BITSoM MBA Admission Insights - Essays

Summary

This video provides essential guidance for applicants to the BITS MBA program, focusing on the importance of the essay section. It highlights the key elements reviewers look for—Effectiveness, Organization, Appropriateness, and Correctness—and offers detailed tips on how to approach each of the three essay prompts. Applicants are encouraged to present themselves as whole individuals, sharing personal and professional experiences that reflect their values, leadership, and growth. Additionally, the video emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, clarity in writing, and the value of feedback from peers or family.

Takeaways

• 😀 Effectiveness is key when writing essays for the Bitsam MBA application; ensure you answer all parts of each prompt.
• 😀 Organization matters—structure your essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion for better clarity and flow.
• 😀 Appropriateness is crucial; focus on relevant experiences that fit the MBA context and demonstrate learning outcomes.
• 😀 Correctness is important; use simple, grammatically accurate language in your essays.
• 😀 Prompt 1 requires you to reflect on your background, values, academic and professional experiences, and leadership, and explain how these will contribute to the cohort experience.
• 😀 Prompt 2 encourages you to describe a significant accomplishment or failure, reflect on what you learned from it, and how it shaped you.
• 😀 The optional Prompt 3 provides space for additional personal stories or experiences that don't fit into the first two prompts but are valuable for your application.
• 😀 Word limits matter; aim for a substantial, but concise answer within the given word count.
• 😀 Reviewers value introspection—show a learner's mindset when discussing challenges or failures.
• 😀 Seeking feedback from friends or family on your essays can help improve the quality and effectiveness of your responses.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Bitsam MBA application essays?

The main focus is profile-based evaluation, allowing the admissions team to better understand the applicant's experiences, values, and leadership qualities.

How many essays are required in the Bitsam MBA application?

There are three essays in total. The first two are mandatory, and the third is optional.

What are the four key things reviewers look for in an applicant's essays?

Reviewers look for effectiveness, organization, appropriateness, and correctness in the essays.

What does 'effectiveness' mean in the context of writing MBA application essays?

'Effectiveness' means ensuring that each sub-question of the essay prompt is answered thoroughly and accurately, addressing the brief fully.

Why is organization important when writing MBA application essays?

Organization is important because it ensures the essay has a logical flow, helping the reviewer understand the applicant’s message clearly. A structured essay typically includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.

How should applicants decide which experiences to write about in the essays?

Applicants should choose experiences that are relevant to the MBA context. They should reflect on how the experience demonstrates skills such as leadership, problem-solving, or teamwork, and how it aligns with the program.

What is the importance of correctness in the essays?

Correctness refers to using basic English accurately. Applicants should avoid complex language and ensure their spelling and grammar are correct, contributing to the clarity and professionalism of the essay.

What should applicants avoid mentioning in the first essay?

Applicants should avoid mentioning their name or academic records in the first essay, as these details are already provided elsewhere in the application.

What is the purpose of the second mandatory essay about an accomplishment or failure?

The second essay allows applicants to discuss a key experience, whether an accomplishment or a failure, that shaped them. It helps demonstrate self-reflection and the ability to learn from experiences.

What is the optional third essay for in the Bitsam MBA application?

The optional third essay gives applicants the opportunity to share additional important information not covered in the first two essays. This could include a personal story, favorite book, or memorable experience that further highlights their qualities.

How can applicants ensure their essays are impactful?

Applicants should spend time crafting thoughtful, well-structured essays and seek feedback from friends or family to refine their work before submission.