UCLA Anderson has officially announced its essay questions and deadlines for the 2023–2024 application cycle. Once again, the school has one required essay question and one optional essay question. This year, UCLA Anderson has updated its required essay question, narrowing the question’s scope to focus on one leadership trait: perseverance.
Located in the creative capital of the world, UCLA Anderson offers access to a thriving business community. One of many noteworthy aspects of a UCLA Anderson education is the school’s Parker Career Management Center, which frequently receives praise for its resourcefulness in helping students expand their networks, build relationships, and ultimately achieve their MBA goals.
If you are looking to join UCLA Anderson’s MBA Program, take a look at the class of 2024 profile to see if the school may be the right fit for you. Accepted students had an average GMAT score of 711 and an average of 6 years of work experience. The class of 2024 consists of 35% women and 47% international citizens.
The Upcoming UCLA Anderson Application Deadlines Are:
Round 1: October 5, 2023
Round 2: January 4, 2024
Round 3: April 12, 2024
2023–2024 UCLA Anderson Application Essays:
UCLA Anderson Essay: UCLA Anderson seeks to develop transformative leaders who think fearlessly, drive change, and share success. We believe the ability to persevere is an essential component of effective leadership. Please share an example from your personal or professional life where you demonstrated perseverance to accomplish a significant goal or milestone. (250 words maximum)
To write a winning Anderson MBA essay, 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. Now, let’s take a look at Anderson’s essay questions.
This UCLA Anderson essay question is new for the 2023–2024 MBA application cycle. While in general the process is more important than the result, keep in mind that UCLA asks applicants to consider an example where you accomplished a significant goal or milestone. While you can achieve something significant in a short period of time, you may want to consider a larger accomplishment in your life, as opposed to a narrower project at work.
Last year, UCLA asked applicants to tie this accomplishment to their goals. However, this connection has been removed. That said, having a strong and logical personal story is always important, so if this accomplishment helped you along your career journey, that is a bonus.
As you tell your story, be sure to include specific results and show how your actions in achieving this accomplishment demonstrated perseverance.
Keep in mind that, given the wording of the question, candidates should ideally focus on ONE achievement.
We recognize that this is a tall order for 250 words!
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.
While the 2023-2024 UCLA MBA application is not yet open, last year UCLA included two short answer goal questions, which are included below for reference. Once the UCLA application opens, we will update this blog to reflect any changes.
Short Answers: UCLA Anderson has also included two short answer goal questions (remember that the character limits include spaces):
Describe your short-term and long-term post-MBA career goals. (600 characters maximum)
Need help articulating your MBA goals? Check out Personal MBA Coach’s blog for guidance.
How can UCLA Anderson help you achieve your career and/or personal goals? (1000 characters maximum)
As you think about your future career and/or personal goals, consider your skill gaps and how a UCLA Anderson MBA will help you to close these gaps. Be sure to demonstrate an understanding of UCLA Anderson’s culture here.
For more information on how to approach these short answer questions, check out Personal MBA Coach’s blog on short answer questions and other MBA application extras.
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!
