If UCLA Anderson is on your MBA application list, Personal MBA Coach is here to help you develop a compelling UCLA MBA application. Below, find details on UCLA’s application deadlines along with Personal MBA Coach’s guidance on the 2025-2026 UCLA MBA essays and how to approach them.
If you are looking to learn more about UCLA Anderson’s MBA Program, take a look at the class of 2026 profileand find out if the school may be the right fit for you.
UCLA Anderson Application Deadlines 2025-2026
Round 1: October 1, 2025
Round 2: January 6, 2026
Round 3: April 7, 2026
2025–2026 UCLA Anderson Application Essays:
This year again, UCLA Anderson changed its application. Once again, the UCLA application includes three short essay questions, all of which are fairly straightforward. UCLA slightly changed the wording of the first two essays while completely updating the third essay. Combined, these essays should clearly and concisely tell UCLA why you want an MBA at UCLA and how the UCLA MBA experience will transform your leadership style and prepare you to make an impact.
Before getting started on your UCLA MBA application, Personal MBA Coach recommends reading our tips on writing winning essays along with our school-specific advice below to make sure you are up to speed on the basics of MBA application essay writing.
Personal MBA Coach’s Tips for Approaching the UCLA Anderson MBA Essays
UCLA Anderson Essay 1: Why is the MBA the right degree for you to pursue both personally and professionally? (150 words)
With only 150 words to use here, there is not much space to recount your resume. However, a strong essay will set context for the reader in terms of where you are in your career, what you have accomplished to date and, finally, WHY you are ready for an MBA. This is not the time to talk about your goals (that is essay 2); instead, with this essay you want to explain – in simple language – your career path to date and what motivates you, both personally and professionally, to take this next step.
UCLA Anderson Essay 2: Describe your post-MBA short-term and long-term career goals. (150 words)
For this second short essay, you want to tell UCLA exactly WHAT you hope to accomplish after business school. This should include your immediate plans and your long-term career vision.
Need help articulating your MBA goals? Check out Personal MBA Coach’s blog for guidance.
UCLA Anderson Essay 3: What makes UCLA Anderson a top choice for you, and how will you engage with and contribute to the community? (250 words)
There is a lot to cover in this third essay. You want to tell UCLA both WHY it is a good fit for you and HOW you will add value to the UCLA community.
While a strong answer will naturally explain to the UCLA admissions committee how an MBA will prepare you to achieve the goals you just outlined, it will also show that you have taken the time to really understand the UCLA community and why it is a good match for you. To do this, research the school’s offerings, paying careful attention to the leadership opportunities available, selecting those items that are most attractive to you. As you write this essay, remember that quality is more important than quantity. You should take the time to show UCLA that you have carefully thought through each opportunity selected and how it will help you to grow as a leader on campus and succeed throughout your career.
Next, show UCLA how you will give back, specifically! Personal MBA Coach was fortunate to spend time with the UCLA admissions committee this spring during the 2025 AIGAC conference, and it quickly became clear that UCLA is a special place with an engaged student body. UCLA is looking for future leaders so be sure to show UCLA how you hope to be involved and how you will add to its community. As always, avoid submitting a laundry list and focus on the areas where you have the greatest impact.
Optional Essay: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the admissions committee should be aware? (250 words maximum)
The optional UCLA Anderson essay should be answered only by those with extenuating circumstances. That said, the program assures that no preference is given in the evaluation process to those who choose to respond to this optional essay, so please use your best judgment.
Looking for help developing your UCLA Anderson application?
Schedule a consultation with Personal MBA Coach today to find out how we can help you with your Anderson MBA application!
