knowledge of the school, few come right out and ask how a candidate has gone about familiarizing him or herself with the program. Because some applicants treat this school as a backup to Stanford and other programs, it will be to your advantage to convince the adcom that you are sincere in your interest by explaining the appealing elements that are unique to the Berkeley MBA. Obviously, the more specific knowledge you are able to demonstrate, the better; the adcom would love to hear that an applicant has been in touch with students, is familiar with the campus and understands the Haas culture and program.
Required Essays:
1. Give us an example of a situation in which you displayed leadership. (500 word maximum)
Though the adcom will already have learned a few interesting things about the applicant from the short essays above, this is the first real chance a candidate has to really develop a story in which he or she shines. It would be ideal to provide a solid professional example here, but an example from an extracurricular activity would suffice as well if you have made a more significant impact on an outside organization than you have in the workplace. To an extent, your topic choice may depend on how you’ve answered the earlier questions (since you’ll want to achieve balance across the essays). Another thing to note about this question is that it does not specify that you should have a formal leadership role – any time you exhibited the characteristics of a leader to effect positive change is fair game here. Essentially, you should aim to use this essay to highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to direct the efforts of others toward a constructive end.
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)
This is a fairly standard career goals essay as asked by virtually all MBA programs, requiring applicants to provide an overview of their career to date, describe their short- and long-term objectives and explain their reasons for seeking an MBA from Haas in particular. As a general rule, specificity of career goals is of the utmost importance. Given the wording of Berkeley’s question, it will also be beneficial to draw explicit links between your previous experiences and future objectives in addition to touching upon the skills you’ve gained and lessons you’ve learned over the course of your career.
Interestingly, Haas chooses to end its essay section with the typical career goals essay, whereas most schools lead off with this topic. Rather than providing an overview of and introduction to your candidacy, as is the case with the career goals essay for most schools, this essay will instead be the culmination of your message to the adcom. Make sure to tie together the themes that you’ve introduced in your other responses, and end on a note of enthusiasm about the program and the timing of your application.
