Crafting the perfect MBA essay is an art, much like sketching a masterpiece. Just as an artist begins with simple shapes and layers in detail to create a striking image, the perfect application starts with strong foundational elements. In this article, we’ll explore how embracing an artist’s approach—starting with the basics, refining each detail, and bringing your unique story to life—can transform your MBA application into a compelling portrait of your achievements and aspirations. Whether it’s your essays, resume, or interviews, we’ll guide you step-by-step to ensure your application stands out in a competitive pool. Ready to create your masterpiece? Let’s get started.
Importance of Basics
We all want our MBA Essays to stand out—a masterpiece, a gem, a no-brainer for the admissions committee. While this is the ultimate goal, many fall into the trap of starting backwards, focusing on imitating the polished final product rather than crafting something authentic and impactful from the ground up.
The image you see is than of an elegant fox, carefully built from simple, foundational shapes. This process wasn’t rushed or forced—it evolved naturally. Starting backwards, however, often results in a “force fit,” a product that lacks depth and authenticity.
The key lies in going back to the basics. By focusing on the core elements first, your output could take on a unique identity—whether it’s a fox, a lion, or even an eagle. The possibilities are endless when you start with the right foundation.
“It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation”
Step 1 : Foraging the Right Shapes for your Essay
Think of this as going back in time and identifying key milestones, achievements, and moments in your life that have shaped who you are. If we revisit the initial example of the sketch, think of the foundational circles, the arcs for the face, and the cones for the ears. A few of your “shapes” could be:
- Major accomplishments at work.
- Leadership experiences in or outside the workplace.
- Passions, hobbies, or defining values.
The goal isn’t to use all of them but to collect raw material—the building blocks of your story. Create “buckets” to organize these pieces, like a forager gathering resources. This is the first step toward crafting a perfect MBA essay!
Step 2 : Selecting the ones that matter
Now, select the moments that truly matter to you—the defining experiences or factors that have shaped who you are. It’s okay if you don’t have a long list right away; not everyone does. The key is to start exploring and reflecting. Again, using the example of the sketch, think of this as deciding which circles will define the eyes and which cones will serve as the foundation for the ears, prioritizing the elements that create the strongest base for your story.
When I first started this process, I thought, I haven’t faced extraordinary challenges like losing a limb, being abandoned by loving parents, or curing cancer. But as I spent more time reflecting, I began to uncover those unique “somethings” that truly define me. You’ll find yours too—just give yourself the space and time to explore. This is the second step toward crafting the perfect MBA essay.
Step 3 : Move the shapes to form a flow
Arrange your chosen experiences into a logical and compelling narrative. Think of it as arranging shapes to form the outline of your sketch. It doesn’t have to follow a chronological order, but it’s about defining the breadth and spacing of the elements as your sketch begins to take shape. From an essay-writing standpoint, consider this through the lens of the reader’s attention span. Here are a few tips that might help:
- The first block becomes your hook to grab attention
- The middle block is in a way the section to develop the narrative
- Finally comes the end that helps you close strongly
For example, let me create an example: First Block – Grew up in a family of doctors. Second Block – Experienced something impactful related to healthcare. Third Block – Developed an ambition to make a difference in the healthcare system.
It’s definitely not perfect, but I hope you get the gist. This is the third step toward crafting a strong MBA essay.
Step 4 : Refine and tie them all together
Finally, bring all the elements together into a polished, cohesive application. This is where you add the finishing touches that elevate your MBA essay from good to truly outstanding. Going back to the sketch, now is the time to build upon the outlines, adding shading to create depth, highlights to bring focus, and texture to make it feel alive. Consider refining every detail, ensuring the proportions are balanced, the narrative flows seamlessly, and each component contributes to the bigger picture. Just like an artist might use blending to smooth edges, cross-hatching to add dimension, or fine lines to emphasize details, your essay should demonstrate a careful balance of precision and artistry, making it a masterpiece that authentically represents you.
And to ensure I don’t leave you hanging abruptly, let’s revisit the example of the candidate who grew up in a family of doctors.
“Growing up in a family of doctors, I witnessed both the triumphs and the systemic challenges of healthcare. A pivotal moment during a medical camp in an underserved village opened my eyes to the stark gap between dedication and resources, shaping my ambition to go beyond patient care and address inefficiencies in the system. I passionately believe that an MBA focused on healthcare management and funding will provide me the requisite tools I need to drive meaningful change and empower me to redefine the healthcare infrastructure in my community.”Growing up in a family of doctors, I witnessed both the triumphs and the systemic challenges of healthcare. A pivotal moment during a medical camp in an underserved village opened my eyes to the stark gap between dedication and resources, shaping my ambition to go beyond patient care and address inefficiencies in the system. I strongly believe that an MBA focused on healthcare management and funding will provide me with the tools and knowledge to drive meaningful change, empowering me to redefine the healthcare infrastructure in my community.”
Definitely not perfect, but we hope you get the gist— Our take on crafting a compelling MBA essay.