UCLA Anderson Essays (Class of 2012, Starting Fall 2010)
Anderson usually distributes their questions much later, so they're getting getting it together much earlier this year. Their questions are similar to last year, but with a new video option for their now well-known audio question (now 2 choices instead of 3). They've also introduced a new question about risk, replacing one of what I considered two personal development topics. I'll provide analysis within a few days. They haven't released the deadlines yet. I'll post them as soon as they do. ESSAYS (ANALYSIS COMING SOON)
General Instructions: Please be introspective and authentic in your responses. We value the opportunity to learn about your life experiences, aspirations, and goals.
All responses to essays must be on double-spaced pages that are uploaded in document form, except for Essay 4 for first-time applicants, which may be submitted as an audio or video file instead. (Please note the word limits in parentheses.)
First-time applicants -- 4 required essays:
Describe the ways in which your family and/or community have helped shape your development. (750 words)
Describe the biggest risk you have ever taken, the outcome, and what you learned in the process. (500 words)
Describe your short-term and long-term career goals. What is your motivation for pursuing an MBA now and how will UCLA Anderson help you to achieve your goals? (750 words)
Select and respond to one of the two following questions. We would like you to respond to the question by recording an audio or video response (up to 10Mb maximum) for upload in the online application. (Please note: The supported file types for audio files are: .avi, .wav, .mp3, .wmv, .midi, .wma, .aiff, .au, .mp4; the supported file types for video files are: .mov, .avi, .wmv, .mpeg). If you are unable to submit your response via audio or video, then please prepare a written response instead. (250 words)
a. Entrepreneurship is a mindset that embraces innovation and risk-taking within both established and new organizations. Describe an instance in which you exhibited this mindset.
b. What is something people will find surprising about you?
OPTIONAL: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? (250 words)
Reapplicants
Reapplicants who applied for the entering Fall 2008 or 2009 class have a different set of requirements than first-time applicants. Instead of submitting two letters of recommendation and the four regular essays, reapplicants are required to submit precisely one new letter of recommendation and the two essays below. The Admissions committee will refer to your previous application when considering your admission, but a complete new application must be submitted on-line. Begin your complete new application by creating a new PIN.
Reapplicants -- 2 required essays:
Please describe your career progress since you last applied and ways in which you have enhanced your candidacy. Include updates on short-term and long-term career goals, as well as your continued interest in UCLA Anderson. (750 words)
Describe the biggest risk you have ever taken, the outcome, and what you learned in the process. (500 words)
OPTIONAL: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? (250 words)
Reapplicants should also note that all standardized test scores (GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, et cetera) remain on file for several years, so they should not be resent; we do indeed have them. Transcripts should only be resent if additional coursework has been completed since the first application has been submitted.