Master of Business, known as MBA is a 2 year, 4 semesters program. It is a postgraduate program that focuses on student development in areas like Accounting, Finance, Management, Commerce, Marketing, Human Resources, Mathematics and Science, Technology, Business Management and more.
Master’s degree programme that aims at enhancing knowledge in different aspects of business and management. It is divided into streams and the streams that relate to organizations include:
Administration,
Management,
Finance,
Human Resource,
Marketing,
Digital Marketing,
Business Analytics,
International Business,
Entrepreneurship.
An important aspect of the process is that writing winning MBA essays which is a part of the admissions process itself. This helps you stand out in the MBA application process and increases your chances of enrollment in your desired university.
We are talking about the Master of Business Administration Admission Program. So what do admissions committees look for in successful essay submissions? We will follow this up with step-by-step details on what admissions committees look for in successful essay submissions.
Tips for Approaching Diversity MBA Essays
Be specific about your personal involvement and impact
Use concrete examples rather than general statements
Focus on both what you did and what you learned
Connect past experiences to future contributions
Address both personal and professional aspects where relevant
Demonstrate understanding of the school's specific DEI values
Include measurable results where possible
Show ongoing commitment rather than one-time involvement
Key points to remember while writing an MBA essay:
There isn't any magic formula to write a successful essay, but here are some key elements to consider for your MBA essays:
Research: Get a feel for what the program and its people value. Research about the MBA program, including its mission and values and, therefore, get some kind of an idea about what exactly an applicant is expected of by the admissions committee.
Show, rather than tell: Do not say your strengths; rather, use specific, concrete examples to help convey your qualities and accomplishments.
Use STAR: Structure your essays using STAR, the Situation, Task, Action, and Result so that the reader could clearly analyze the challenges you overcame and how you overcame them.
Be yourself and specific: Not vague but specific and authentic, showing off that you are special and unique.
Fill up weak points or gaps: In case there are some weak points or gaps in academic/professional history then these essays provide an opportunity for filling them up.
Proofread and edit: Get essays error-free, readable, well-organized and grammatically correct. Review your work with peers or mentors for better writing.
Connect the dots: Connect the dots between your goals and the program; clearly explain how the MBA will benefit you in realizing your personal and professional goals, and also why you are well suited for the program.
Detailed Breakdown of Diversity/Inclusion Essays 2025 Intake
Berkeley (Haas) Diversity Essay 2025
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJB) Experience
"One of our goals at Berkeley Haas is to develop leaders who value diversity and to create an inclusive environment in which people from different ethnicities, genders, lived experiences, and national origins feel welcomed and supported. Describe any experience or exposure you have in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging whether through community organizations, personal, or in the workplace? Candidates seeking consideration for mission-aligned fellowships may use this space to reflect on their commitment to the mission of those fellowships."
Word limit: 300 words
Prompt: Describe any experience or exposure you have in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging whether through community organizations, personal, or in the workplace
Focus: Looking for both personal experiences and professional involvement in DEIJB initiatives
Note: Can be used for consideration for mission-aligned fellowships
Columbia Business School Diversity Essay 2025
Phillips Pathway for Inclusive Leadership Essay "The Phillips Pathway for Inclusive Leadership (PPIL) is a co-curricular program designed to provide students with the skills and strategies needed to develop as inclusive leaders. Through various resources and programming, students explore and reflect on the following five inclusive leadership skills: Mitigating Bias and Prejudice; Managing Intercultural Dialogue; Addressing Systemic Inequity; Understanding Identity and Perspective Taking; and Creating an Inclusive Environment."
Choose one:
"Describe a time or situation when you had the need to utilize one of these five skills and tell us the actions you took and the outcome."
"Share a specific example of how you made a team more collaborative or fostered a greater sense of community within an organization."
Word limit: 250 words
Two options:
Describe using one of five inclusive leadership skills:
Mitigating Bias and Prejudice
Managing Intercultural Dialogue
Addressing Systemic Inequity
Understanding Identity and Perspective Taking
Creating an Inclusive Environment
Share example of making a team more collaborative or fostering community
Focus: Practical application of inclusive leadership skills
Cornell (Johnson) Diversity Essay 2025
Impact Essay (optional choice) "At Cornell, our students and alumni share a desire to positively impact the organizations and communities they serve. How do you intend to make a meaningful impact on the Johnson community?"
Impact Essay Option
Word limit: 350 words
Focus: How candidates plan to make meaningful impact on the Johnson community
Note: This is one of two essay options candidates can choose from
Georgetown (McDonough) Diversity Essay Topic
Diversity Essay Option "Our mission is rooted in Jesuit principles of equality and respect for everyone and an ethos of caring for the whole person. Inclusivity and diversity are core to supporting a community of people with an intersectional understanding of themselves and the world around them. Share how your educational, familial, cultural, economic, social, and/or other individual life experiences will contribute to the diversity of perspectives and ideas at Georgetown University."
Diversity Essay Option
Word limit: 500 words
Prompt: Share how your educational, familial, cultural, economic, social, and/or other individual life experiences will contribute to the diversity of perspectives
Focus: Personal background and its impact on perspective
Note: Part of three essay options candidates can choose from
Michigan Ross Diversity Essay 2025
Part 2: Impact Essay Choose one of these prompts:
"What makes you unique?"
"Can you provide a specific example of how you've overcome a personal challenge?"
"What makes you excited to get up each morning?"
"Describe a time when you made a difference in your community or with an individual."
Word limit: 200 words
Prompt: Choose from options including:
What makes you unique?
How you've overcome a personal challenge
Making a difference in your community
Focus: Personal contribution to diversity beyond academic/professional experience
Minnesota (Carlson)
Inclusive Communities Essay
"Carlson MBA programs are looking for diverse voices and experiences to add to classroom discussions. Can you tell us about how you have participated in and/or advocated for building more inclusive communities in your career?"
No specific word limit mentioned
Prompt: Tell us about how you have participated in and/or advocated for building more inclusive communities in your career
Focus: Practical examples of promoting inclusion in professional settings
UNC (Kenan-Flagler) 2025 intake
Impact and Life Experience Essay
"Reflect on a project or initiative you were involved in that had a significant positive impact on a community, organization, or individual. How did this experience shape your sense of responsibility as a future leader dedicated to making a difference in the world?"
Word limit: 500 words
Prompt: Reflect on a project or initiative that had significant positive impact on a community, organization, or individual
Focus: Leadership in creating positive change and future commitment to making a difference
USC Marshall MBA Essay Topic 2025
"In the USC Marshall MBA Program, teamwork is essential to success. Please share an example of a time when you collaborated effectively with others to achieve a personal or professional goal."
Teamwork Essay
Word limit: 400 words
Prompt: Share an example of when you collaborated effectively with others to achieve a personal or professional goal
Focus: Demonstrating ability to work across differences and create inclusive team environments
Washington (Foster) Diversity Essay Topic 2025
Optional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Essay "At the Foster School of Business, we embrace diversity as one of the foundations of both successful business strategy and a world-class educational experience. We share the University's dedication to promoting the understanding and appreciation of human differences, and the constructive expression of ideas. We welcome you to share some of the ways you have practiced inclusion, promoted equity or supported the advancement of underrepresented groups."
Optional DEI Essay
Word limit: 500 words
Prompt: Share ways you have practiced inclusion, promoted equity, or supported advancement of underrepresented groups
Note: Recommended for candidates interested in ROMBA Fellowship or Forté Fellowship
Key Themes Across Diversity MBA Essay Topics Schools
Multiple Dimensions of Diversity
Personal background
Professional experience
Cultural perspectives
Socioeconomic factors
Educational experiences
Types of Impact
Individual level
Team/organizational level
Community level
Systemic change
Common Elements Schools Look For
Personal experience with diversity
Leadership in inclusive initiatives
Concrete examples of impact
Future commitment to DEI
Cross-cultural competence
Application Formats
Required essays
Optional essays
Choice among multiple prompts
Fellowship-linked essays
Why Pursue an MBA Abroad?
Studying abroad offers a wealth of opportunities, from gaining a global network to immersing in diverse business cultures. Popular destinations like Canada, Australia, and the U.S. offer internationally recognized degrees and vibrant post-graduation career options.
Top MBA Destinations and Programs
1. MBA in Australia
Explore top programs like the Top 10 Programs for MBA in Australia that balance academic rigor with Australia’s multicultural, innovative business landscape.
2. MBA Programs in Canada
Canada offers excellent education quality with strong post-MBA job opportunities for international students. Consider programs like the McGill MBA, Alberta MBA, DeGroote School of Business MBA, or HEC Montreal MBA. Dive into our MBA in Canada Guide to explore options.
Interested in sustainability-focused MBAs? Programs like Schulich MBA, Rotman School of Management, and UBC Sauder offer specialized tracks for sustainability and social impact careers.
3. European MBA Programs
Europe is known for its one-year MBA programs, ideal for those seeking an accelerated path. Explore schools like SDA Bocconi, IESE, IMD, HEC Paris, Cambridge Judge, and INSEAD.
For a look at the best MBAs in the region, check out our guides to the Top 20 MBA Programs in Europe and insights on London Business School.
4. MBA Programs in Singapore
Singapore offers unique advantages for students focused on the Asian market. Learn more about the NUS MBA, and explore tips for choosing the best program in our guide, How to Select Your Singapore MBA. You can also explore a comparison between Canada and Singapore for a better understanding of both regions.
5. Top U.S. MBA Programs
The U.S. is a top destination for MBA programs, offering diverse specializations and extensive alumni networks. Discover programs like Foster MBA, Ross MBA, Carnegie Mellon MBA, and Darden MBA.
For M7 school insights, explore programs like Wharton, Stanford, Harvard, and Chicago Booth.
Distinctive Essays: What Admission Committees look for in student essays:
Clarity and Cohesiveness
First and foremost, admissions committees look for clarity and cohesiveness. The essay should have a clear and cohesive structure with a strong opening that will capture the attention of the reader and introduce the topic. The body of the essay has to be well-organized and logically structured with sophisticated assertions supported by valid arguments.
Bottom line Conclusion should spark a desire to learn more about the applicant, and the message should communicate the point of the essay
Career Vision
Admissions Committees Appreciate a Strong Career Vision. The applicant should have a clear, well-defined career vision, and explain how the MBA program relates to the long term goals.
They should further prove to have a real passion and interest in the chosen field of study and the business world at large.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate their suitability to join the program and how they would also positively impact the society once they are done.
Personality
Admission Committees Seek Personal Characteristics. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their individuality and strengths in character.
They should be able to prove leadership skills, communication skills, and problem-solving skills.
They should have the ability of working with other people, empathetic with others, and at the same time having high integrity and ethical standards.
Overall openness and diversification:
Admissions committees look for diversity and inclusivity. Students should be capable of showing diversity and inclusivity, cultural, professional, academic, or otherwise.
Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of how the program's culture corresponds to their values and how they can contribute to making the learning community even more diverse.
Candidates must also show a sense of community and show commitment to give back to society.
Unique aspects
Admission Committees want to understand applicants' unique experiences. The applicants have to mention memorable experiences in their life, including any academic or professional success, challenges met and bested, or volunteer work.
They must also mention any obstacles or setbacks encountered, what they learned from them, and how it has impacted their personal and professional development to bring them to this point in their lives.
Originality
The Admissions Committees Look for Originality. Avoid clichés and overly generic statements. They must be unique, authentic, memorable, and new insights and perspectives never encountered nor experienced by the admissions committee before.
Instead of listing their accomplishments or rehashing what is found elsewhere, they should use colorful language to give specific examples that bring their words to life.
Critical Thinking and Analysis
Evidence of Critical Thinking and Analysis appeals to Admissions Committees.Show the candidate's ability to think critically and analytically about academic or professional problems.
Students should also present well-reasoned arguments and insights from facts and data.
They must be able to compare and contrast various standpoints and ideas, make a clear point of view with persuasive force.
With the growing reputation of a winning essay for coveted deferred admission programs to MBA schools, it is now more pertinent than ever before.
Clarity, cohesiveness, personal characteristics-all of these can be defined by a career vision, diversity and inclusivity, unique experiences, and original and critical thinking-on which the Admissions Committees look at.
If the guidelines given above are followed strictly, it will definitely be a great essay and results in better chances of securing admission.
Essential points for a distinctive diversity essay for business schools
A distinctive essay needs to be brief and relevant and should clearly provide a preview of what your essay is all about.
Writing a powerful Introduction: Begin your essay with a powerful introduction phrase or statement that gets the reader interested.
Include in your introduction what you are writing about as well as background information that would not leave the reader blank as to the underlying issue of your essay.
Introducing your Argument: Use time in stating and answering all opposing viewpoints or counterarguments to your main point.
Show that you understand the kinds of different perspectives present on the issue and that your point of view is stronger.
Providing Evidence: Use facts, statistics, and other forms of evidence that would prove your arguments. Ensure proper citation of sources.
Tips for applicants to make their distinctive diversity essay for business schools unique
Here are some tips on how to make your leadership essay stand out for an MBA application:
Show, don't tell: Instead of simply stating you are a leader, show through concrete, specific examples how you possess leadership skills.
Discuss your impact: Talk about the outcome or impact of your leadership experiences and how it has positively impacted people.
What you learned from failure: Share what you failed at certain times and what you learn from it.
In summary, it is essential for students to understand that writing a distinctive diversity essay for top business schools on both national and international levels plays an important part in their application process. In order to make your application unique, distinct, and appealing, follow the above-mentioned points. You will surely succeed!
Check more Essential Resources for MBA Applicants
1. MBA Essays and SOP Guides
Crafting impactful application essays is crucial. Check out our MBA Sample Essays and SOP for MBA for tips and templates, including specific advice for essays at Berkeley Haas and NYU Stern.
2. Scholarships for 2024
Financing your MBA is easier with scholarship options. Learn more in our Scholarships Guide for 2024, covering funding opportunities across top global programs.
3. Career Goal Statements
Clear career goals strengthen your MBA application. Refer to our guide on How to Answer Career Goals Questions and plan for your future MBA trajectory.