essay about business major

Why Major Essay Examples

At many schools, the why major essay forms a crucial part of the college application process. In addition to your Common App essay , many schools require supplemental essays. One of the most popular supplemental essay prompts is the why major essay.

The why major essay allows colleges to learn more about you and your interests. This guide will give you some why major essay examples from popular colleges. It will also offer some tips on how to write a why major essay. 

This guide includes why major essay examples from the following colleges: The University of Texas at Austin , The University of Southern California , Cornell , Georgia Tech , and Pomona College . These college essay examples can act as a great source of inspiration for your why major essay. By looking at these college essays that worked, you can learn more about how to approach various supplemental essay prompts. 

What are examples of why major essay prompts?

The why major essay examples in this guide have varying prompts. Here are the why major essay prompts from our college essay examples: 

“Why major” essay requirements

As you can see, most why major essay examples will have between 250-300 words. However, some college essay examples will have more. Additionally, some why major essay examples will focus on college-specific information. In general, these essays ask why you’ve picked your intended major , so try to be as specific as possible. These why major essay examples are a great place to start if you need help with your why major essay. 

The college essay examples in this guide also reflect the level of research needed for a why major essay. As you research colleges, look for a class you want to take or a research opportunity that interests you. Then, be sure to include that in your why major essay for that school. If a prompt mentions the college’s name or asks why you’re interested in their school, focus on school specifics. The college essay examples we’ve included in this guide can help you jumpstart the writing process. 

Who has a why major essay?

Many schools have a why major essay, as these essays help colleges understand you and your academic passions. The why major essay examples in this guide come from UT Austin, USC, Cornell, Georgia Tech, and Pomona College. 

In addition to these schools, many other colleges also have a why major essay. Some of these include Yale University , University of Pennsylvania , Emory University , University of Michigan , and Rice University.  

Beyond the why major essay, many colleges will also have a why this college essay. This essay asks why you’re interested in that specific college. Some schools may combine the why this college essay and the why major essay. It can be helpful to compare colleges to help you decide which schools you prefer. In these essays, try to mention specific courses and professors. Some of the why major essay examples in this guide also function as why this college essay samples.  You can find more college essay examples here.  

Choosing your major

It’s okay if you don’t have a designated major in mind yet. While many schools will allow you to apply as an undecided student, some schools will require you to pick a major as part of your application. However, this choice often is not binding.

Reading why major essay examples can help as you choose your major and prepare to apply. If you’re not sure about your major, you can read our guide on How to Choose a Major.  

In our why major essay examples, you’ll see how your personal interests and passions can help you choose a major. Our why major essay examples demonstrate how helpful it can be for colleges to know why you’re interested in your intended major. Where do you see yourself working? What’s your favorite subject in school? Thinking through these kinds of questions (and reading college essay examples) can help you navigate the different majors available. 

Why This Major Essay Example

We’ve included five different why major essay examples below. Pay attention to how these why this major essay examples include specifics about each college. These why major college essay examples can help you understand what colleges look for in a Why Major essay. Overall, by reading college essays that worked, you can learn more about how to brainstorm and structure your own essays.

Now, let’s look at some why major college essay examples. 

UT Austin Essay Examples

Please describe your interest in your intended major and how your interest in the field developed. (250 words), ut austin essay example.

Some of you may wonder ‘When will I ever use derivatives in real life?’ Welcome to when.” My physics teacher, Mr. Welsh, described engineering as the “when” math and physics were applied to real problems. That is what is so attractive about engineering; it gives me the ability to apply intriguing concepts to fascinating projects. I love how engineering combines creative freedom with mathematical certainty to create projects that can impact and change the world.

During the Chain Reaction Contraption competition, a local competition, my team and I created a Rube Goldberg machine to complete a certain task. I found a love for the hands-on, creative portion of mechanical engineering and design. Other engineering activities also provided important experiences that contributed to my desire to pursue engineering. In my engineering design class, I enjoyed using computer programs like Solidworks and AutoCAD to create designs and visualizations of ideas. In FTC Robotics, I discovered that in addition to building the robot, I also loved the programming aspect behind mechanical design.

Reflecting on these experiences with engineering, particularly mechanical engineering, I am certain that engineering is the best path for me. I hope to apply my Mechanical Engineering degree to the Aerospace field. My dad is a pilot, so I have grown up hearing about and being around airplanes. As a child, I watched war plane documentaries with my dad and have had a passion for Aeronautics since then.

Why this essay worked

This why this major essay example works because it utilizes a personal story. By using a specific experience, this essay reflects on why this student is interested in mechanical engineering. Starting with a personal anecdote is a great way to introduce your essay. By including any experience you have with a club or extracurricular, you can help the reader understand your experience within the field. 

Reading UT Austin essay examples can help you start writing your why major essay. Read through the UT Austin Degree Programs and pick the major that best aligns with your interests. Try to think about what experiences, both inside and outside of school, have piqued your interest—this can be a great way to start your why major essay. Use the UT Austin essay examples to help guide your writing process. As you draft, these why major essay examples can be a great source of inspiration.  

USC Why Major Essay

Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at usc specifically. please feel free to address your first-and second-choice major selections. (300 words).

The perks of being an English major is that you have a lot of opportunities, which I fully plan on partaking in during my time at USC. First and foremost, I hope to form close connections with my professors and to take advantage of the world-class education I’d be receiving. There is also a study abroad program specifically entwined with English that I hope to be able to participate in during my time at USC. I intend to participate and eventually help with the events that USC’s English department puts on as well.

As a sophomore, I hope to be a research assistant to a professor, hopefully someone who specializes in Romanticism or the niche field of ‘Law and Literature.’ I plan on starting research to write my own thesis during my junior year and hope to publish by my senior year. I plan on being a research assistant first because it would give me insight on the mechanics of research in the humanities and would help me formulate some ideas for my thesis early on. Since I am on the pre-law track, I hope to take advantage of USC’s resources by starting an internship.

While I have yet to declare a minor, I would like to capitalize on my love for languages by minoring in a language, and since Los Angeles and the campus of USC itself is a multicultural hub, I could immerse myself into the cultural aspects that come with learning a “new tongue.”

Why this essay worked 

This why this major essay example works because it focuses primarily on how this student will utilize the resources at USC to pursue their intended major. In this, the essay fully answers the prompt set by the USC Admissions Office. 

This USC Why Major essay mentions the specific study abroad program and the research opportunities available. In doing so, it shows how familiar this student is with the English program at USC. This USC essay also helps demonstrate the student’s excitement for the opportunities available at USC. Detailing a rough plan for each year in college is a great way to show the USC Admissions Office what you know about their school’s programs. 

This USC Why Major essay is a great example of combining a Why This Major essay example and a Why This College essay sample. Compared to the other Why Major essay examples you may read (including the one above), this USC essay is specific. Other Why Major college essay examples may be used for more than one school—often, you’ll include similar information in your supplemental essays for different schools. However, the USC Why Major essay can only be used for USC. The USC Admissions wants you to detail exactly what about USC you find appealing, and this USC essay does this very well. 

Cornell Arts and Sciences supplement essay example

Students in arts and sciences embrace the opportunity to delve into multifaceted academic interests, embodying in 21st century terms ezra cornell’s “any person … any study” founding vision. tell us about the areas of study you are excited to explore, and specifically why you wish to pursue them in our college. (650 words), cornell arts and sciences supplement essay example.

When 6:35 AM alarm rings, I find myself considering the Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility–if I hit the snooze button, will my eight minutes of fragmented slumber garner more utility than a fresh-brewed cup of coffee? The trend continues throughout the day: with the release of the newest Yeezys, I contemplate bounded rationality. Though the sneakers scarcely justify the price tag of $550, the rapidly-depleting supply almost overwhelms my rational decision-making capabilities: textbook behavioral economics. As soon as I realized that my daily decisions could be explained by economics, I was determined to learn more. 

To many, the subject conjures images of stockbrokers painstakingly laboring over Excel spreadsheets; it’s easy to forget it governs our everyday lives. Half a century ago, the creation of the unassuming mortgage-backed security set the stage for the global 2008 Recession. Simultaneously, the power of economics can be awe-inspiring: Muhammad Yunus’ work with microfinance pioneered new ways to address global poverty. Studying AP Economics, participating in countless rounds of debate both in and outside the United States, self-studying courses like Professor Chetty’s Using Big Data to Solve Economic and Social Problems, and managing the budget of our schools debate team taught me that market principles govern our world; through my education, I hope to learn how to harness them for good.

After a summer working for Congressman DeSaulnier, I realized that economics and politics are intertwined. One of my most memorable projects was preparing a brief on H.R. 4674 (the College Affordability Act)–for two weeks, I scrutinized the social, political, and economic effects of the legislation, and concluded with a half-hour presentation on my findings to the Congressman. In the process, I realized that even seemingly minor pieces of legislation affect all of society; by helping disenfranchised communities gain access to education, the bill addresses cyclical poverty at the root. When the Congressman announced he would become a co-author, it was a personal victory–it cemented my desire to intertwine my passion in economics with our political process, and learn how to craft innovative legislation designed to benefit millions.

The College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell is the ideal environment for me to pursue those passions. As an aspiring Economics major, I’m incredibly excited to learn from world-renowned economists like Professor Basu. Beyond fascinating courses like Game Theory and Strategic Economics, which synthesize economics, business, politics, and diplomacy, it would be a privilege just to attend his office hours and learn from his experience as former Chief Economist at the World Bank and President of the International Economic Association. In addition to my classes, I’d love to get involved in the Hatsfield Undergraduate Research program and further my understanding of how economics can be applied. Papers like Professor Battaglini’s “The Political Economy of Weak Treaties” are fascinating to read, and it would be a phenomenal experience to receive mentorship from veterans in the field while aiding them in their work. 

I’d also love to minor in Public Policy, which seems almost tailor-made for my own career goals; the synthesis of an unparalleled education in the fundamentals of economics with courses designed to help students craft tangible policy would literally be a dream come true. Programs like Cornell in Washington promise the opportunity to get hands-on experience from Capitol Hill itself. I’d be more than happy to use my education in a Congressional Committee and get an insider perspective on the steps that go into developing, amending, and passing legislation.

The College of Arts and Sciences combines that with a robust undergraduate community, which offers unique opportunities to collaborate with a large student body and start developing a professional network–whether I’m catching a game of ice hockey or participating in Dragon Day, I know there’ll never be a dull moment. All in all, Cornell promises four truly life-changing years–I can’t wait to become a member of the Big Red community.

Reading through Cornell Arts and Sciences supplement essay examples, like the one above, can serve as an excellent case of how to combine a Why Major essay and a Why This College essay.  

Out of all the college essay examples we’ve included here, the Cornell Arts and Sciences supplement essay examples contain the most detail. This why this major essay example showcases how important it is to have exact details available about the college or program you are applying to. This student highlights several different professors at Cornell, as well as their specific work and research. The Cornell Admissions Office appreciates the time and effort put into these essays, so it’s crucial to do your research! 

This why this major essay example also uses the longer word count well. In particular, it offers personal anecdotes while showcasing the writer’s knowledge of economics. The reader gets to know the student better, and the Cornell Admissions team can see that the writer is serious about studying at Cornell. 

As you can see in these why major essay examples, the more specific details you can include about the college, the better. Reading multiple Cornell supplemental essay examples can help you explore the different programs students look forward to joining. Be sure to explore the Cornell Admissions website to review their offered fields of study .  If you’re undecided on a major, you can read through our guide on Cornell Majors here for some inspiration. You can also read more Cornell supplemental essay examples here . 

Georgia Tech Essay Examples

Next, let’s look at some essay examples from Georgia Tech. Here’s the prompt:

Why do you want to study your chosen major at Georgia Tech, and what opportunities at Georgia Tech will prepare you in that field after graduation? (300 Words)

Georgia tech essay example.

March 29, 2019. 11 AM EST. GT Shadow Day. I remember it all so clearly: Descending the red-brick steps of the Old Civil Engineering Building. My friend and I, chatting up a storm, our minds blown by our newfound perspectives. 

We had just walked out of ECON-4060: Money & Capital Markets, taught by Dr. Belton. To say that it changed my life would be no exaggeration; within an hour, Dr. Belton had upended my perception of society and defined my future aspirations. 

We had been asked to consider a popular commodity, diamonds. Hardly rare, fast-decaying, and intrinsically worthless. So why do we buy them? Dr. Belton had then illuminated the factors in our economic behavior that cause us to gift a ring in marriage rather than something with real value, say a treasury bond. These realizations were enough to rock me back on my heels, for I had never before noticed the large degree to which our everyday economic decision-making is irrational.

Craving more than that one splendid hour, I knew where and what I wanted to study for the next four years. I saw myself strolling through Bobby Dodd Way, bumping into old friends as I made my way to Midtown Atlanta. Then, I imagined myself exploring the realm of economics, probing questions ranging from price formation to income disparity. I saw myself at a place that felt familiar enough to call “home,” learning in a way that felt genuine enough to call “discovery.”

Educating myself on the mechanics of economics is just a glimpse of my great desires. Through the senior research project, I seek the one-on-one guidance of faculty in yielding a publishable journal paper. Someday, with the support of the program’s alumni network, I plan to pursue career and internship opportunities in the great company headquarters of Atlanta.

Like many of the why major essay examples we’ve highlighted, this why major essay starts with a personal anecdote.  Our Georgia Tech essay examples can be used as a why this college essay sample as well. 

The student’s personal story is tied to Georgia Tech. This makes it a great addition to a Georgia Tech application.  Our Georgia Tech essay examples also drive home the importance of bringing specific details about a college into your why major essay. The Georgia Tech supplemental essays examples can help spark your inspiration on what details to include. This why this major essay example does a great job of building on a personal experience with Georgia Tech. It also highlights what prompted the student’s interest in economics. 

Learning from Georgia Tech essay examples

Reading through Georgia Tech supplemental essays examples like the one above can teach you a lot. As you approach your essays, make sure you showcase how important it can be to reference specific classes or professors offered by a college. Use Georgia Tech essay examples to get some inspiration for your research and writing. 

If you are interested in submitting a Georgia Tech application, be sure to familiarize yourself with the offered majors. These can be found here .  The Georgia Tech supplemental essay examples can be a great research tool as well if you are unsure about picking a major. 

For more help on a Georgia Tech application, be sure to read through our guide on Georgia Tech Admissions as well. Reading through more Georgia Tech essay examples can help if you’re feeling stuck on your why major essay—it can be helpful to target your search for the major you’re interested in. The Georgia Tech supplemental essays examples illustrate the importance of building connections between your interests and what each college offers. 

Pomona College Essay Examples

What gets you excited about your academic interest selection(s) above (300 words), pomona college essay example.

I’m a cis-gender gay man. I came out to my family during my sophomore year and to my entire school in an assembly my junior year. 

My queer identity has inspired my involvement at Tony’s Place, my research on LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness, and my involvement in changing my school’s LGBTQ+ policies. Being gay has become a primary lens through which I view the world. 

The Gender & Women’s Studies Program would provide me with a critical lens to further understand my own experiences and ways I can become a better activist. 

The LGBTQ+ community is distinct from other marginalized groups because it is an umbrella of different experiences, and it takes a high level of literacy to understand these differences. The Gender & Women’s Studies Program’s emphasis on including diverse perspectives in the curriculum is crucial in my understanding of other perspectives and ways I can support others. 

For my Modern Middle East final, I wrote a forty-five page paper on LGBTQ+ movements in Middle Eastern countries. Writing this paper made me think about LGBTQ+ rights from an international perspective. Pomona’s Decolonizing Gender and Sexuality in Asian/America can advance my understanding of the cultural implications of Western colonization. In doing so, I’ll discover ways the United States can assist an LGBTQ+ social movement in other nations without imposing an imperialist definition of pride.

While researching alongside a University of Houston professor, I had to consider the relationship between disabilities and LGBTQ+ homeless youth’s mental health outcomes. Taking The Disability Studies: Foundations, Intersections, & Future class will help me better empathize with the different communities represented in my future research endeavors. 

By linking queer theory to disciplines such as economics, media studies, and politics, The Gender & Women’s Studies Program will prepare me for a lifetime of activism.

This why this major essay example does a great job of connecting this student’s personal identity and experiences to their intended major. This Pomona essay gives the reader insight into who the student is. It also highlights how their identity has informed their academic passions. 

Out of all the Pomona majors, this student describes a specific program that spoke to their long-term goals. Reading through the Pomona College essay examples can help you structure your Pomona essay. This why this major essay example also has a great structure. It opens with a personal anecdote and segues into specific details about Pomona naturally. As such, this why this major essay example feels cohesive and clear. 

When reading through college essay examples, pay attention to how closely they follow the exact prompt directions. The Pomona College essay examples highlight how important it is to answer the prompt. Your Pomona essay should explain why your intended major excites you. Make sure you read through the offered Pomona majors, found here. The Pomona College essay examples can also help you narrow down your options from the many Pomona majors offered. The reader can feel how excited this student is to pursue their major at Pomona, making it a great why this college essay sample as well! 

How to write a Why Major Essay

After reading through the why major college essay examples, you may still feel stuck on how to write a why major essay. The first step to writing a why major essay is to pick your major. 

While this may seem obvious, this can be a difficult step for a lot of students. There are many great guides on picking a college major, including our own guide . There are also guides from U.S. News , Research.com , and Coursera . Additionally, you can review the data collected by the National Center for Education Statistics on the most popular college majors. Reading about different majors (and reading different why did you choose this major essay examples) can help you decide which path of study is best for you. 

You can also read a number of college essays that worked from Johns Hopkins University here . These can help you explore different areas of study and see how other students have described their experiences. Additionally, you can read our guides on college search , building a college list , and how to compare colleges . 

Beginning your writing process

Once you know what major to pick, the fun part starts. Read some why did you choose this major essay examples and think of your own experience. Was there a class you took that sparked your interest or a club that inspired a new academic passion? What subjects or topics within this major speaks to you the most? Start reading why major essay examples for your intended major—they may help you focus your interest. 

Let’s think through how a student may tackle a why major essay. Imagine a student named Isla who plans to study biology in college. When sitting down to write her why major essay, she might research each school’s biology programs in depth. Then, she might pick one or two classes for each school and look up what research projects the professors design. 

She’ll also think about why she wants to study biology. She can still remember how captivated she was during her biology classes and how excited she was to learn more—this can be a great start to her essay. Isla can build her why major essay around her personal interests and the research she’s done. The Why Major essay gives Isla a great opportunity to explain her passions and to show schools she is serious about her goals. 

Why engineering essay

If you’re interested in applying to engineering programs, your why engineering essay should detail what subjects within engineering you find compelling. Some schools will have you write a why engineering essay as part of their application process. Some of these include Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering and the California Institute of Technology . 

When writing your why engineering essay, it can be helpful to include the specific field you’re interested in, such as mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, or computer engineering. Research the programs you’re applying to. Then, try to include any recent projects or news in your why engineering essay. Overall, a why engineering essay should explain your interest, include relevant information about each school and showcase your knowledge in engineering. 

In addition to the UT Austin why this major essay example included in this guide, research other college essays that worked specifically to engineering. Reading why major essay examples for engineering programs can teach you more about the programs that interest you. If you’re feeling stuck, read more why did you choose this major essay examples for some inspiration!

Why business major essay

As the most popular major for undergraduate students, writing a why business major essay can be intimidating. Since business is such a popular major, many why major essay examples will focus on business. Some schools will have you write a specific why business major essay. For example, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan Ross School of Business require them. You can also refer to the Cornell why this major essay example included in this guide. 

Try to include specific details about your experiences to ground your why business major essay. Think about your future career goals—do you have a dream company you’d like to work for? Look into each business program as well. Do they have any exciting internship programs, or connections with local businesses? Breaking down your goals and detailing what makes you excited about the specific program can help you write your why business major essay. 

Reading college essay examples specific to business programs can help as well. You may find more essays geared towards graduate degrees, but researching why did you choose this major essay examples for business can help target your search. Reading why major essay examples for business programs can also help you see what specific schools look for.

Why nursing essay

Nursing is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States. Writing a why nursing essay can be a core component of applying to nursing programs. This includes applying to programs at the University of Virginia and the University of California, Los Angeles . So, reading a why this major essay example for nursing can help jumpstart your writing process. 

Your why nursing essay should explain your passion for the field. In your why nursing essay, be sure to include any personal stories you may have regarding nursing and the health field. Many why major essay examples for nursing include personal stories to help explain the student’s interest in healthcare.

Your why nursing essay should also be as specific as possible. Is there a specialization you’re interested in? Be sure to reflect on caretaking and share any personal experience you may have. These can elevate your why nursing essay. Additionally, if you’ve volunteered in a healthcare facility or have any experience with the profession, include these details in your essay. Overall, your why nursing essay should explain to the reader why you’re passionate about such an important field. It should also outline your future career goals within healthcare. 

Other CollegeAdvisor Resources on College Majors

If you’re still feeling stuck on picking a major for your why major essay, CollegeAdvisor is here to help. In addition to these why major essay examples, you can review our guide on college majors here . This guide includes college-specific resources, but we also have a guide on listing a college major . Beyond that, we have guides for business majors and computer science majors. Additionally, we have guides on college enrollment , study abroad , and test scores . 

Reading these different guides, alongside these why major essay examples, can help you navigate the wide array of majors. Once you find a major you’re interested in, reading why major essay examples for your specific major can help you start writing your why major essay. 

Why This Major Essay Examples – Final Thoughts

Applying to college may feel overwhelming, but researching schools and majors is a crucial first step. Reading college essays that worked can help you understand what goes into a great why major essay. 

Even if you’re not sure about your intended major, reading through why did you choose this major essay examples can help in the decision-making process. Arming yourself with information about each program will help, too. Reading why major college essay examples can provide specific inspiration for the programs you’re interested in. Focus on what excites you about each school’s program, and you’ll have a great starting point for your why major essay!

This essay guide was written by senior advisor, Jess Klein . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile. We will help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.

• Advisor Application
• Popular Colleges
• Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
• Student Login
• California Privacy Notice
• Terms and Conditions
• Your Privacy Choices

By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.

• Career Advisor
• Career Coach
• Career Counselling
• What Should I Study?
• Business School
• Best MBA Schools
• Business Analytics
• Business Degrees
• Management Courses
• Marketing Courses
• MBA Online Courses
• Project Management
• Education Masters
• Health Management
• Mental Health
• Mental Health Nursing
• Nursing Degrees
• Nurse Postgraduate
• Psychology Courses
• Psychology Degree
• Social Work
• Cyber Security
• Data Analytics
• Data Science
• Masters Degrees
• Legal Overview

Why I Want to Study Business: Essays

Studying business has advantages. here are 14 essays on the theme of why i want to study business ..

Andrew Lancaster

CONTRIBUTOR

Founder and Director of Unicurve.com

We'll let fourteen university students explain for themselves why they chose to study business. Here are some of the best essays into an essay competition on study motivation. Each business essay is from an American student who wants to complete a degree in business, business management, business administration or similar.

But first let me outline why I think business is an excellent choice for university study. These observations are based on my own Australian experiences in studying business and economics, from having recruited many business graduates into the public service, and with the knowledge gained from running a company.

Why Studying Business is a Good Idea

Business is a really solid study area. By doing choosing a business major, you'll develop skills that are relevant for almost any kind of work. And you gain a qualification that has value in the job market.

Do something useful while you figure out your career

Many business students begin their studies without really knowing where it will lead. The advantage of a business degree is that you build skills that are useful in any professional field, such as competencies in analysis, finance, planning and strategy. You also develop the ability to present different kinds of information clearly and logically.

The stats on business graduates are encouraging. Employment and early-career salaries for business graduates are competitive with vocational fields such as engineering, teaching and nursing. And business studies is a much surer bet than an arts degree for those who start university not knowing what they eventually want to do.

Be a professional or do your own thing

You can see from the Why I Want to Study Business essays that, for many, the motivation to study business is a dream to be self-employed at some stage in the future. Business students often have the ambition to be an entrepreneur or at least run their own small business.

Business can be the logical path to a range of other careers as well. You can major in a certain area within business if you want to be, for example, an accountant, banker, business manager, economist, marketing executive or stock market trader.

Become a leader eventually

At a postgraduate level, business management is the most popular area of study. In many different career streams, you eventually reach a point where further progress requires you to learn how to manage people and resources.

Dreaming of a Better Sleep

I wake up groggily and glance at the clock. I'm taken aback upon noticing the time is 8:38 PM. I'd gotten home from school and hadn't done anything other than sleep! So, I sat in bed, contemplating what to do. I could do homework or go back to sleep. (Which sounds better?!). Alas, my to-do list had just one thing: "work on my startup."

I'm 17 and trying to start my own business. The enterprise will create motorized mattress overlays to help patients in hospitals avoid health issues. I got started on it through one of my school classes and am graded on what I do, so I already had a small drive to do well.

However, my purpose behind this business is to help people. My dream to help millions of people around the world is what pushes me to work hard in every aspect of my life.

It motivates me to study, even when I can barely pull myself out of bed. My ultimate goal of helping people feel better is what drives me to sit down and get to work. I know that every class taken and every skill learned will better enable me to achieve my dream.

So, I study, even when I would rather sleep. I just think back to my purpose and realize that this dream that I have to change the world is the motivation behind every minute of studying that I do.

Liza Tarakanova Business, Mercy College

Math and Accounting

When I first started college, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I didn't have a clear plan and thought I wanted to pursue nursing. But when I took the basics, I realized it wasn't for me.

I felt lost and didn't have any hope for the future. I even considered dropping out of college and getting a job instead.

My lack of focus in school reflected in my grades. Despite my doubts, my family encouraged me to continue with my education.

Taking a semester off due to financial constraints gave me time to reflect on my goals and aspirations. I got a job and worked hard, but found myself missing the academic environment.

I realized that I enjoyed learning and had a passion for math. This made me realize that I needed to go back to school and complete my education.

It took me some time, but I finally found the motivation, drive, and determination to pursue what I truly wanted. I am now excited to pursue a career in accounting. However, I also want to remember that one's job does not define them, and I hope to travel and inspire others to continue their education and not lose hope.

Jacqueline Murillo Business, University of Houston-Downtown

Small Business Customers

Walking around my home town, you're bound to see a bunch of small businesses. These small businesses have one thing in common; they are trying to become successful.

The beginning of their success starts off with their customers. As I walk into one of these little businesses, you are greeted by the employees and immediately feel as if you are apart of their family. I see how great they interact with their customers. That is when I realize what I want to do.

I want to own a local business and have that strong relationship with my customers. That is my dream and my motivation to continue study to get my degree in business so I can be one step to making my dreams a reality.

My other motivation is my family. I want to make my parents proud since I'm going to be the first in my family to go to college. Not only would I make my parents proud but I would also be a good role model for my younger brother to continue his studies.

Diana Gonzalez Business, New Jersey City University

Working for the Right Reason

I dream to work for a company that I can help grow and improve. Being a leader is really my strongest trait and I dream that one day I can use it to work for a beneficial company. A beneficial company to me is defined as a company that is improving the world with products or services, like creating biodegradable packaging.

My ultimate goal that keeps me going when times are difficult is that one day I can make enough to create my own scholarship or give money to a hopeful student that cannot afford college on their own. I truly value my education and it would mean the world to me if I could give this gift to someone else in the future.

Like I mentioned briefly, there is more to my education than just getting by. I want to achieve, and achieve highly, so that I can give back in the future. I am not only working toward a better future of my own, but the future of other potential students.

Eleanor Bernero Business Management and Communication, Carthage College

Motivated by Environmental Success

There are roughly 7.5 billion people in the world today and so far I haven’t felt any different than the next person, average. That being said, my greatest fear is settling for average.

As for my dream, it’s to run my own company one day and then use my influence and resources to change the world’s perspective about how we treat the environment. We mistreat the only home that we’ve ever known. My dream is to change that view, and that’s what motivates me to pursue my studies and apply myself every day.

I have already begun working towards my dream. As evident through the topic of my self-selected senior project; The Economic and Environmental Advantages of Switching Branford High School Completely to Solar Energy. As I become older and more educated on the subject, I would like to start an eco-friendly company that provides environmentally responsible products.

My inspiration stems from my idol, Elon Musk. He has made such an enormous impact through his innovative mindset and technologies. In order to be able to achieve my dream, I need to pursue my studies vigorously and come out at the top of my class; only the most intelligent and dedicated individuals place themselves in a position to exact change in the world.

I will excel in my studies throughout my college education to ensure the fulfillment of my dream to be a leader in the industry of eco-friendly products and goods.

Trey Duval Business, Indiana University - Bloomington

A future without a headset

My dream no longer includes working in a call center every holiday and weekend with escalated customers. You see that’s what it use to be back when I wasn’t motivated or cared to be successful, back when I was content with just doing the bare minimum and being average. I don’t think one should even call that a dream but rather, just getting by which was okay with me.

It took me awhile to realize that I could do and be more, that life was full of opportunities and that if I really wanted it, it could be mine. I have dreams now and it took me a lot of realization to start working towards them.

My dream is to get my degree in Business in science. I see myself working at Sandia Labs here in my hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico. I see myself at the labs working in a leadership position overseeing highly classified projects and groups. My goal is to be successful and I am extremely motivated on making this a reality and everyday that goes by is one step closer.

I know that a good education and degree will land me a good job in the field of my choice, doing what I am passionate and excited about along with keeping me financial stable. I find motivation and comfort that one day all this hard work will be worth it and that I will make my family really proud of me. That the struggles we are going through now are just temporary and that things will be better soon. That thought keeps me going because I can’t let them or myself down.

Johanna Business in science, University of Phoenix

Desserts and Cupcakes

I have a dream of one day owning and operating my own business. My passion lies in the food industry and I've always been drawn to the idea of running a chain of restaurants, similar to Applebee's.

To make this dream a reality, I've decided to start small and build my way up. My first step is to open a make-your-own dessert place and then franchise it. From there, I hope to expand and open multiple restaurants. Eventually, when I reach retirement age, I envision having a small cupcake shop.

I'm driven to work hard and study by the thought of decorating cupcakes in my own little shop at the age of 70. I imagine a beautiful home filled with memories and friends from work. I also think about the potential for my business to be passed down to my children or to leave a legacy for my family through its sale.

I'm determined to make my dream come true. I know that all the hard work will pay off in the end, not just for me, but for my family as well.

Brigit Blanchard Business Administration, Youngstown State University

Restaurant Takeover

When my dad was in high school, my grandparents open a restaurant right across the old Sonic that we had in our little town. When my dad left to be in the army, my grandparents still had the restaurant running. A couple of years goes by and my dad came back to his home town but he didn't come alone. I was with him!

So when I turn 9, I started to work at the restaurant on weekends when I didn't have school and I would work during summers too. Ever since I was that age I knew that I wanted to take over the restaurant not because it was force upon me it's that I wanted to do it. I wanted to do for my grandparents.

My grandparents are my inspiration for everything. They are the reason why I am going to finish school and go to college. So that's why I want to go to college for business management so I'll know what the business needs. I know I'll go through difficult time but my grandparents well get me through those times by being there for me. So this is my essay!

Jazmin Mendoza Business Management, Western Texas College

Communism to Capitalism

My motivation in life to succeed is my parents' story about how they moved here from the Soviet Union with nothing. They came here from Yerevan, Armenia in 1992, and now do what they need to in order to support us. My parents inspire me to do well in school so I can have a life that's better than the one they have, and allow my family to have the privileges that we never had.

The ultimate goal is to do well in my life, and I want to be able to provide my parents with whatever they need after they retire. My parents came and did everything that was needed in order to graduate. Now my mother has her bachelor degree in business and my father manages a fairly decent company. I plan to do more than I need and go even further than my parents did.

I want to own my own company and enjoy life to the fullest. I want to always be there for others if they need me. Even if my parents never had the greatest financial status, they were able to always help the people that needed it. I was raised to not be a selfish person and I intend to continue to be like that. Whether it's for my future children, or my friend, I want to be able to help that person. That is my drive.

Haik Kolsuzyan Business Management, California State University Northridge

Building Success

Large. It must be huge! Influential, astounding, connects human beings. My business can not be ordinary. It must be relatable, but also innovative.

How will I achieve such a feat with so many adjectives attached? I must be able to provide both goods and services, I can not be just another money machine. I must understand the concepts of business from the inside-out, not just so that I can create a successful business but so I can introduce new ideas into the management of a business.

If I can learn what most businesses do and how they are successful, I can build off of that to create a business truly unique in its style and class. My goal of studying the innards of business and its practice is not merely to get a good grade in the course or to impress future employers, but it is to breed my inner inventiveness in a way that will allow me to separate myself from the pack.

I do not want to be ordinary, I want to stand out. I want to force others to be intrigued by my style of going about things, and I want my style to reek of success. This is why I will study hard and why I will persevere when the going gets tough. I want to be original.

Justin Boldoser Business Management, Ohio University

The Economics of Happiness

Self-interest determines human behavior. This mantra is repeated over and over by economists, but what if self-interest was no longer equated – as it so often is – with selfishness? What if self-centered aspirations could be replaced with a yearning to help those in need?

While living abroad for several years, I saw first-hand the tragic consequences of authority corrupted by greed.

When those who lead consistently act to secure their own self-interests, a culture of egocentrism and distrust begins to be instilled in society. The sad result, which I saw far too often, was a people vainly striving for happiness from within that could only truly come from looking outside themselves.

As I observed these things, a dream began to form. A dream to change the stereotypes of greed and ambition that surround the world of business, which I wish to enter.

My dream is to become the type of leader in business who cultivates an atmosphere of giving instead of taking, of helping rather than hindering. If the activities from which individuals receive the most satisfaction could be those of altruism, suddenly self-interest, which seems to guide human behavior, becomes synonymous not with selfishness, but selflessness.

As I struggle to grasp basic economic principles and decipher graphs of supply vs. demand, I am driven by this idea of changing people’s very disposition — helping them find happiness, while also being a force for good in a world that so desperately needs it.

Joshua Mortensen Economics, Brigham Young University - Provo

A Simpler Life

Three years ago, two hours before the new year was brought in, my friend and I formed our dream job. We wanted to open a bookstore cafe.

The following year, I researched bookstore cafes and my friend drifted from the dream. Surprisingly, I held on.

Normally, I would flit from the idea of one occupation to another; however, after this idea was formed, I could not let go. I made plans as to what kind of ambiance my bookstore cafe would hold to what kind of foods and beverages would be sold, even to what would happen with leftover food.

Eventually, I put the dream on hold to try and find a prestigious occupation that would make everybody around me happy. No matter what, though, I always come back to the idea of owning a bookstore cafe. Owning a bookstore cafe combines my passions of business, helping others, and books.

During that year of research I did, I realized just how much people can be helped with such a simple business. The unsold leftover food would not be thrown away and wasted; I would instead take the leftover food to the homeless. I could hold poetry and music nights to help those who dream of being writers and musicians. I could steer a person toward a life-changing book.

There is so much potential behind owning a bookstore cafe, and I know that no matter what, this will always be my ultimate motivator in my studies.

Catherine Kamerick Business, Undecided

Entrepreneurship Is My Dream

I am excited about the next phase of my life. However, others who have graduated before me have shared that college can be difficult at times. I know I am going to have to work extremely hard over these next four years if I plan to accomplish my professional dream.

I have been raised in a home where my father owns his own business. As I prepare for college, it is vital that I keep my eye on the prize.

I want to own and operate a Chick-fil-A restaurant. During high school, I have been fortunate enough to work for this impressive company. It is a company that is respected in the community and emphasizes philanthropy.

I have dreamt of owning my own store as it is a company that strives for excellence. It excites me to think I will be a part of a company that offers an outstanding product.

I view my future career as an important aspect of my life. I want to work in a place where I know I will thrive. Keeping my eye on this goal will help me overcome the difficult times I will face while in college. Each day I will give my all to my academics knowing that my goal is something I can and will accomplish.

Carson Jacob Borders Business Administration, Lee University

Marketing Exec and More

When someone is in high school, they learn many things. If there is one thing that I learned, it is that grades and meeting one's goals comes at a certain price. Sometimes, that price is missing out on things that others get to do. Studies, meaning grades and achievements, do not come at an easy price.

In order to achieve your goals, you need determination. So one may ask, "what is your goal?" I would tell them, "my goal is to become a marketing executive, wife, and mother." My dream is to be in the board rooms, making decisions, all the while having a successful family, and a husband who supports me in all that I do.

When I think back on my life, in 50 years, I am not going to be thinking and wishing I had done more. Because, I will have accomplished my dreams, and have my grandchildren running around in my living room while I think of how I accomplished my dreams.

Now, I know that doing these things may seem as though they are easy to do, however, I know that they will take determination in order to succeeded. Success is not an easy accomplishment. However, my dreams are my dreams, and I will reach them, no matter the cost.

Leah Carothers Managerial Marketing, Kent State University

• About Author
• Latest Posts

Latest posts from Andrew Lancaster

• Do Business School MBA Rankings Matter? - May 16, 2024
• Is There Such a Thing as a Business Mind? - May 13, 2024
• What Skills Does an MBA Give You? - May 13, 2024

How to Write a Powerful MBA Essay—With Examples

The MBA essay is critical to your business school application. Read our guide to writing the perfect MBA essay, with successful admit examples.

Posted April 4, 2024

Deferred Admissions Panel: Crush Your MBA Interviews

Friday, may 17.

12:00 AM UTC · 60 minutes

Table of Contents

What is the mba essay.

The MBA admissions essay.

Those words alone are enough to make most MBA candidates run screaming. Writing in general is hard enough. Writing about why you want an MBA? Your short-term goals and career aspirations? What matters to you most, and why? Forget it.

Of course, you still have to write these essays.

The MBA essay is perhaps  the most important part of the business school application. (It's also getting more and more important by the day, with some business schools moving away from traditional, quantitative measuring sticks, like the GMAT and the GRE.) Every other part of the application — your GPA, your test scores, your letters of recommendation — are quantified, cut and dried, or out of your control. The essay is your chance to show up as a fully realized MBA candidate, with hopes, dreams, and vulnerabilities. Admissions committees are not simply assessing your candidacy as a future leader — they're looking to admit human beings. That's where the MBA applicant essays come in.

That being the case, rather than being intimidated by it, treat the essay like the opportunity that it is — the chance for you to highlight your unique, iridescent self; the only moment in the MBA admissions process (prior to the interview) when you can speak directly to the admissions officers; the time when you'll show them who you really are. It's not easy to write something that will do that, of course, but with the tips and tricks in this guide, and some help from one of Leland's vetted, world-class admissions coaches, we know you can do it. Give the essay the time, attention, and respect it deserves, and you'll be on your way to an offer of admission at your dream school.

Without further ado, let's dive in!

Ultimate MBA Essay Guide

See the MBA essay prompts, top tips from experts, and real examples from admits with this comprehensive guide.

How Long Will My MBA Essay Take?

First thing's first: let's talk about timing.

The MBA application is a behemoth; between exams, resumes, gathering your official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and the applications themselves, there's a lot to juggle. That being the case, we suggest you give yourself ample time to draft, write, and revise your essays. The last thing you want is to be rushed to the finish line.

So, give yourself  at least three months to write your MBA essays. That should allow you ample time to draft, write, and edit. For more information on timing your entire b-school application, click here for  A Comprehensive MBA Application Timeline--With Chart .

Now, on to the critical question:

Free trial!

From 102 top coaches

Access a library of videos, templates, and examples curated by Leland’s top coaches.

Example essays.

Example Resumes

Application Prep

Video Courses

What Makes a Great MBA Essay?

At the highest level, the answer is the one that is truest to you. The whole point of these essays is to shine through as an authentic, vibrant human being, so the best essays are the ones that cut through the clutter, and allow you do to that.

Which begs the question — how  do you cut through the clutter and shine through as a vibrant human being? Here are four critical tips to follow as you begin thinking about your essays.

1. Answer the Question

This one sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many applicants launch into their story, get carried away, and forget to answer the question. Follow the prompt, and answer the question the admissions committee has asked you. Those prompts can actually be very useful when writing your essays — it's a great deal harder to write when you have no guidance or guardrails. With the MBA essays, you have a very specific question you need to answer. So answer it!

2. Be Specific

Another mistake some MBA applicants make is to stay at a high level in their essays, keeping their writing abstract and therefore inaccessible to the admissions committee. If at any point, an admissions officer could replace your name with the name of another applicant, then your essay isn't getting deep enough. It's not enough, for instance, to say that you suffered adversity in high school, or that you really, really want a Wharton MBA. You need to explain, in detail, the adversity you faced, and give concrete and unique reasons why you think Wharton is the right program for you. The best essays offer hyper-specific examples and anecdotes, with details and anecdotes that no other candidate could bring to the table. To get those anecdotes, we recommend using the STAR template, as explained below:

• Situation : What was the situation you were facing? Where were you? How old were you? If you were in a professional role during this anecdote, what was the role, and how long had you been in it? If you were volunteering, at what organization? How long had you been volunteering there? Why did you start? Offer all the relevant information that the admissions readers will need to understand your story.
• Task : What was the task at hand? What went wrong? In your professional role, what was the challenge you faced? In that volunteering experience, what were the hurdles you had to overcome? You can't have a good story without conflict or tension, so after you set up the anecdote, explain what that conflict or tension was (and remember, be specific!).
• Action : What was the action you took to resolve the problem? What did you have to do to fix that issue at work? How did you clear that hurdle in your volunteer experience? Again, be specific about how you came through on the other side of that conflict/tension — and while you're doing it, highlight your leadership capabilities as much as possible! Remember that top MBA programs are looking for future leaders who can assess a situation and decisively take action. (We'll say a bit more about this below, in the Personal Statement section.
• Result : What was the result of your action? If you were facing a growth problem at work, were you able to increase sales? If so, by what percentage? If you were advocating for diversity and inclusion at your local charity, what new programs did you implement to help with that effort, and what was the enrollment like in those new programs? Detail what happened in your anecdote with as much specificity as possible — and quantify, quantify, quantify!

3. Get Vulnerable

Most MBA admissions essay prompts are written with the goal of getting to know as much about you as possible in the shortest number of words. To do that, you're going to have to share real things from your life — to get personal, intimate, and vulnerable. Do not shy away from this. If you're starting to get emotional during the reflection, drafting, and writing process, good — that means you're on the right track. Keep going. Pro tip: If it’s making you cry, it will make them cry. Another good rule of thumb is to put something real and true on the table. Admissions officers have to read literally thousands of applications from thoroughly qualified individuals, some of whom might come from similar roles to yours, with letters of recommendation from equally impressive supervisors. In order to cut through that noise, you'll have to share something honest. If you're doing it right, this can feel risky. At some point, you’ll likely think to yourself: “Can I say that?” The answer is: “Yes.” Of course, there is a line, you don’t want to be crass or offensive but err on the side of being open and authentic. The very worst thing you can do is be overly cautious, and write something you think will please the admissions committee. These poor people have to read thousands of essays. If yours is just like everyone else’s, they’ll fall asleep. Don’t let that happen. Wake them up by putting yourself —your true, bright, vibrant, quirky self—on the page.

4. Don't Exaggerate

Finally, do not exaggerate, over-inflate, or lie. This goes without saying, but admissions committees are looking for honest candidates. The surest way to get rejected is to lie about something. (Business schools do a background check on you before you're properly admitted, so they will find out.) Don't be the person who over-inflates on their essays, then has their offer letter rescinded.

The Types of MBA Essays

All right — since we've covered high-level approaches to the MBA essays, it's time to dig into the various types.

There are three general categories of MBA essays you'll see across the board.

1. Personal Statement

These questions ask you to offer up something sincere about yourself. They'll often touch on such things as your values and your character. In these, you'll want to be as authentic as possible, while also highlighting attributes like leadership, intellectual vitality, and teamwork, that business schools are looking for. Here are a few examples of personal statement essays:

• As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program? (HBS)
• What matters most to you, and why? (Stanford GSB)

2. Why an MBA/Why This School

The next category of essays is the "Why an MBA" / "Why This School" set.

In these, schools first want to hear about how an MBA will fit into your career, both short and long term. Top MBA programs are looking for candidates who will: first of all, be gainfully employed upon graduating, second of all, have an illustrious career that will make their institution look good and encourage future generations of applicants to apply, and third, be consistent and generous donors. That being the case, they want to know about your career trajectory, and how an MBA will fit into it.

Pro tip: Here, you want to be ambitious and inspiring in laying out your future career, but not naïve. Walk the line between shooting for the stars and sounding dreamlike and uninformed.

In this set of questions, you'll also encounter questions geared at figuring out why you would want to attend a specific school. MBA programs want to know that you're serious about attending their school — yield, or the percentage of admitted candidates who accept their offers of admission, is an important metric for them — but they also want to envision how you'll contribute to their admitted class. What will you uniquely bring to the table, the things that you'll do that the other candidates wouldn’t be able to offer?

We've heard former deans of business schools say that, in choosing a class, they're curating a world-class dinner party, and that each person invited to the dinner party has to bring something different. What will you bring to the dinner party?

Pro tip: To demonstrate that you've done your research, and to help the admissions committee envision you in their program, indicate which classes you might take when earning your MBA and why, which professors you might hope to study with, and in which clubs you might participate.

Here are a few examples of "why MBA / why this school" essays:

• How is a Columbia MBA going to help you? (Columbia)
• What do you hope to gain professionally from the Wharton MBA? (Wharton)
• Why Stanford? Describe your aspirations and how your Stanford GSB experience will help you realize them. (Stanford GSB)

3. Behavioral/Other

Finally, most other essays will either be behavioral, asking you about experiences, traits, strengths, weaknesses, and achievements. There's a wide variety of topics here, but all the guidelines from above apply, with the final note to always prioritize authenticity (as mentioned in the Personal Statement section) and leadership ability (remember, business schools are choosing future leaders). Here are a few examples of behavioral/other essays:

• Describe the biggest commitment you have ever made. (Yale SOM)
• Tell us about your favorite book, movie, or song and why it resonates with you. (Columbia)
• Think about times you’ve created a positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, academic, or other settings. What was your impact? What made it significant to you or to others? (Stanford GSB)

Top MBA Program Essay Prompts (Updated 2022)

To help you get started, we've compiled the required prompts from a few top MBA programs below:

1. Harvard Business School (HBS)

As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program? (900 words)

For more information, visit A Guide to the HBS Essay .

2. Stanford Graduate School of Business

What matters to you most, and why? (650 words)

Why Stanford? (400 words)

Read What Matters Most When Writing the GSB Essays.

How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

For Wharton-specific advice, visit A Guide to the Wharton Essays .

4. Columbia Business School

Essay 1: Through your resume and recommendation, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next three to five years and what, in your imagination, would be your long-term dream job? (500 words)

Essay 2: The Phillips Pathway for Inclusive Leadership (PPIL) is a new co-curricular program designed to ensure that every CBS student develops the skills to become an ethical and inclusive leader. Through PPIL, students attend programming focused on five essential diversity, equity, and inclusion skills: Creating an Inclusive Environment, Mitigating Bias, Communicating Across Identities, Addressing Systemic Inequity, and Managing Difficult Conversations. Tell us about a time you were challenged around one of these five skills. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the outcome. (250 words)

Essay 3: We believe Columbia Business School is a special place. CBS proudly fosters a collaborative learning environment through curricular experiences like our clusters and learning teams , an extremely active co-curricular and student life environment, and career mentorship opportunities like our Executives-in-Residence program .Why do you feel Columbia Business School is a good fit for you academically, culturally, and professionally? Please be specific. (250 words)

5. Chicago Booth

How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250-word minimum)

An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of your career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are… (250-word minimum)

Read more at A Guide to the Booth Essays .

6. Kellogg Northwestern

Kellogg’s purpose is to educate, equip and inspire brave leaders who create lasting value. Provide a recent example where you have demonstrated leadership and created value. What challenges did you face and what did you learn? (450 words)

Values are what guide you in your life and work. What values are important to you and how have they influenced you? (450 words)

Read How to Nail Your Kellogg MBA Application Essays

7. MIT Sloan

MIT Sloan seeks students whose personal characteristics demonstrate that they will make the most of the incredible opportunities at MIT, both academic and non-academic. We are on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. We seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities and the drive and determination to put their stamp on the world. We welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative — true doers. We want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems, and strive to preempt unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. We demand integrity, respect, and passion.

Taking the above into consideration, please submit a cover letter seeking a place in the MIT Sloan MBA program. Your letter should conform to standard business correspondence, include one or more professional examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria above, and be addressed to the Admissions Committee (300 words or fewer, excluding address and salutation)

Applicants are required to upload a 1 minute (60 seconds) video as part of their application. In your video, you should introduce yourself to your future classmates, tell us about your past experiences, and touch on why MIT Sloan is the best place for you to pursue your degree.

How to Start Your MBA Essay

So you've read about the types of essays, and seen some of the prompts from top MBA programs. Now it's time to actually start diving into the essay.

The very first thing to do, before putting pen to paper, is to look inward.

Why do  you want an MBA? What role will this degree play in your professional growth? How do you imagine it will shape your life? What do you want out of your career? What is the most important thing in the world to you?

Yes, these are life’s deep-end questions, but you’ll need to tackle them in these essays, so before you start writing, take the time to think through them. Go for a run, swim some laps, bake a cake—however you get into the flow — and start a dialogue with yourself. Put down your work, turn your phone off, and give your mind permission to go to the places it usually avoids. That’s a good place to start. That’s where the answers are.

Pro tip: The first sentence is the hardest one to write. When you're starting out if it can intimidating and anxiety-producing. The trick is to simply put  anything  down — and don't look back. Keep putting one sentence after the other. You can edit later: let whatever comes to you out onto the page. If you’re struggling with self-critique, dim your computer screen until you can’t even see the words you’re typing. Then keep going.

Additional Tips & Tricks

Once you've started your essay, it's a matter of persistence: keep writing, then keep drafting and editing until you have something you're really proud of.

To help you with that process, here are a few more tips and tricks:

• Take Breaks

When you hit the wall — you will hit the wall — stop. This is your brain telling you it needs to do something else. Walk your dog. Take a lap around your room. Eat some cheese. Your body needs sleep every night to function; your mind is the same way. That next leap of inspiration will come exactly at the moment when you’re least expecting it.

• Read it Out Loud

When you finally have a draft, print it and read it out loud to yourself. Your ear will catch things your eyes miss. Reading out loud is the best way to pick up on spelling errors, clunky transitions, and paragraphs that still need ironing out. It’s also a good way to envision how the admissions committee will experience your essay.

Don’t be precious with your essay. Send it to anyone willing to read it. Solicit as much feedback as you can. If you don’t like what people have to say, you don’t have to incorporate it, but you need an impartial third party to give notes on what they’re seeing, thinking, and feeling. (You’re too close to things to do it for yourself.) This is where a Leland coach comes very much in handy!

• Complete Everything Early

This is more of a timing consideration, but you do not want to trip at the finish line because your internet went down the night before the deadline, or your credit card was denied when paying your application fee (it's happened before). Don't let that be you!

Here is another article to get you started, written by an expert essays coach: 7 MBA Essay Tips to Make You Stand Out in 2022 .

Example MBA Essays

Finally, here are two essays to help inspire you. The first, a personal statement essay, was submitted by an admit to Berkeley Haas' Executive MBA program; the second, a career goals / why MBA essay, was submitted by an admit to Chicago Booth's deferred MBA program.

Haas Admit:

A person’s identity is shaped by many different aspects, including family, culture, personal interests, and surrounding environments. Please share a facet of your identity or story that is essential to who you are. (300 words) My upbringing in India, filled with countless myths and legends, had a profound influence on me. The most formative tale was about a sage who prays for years to the goddess of knowledge, but in vain. In the end, the goddess didn’t appear for the sage because he was turning his prayer beads the wrong way! As a child, this story upset me: the sage worked so hard and had the right intentions. As an adult, though, I’ve come to realize that the goddess of knowledge was right: you can’t succeed unless you do things the right way. Seven years ago, two friends and I started a company, XXXX: a digital health platform that would allow patients to store medical records online and consult doctors remotely. We had early success—we brought on 2,000 patients at XXXX, a gynecology clinic in XXXX—but ultimately we didn’t have the resources to properly scale, and had to shut the company down. Among the many lessons I learned, the most valuable was that ideas and hard work are common; businesses succeed or fail based on execution—on doing things the right way. Two years ago, I relearned this lesson in the most painful way possible: when my marriage ended. My wife and I loved each other, but we weren’t there for each other when it mattered most. Our feelings weren’t enough—we had to back them up with the right actions. It’s disheartening when you have good intentions but still fall short. When this happens, though, you have to keep trying—because eventually you will do things the right way. I carry the story of the sage with me always, not as a harsh lesson, but as a motivating goal: one that keeps me striving towards doing things the right way.

Booth Admit:

How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250 word minimum)

I want to start a geothermal company that will help lead the energy transition away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy—by targeting existing oil wells as sites for geothermal plants. Oil fields are close to electric grids and have high nearby subsurface temperatures, making them ideal sites for geothermal plants. By building geothermal infrastructure nearby, my company will produce cleaner, cheaper energy, making it more profitable for operators to switch from oil to geothermal. As oil companies decommission their wells, I’ll negotiate for their land rights, so I can use their existing wells for new geothermal vents. I want my company to prove the case for economically viable, carbon neutral energy production. After getting an MBA I want to start a geothermal company which will help me lead the energy transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy. I plan to target developed oil fields in Texas, where, in many places, producing wells are flowing enough hot fluid to generate clean energy. Using this geothermal heat, the carbon footprint of oil and gas extraction will decrease as fewer fossil fuels are utilized to power surrounding infrastructure. As the wells approach their economic life, I will negotiate the lease from various operators, saving them millions in plug and abandonment costs, and retrofit the wells for direct geothermal energy production via closed loop binary fluid systems, bringing emissions to zero. To accomplish this goal, I need to shore up my knowledge of energy economics and entrepreneurial finance, develop a strong sense of leadership, and build a network of like minded individuals that will help me lead the transition and I believe I can get those things at Chicago Booth. My immediate career goal is to develop my first co-production site in Shelby County, Texas at the Blanton well site, which produces abnormally heated fluid from the flanks of an active salt dome. Before investing in capital expenditures, developing a strong sense of energy economics and broader markets is necessary to verify financial feasibility. University of Chicago, through the Graduate-Student-At-Large: Business program, is already allowing me to accomplish this goal with my enrollment in “Microeconomics” with Professor Andrew McClellan. His instruction helped me understand the impact taxes and subsidies have on market equilibrium, an important aspect of renewable energy as green energy tax incentives continue to change on a yearly basis. As my company continues to grow, having a strong finance and accounting foundation is imperative to building and sustaining a healthy company. Electives such as “Accounting for Entrepreneurship: From Start-Up through IPO” will provide the skills I need to be successful by following the life-cycle of a business that originates as a start-up, and covers topics such as building an initial accounting infrastructure. I understand that execution of the business is as important as developing the idea and proof of concept, and Booth is the best place for me to develop financial fluency. Leading the energy transition will require a strong sense of leadership. Not only will I need to lead those I get to work with over my career, but to lead the energy transition, and reverse the impact fossil fuels have had thus far, I must have the emotional intelligence to inspire others to join me in my journey. The “Interpersonal Dynamics” course at Booth will allow me to develop my communication skills and better understand the emotions and perceptions of my colleagues. These skills, synthesized with leadership development acquired in “Leadership Practicum” will prepare me to act as a relational leader, who understands the needs of others. As a relational leader I hope to foster an environment which promotes happiness, and maximizes efficiency, not only to make our efforts in changing the world more successful, but to excite other people to join our cause.

To find the greatest chance of success in leading the energy transition, I will need a network of like-minded individuals who can provide a diversity of thought. Chicago Booth provides the opportunity to develop that network through different community experiences. The Energy Club’s “Energy Forward” conference, which designates time to topics in oil and gas and renewable energy will allow me to hear from industry leaders, build meaningful relationships with peers and contribute my sector experience to the public forum as I learn from those around me. Opportunities through the Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Group such as “SeedCon” will help me connect with successful entrepreneurs and early-stage investors whose ideas and funding might change the course of my venture’s trajectory. Even in the GSALB program I have had the opportunity to connect with other students in various sectors, including the energy industry. I hope to continue to strengthen those connections and continue building new ones with matriculation into the full time program.

Here are several other articles that you may find helpful as you put together your MBA application:

• The Most Frequently Asked Questions on MBA Applications
• How to Answer the "Why an MBA?" Essay Question
• My Top Piece of Advice for MBA Applicants
• How I Nailed My MBA Interview and Gained Admission to Top 10 Business Schools
• 4 Expert Tips on Paying for Business School

Browse hundreds of expert coaches

Leland coaches have helped thousands of people achieve their goals. A dedicated mentor can make all the difference.

Browse Related Articles

January 9, 2024

How to Nail Your Kellogg MBA Application Essays

Tips and tricks that will help you craft the best application essays possible and get admitted into Kellogg.

January 28, 2024

How to Nail Your Stanford GSB Short Answer Questions

Learn how to stand out with your Stanford GSB short answer questions.

January 4, 2024

HBS 2+2 Deferred MBA Essay Prompts & Tips (2024)

As of 2024, HBS has changed its deferred MBA essay prompts away from the traditional, "What else should we know about you?" to three smaller essays. Read more and nail your HBS 2+2 application here.

January 10, 2024

How to Ace Your HBS MBA Interview

Interviewing for the deferred program at Harvard Business School? Ace your interview with these helpful tips and tricks, including sample questions from actual interviews—only on Leland.

March 12, 2024

An Overview of the HBS 2+2 Program—and How to Kick Off Your Application

HBS 2+2 is one of the most prestigious deferred MBA programs in the country. Here's an overview, with some tips on how to start your application.

May 9, 2024

How to Get the Perfect MBA Letter of Recommendation—With Examples

The ultimate guide to the MBA recommendation letter, including examples of letters that helped applicants earn admission to top 10 MBA programs.

MBA Essay Too Long? Here's How to Fix It

The word count of most MBA application essays is very limited. This article by an expert Leland MBA coach will give you 8 tips to help you keep your essays under the limit while still maintaining a compelling story.

January 31, 2024

How to Nail the "Why Wharton" MBA Essay

Learn how to craft a compelling 'Why Wharton' MBA essay that sets you apart from the competition. Elevate your application to stand out.

May 4, 2023

Why ChatGPT Can’t Write Your Personal Statement

While ChatGPT is multifaceted, there is a compelling argument against using AI for your personal statements. Here is one expert's take on the revolutionary technology and application essays.

Top 10 Deferred MBA Programs in the US—and How to Get In (2024)

Aiming for an MBA, even while you're still in college? Perfect—learn all about deferred admission MBA programs and receive key insights into the DMBA application process.

February 27, 2023

Craft a Powerful Essay for Stanford GSB: What Matters Most & Why?

Ben L., a GSB MBA, expert coach, and pro writer, outlines his top advice for nailing the challenging and broad Stanford essay prompt, to help you get into one of the most prestigious MBA programs in the world.

A Guide to the Columbia Business School Essays (2023-2024)

Coach Melanie E. walks you through each Columbia Business School essay prompt for the 2023-2024 cycle, breaking down what adcoms are looking for and offering expert advice on how to nail your responses.

Free Business Essay Examples & Topics

If you are studying law, economics, finances, or management, the chances are that you will have to write a business essay. It is a fairly standard assignment encountered at a school or college level. Thus, every student should at the very least know the basics concerning this particular phenomenon.

What is business? Everyone has a vague understanding of the term, but there is also a specific definition. A business is a commercial, professional, or industrial organization involved in entrepreneurship. It is not necessarily motivated by financial gain – a charity can also be a business. The nature of business refers to its operations, its mission statement, and the type of service or product it provides. The organization’s size can range from sole ownership to large multinational conglomerates.

Our experts have selected some business essay examples for you to check out so that you won’t struggle with your task. Besides, in this article, you will find advice for writing these papers. You will see how to organize your work best and which elements to include in your essay.

How to Write a Business Essay

In this section, you will see the top recommendations for starting a business essay. The tips here are of most use for argumentative and persuasive writing assignments. These are the most popular styles for essays about business.

1. Pick a topic or analyze a given one.

If you’re free to choose one, select a topic that you find intriguing. Identify a relevant central idea to discuss. When writing an essay on an assigned topic, determine the exact question that needs to be addressed. Double-check the essay format that you have to follow.

2. Research and take notes.

Examine the topic to get a better understanding of the specific field. After identifying a central idea of the business essay, search for the information relevant to your paper. There are plenty of data available online. Yet, books and journals from your local library are also great resources. While researching, note all the useful sources to find them again later.

3. Create a reference list.

In most essays on business, you’ll have to illustrate your points and provide credible sources. Thus, collect the bibliography to indicate all the required citations. It’s a good idea to compile the references before you begin writing. This way, you won’t have to rush to get it all together at the end.

4. Write a thesis statement and create an outline.

Just like any successful organization requires a business plan, your essay requires a solid outline. Create your objectives and formulate your thesis statement around them. Ensure that your points and supporting evidence correspond directly to your central idea.

5. Revise and edit.

Most school and college students don’t bother to double-check their academic works once they are done. However, only with revision and editing will your essay truly achieve success. Check for grammar mistakes and the flow of your sentences. Ensure the logical order of your analysis. If anything sounds off, better to change it before submitting it.

Even after reading these steps, you may still be at a loss as to how to write a business essay. Examples of works written by other students can help you analyze relevant ideas. You can peruse the ones we have provided underneath the article.

Business Essay Outline

In the previous section, we mentioned that you need to create an outline for a successful paper. Thankfully, most essays have the same general structure they follow. We will analyze it in more detail below.

In essence, a business essay structure consists of the following:

1. Introduction. It is the place for you to explain the general idea behind your topic. This is also where you will provide a thesis statement. In the introduction, you will have to identify the central elements of the essay. Make sure you establish communication with the reader.

2. Background. You will always want to clarify specific terms or concepts essential to your audience. Thus, provide relevant definitions and context in your introduction or separate paragraph if your task allows it. For example, most people probably know what leadership is but will struggle to understand social responsibility. If you are writing a case study, important background information is necessary to include in your essay.

3. Main Body. Using your selected sources, create a detailed analysis of the topic. Make sure to incorporate:

• Arguments in favor of your position.
• Examples as evidence to support your claims.
• Counterarguments as evidence that you’ve examined the topic from different perspectives.

Don’t forget to include quotes and citations from relevant sources. These will provide credibility to your research.

4. Conclusion. In your last paragraph, provide a concise discussion of the separate points. Re-examine your thesis statement and reiterate it in different words. Summarize your findings and make sure that they relate to the purpose presented in the introduction.

Thank you for checking our recommendations. Below, you will find business essay examples on different topics. Good luck writing your assignment!

31549 Best Essay Examples on Business

Implementation of total quality management (tqm): toyota case study.

• Subjects: Management
• Words: 2733

The Flower of Services: Marketing Concept

• Subjects: Marketing

Historical Development of Operations Management

• Words: 2180

Time Management Theories and Models Report

• Words: 3158

Intern Performance Evaluation at an Organization

• Subjects: Employees Management

21st Century Human Resource Management: Its Role and Changes — Report

• Words: 2796

Multi-Choice Africa TV Company

• Subjects: Company Analysis
• Words: 1219

Leaders are Made, Not Born: Examples and Debate Points Essay

Walmart problems and solutions essay.

• Subjects: Case Study
• Words: 1081

McDonald’s Marketing Plan and Strategy Report

• Words: 4291

H&M Target Market Analysis – Case Study

Apple company: problems and solutions essay example.

• Subjects: Business Controversies
• Words: 1008

McDonald’s Case Study Problem Statement: Improper Resource Management

• Subjects: Company Missions

McDonald’s Operation Management & Supply Chain

• Subjects: Financial Management
• Words: 2479

KFC Marketing Strategies: Business, Branding, Advertising, and More | Report Example

• Subjects: Strategy
• Words: 3244

Apple Marketing Objectives and Strategies: Iphone | Report

• Words: 3810

Samsung Company Main Challenges Essay

Apple strategic management: planning and management process — apple company essay.

• Words: 5021

Coca Cola Operations Management and Inventory

• Words: 1192

Rolex Target Market & Brand Positioning

• Words: 3449

Objectives of Nike Corporation: Marketing Strategies Report

• Words: 1849

Apple External & Internal Analysis: Environment Analysis Research Paper

• Words: 2918

External and Internal Analysis of Starbucks: Case Study

• Subjects: Recognizable Brand
• Words: 2391

Nike Strategic Management: The Case Study Essay

• Words: 3907

McDonald’s Ethical Issues: Examples of Unethical Marketing Practices

• Subjects: Business Ethics
• Words: 17732

Apple Corporate Strategy & Business Strategies Essay

• Words: 1715

Issues and Recommendations for Apple Case Study

• Words: 1118

Nike Distribution Channels Essay

• Words: 1119

Fire Safety Essay

• Subjects: Workforce
• Words: 1112

Management of KFC – Organizational Communication System

• Subjects: Business Communication

Nicosia Model and Engel Blackwell Miniard Model of Consumer Behaviour

• Words: 1195

Justice Theory: Business Ethics, Utilitarianism, Rights, Caring, and Virtue

• Words: 3792

An Analysis of External and Internal Environments of McDonald’s

• Words: 2309

The Coca Cola Public Relations: PR Strategy and Examples — Case Study Example

• Words: 3954

Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping

• Subjects: E-Commerce
• Words: 1278

Factors Affecting Employee Relationships

• Subjects: Employee Relationships
• Words: 6901

What I Learned in Human Resource Management – Essay

• Words: 5457

Human Resource Management at the Apple Inc. and Sony Corporation

• Words: 3822

Nestle: Production and Operations Management Analysis Report

• Words: 1000

Business Plan: Coffee Shop Report

• Words: 3413

Strategic Management: The Case of Coca-Cola

Ikea human resources.

• Words: 2881

The Impact of Scientific Management in the 21st Century Essay

• Words: 2140

Tesco Strategy Analysis & Recommendations

• Words: 2283

Porter’s Five Forces Analysis on the Hospitality Industry

Starbucks quality management and performance improvement.

• Words: 1440

Recruitment and Selection Process of Apple Company

• Words: 1163

Cosmetic Industry Five Forces Analysis

• Subjects: Brand Management

Nike Company: Costs of Production and Overall Market

Bmw: case study essay.

• Words: 1417

Nike New Product Development: Strategy and Ideas | Nike Report

• Subjects: Marketing Project
• Words: 2600

“Men Make Better Leaders Than Women”: Discussion of the Statement

• Subjects: Leadership Styles

The Four-Day Workweek and Its Positive Effects

Brief description of nike inc: is nike a monopoly.

• Words: 2814

BP Oil Company Ethical Dilemma

• Words: 2280

Unitarist Perspective vs. Pluralist Perspective Case Study

• Words: 3685

International HRM Case Study: Apple Inc.

• Words: 2234

Marriott Target Market Segmentation – Analysis Report

• Words: 1120

ZARA Logistics System & Transportation Strategy

• Words: 2578

Samsung Company’s Management Information System

• Words: 2715

Cotton On: Growing Retail Brands

• Words: 2268

Apple Case Study

• Words: 3300

Reed Hastings’ Leadership Style: Netflix CEO’s Strategy

• Words: 1947

Harborco Negotiation Solution: Process and Outcomes

• Subjects: Managerial Negotiation
• Words: 1455

Fashion Clothing Company’s Financial Statements

• Words: 1124

Scrub Daddy Inc.’s Superior Sponge Marketing Plan

• Subjects: Product Marketing
• Words: 3585

Satyam Scandal and Corporate Governance Failure

• Words: 1939

Interviews, Questionnaires and Observations

• Words: 1898

Application of the Porter’s Five Forces: Beer Industry

• Subjects: Industry
• Words: 1356

Comparative Analysis of Apple and Samsung

• Words: 21518

Porter’s Five Factor Model in Hospitality (Restaurants)

• Words: 1608

Planning Recruitment and Selection in Human Resources Management

• Words: 1724

IMC Plan of Melo Fruitti Ice Cream Report

• Words: 4551

Walmart Information System Processes Report

An analysis of the experience of teamwork, apple business plan.

• Words: 2907

Nike: Supply Chain Management Issues Caused by the COVID-19 Spread

• Subjects: Logistics
• Words: 2455

Victoria Secret Target Market & Consumer Demographics

The definition of entrepreneurship.

• Subjects: Entrepreneurship
• Words: 1654

The Uppsala Model Example: IKEA in Brazil, Serbia, and India

• Words: 1388

Scientific Management and Human Relations

• Subjects: Management Priorities
• Words: 2787

Operations Management Case Study: Toyota

• Words: 2179

Apple Company and Its Effects on Society | Apple Analytical Essay

Organization development: define open and closed systems.

• Subjects: Organizational Management

Lego Case Study: The Lego Group Competitive Advantage & Strategy

• Words: 3001

Starting a Business: Advantages and Disadvantages

• Words: 1730

Calopeia: Supply Chain Game Write-Up

The power of a balanced score card: apple case study.

• Subjects: Strategic Management
• Words: 2379

International Product Life Cycle Theory with Example

Work and employment.

• Words: 1732

British Airways Challenges Report Example

• Words: 2845

Impact of Culture on Communication Reflective Essay

• Words: 1153

Managers Are Born, Not Made Essay

• Subjects: Organizational Planning
• Words: 1693

An Ethical Dilemma Faced by Nestle: Case Analysis

Walmart balanced scorecard – a case study.

• Words: 1117

IKEA Company Total Quality Management

• Subjects: Company Information
• Words: 1162

Starbucks’ Human Resource and Maslow’s Theory

• Words: 1072

KFC Micro- and Macro-Environment Report

Importance of ethics in business, impact of technology on business essay, promotional techniques and target market of fruit juice: essay, beverage industry: porter analysis – evaluation essay.

• Subjects: Management Theories
• Words: 3529

Tesla Corporate Social Responsibility: Issues, Activities, and Strategy | Essay Example

• Words: 1185

McDonald’s Corporation Case Study Analysis

• Words: 2764

Back Bay Battery Strategic Innovation Simulation

• Subjects: Decision Making

Bulla Creamy Classics Ice Cream’s Marketing Strategy

• Words: 1615

Strategic Plan: Nike Incorporation Report

• Words: 3859

Conflict Management Essay

• Words: 1422

Netflix Problems and Solutions: Case Study

Human resource management structure of toyota.

• Words: 3029

Tesco Training and Development – Why Does Tesco Train Its Employees

• Words: 3656

Occupational Health and Safety: The Need and Importance

• Words: 2235

Importance of Marketing in an Organization

• Subjects: Strategic Marketing
• Words: 1201

Analysis of Bottega Veneta Brand

• Words: 2396

Lululemon Athletica: Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

• Words: 2574

Toyota Motor Corporation: Strategic Human Resource Planning and Strategic Recruitment

• Words: 3071

Macro-Environmental Factors of Starbucks: PESTEL Analysis – Analytical Essay

Dyson company’s marketing strategy.

• Subjects: International Marketing
• Words: 4925

Traditional Training Methods Report

Transformational leadership essay.

• Words: 2428

Home — Essay Samples — Education — Graduation — Why I Choose Business Major: The Reasons

Why I Choose Business Major: The Reasons

• Categories: Academic Interests Graduation My Aspirations

About this sample

Words: 489 |

Updated: 27 November, 2023

Words: 489 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Works Cited

• Gabriela Cowperthwaite. (Director). (2013). Blackfish [Film]. CNN Films.
• Carbone, J. (2018). The Impact of “Blackfish” on Theme Park Attendance and Perceptions of the Cruelty of Killer Whale Captivity. Society & Animals, 26(6), 574-590.
• Delfour, F., & Marten, K. (2018). Cetacean Behavioral Responses to Anthropogenic Noise; Is It a Matter of Risk Assessment?. Frontiers in Marine Science, 5, 207.
• Falcone, E. A., Schorr, G. S., Douglas, A. B., Calambokidis, J., Henderson, E. E., McKenna, M. F., ... & Hildebrand, J. A. (2019). Species‐specific responses to anthropogenic noise: Baleen whales respond to piling noise. Marine Mammal Science, 35(1), 1-19.
• Giles, D., & Middleton, J. (2013). Killer whales, SeaWorld, and the Blackfish Effect. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, 1(2), 39-49.
• Lusseau, D., & Higham, J. E. S. (2004). Managing the impacts of dolphin-based tourism through the definition of critical habitats: the case of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand. Tourism Management, 25(6), 657-667. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2003.09.008
• Marino, L., Lilienfeld, S. O., Malamud, R., Nobis, N., & Broglio, R. (2010). Do zoos and aquariums promote attitude change in visitors? A critical evaluation of the American zoo and aquarium study. Society & Animals, 18(2), 126-138. https://doi.org/10.1163/106311110X12586086109504
• Morgan, D. K., & Tromborg, C. T. (2007). Sources of stress in captivity. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 102(3-4), 262-302.
• Ross, L. E., & Campbell, L. K. (2013). The Psychological Effects of Captivity: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 16(2), 105-125.
• Smith, A. (2013, July 18). The Dark Secrets Behind America's Captive Killer Whale Industry. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/jul/18/blackfish-killer-whale-seaworld-documentary.

Video Version

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

• Expert in: Education Life

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 787 words

5 pages / 2074 words

1 pages / 548 words

2 pages / 824 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Graduation

How do you think this graduate degree can help you achieve your career goals? This essay explores the symbiotic relationship between pursuing a graduate degree and achieving one's career aspirations. A graduate degree holds [...]

Prom night, a rite of passage for high school students, holds a unique significance in the American cultural landscape. It symbolizes a blend of tradition, expectations, and realities that shape the teenage experience. This [...]

As I approach the end of my college journey, one question looms large in my mind: What's my plan after graduation? This is a question that many college students grapple with as they near the end of their academic careers. In [...]

Prom, a highly anticipated event in the lives of high school students, not only serves as a celebratory occasion but also plays a significant role in shaping adolescent development. This essay explores the psychological and [...]

There are serious objections whether or not the federal government’s efforts to raise graduations rates are working. Throughout the years federal government have been trying to raise graduation rates. Some may ask whether or not [...]

Prom. The very word brings giggles and butterflies to millions of high school students. It seems to be a source of hope or a light at the end of the tunnel, many endlessly fantasize how and with whom they will spend this magical [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Don't have an Account?

Register Now!

• International Student
• Essay Writing Center
• Sample Essays

Sample Business School Essays

Studying business is a great way to gain valuable working experience across many industries. As such, many students decide to further their education with a degree in business. To help set your business school application apart from the others, having a stellar application essay can help tremendously. Before writing your own essay make sure you explore our sample essays to gather a few ideas and thoughts on how you can make your essay unique and engaging.

This section contains five business essay samples:

Business School Essay Sample One

Business school essay sample two, business school essay sample three, business school essay sample four.

• Business School Essay Sample Five

Watching my brother transform from a man who had lost his ability to walk to a man who can play basketball with my father kindled my fascination of the physical therapy world. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates the field of physical therapy to grow faster than average in the upcoming years. I hope to join this field during an exciting time of growth, furthering the rehabilitation of those who have been injured.

Following graduation from ABC Business School, I intend to serve a marketing team in a local physical therapy company, such as Ridgeview Physical Therapy. My short-term goal is to lead a team, furthering success in the Ridgeview area. Due to the popular physical therapy company thirty miles from Ridgeview, much of the local population is unaware of the quality services Ridgeview Physical Therapy has to offer. I hope to increase visits by 40 percent in the first 5 years of my employment. My long-term goal includes extending the company’s reach into surrounding cities, and eventually beyond national barriers, becoming a global marketing manager.

I expect to gain skills and experiences from ABC Business School that will propel my short and long-term goals. I hope to develop an experiential and diverse learning experience and have the opportunity to interact with different groups of people to learn from their business insights and endeavours. From ABC Business School, I seek the tools and resources needed to further engage in my marketing knowledge, perform professional strategic analyses, and re-evaluate my past work experiences. I look forward to taking courses from Professor Jim. W. Reid, who has published the research of the success of Matthews and Marketing in his book, “Matthews Commerce,” which has helped me continue my career this far. I also look forward to taking the unique classes taught by Professor Rachel E. Davis, introducing me to the physical therapy world and enriching my business skills in that area.

When my brother’s car accident in 2011 caused immobility in his left leg, he never thought he would be able to play his favorite sport again. David Andrews, a 1994 graduate from ABC Business School, ensured that that would not come to pass. I spoke with Andrews about his journey, and he told me that it was through the opportunities and education he received from the professors and students at ABC Business School that helped him open his own practice. I hope to follow in Andrews’s footsteps. With the passion I have for the success of Ridgeview Physical Therapy, and the determination I learned from watching my brother, all I need to complete my goals is the knowledge available to me through an MBA at ABC Business School. I look forward to completing my career aspirations using the tools received from ABC Business School to contribute to my professional career.

The world of physical therapy is growing, and with my skills in marketing, I hope to grow the local Ridgeview services across the globe.

In this essay, the applicant is assigned to answer the prompt in approximately 500 words. The admissions officer expects a clear and concise essay that does not veer off the question and exemplifies quality writing, grammar, and punctuation. In questions similar to these, the admissions officers are looking for: Student’s understanding and knowledge in answering questions: The writer explains his short and long-term career goals, referencing the future of the career (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and quantifying his goals (Increase by 40 percent within the first 5 years). A deeper look into who the applicant is: Writer shares personal information that also relates to answering the question (brother in physical therapy). Make sure that any personal information you share does not veer off of the question that needs to be answered. Proper research on the school to adequately answer the second question: Student mentions names of professors who have demonstrated help in the past (professor’s business research book) giving credibility to the student that he believes they will be able to help him in the future. Avoid flattery and only speak of the school in a way that shows proper research and answers the question presented.

Nancy, the CEO of Jasmine Publishing House, bought me a coffee and told me I should invest in warm gloves as we sat down at a corner diner for what would be a game-changing business meeting. As the leading publishing house in Europe, Nancy informed me that JPH was interested in closing a multi-million dollar deal with our fashion magazine, Zoelle, provided we changed the magazine's appearance to attract a broader European audience.

As production manager, my job was to lead and supervise a staff of 30 to match Nancy's vision, working closely with the design team, photographers, production staff and marketing team. After three weeks of heavy brainstorming, we developed a fresh appearance for the magazine.

I invited Nancy to a meeting with me and three of our executive producers. I shared with her the strategy we had created in order to solve our appearance problem, as well as estimated costs and complications. Nancy agreed that the direction our magazine was going fit well with her vision and audience, and that JPH would be happy to work with us within the next week.

Although the team was excited to accept the offer, I was concerned that we were not prepared to complete the project so quickly. Though the executive producers did not understand, as our production team was to begin work on the next issue the following day, I explained that there may include deep financial consequences if we rush into the process. I wanted to ensure that JPH received a consistent layout from Zoelle magazine. Nancy agreed to wait until the upcoming issue was complete before beginning work on the new look.

We began work the following Tuesday, after the latest issue was produced. I collaborated with an eight member marketing team to develop new branding for our magazine and mediated this branding with the design team, ensuring that it was able to blend well with their ideas and insights based on the first meeting with Nancy. I led the operation of the first issue to be published via JPH, supervising 30 employees.

After the issue was published, our sales increased by 42 percent in the first week. After leading the Zoelle team to a business deal close and a fresh start, I learned that with the proper leadership, a staff of varied talents, insights and opinions can work closely together to produce a magazine that continues to increase its sells each issue. My initiative helped provide Zoelle with its largest new contract that year, a $2 million deal. Customers from Europe and the United States commented with positive remarks on the new look, showing interest in the replacement of the former look, which had been being published for seven years.

After this leadership experience, I was able to see my potential as a leader. I can communicate effectively with all members of a group and help connect them with one another to make a larger picture. I protect my business discernment even against an upset crowd, and am able to properly persuade others to understand other perspectives. Through learning more about leadership every day with my work in Zoelle, I hope to continue to strengthen these abilities and witness the success they can bring to media production.

In this essay, the applicant was asked to detail her leadership abilities through the application of a relevant example. She was asked to do this in approximately 550 words, using concise language and proper grammar and punctuation. In questions similar to these, the admissions officers are looking for: Applicant's ability to share leadership qualities with a relevant example: This writer shared leadership qualities of communication (brainstorming with different staffs and helping them connect their ideas together), listening (brainstorming and understanding staff concerns), delegating (ensuring each team did what was supposed to be done), and managing (managed and supervised a staff of 30) through the use of an example from her work with Zoelle Magazine. Proof of a potential growth in these leadership skills: The writer hopes to “continue to strengthen” her leadership skills. She provides examples of how she learned from previous leadership roles. How these skills will help further your career: The writer used an example from her current career and concluded her essay with a look into the potential of leadership in her field.

I looked across my celebratory cheesecake and beamed up at my new coworkers. I couldn't believe I had finally landed my dream job. All of the senior editors were having lunch in the cafe across the street from the bakery where the finance team and marketing team shared dessert. I had been hired as a budget analyst at my favorite magazine. My job was to work alongside the business manager to help create a more healthy marriage between the finance and marketing departments, thus improving our sales and workplace environment. On my way home, I reflected on my relief in finally having an exciting and secure career.

Just three months later, we met at the same bakery where I had celebrated my new job. Every department from our small, close-knit staff was present. As the publication manager began to tell us the news, I remember how our faces fell. Our publication company was going out of business, and every publication was to be shut down. She explained that they had tried to find another publishing company without success.

Not only did I feel as though I failed the company, I also knew that I, as well as the other 17 employees, was out of a job. We went back to our offices and packed up our things. Writers and designers were frantically calling around, asking for open positions. An employee from the finance department began tweaking his resume, and the marketing department apologized to the publication manager and editor-in-chief, who responded graciously.

I had to leave my apartment not long after losing my job. I stayed with a friend on the north side of town as I tried to find a job in a shrinking economic suburb. It took six months to find a position, and though I had to move and leave behind my dream, I found a new way to work toward my new dream.

From this experience, I learned the importance of adaptability. Only through my ability to embrace the change happening around me was I able to find a new job and start a new life with new visions and goals. Applying for my MBA would have sounded bizarre to the disheartened, homeless idealist who lost her dream. But now, after finding in me the strength to persevere, I am able to take what I learned from my previous job and pair it with what I learn from the university. This knowledge will help me ensure that the future companies I work with will not have to endure a similar fallout.

However, if there comes a time when I am again involved in a lost company, I know how to repair. I know how to restore.

In this essay, the applicant was asked to recall a challenging situation to which the writer overcame the boundaries. The writer was asked to do this in approximately 450 words, using concise language and proper grammar and punctuation. In questions similar to these, the admissions officers are looking for: Applicant's ability to identify a challenging moment in her life: This writer uses a relevant example of a challenging situation, describing the challenge of losing a job, losing housing, and having to move to a different city. Examples of how the applicant overcame these challenges: The writer cites her “adaptability” as the reason why she was able to overcome this challenge. Instead of giving up, the applicant tells of applying for other jobs, even ones that were out of her comfort zone and in another city. Brief insights to what the applicant learned from the challenge: This writer learned how to maintain strength, perseverance and adaptability in challenging situations. The applicant tells of continuing the learning process in her MBA program and allowing it to help future companies.

“Gallery Furniture saves you money today!” As a child, these words rang out to me, sandwiched in between the episodes of Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh that I gleefully watched every Saturday morning. During commercial breaks, an older gentleman known as Mattress Mack would dominate all 24 inches of my cartoon box with his signature hundred-mile-per-hour pitch, reserved for sputtering off the praises of American-made furniture sold at affordable prices. Mattress Mack reigned as a household favorite in the Greater Houston area; in fact, my cousin and I made games out of memorizing his lines and spitting them out as fast as we could whenever his ads came on TV.

Mack’s distinctive elevator-pitch talking style stemmed from the financial difficulties he faced at the start of his career. At that time, Mack invested his entire life savings in a single ad that aired on two stations. While watching the ad himself, he grew unhappy with the producers’ work and ad-libbed a rapid pitch which would be later recognized as one of his greatest sparks of unconventional genius. Mack's unique re-branding has taught me to recognize the value of bootstrapping and developing creative solutions to solve problems.

Beyond his unorthodox sales strategies, Mack also had a heart that was truly the size of Texas. In August of 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall and caused $125 billion in damages, and several people that I personally know lost everything. While most of us worried solely about our own survival, Mack opened his two biggest showrooms and provided food to those who needed it most. His heroic actions eventually earned him his own day, August 26th, appropriately named Mattress Mack Day. He has inspired Houstonians just like me to pursue entrepreneurship opportunities that put social focus on the forefront.

As Harvey pummelled through the Gulf Coast, I noted the amount of devastation the hurricane has caused for our local automotive industry. This sparked an idea. As a passionate watchmaker and a car enthusiast, I partnered with my co-founder to create one-of-a-kind wristwatches from wrecked supercars with stories to match. A portion of each sale would then be donated to Habitat for Humanity to rebuild communities affected by natural disasters. My dream came to fruition, and over the last two years, the work I did has gained the attention of Mayor Turner, Capital One Bank, and various other notable individuals and organizations across Texas, Florida, Switzerland, and the UK. Born from a company bootstrapped with a $10,000 award from Capital One Bank, we are now projected to take in a revenue of $500k in the coming year.

Mattress Mack’s unconventional business approaches have taught me that tackling problems with limited capital yields the most innovative solutions and that the numbers, albeit essential, are not the end-all-be-all of a company. His ability to see equal importance in their lesser-noticed counterparts -the people his business serves and the community he resides in- are what sets him apart from traditional bosses as a truly effective leader. His actions have taught me that marrying unconventional problem-solving skills to a strong moral code is the key to greater personal success.

Business Sample Essay Five

Fuqua was the first business school I visited at the beginning of my application journey. No one in my family has ever attended college, let alone business school, so my visit opened a new world of opportunity for me. I sat in the auditorium with 300 other Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) fellows soaking up facts about Fuqua’s collaborative culture, global perspective, and distinguished faculty. My most vivid memory of the experience was at the end of the first day when the Black and Latino MBA Organization (BLMBAO) came on stage and helped me understand what it truly means to be on “Team Fuqua.” Dancing, cheering, and wearing their Blue Devil gear, the students made it easy to see a cohesive community for students of color – one that I have not felt so palpably at any other business school since. As I sat in that auditorium, I began to imagine myself as a part of “Team Fuqua,” and after the visit I became more confident that there was a place for me at Duke. For these reasons, I am seeking a spot in the entering class of 2022.

Post MBA, I plan to work as a Product Manager in an innovative digital healthcare company focused on using technology to transform patient care. Specifically, I would like to work in wireless tech and data analytics focused on chronic disease management similar to Twine Health, a platform integrated into patients' Fitbits to monitor diabetes-related vitals. In preparation for a career in healthcare, I plan on being a part of Fuqua’s Health Care Club (HCC). I look forward to contributing to this community through my perspective in healthcare consulting as well as my experience in the health insurance marketplace. By participating in the HCC, I will leverage the insight from 2nd year students as I navigate the healthcare recruiting process during HCC life line sessions. In time, I hope to return the favor by helping new students navigate recruitment, coursework, and life in Durham. Particularly, I am excited to gain valuable insight into the healthcare industry through programming coordinated by HCC such as the Duke MBA Health Care Conference and panel discussions throughout the year. HCC will not only provide me the knowledge and professional aptitude for a meaningful career in the healthcare sector, but will also grant me a life-long network of Fuqua healthcare leaders. To further promote health, I want to take part in the Fuqua Running & Triathlon Club. As a cross country athlete in high school and college, I look forward to exploring the Raleigh-Durham area and sharing my love of running.

Beyond my involvement in the Fuqua healthcare community, I also plan to join BLMBAO. It is very important for me to be part of a collective of leaders of color that empower each other to reach their full potential in business. For this reason, I am interested in joining the leadership cabinet of BLMBAO and shaping events such as the MBA Minority Business Conference. I want to continue BLMBAO’s work of increasing the visibility of underrepresented minorities, engaging Fuqua on issues of race and inequality, and being an advocate for women of color in business. For example, as a Fellow and alumna of MLT, I will commit myself to building a pipeline for Latina prospective Fuqua MBA students. This will include holding workshops that focus on the application process and challenges specific to Latinas in management.

In the end, Duke is the ideal place for me to become the business leader I know I can be. The opportunities in healthcare at Fuqua with HCC in conjunction with the school’s close proximity to the research triangle are second to none. A Fuqua MBA will give me the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead among lifelong friends. As a part of the incoming class, I will continue to learn more about Fuqua and expect that the “Team Fuqua” spirit will stand out in all of my interactions within the larger community. Just as BLMBAO students inspired me on my first day at Fuqua, I hope to one day inspire a young Latina professional setting her sights on business school.

Related Content:

Get the international student newsletter.

25 Genius "Why This Major" Essay Examples for Top-20 Colleges

Here's the secret to writing your "Why This Major?" essays:

They're not really asking "Why this major?" but "Why you and this major?"

Just like with your Why This College essays, you need to show that you're a perfect match for the program you're applying to through specific examples , ideas , and connections to the school's offerings .

Even if you're applying undecided or undeclared , which is common for students to do, admissions officers ask this question because they want to know these 3 things:

• Do you have an idea about what you want your future to look like (what you want to study, possible career, etc.), and will our school help you fulfill that vision?
• Do you have what it takes to be a successful student within your desired major or program?
• How genuinely interested are you in this area of study? Or are you choosing it for superficial reasons (like money)?

What if you're undecided?

Even if you're undecided, you should have some idea about possible fields you're interested in.

It's impossible for you to have lived 17 or 18 years and not picked up some sort of interest that you could study in college.

After all, why are you applying to colleges in the first place? Probably to pursue a more in-depth education in a particular area.

So if you're applying undecided, you'll need to still talk about potential areas you're interested in, even if you aren't totally committed to them yet.

What makes a great "Why This Major?" essay?

The best "Why this major" answers show a deep level of interest and knowledge about the field.

Admissions officers want to know that you're serious about what you want to study.

Tip #1. Avoid superficial or cliché reasons

I often see students write generic remarks like...

• "Math is the language of the universe"
• "Studying communications will help me learn how to collaborate with others better."
• "Computer science is about problem solving"

These are OK starting points, but you need to delve deeper.

How do you go deeper? Try writing about specifics of the field.

Use some geeky or technical language . Instead of saying "biology," you could write about "molecular biology and its impact on genetic engineering."

Be specific and vivid in your writing, and show your interest in the field using specific anecdotes and moments that you haven't yet written about.

Tip #2. Ask yourself questions at the heart of the area of study.

If you're writing about math, some simple but deep question to ask yourself are things like:

• Is math discovered or created?
• What are the unsolved mysteries of math?
• How do the different branches of math (e.g. algebra, geometry, etc.) relate to each other?

These types of questions will get you thinking about what the major represents, rather than just what it literally is.

Focus on ideas , which are always most interesting.

Tip #3. Think about what the most common answer would be, and then say something different.

For computer science, I see a lot of students write about things like "automation", "artificial intelligence", or "problem solving."

For engineering, I see a lot of students write things about Legos or other "building" toys that they played with growing up.

For medicine, I see students write about "wanting to help people."

These are fine starting points for reflecting, but on their own it'll come off as cliché.

Tip #4. What will this school in particular offer to help you study this field better than other schools?

All colleges offer pretty much the same selection of majors and programs, so what is unique about this school's approach?

Again, you'll need to do some thinking and research.

Tip #5. Show how you've already explored the field.

Think about your classes, but more importantly, think about the ways you've gone beyond the classroom.

Those reasons are the most compelling for why you're a great fit for the major.

How to structure your "Why This Major?" essay

Here's formula you can use to write this essay if you're struggling to get started:

• I am passionate about subject X and here's why (offer a short story or anecdote)
• Here's is what I want to do with that passion in the future
• This is what this school has to offer or will do in order to help me achieve my goals and how (specific and unique reasons)

Now, let's look at some examples of students who wrote successful "Why This Major?" essays.

I've gathered 25 "Why Major?" essays from students who got into top-20 schools like Brown, Georgetown, MIT, and more.

This huge list covers a variety of majors and programs—from Computer Science to English to Bioinformatics—so you'll be able to find one that's similar to yours.

Let's dive right into it.

25 "Why This Major" Essay Examples

1. "why bioinformatics" georgetown essay example.

Prompt: Please relate your interest in studying at Georgetown University to your goals. How do these thoughts relate to your chosen course of study? (If you are applying to major in the FLL or in a Science, please specifically address those interests.) (500 words max)

Why This Essay Works:

Having specific details is key to making your essays more engaging. Whenever possible, substitute broader terms for more specific ones. In this essay, the student does this well, for example by writing "recombinant DNA into Escherichia coli" instead of saying "molecular biology."

Digging into why you're passionate about certain things is important for "Why Major" type of essays like this one. Admissions wants to know how and why that interest started. This student does a great job of telling a family story that inspired their interest in French and an academic experience that sparked their biology interest.

What They Might Improve:

This essay doesn't mention much of what Georgetown would offer them. Whenever possible, it's beneficial to reference specific aspects about the school you're applying to. This demonstrates genuine interest and makes it more convincing that your studies would flourish at the school. Although this isn't a "Why Georgetown" essay, these details can and should be incorporated, as the prompt asks you to relate your chosen area(s) of study to the school.

2. "Why Linguistics?" Brown University Essay Example

Prompt: Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue them while also embracing topics with which you are unfamiliar. (200-250 words)

My primary interest is in languages and linguistics, specifically Spanish, Portuguese and the descent of these languages from Latin which I explored in my IB Extended Essay. Thus, something that excites me about the complete freedom of the Brown curriculum is the opportunity to learn about Hispanic and Lusophone culture, literature and language in an intersectional way through a concentration in Latin American studies combined with classes and undergraduate research in Linguistics. I intend to supplement my language acquisition with practical application through study abroad opportunities at PUC-Rio, Brazil and in Santiago, Chile, perhaps through the Engaged Scholars Program which will allow me to forge deeper connections with the communities and cultures I am studying. I am also attracted by the possibility of a 5-year BA/MA course in Linguistics which will permit me to conduct meaningful and extensive research on a topic I am truly passionate about.

However, I also have an interest in Biochemistry and Molecular biology. The Open Curriculum will enable me to pursue this avenue of study and research without detracting from my principal focus on languages. Therefore, perhaps what I am most excited for is interdisciplinary study at Brown and the possibility of forging unforeseen connections between disparate academic areas and weaving them together into a program of study that will engage, thrill, and inspire me towards a lifelong path of academic inquiry. For example, I am interested to explore how languages and sociolinguistics can be used to promote medical research and provision in Latin America.

Naming things unique to the school shows you have genuine interest. Listing specific programs, courses, or majors shows you've done your research.

The author's reasons for "Why Brown?" fit into their background and identity. This makes their reasons seem genuine and compelling.

The essay is divided into two parts with distinct answers. Showing how those reasons relate could make the essay more cohesive.

Ending with a sentence "For example..." leaves more to be desired and explained.

3. "Why Medicine and Surgery?" Pomona College Essay Example

Prompt: Most Pomona students enter the College undecided about a major, or they change their minds about their prospective major by the time they graduate. Certainly we aren’t going to hold you to any of the choices you’ve made above. But, in no more than 250 words, please tell us why you’ve chosen the academic programs (or undecided!) that you have listed. (250 words max)

I’m sitting backstage at my first international piano competition, anxiously awaiting my turn to perform. Unconsciously, I massage my right wrist, still recovering from a recent injury. The young man beside me feels my nervousness and starts a conversation.

As we whisper, I notice him rub his hands together uncomfortably. “What’s wrong?” I ask, quickly leaving my own wrist alone. He suppresses a nervous laugh, then quietly details the long and unsuccessful surgery that shattered his dream of becoming a professional musician. His hands were permanently damaged.

“Alessandra Fang,” the judges call. I stand up, walk to the main stage and look back to see him encourage me with a stiff, crooked thumbs-up. As my fingers dance on the keys, I observe the fragile muscles and ligaments under my skin.

I realize in that moment that it is not in a massive concert hall where I wanted to change people’s lives, but on a smaller stage: an operating room. As an artist who has had her share of painful, music-related injuries, my goal is to become a musician’s physician, and blend my greatest two passions so that I might bring relief to those around me, while understanding their musical and anatomical plight.

I wish to pursue both Biology and Music programs at Pomona College. I want to become a hand surgeon while still developing my artistry on the piano. After all, surgery also has its own cadence, complexity and composition.

4. "Why Education/Teaching?" University of Michigan Essay Example

Prompt: Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (100-550 words)

Growing up, I always pictured myself as a great teacher as an adult. With the second best secondary education program in the country and an emphasis on the liberal arts and undergraduate education, I am confident that U-M will shape me into the great educator I’ve dreamed of becoming since I was a kid.

Hallmarks of a liberal arts education include teamwork, problem-solving, clear writing, and effective communication. These are also skills that any exceptional teacher needs. U-M offers an unparalleled curriculum that prepares students to successfully run classrooms and obtain Provisional Teacher Certifications upon graduation, exposing students to diverse classes and people in Ann Arbor, and providing them with an invaluable liberal arts education along the way.

Being an effective teacher means connecting with and stimulating all students at its core. The liberal arts foundation I will receive in the College of Literature, Sciences, and the Arts (LSA), married with the experiential education and training the School of Education (SoE) will provide, will mold me into that great teacher—a mentor and role model for any student, regardless of creed—I’ve always aspired to become.

The Teacher Education Preferred Admission (TEPA) for incoming freshmen piqued my interest because the program is the crossroad between the liberal arts and teacher education; two components I was looking for in a college. TEPA will allow me to build a strong liberal arts base in LSA my first two years on campus before entering SoE, while also gaining beneficial experiences in the education field early on.

The education-oriented programs WE READ and Students Empowering Education specifically appealed to me because they will bridge my liberal arts education with my anticipated career as a high school English teacher. Similarly, my Spanish classes will have a practical application in the Ann Arbor Language Partnership, a program that immediately interested me as a potential Spanish minor.

During my first two years as a pre-admit, I'll be supported by my TEPA peers and staff, specifically from my SoE personal adviser. TEPA will take the large campus and make it feel smaller, allowing me to form organic connections with like-minded people and groups that can cultivate my interest in education before entering SoE junior year.

I need a meaningful education to be a meaningful educator. Truthfully, I could go to almost any college to become a teacher, but only schools that synthesize in- and out-of-classroom learning like SoE produce great ones. U-M ranking sixth in the country for undergraduate teaching bolstered my interest in the university and confirmed what I already knew: I will receive an education in LSA and SoE that will change who I am as a person and not just a student, and prepare me to provide the same for others as a teacher.

The great educator I’ve always envisioned myself becoming is one that can inspire without bounds. From my time as a student, I’ve come to realize that a truly influential teacher can work with students who have little in common with themselves and still be impactful. LSA's purposeful and broad curriculum, paired with SoE's hands-on courses and fieldwork, and the additional opportunities available through TEPA, will shape me into that life-changing teacher, for any student who walks through my classroom door.

5. "Why Business?" University of Michigan Essay Example

Growing up in a community that bleeds maize and blue, the community represented by the University of Michigan has always been one that I could see myself representing as both a student and alumni. From football games at the big house to classes at Ross, each and every opportunity available at U of M represents a piece of my life that I hope to continue to incorporate into my life for the rest of my life.

The opportunity to take courses that allow for enriched experiences in developing a real business is one that I intend to be involved in as soon as possible. I will use this type of class as a way to test my skills and learn where I need to become stronger as a leader and student. Watching others equally driven as me, their tactics that are successful and not successful will imprint on how I attack problems in the future and shape my overall leadership style.

By being involved in the Multidisciplinary Action Projects down the road as a graduate student, I hope to learn firsthand what it takes to run and be involved with real businesses. Firsthand exposure is the best way to learn how to solve problems- especially surrounded by peers who are equally as driven and dedicated as I am.

Filled with students striving for nothing but the best they are capable of is a community that I am certain I will enrich and fit into. By sharing ideas and collaborating together instead of against each other, each and every one of us will contribute to the business world as leaders and innovators.

The University of Michigan is a place I can see myself learning and growing as a leader for the next four years as I intend to use all of the tools at my disposal to become a top business person. The opportunities within the school I will be involved in and the peers that I will work beside only enrich the values of what being a Wolverine mean to me.

6. "Why Math and Accounting?" University of Southern California (USC) Essay Example

Prompt: Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (250 words max)

All throughout my life, I always loved doing math no matter what the concept. My love for math led to me taking advanced math classes for my grade. I even had to take a bus to a high school when I was in middle school to take an advanced math class. I always knew that I would want to pursue a career dealing with mathematics, but I was not really sure until my junior year. I had not decided what I wanted to be in the future, so my uncle suggested being a CPA, and I looked into it. When I did my research, it interested me as they made a decent amount of money and they worked with numbers.

At USC, I would like to major in accounting and gain the opportunity to possibly receive an internship at one of the big accounting firms in Los Angeles through the networking of USC. If I were able to get an internship, I would be able to gain experience for when I graduate and search for a job. I would also consider going for a Masters of Business Administration as I know that USC has one of the best business programs in the country.

7. "Why Computer Science?" Columbia University Essay Example

Prompt: Describe two or three of your current intellectual interests and why they are exciting to you. Why will Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences be the right environment in which to pursue your interests? (650 words max)

8. "Why Engineering and Law?" University of Michigan Essay Example

The University of Michigan’s College of Engineering has a proactive approach to career path discovery and job search. While I do hope to aspire to a corporate attorney, an engineering degree from the University of Michigan would provide me the advantage of readiness.

U.S News and World Report published an article about challenges law school applicants with STEM degrees face. Number one was the lack of research skills. Michigan Undergraduate Engineering has research opportunities for all undergraduate students. I hope to even take advantage of The College of Engineering (CoE) International Internship Program. The chance to see the world and contribute to the world-class studies conducted by Michigan Engineering students is a unique quality. The article also reported that STEM applicants often lack job experience. Michigan Engineering hosts internship fairs, which even freshman can participate in. By utilizing the opportunity to work in a professional setting, I will be more adapt to presenting myself in a mature and respectable manor in a corporate setting.

Many people are puzzled by my aspirations to become a corporate lawyer with an engineering degree. While I enjoy learning about many areas of study, math and science have always peaked my interest. Like my attraction to law, I am drawn to the definitiveness of engineering specifically. While there is a right and wrong in methods and procedures, there is a chance to be creative; for the end goal is functionality. Law requires critical thinking, problem solving, and the questioning of presented facts and figures. These skills are also encompassed in Michigan Engineering. With a technical understanding of industry and engineering, I will be able to more accurately represent a corporation. Like the professors at Michigan Engineering, I hope to be an expert in my field. At Michigan Engineering, I will be educated by the best of the best. Professors that have been exposed to their fields in every aspect; allowing them to provide the best guidance to students. Instead of just presenting facts and figures in a courtroom, I will be able to understand and explain them.

9. "Why Psychology?" Carnegie Mellon Essay Example

Prompt: Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 words max)

When I was younger, I faced a lot of negative emotions including anxiety and low self-esteem. For a long time, I felt alone and as if no one understood how I felt. My self confidence was at an all-time low when I started taking psychology. All of a sudden the negative emotions I was feeling started making sense. I was suddenly able to understand how people were wired and why others treated me a certain way. I in fact was able to feel empathy for my aggressors after understanding that those who treated me negatively often faced struggles of their own. Most importantly, I felt as though something out there finally understood me. Because psychology offered insight into my own behavior and helped me to understand others, I was eventually able to overcome my insecurities.

In the future, I would like to help others do the same. No matter where I end up, understanding why people behave a certain way and being more considerate and empathetic for others will only help me thrive. Mental health is a growing issue in our society. The world we live in is a confusing place filled with pain, but psychology provides a way to determine the cause of this suffering and how to change it. I never want anyone to feel the isolation and sorrow I felt when I was younger. I want to help others become compassionate and unconditionally loving not just toward others, but to themselves. Even if I only make a small change in the world and affect just one person’s life, I would like to pursue that.

10. "Why Biology and Environmental Science?" University of Pennsylvania Essay Example

Prompt: Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, how will you explore your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania? For students applying to the coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer these questions in regard to your single-degree school choice; your interest in the coordinated dual-degree or specialized program may be addressed through the program-specific essay. (300-450 words)

As a child the world fascinated me. From questioning the makeup of the dirt I played in, to doubting the existence of gravity as I flew a kite, I was always thinking. Time passed, and my consciousness opened to more, like atoms, the Big Bang Theory, the psychology behind dreams, and the list goes on. Everything fascinated me; curiosity quickly became a part of my character. Some say ignorance is bliss, but I have to disagree. Ignorance is what fuels my curiosity; ignorance is what drives me to discover, learn, and initiate change. Living in a small rural town with my grandmother and disabled father, I have been limited by geography and socioeconomics. A perfect blend of humanities and factualities, the College of Arts and Sciences is an exploratory lab for all I do not know. At Penn, courses from Neurobiology of Learning and Memory to The Sociology of Gender allow me to rid my ignorance one class at a time. The unique and specialized curriculum provides a place to explore whatever I wonder and answer whatever I question. While my grandmother did not have the money for me to attend science camps, to visit museums, or to travel more than a few hours from my home, living in the country always provided me with endless exploration. My interest in trees in particular led me to specialize in the forestry portion of our Envirothon team for four years of high school. The passion I have for biology is second to my interest in helping others. Rural areas of Pennsylvania are in desperate need for physicians, especially in the field of women’s health. My goal is to return to my community and fill that need. As a low income, first-generation student, I have had limited opportunities, but I have seized any that I could and where there were none, I created some. As a seventh grader, I pioneered the colorguard of our newly formed high school marching band. Last year, as captain of 14 twirlers, I took my first plane ride to Disney World where my band performed. This experience taught more than I could ever learn in a classroom. Similarly, there are endless opportunities at Penn, both intra- and extra-curricular, and I plan to take advantage of all that I can to feed my fire.

11. "Why Finance and Political Science?" University of Pennsylvania Essay Example

This essay does a great job of conveying a thoughtful and candid applicant. Their phrasing, although verbose in some places, comes across genuine because the author walks you through how they learned about the school, what they're looking for in a school, and why the school would offer those specific things. Phrases like "I didn't know if I could honestly see myself studying that" are conversational and natural-sounding, which help create a sincere tone.

By referencing specific programs, like "Penn in Washington" as well as various minors and concentrations, it is clear this student has done their research about the school. One of the most important aspects for a "Why Us" essay is to find specific and unique opportunities and name them in your essay. These could be things like specific professors and their work, campus and its location, interesting classes, unique internship/study-abroad/job programs, special events, and many more. The key is referencing things that are entirely unique to the school and not many other schools too. Avoid broad terms like "renowned faculty" or "interdisciplinary studies" because virtually all colleges offer things like this, and these are some of the most over-used and artificial reasons used in "Why Us" essays.

This essay has many moments of repetition that are unnecessary. In general, avoid repeating your ideas and when editing, ask yourself of each sentence: does this add something distinctly new and important to my essay? There are two common mistakes that often create repetition: prefacing your ideas and summarizing your ideas. Unlike academic writing, you don't need to "prepare" the reader for what you're going to say, and you don't need to conclude it with a summary. By doing so, you only create unnecessary repetition and take up words which could otherwise be used to include new specific details or ideas.

This essay spends nearly half of its words explaining the "interdisciplinary" opportunities at UPenn. However, this reason is quite superficial and not at all unique to Penn, as almost all colleges offer some sort of interdisciplinary study (i.e. combining your interests or studying multiple fields). Talking about "interdisciplinary study" is one of the most common reasons students use in their "Why Us" essay, and it often comes across as generic and unoriginal. Instead, look for offerings that no other (or very few other) schools provide. Narrow down your reasons "why" to make them more specific to the school, even if they are smaller scale. You can mention things like "interdisciplinary studies" or "diverse student body" briefly as a reason why, but don't make them one of your primary reasons why, unless you have something particularly unique about it.

12. "Why Engineering?" Duke University Essay Example

Prompt: If you are applying to the Pratt School of Engineering as a first-year applicant, please discuss why you want to study engineering and why you would like to study at Duke. (150 words max)

At Duke I was equally entranced by the articulate movements of 3D printers in the Co-Lab and the stunning Gothic architecture. Instead of forming a dichotomy, these aspects of Duke blended to symbolize its emphasis on interdisciplinary education, which will offer me a nuanced perspective of the world integral to becoming a leader in engineering.

I will join the Academy for Model Aeronautics and share my passion for designing drones, while taking fascinating courses such as “Taboo Markets” and “Banality of Evil”, while simultaneously working on an engineering project that improves real people’s lives in “Engineering Design”. By joining the Duke Robotics Club, I can expand upon my love for robotics, and I hope to write for the Duke Engineering magazine, as well as join the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. By drawing from this diverse range of educational experiences, I can become a leader in creating a better future.

13. "Why Neuroscience?" University of Southern California (USC) Essay Example

I had never considered traveling across the country to pursue an education. In fact, living in Pittsburgh all of my life and growing up with people who are so adamant about staying put, forced me to believe that I too had to box myself into this small, yet evolving city. However, now I can confidently tell my friends and family that I want to travel to California for college (and ignore their odd looks).

What strikes me most about USC is its ability to maintain uniformity despite its diverse student body--in interests, ethnicity, and opinion. There are not many schools where I could be best friends with filmmakers, artists, photographers, chemists, potential CEOs, and writers. Although all of these people are spread across different schools, they still seem to maintain a cultural unity. Being surrounded by such a distinct trojan pride combined with the ambitious atmosphere would be both inspiring and propulsive.

At USC, I would not have to confine to merely one of my interests. I have always had aspirations of becoming a doctor and pursuing neuroscience, but have never felt comfortable ignoring the humanities. As a Trojan, I could pursue research at the Dana and David Dornsife Cognitive Neuroscience Imaging Center or even take part in PIBBS, while also honing my writing skills through the intricate Writing Program.

Much like the students, my interests could somehow be molded into a diverse uniformity, and I could prove my fellow Pittsburghers that perhaps they need to move around more.

14. "Why Journalism?" Ithaca College Essay Example

Prompt: Please tell us why you selected this specific academic program and what other academic programs interest you. (10-200 words)

Recording devices have been banned from the courtroom of the Supreme Court Building since 1946. Therefore, when the Court makes a landmark decision, interns must hand-deliver paper copies of the ruling to news organizations.

The interns often pair running shoes with their business attire, for the quarter-mile sprint from the Court building to the area where networks ​await.

When I first saw photographs of “The Running of the Interns”, I wanted nothing more than to ​be​ one of those people. I wanted to feel my running shoes beating against the sidewalks, to feel sweat staining my suit.

Why did this tradition attract me to journalism? Because it reminded me that the news is a race, a constantly-changing collection of stories shaping social and political development.

The opportunity to contribute to that collection is why, beyond Ithaca’s journalism program, I’m also interested in the College’s minors in Politics and Writing.

I think all of this desire to be part of a story defines what it means to be a journalist, a writer: When I become a journalism major at Ithaca College, and, later, perhaps a running intern, I get to be a contender in the race to change the world.

15. "Why Economics and Political Science?" University of Michigan Essay Example

In my junior year microeconomics class, my teacher extensively explored the ways in which people from different socioeconomic classes were affected by our economic system. I was frustrated by the ways our country forces those living in poverty to spend the little money they have on taxable goods. I began to empathize with them. How can people pull themselves out of poverty if their government seems to be working against them? More than anything, I was frustrated that I felt powerless to help them in any way.

Those lessons inspired and motivated me. I had always looked at economics as nothing more than an analysis of business models and resource allocation. I began to see it as a way to fix fundamental problems in our society, from examining the effects of healthcare expansion on crime and poverty rates to studying how shifts in our political climate affect how our country’s financial process will change. I now see economics as a way to help those in need in my country and throughout the world.

I volunteered after school for Representative Dingell and had the opportunity to attend numerous events hosted by the Ford School. Again and again, I was impressed by the extent of the Ford School’s student involvement in critical issues. Through my work with the Congresswoman, I was able to gain a greater understanding of how different groups of people were affected by shifts in political and economic priorities. My goal is to become a civil rights attorney or study economics as a way to promote sustainable growth in developing nations.

I want to begin my studies at the University of Michigan in LSA to gain a foundation in economics and political science-related courses. After my first year, I hope to gain admission to the Ford School. The connections that LSA and Ford have to Poverty Solutions solidified by interest in the University of Michigan. If I attended these schools as an undergraduate student, I would be able to assist with research on the causes and ramifications of poverty. Professor Michael Barr’s research on policy initiatives and our financial system is fascinating from the perspective of a prospective economics major. At the University of Michigan, I would be able to join teams of renowned researchers working toward the betterment of our society and our world.

The range of schools working in connection with Poverty Solutions is evidence of the University’s devotion to civic engagement. I would be able to participate in groundbreaking research regarding issues I am interested in; I would have the ability to study poverty and ways to stunt or alleviate its effects in other countries. As someone hoping to pursue a career in public service, it is truly incredible to have the opportunity to join a research community specifically geared toward solving problems I am passionate about solving.

I want to join the University of Michigan’s legacy of innovators. I want to be part of the LSA community, studying economics and political science. I want to attend the Ford School and understand how policy in America and abroad has an effect on global poverty. I want to be involved with the Poverty Solutions Initiative, conducting groundbreaking research on the ways we can reform our financial system to better serve the lower and middle classes.

16. "Why English Major?" Rice University Essay Example

Prompt: Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected above. (150 words max)

It's an understatement to label me as an English geek; I am that kid who squeals in excitement in English class when given a new essay assignment while others may groan in exasperation. I understand why some may be a bit anxious when preparing to turn in an essay for evaluation; you could bring an essay to two different English teachers and receive two different grades on it. This subjectivity is why some folks may prefer subjects such as mathematics in which the right answer is not debatable. However, its subjectivity is exactly what captivates me. I enjoy reasoning my opinions of arguments and the intentions of authors.

I was really happy when I learned I didn't have to major in Criminal Justice or Political Science to be a civil rights lawyer because I want to become a professional author as well. So, majoring in English is perfect for me.

17. "Why Political Science?" University of Michigan Essay Example

Riding the elevator to the seventh floor of Haven Hall, my heart was practically leaping out of my chest. I was meeting with Dr. Jenna Bednar of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts Department of Political Science, and as I recalled her credentials- B.A. in Political Science from Michigan, M.A. and PhD in Political Science from Stanford- I felt increasingly out of place. As a junior in high school with limited political experience, I am grateful that she agreed to take time out of her day to meet with me and answer my numerous questions about LSA, Michigan, and political theory.

Upon entering her office, my eyes were drawn to bookshelves full of political literature, from the classics like De Tocqueville and Locke (which I read in a summer college program in 2017), to her own recently published work, The Robust Federation. Encouraged by her broad smile and having just completed an official campus tour, I launched into my questions. Dr. Bednar described the connections she and her students have made at Michigan, through LSA and in general.

This revealed to me that the faculty would take a personal interest in my academic career. We discussed the average class size in LSA and the Department of Political Science, her academic background, and how to survive Michigan winters. Dr. Bednar then brought my attention to the benefits that LSA Political Science gives its students.

For example, as head of the Michigan in Washington program, Dr. Bednar's passion for both political science and education was evident as she introduced me to one of Michigan's most influential academic programs. Although I hail from two miles outside the D.C. border, I aspire to participate in the Michigan in Washington program, to build on my internship of the past year with my delegate to the Maryland General Assembly.

Under his guidance, I conducted nationwide policy research, attended civic association meetings and development forums, and traveled to our state capitol to watch the legislative process unfold. Consequently, an internship at the federal level is my logical next step toward building the foundations of a political career.

Dr. Bednar, upon hearing about my internship with my delegate, suggested that I think about the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. I believe that this research program offers a unique means of building my understanding of political science. I am eager to apply to the UROP program in hopes of furthering my research skills within the complex political landscape of today. Furthermore, the variety of courses that I can explore as a political science major is remarkable: from "Sports, Politics, and Society", to "Nations and Nationalism," the scope of topics will keep me engaged.

When I sat down with Dr. Bednar, I expected a five-minute chat; I received forty-five minutes of helpful advice, political theorizing, and well wishes. Leaving her office, I felt energized and ready to dive into LSA Political Science right there. Her demeanor helped to build my confidence to boldly seek connections in my search for knowledge. I saw the Michigan difference firsthand, from various undergraduate opportunities for political science, to a universal love for the school from students and faculty alike.

18. "Why Chemistry and Biology?" MIT Essay Example

Prompt: Although you may not yet know what you want to major in, which department or program at MIT appeals to you and why? (100 words max)

I remember boiling down cabbage with my dad to make titration indicators. When I first read about the process of translation, of rendering mRNA into proteins, my eyes filled with tears; this is what I would do, apply the chemistry that had defined my childhood to my love of biology. In the past few months alone, MIT researchers have visualized a critical growth kinase and decoded the kavalactone gene. To major in both the chemistry and biology departments at MIT would be an unequaled opportunity to explore the molecular basis of life and apply that knowledge to real-world innovation.

19. "Why Neuroscience?" University of Michigan Essay Example

My favorite class in high school was also my hardest. It was World Culture/World Literature, an hour and a half each day of seeing history, art, and literature not as separate entities but as intricately connected, one incomplete without the other. I learned to see humanism in Greek sculpture, religious propaganda in the chiaroscuro of Baroque paintings, disillusionment in modern art. Although seemingly unrelated to my STEM-leaning interests, the analytical skills I learned there would prove invaluable in neuroscience research. Connecting electroencephalography results to mechanisms for chronic pain relief wasn’t all too different from drawing links between historical movements and paintings; both required an intimate knowledge of background information and a willingness to take risks, to see new relationships and forge unprecedented connections.

LSA embodies precisely this mentality, fostering interdisciplinary learning and problem-solving. With classes like “Health, Biology, and Society: What is Cancer?”, bridging humanistic and biological approaches to disease, and graduation requirements ranging from Natural Sciences to Race and Ethnicity, LSA prepares students for the real world, where problems necessitate not just single-minded expertise but also a diverse understanding of other factors involved. My internship experience only confirmed the practicality of this perspective; we used mindfulness meditation alongside spinal cord stimulation technologies to treat chronic pain.

This mindset is not confined to learning inside the classroom. The LSA Opportunity Hub is robust, connecting students to internships at Nike, Forbes, and the US Department of Education, among other places. To intern as a research assistant at Mayo Clinic, to use mathematical models to predict brain tumor growth like current Michigan junior Tatum Doyle would be an unequalled opportunity. Her work in incorporating mathematical concepts in medical research personifies the LSA culture, where problems are best solved holistically. LSA’s interdisciplinary approach does not detract from fostering specialization and excellence in specific fields, but adds; its Biochemistry program promotes innovation and independence in its students and is ranked top in the nation.

I remember boiling down cabbage with my dad to make acid/base indicators. In elementary school, my teacher wrote that I had been spending too much time reading animal books and too little time playing with other kids. I loved (and still love) all things living, often marvelling at the complexity of the animal kingdom, the human body, the organs, and the cells that were the foundation for everything else. The first time I read about the process of translation, of rendering mRNA into proteins, my eyes filled with tears; this is what I wanted to do, to apply the chemistry that had defined my childhood to my love of biology.

LSA shares that passion, dedicating a plethora of resources, both intellectual and material, to its Biochemistry department. With equipment like atomic absorption spectrophotometers, classes in Endocrinology, and distinguished professors, the University of Michigan has everything any biochemistry undergraduate student would need, and much more. To research under a PI like Dr. Kopelman, winner of the J. William Fulbright Research Award, would be a dream fulfilled. His work in employing 5-dimensional chemical imaging to visualize and treat tumors does what LSA does best; it uses an interdisciplinary approach to make academic discoveries both relevant and essential in the real world. It is a culture I would be honored to take part in, should I be accepted.

20. "Why Undeclared?" University of Michigan Essay Example

Sweat drips down my face onto homework in front of me.

I just got home from a soccer game; I’m not stressed. This is until I realize I still have a plethora of edits to make on my lab report as well as emails to write for an upcoming NHS event. AND I have three tests the next day.

Although stressful, I enjoy every minute of juggling a variety of academics and extracurriculars. I appreciate all the opportunities my high school offers to me and I take advantage of as many as I can handle. Thanks to my involved years of high school, I have received a great education as well as many experiences I would never trade away.

Entering my senior year and researching universities I may want to attend, there is one question which continuously presents itself. What do I want to major in when I get to college? It is a scary question and I have never known the answer. Despite participating in many extracurriculars such as National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Math Honor Society, and Future Business Leaders of America, I still have no idea what I want to do with my life.

As a student at LSA, I would be able to use the abundance of resources to explore possibilities for life after college. Since I am one of the many college applicants who has not decided upon a major, a large, liberal arts college like LSA is the perfect place for me to discover more about myself, pursue interests, and find my purpose. I have considered medicine, business, economics, and law. The two courses I have enjoyed the most are biomedical sciences and US History. I am truly all over the map!

With so much variety at LSA, I would be able to change majors or take a diverse group of classes so that I could find what I want to study. LSA is unique from its University of Michigan counterparts because it offers a broader range of departments, majors, and courses. The flexibility at LSA would help me discover what I want my life to be like while supporting me through my journey.

Additionally, LSA provides students with multiple opportunities not found anywhere else at University of Michigan. One program that caught my eye was Michigan Learning Communities. This program appeals to me because having the resources of this large university, yet finding a niche in the community to challenge myself and others, can help me grow as a student and a person. Similarly, the Opportunity Hub at LSA jumped out at me as I researched the University and toured the school. I would take full advantage of the great connections the Opportunity Hub provides, as it could help me find an internship or job offer when the perfect time comes. MLCs, the Opportunity Hub, and the many other programs which LSA offers are the main reasons why LSA would be the best college fit for me.

I was initially drawn to the University of Michigan by the beautiful campus, great athletics programs, unmatched prestige, and massive alumni network. However, as I dove deeper, I discovered LSA, a school that can help me realize my purpose and passions while providing a focused learning environment to lead me to a bright future.

21. "Why Computer Science?" Cornell Essay Example

22. "why kinesiology" university of michigan essay example, 23. "why mathematics" cornell essay example.

Prompt: Cornell Engineering celebrates innovative problem solving that helps people, communities…the world. Consider your ideas and aspirations and describe how a Cornell Engineering education would allow you to leverage technological problem-solving to improve the world we live in. (250-650 words)

For "Why Us?" college essays, one of the most important parts is to show ways you imagine being involved on campus. This student does a great job of showing that they've done their research about Cornell, by connecting their passion for studying heart disease to specific initiatives already taking place on campus. Try researching what events, research, or programs are being conducted. By referencing those specifics, you can create convincing reasons of why this school is fit for you.

When discussing your intended area of study, one effective strategy is to identify a problem that you see. This problem can be in the field itself, your community, or the world. Then, you can connect this problem to yourself by showing how you'd want to help solve it. Don't try to tackle it entirely yourself, but show how you'd "take bites" out of this larger problem. It is also important that you identify potential solutions to the problem. You definitely don't (and shouldn't) have all the answers, but what do you see as potential steps for combatting the issue?

Using technical language, such as referencing "semi-elliptical curves" and "modular form" in this essay, will help show your in-depth knowledge and passion. Don't be afraid to use technical jargon like this, and don't worry if admissions officers may not know all the terms. As long as they have context and knowing the terminology isn't critical to understanding your point, including "nerdy" language will make your essay more engaging and demonstrate your intelligence.

If you have personal connections to the school you're applying to (such as legacy, family members who work there, students or faculty you're close with), it can be a good idea to reference those connections. Showing personal connections to the school makes admissions think, "They're already practically one of us!" Just make sure that these connections aren't contrived: only write about them if you have a clear purpose within your essay for introducing them. In this essay, the student references their brother who attended Cornell, but does so in a way that naturally ties into the rest of their reasons for "why Cornell."

24. "Why Computer Science?" Brown University Essay Example

Prompt: Why are you drawn to the area(s) of study you indicated? (150 words max)

There was a time when I was low and afraid to be with myself. That’s when I dived into programming. I always sat with my laptop. But unlike others on Instagram or Snapchat, I was coding. I always kept myself occupied so I wouldn’t think about hardships. But as I was solving those little Instantiation and StackOverflow errors, I realized that any problem in my life had a solution. I could either modify the code and right the wrong, or just keep compiling them, producing no output. So, life is not all that different. That is why I want to pursue Computer Science. I know I can work to keep myself happy. Inevitably, what makes me happy is Computer Science, which is what I want to pursue.

25. "Why Journalism?" Emerson College Essay Example

Prompt: As you know, the academic programs at Emerson College are focused on communication and the arts. Please tell us what influenced you to select your major. If you're undecided about your major, what attracted you to Emerson's programs? Please be brief. (100-200 words)

Recording devices have been banned from the courtroom of the United States Supreme Court Building since 1946. Therefore, when the Court makes a landmark decision, interns must hand-deliver paper copies of the ruling to news organizations.

The quarter-mile sprint from the Court building to the area where networks ​await ​is no easy feat. But the interns dress with this mind, often pairing running shoes with their business attire.

When I first saw photographs of “The Running of the Interns”, I knew that I wanted nothing more than to ​be​ one of those people. I wanted to feel my running shoes beating against the limestone sidewalks, to feel sweat staining my suit.

Why did a tradition centered around dashing through D.C. attract me to journalism? Because it reminded me that the news is a race, a constantly-changing collection of stories shaping social and political development.

This, I think, defines both what it means to be a journalist and why I want to be a journalist: When I become a journalism major at Emerson, and, later, a part of the press--perhaps a running intern--I get to be a contender in the race to change the world.

What You Can Learn From These "Why This Major" Essay Examples

Ryan Chiang , Founder of EssaysThatWorked

Want to read more amazing essays that worked for top schools?

Hey! 👋 I'm Ryan Chiang, the founder of EssaysThatWorked.

Get our 5-minute free newsletter packed with essay tips and college admissions resources, backed by real-life examples from admitted students at top-20 schools.

Meet the Author

Ryan Chiang

I'm Ryan Chiang and I created EssaysThatWorked - a website dedicated to helping students write college essays they're proud of. We publish the best college admissions essays from successful applicants every year to inspire and teach future students.

You might also like:

20 Successful College Essay Examples + Why They Worked (2023)

25 Elite Common App Essay Examples (And Why They Worked)

20 Brilliant Personal Statement Examples + Why They Work

UCLA Acceptance Rate By Major & Program 2023

What do outstanding essays have in common? Here are our 23 most effective strategies based on lessons from admitted students.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

By signing up you agree to Terms and Privacy Policy

Now available for November 2023 ...

The College Essay Workshop

Join my on-demand step-by-step course for crafting outstanding college admissions essays, plus 1-on-1 help.

Here's everything needed to write essays worthy of Top-20 colleges.

Google Rating

Join our students who have earned acceptances to schools like...

See exactly how students wrote admitted essays for top schools.

Our 231 essay examples show you how ordinary students wrote outstanding essays that helped their applications - all in their own words.

These aren’t just essay examples - but real acceptance stories, from real students who share their most intimate details with you - down to their real essays and exact profiel stats.

How do I find a unique topic? How do I write a great essay? And how do I stand out?

Our 231 essay examples break down these exact questions. Every type of essay prompt, student, and school.

You’ll realize these students are just like you - and that, deep down, you can do it too.

Princeton Admitted Essay

People love to ask why. Why do you wear a turban? Why do you have long hair? Why are you playing a guitar with only 3 strings and watching TV at 3 A.M.—where did you get that cat? Why won’t you go back to your country, you terrorist? My answer is... uncomfortable. Many truths of the world are uncomfortable...

MIT Admitted Essay

Her baking is not confined to an amalgamation of sugar, butter, and flour. It's an outstretched hand, an open invitation, a makeshift bridge thrown across the divides of age and culture. Thanks to Buni, the reason I bake has evolved. What started as stress relief is now a lifeline to my heritage, a language that allows me to communicate with my family in ways my tongue cannot. By rolling dough for saratele and crushing walnuts for cornulete, my baking speaks more fluently to my Romanian heritage than my broken Romanian ever could....

UPenn Admitted Essay

A cow gave birth and I watched. Staring from the window of our stopped car, I experienced two beginnings that day: the small bovine life and my future. Both emerged when I was only 10 years old and cruising along the twisting roads of rural Maryland...

Over 200 more admitted essays like these...

Learn the secrets behind outstanding application essays.

College essays are confusing. And it's not your fault. You're not taught how to write them in school.

How should I structure my essay? Can I use humor? What makes a truly great essay?

There's so much conflicting advice out there.

And with people selling "magic formulas" and "structures" to follow... it's easy to be led astray.

You’ll get access to courses, live events, a dedicated essay coach, and countless resources to help you write your best essays.

You finally have a place where you can ask these questions, get advice, and see exactly how admitted students before you did it.

You’re no longer figuring out everything on your own. You're no longer stuck wondering.

Everything you get

231 essays analyzed

Explore our database of 200+ admitted essays from top-20 colleges. Filter by prompt, school, topic, word count, and more. Get expert insights into why they worked and what you can learn from them.

Exclusive access to essay editing

You'll get access to our essay editing services, which is only offered for members. You can get your essays reviewed personally by me (Ryan). I'll give you detailed feedback on how to improve your essays and make them stand out.

Dedicated essay coach & support

You'll get access to our private community, where you can ask questions and get help from me directly. I'll be there to answer your questions and provide unlimited personalized advice.

44 in-depth video lessons

Learn the secrets behind outstanding essays. We break down the entire process, from brainstorming to writing and editing. You'll learn how to write amazing college essays for any prompt, with step-by-step guides and actionable tips.

26 downloadable guides

Get our best tips and tricks in easy-to-read guides. Learn what makes great essays, how to brainstorm your best topics, and how to write specific parts like a powerful hook and memorable ending.

Tons of bonuses

Get the Ultimate College Application Planner, my 154-Point Essay Checklist, and more. You'll also get a free copy of my eBooks, including 23 College Essay Tips to Stand Out and more.

Don't take our word for it

Some names have been changed to protect the privacy of our students and parents.

" Ryan, I want to express our great appreciation to you for your help on George's application essays. You have provided invaluable resources! P.S. I will certainly recommend you to our friends. "

" Ryan—David got into The University of Michigan!!! Only 4 kids got in out of 200 that applied at his school!!! Thank you so so much for everything "

" Thank you for the incredible help Ryan - both Hannah and I have said repeatedly that we could not have done it without you! "

" Thank you for your help with my essays back in November, including my Yale supplements. Just wanted to let you know I ended up getting into and committing to Yale! "

" I feel so much more reassured to press the submit button now. I wish I knew about your site sooner! "

" ... Invaluable to me during the college admissions process! It gave me a different perspective to look at my essays. "

" Initially I was skeptical about my essay's idea and whether it was properly reflected in my writing. This gave me a clear direction! "

Don't miss out on writing your best college essays.

© 2018- 2023 Essays That Worked . All rights reserved.

Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions , Privacy Policy , and Cookie Policy .

We have no affiliation with any university or colleges on this site. All product names, logos, and brands are the property of their respective owners.

Recently viewed courses

Recently viewed.

Find Your Dream School

This site uses various technologies, as described in our Privacy Policy, for personalization, measuring website use/performance, and targeted advertising, which may include storing and sharing information about your site visit with third parties. By continuing to use this website you consent to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

   COVID-19 Update: To help students through this crisis, The Princeton Review will continue our "Enroll with Confidence" refund policies. For full details, please click here.

20 Must-Read MBA Essay Tips

Business school admissions committees care about more than (just) your  GMAT scores and GPA —they want to know who you are and why you belong in their program . Your MBA essays are your best chance to sell the person behind the résumé. They should tie all the pieces of your business school application together and create a comprehensive picture of who you are, what you've done, and what you bring to the table.  Here's a roundup of our best MBA essay tips to keep in mind as you begin to write.

How to Write an Unforgettable B-School Essay

1. communicate that you are a proactive, can-do sort of person..

Business schools want leaders, not applicants content with following the herd.

2. Put yourself on ego-alert.

Stress what makes you unique, not what makes you number one.

3. Communicate specific reasons why you're great fit for each school.

Simply stating "I am the ideal candidate for your program" won't convince the admission committee to push you into the admit pile.

Read More: Find Your Business School

4. Bring passion to your writing.

Admissions officers want to know what excites you. And if you'll bring a similar enthusiasm to the classroom.

5. Break the mold.

Challenge perceptions with unexpected essays that say, "There's more to me than you think."

6. If you've taken an unorthodox path to business school, play it up.

Admissions officers appreciate risk-takers.

7. Talk about your gender, ethnicity, minority status or foreign background....

But only if it has affected your outlook or experiences.

8. Fill your essays with plenty of real-life examples.

Specific anecdotes and vivid details make a much greater impact than general claims and broad summaries.

9. Demonstrate a sense of humor or vulnerability.

You're a real person, and it's okay to show it!

BONUS: Don't Make These MBA Essay Mistakes

1. write about your high school glory days. .

Admissions committees don't care if you were editor of the yearbook or captain of the varsity team. They expect their candidates to have moved onto more current, professional achievements.

2. Submit essays that don't answer the questions.

An off-topic essay, or one that merely restates your résumé, will frustrate and bore the admissions committee. More importantly, it won't lead to any new insight about you.

Attend UNC's top-ranked online MBA program without putting your career on hold. See how.

3. Fill essays with industry jargon.

Construct your essays with only enough detail about your job to frame your story and make your point.

4. Reveal half-baked reasons for wanting the MBA.

Admissions officers favor applicants who have well-defined goals. However unsure you are about your future, it's critical that you demonstrate that you have a plan.

5. Exceed the recommended word limits.

This suggests you don't know how to follow directions, operate within constraints or organize your thoughts.

6. Submit an application full of typos and grammatical errors.

A sloppy application suggests a sloppy attitude.

7. Send one school an essay intended for another—or forget to change the school name when using the same essay for several applications.

Admissions committees are (understandably) insulted when they see another school's name or forms.

8. Make excuses.

If your undergraduate experience was one long party, be honest. Discuss how you've matured, both personally and professionally.

9. Be impersonal in the personal statement.

Many applicants avoid the personal like the plague. Instead of talking about how putting themselves through school lowered their GPA, they talk about the rising cost of tuition in America. Admissions officers want to know about YOU.

Read More: How to Ace Your MBA Interview

10. Make too many generalizations.

An essay full of generalizations is a giveaway that you don't have anything to say.

11. Write in a vacuum.

Make sure that each of your essays reinforce and build on the others to present a consistent and compelling representation of who you are, what you've done, and what you bring to the table.

Practice for the GMAT

Take a GMAT practice test with us under the same conditions as the real thing. You'll get a personalized score report highlighting your strengths and areas of improvement.

START A FREE PRACTICE TEST

• Business School  

Find MBA Programs Matched to Your Interests

Explore our featured business schools to find those that are looking for students like you.

Top Online MBA Programs

On a mission to increase your salary? Our Top 50 Online MBA ranking is based on academics, career outcomes, tech platforms, and more.

Best Career Prospects

Find out which schools have the best track records for getting students jobs—and the highest starting salaries.

Top Schools for Entrepreneurship

Ready to build your own business from the ground up? Check out these 50 graduate programs.

Free MCAT Practice Test

I already know my score.

MCAT Self-Paced 14-Day Free Trial

Enrollment Advisor

1-800-2REVIEW (800-273-8439) ext. 1

1-877-LEARN-30

Mon-Fri 9AM-10PM ET

Sat-Sun 9AM-8PM ET

Student Support

1-800-2REVIEW (800-273-8439) ext. 2

Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM ET

Sat-Sun 8:30AM-5PM ET

Partnerships

• Teach or Tutor for Us

College Readiness

International

Advertising

Affiliate/Other

• Enrollment Terms & Conditions
• Accessibility
• Cigna Medical Transparency in Coverage

Register Book

Local Offices: Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM

• SAT Subject Tests

Academic Subjects

• Social Studies

Find the Right College

• College Rankings
• College Advice
• Applying to College
• Financial Aid

School & District Partnerships

• Professional Development
• Advice Articles
• Private Tutoring
• Mobile Apps
• Local Offices
• International Offices
• Work for Us
• Affiliate Program
• Partner with Us
• Advertise with Us
• International Partnerships
• Our Guarantees
• Accessibility – Canada

Privacy Policy | CA Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information | Your Opt-Out Rights | Terms of Use | Site Map

©2024 TPR Education IP Holdings, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University

TPR Education, LLC (doing business as “The Princeton Review”) is controlled by Primavera Holdings Limited, a firm owned by Chinese nationals with a principal place of business in Hong Kong, China.

Add Project Key Words

Everything You Need to Know About Business School Essays

Padya Paramita

February 8, 2021

You’ve worked hard to achieve a good GMAT score and beef up your resumé as you prepare to apply to your top-choice MBA programs. While you’ve got those components out of the way, you might still need to work on the element which could make all the difference between an acceptance and a rejection from the admissions committee: your business school essays .

Business school essays are program-specific and are geared towards helping admissions committees understand who you are and how their institution can help you reach your goals. In order to answer these prompts, you need to frame the biggest factors behind your choice of a school in terms of how they align with your personality and aspirations. 

You must take advantage of this essay component to give admissions committee members a concrete and memorable idea of who you are. To guide you through what to expect, we’ve outlined the 2020-2021 prompts for the top 20 MBA programs, how to answer common questions, explained the importance of the essays in the admissions decision, as well as  shared some final tips to aid you through the process.

Prompts for Top Schools

Here’s the thing: not all business schools ask for the same essay. In fact, for most schools, you have to answer multiple short prompts that add up to convey a bigger picture of who you are. While the prompts and word limits differ, they all ask questions which help provide context for other parts of your application, as well as demonstrate how you would fit into the school. Without further ado, let’s look at the prompts for business school essays assigned by the top 20 MBA programs for the upcoming cycle:

As you can see from the table, essay prompts and lengths vary from school to school. One personal statement won’t cover all of the MBA programs on your list! Nor can you copy one essay and directly paste it for another prompt, as you have to be specific to each school and its specialties. 

How to Tackle Common Prompts

Now that you’ve read the prompts for business school essays you’re likely to encounter, it’s time to analyze how to answer them. For any MBA response, it’s important to think about the following:

• Who you are
• What you’ve done so far
• Where you hope to go
• How an MBA from the school of your choice can help you reach your goals

To further break down specific ways to answer some common questions, let’s look at how to answer three typical MBA prompts you’ll almost certainly have to tackle.

The “Why Our School” Essay

Anyone can say they want an MBA from a top school. The “why our school” essay is your chance to convince admissions committees that you’ve done your research on their program and are convinced that this is the institution for you over any other. Each school frames it differently, and assigns their own limits such as:

Penn : What do you hope to gain professionally from the Wharton MBA? (500 words)

Columbia : Why do you feel Columbia Business School is a good fit for you? (250 words)

There’s no beating around the bush. You’ve made a choice to apply to the program, so make it clear why you’ve done so. Writing this essay will also prepare you to confidently back up your decision if you are invited to interview with the school. This is your chance to demonstrate that you know the program and aren’t writing generic statements that can apply to any MBA. Whether it’s Columbia’s J-Term or the Harvard Business School Case Method , know what opportunities you would have at the school whose essay you’re tackling that you can’t find anywhere else. 

Most importantly, remember that this is your business school application. Just outright stating that these resources are great won’t do. You have to tie them to the experiences you’ve had, the kind of business you want to engage with in the future, and how these resources can help you get where you want in your career. How can the school of your choice help you hone your teamwork skills? Is there a particular leadership program at the school that can benefit your long-term plans? Show the admissions reader that you know the opportunities inside out, that you’re aware of exactly which fellowships or seminars are perfect for you, and in turn, outline how you can contribute to the class environment.

The Career Goals Essay

For a lot of schools, the career goals and “why our school” questions are fused in one prompt. A few of the top schools ask you to write about where you see yourself at various points in the future:

Michigan: Michigan Ross is a place where people from all backgrounds with different career goals can thrive. What is your short-term career goal and why? (200 words)

UVA : What is your short-term, post-MBA goal and why? (150 words)

While attending business school and receiving an MBA can open you up to new career possibilities, admissions committees want to know that you’re an ambitious, reflective, and driven individual. Since you’ve probably taken time to step into the workforce for a few years, you should use this prompt to connect these dots and your forward-looking vision. If your word limit is restricted, don’t focus too much on the past. Mention the most meaningful aspects of your work experience or the field you wish to join, describe your biggest aspirations, and how an MBA from that specific school can help you get there. If a school has asked the “why our school” and career goals questions separately like Columbia has, make sure you haven’t repeated any information; each essay should convey something new.

Similar to the “why our school” question, the career goals essay also provides great practice for your interviews because schools will undoubtedly want to hear more extensively about what you’ve done where you plan to go, and how the institution fits into it all. A carefully written response can help you set up a compelling answer for your interview. So, make sure you don’t exaggerate or write about anything you can’t elaborate on if faced with the question in person.

The “Tell Us Who You Are” Essay

The “tell us about yourself” or “introduce yourself” questions for business school essays can seem broad. Where do you even start? Schools frame this type of question very simply, or sometimes in unconventional ways:

UT Austin : Please introduce yourself (250 words) 

NYU : Describe yourself to the Admissions Committee and to your future classmates using six images. 

However worded, it’s time for you to reflect on what makes you a unique, memorable candidate when compared to thousands of others from all over the world.

The key to writing such an essay is to stay organized. Don’t write down every single thing you’ve ever done in your response. Take a hint from the Cornell Johnson prompt: “Please help us get to know you better by sharing ONE example of a life experience, achievement, or passion that will give us a sense of who you are as a potential community member.” When you’ve got limited words and readers with very little time on their hands, you need to narrow it down to the most compelling aspect about yourself. 

Think about leadership opportunities, honors and awards, and your family background. You could talk about your biggest passion and how it arose, you could talk about any experience which has shaped your perspective, or you could talk about your family background and how it has directed your career choices. No matter what you cover in your essay, you have to make sure it paints a memorable picture. Using anecdotes to drive your points home is an effective way of showing rather than telling. If you want to talk about work experience, make sure you’re not just writing about how you worked at a consulting firm where hundreds of your peers have also worked. It won’t help distinguish you to admissions officers. In fact, it might just do the opposite. You have to find a unique spin.

Make sure your response has a clear focus, so that the admissions committee members will be able to remember you easily once they’ve finished reading.

The Importance of Your Business School Essays: What Admissions Officers Look For

Your business school essays make up one of the most important components of your application, as they provide admissions committees the chance to understand your personality, figure out what matters to you, and gauge whether you would be a good fit for the school. No matter how strong your grades or test scores are, weak responses to essays can definitely prevent you from making it to the acceptance pile. Remember, your business school essay is not the place for you to explain why you have shortcomings in your application—schools typically have a separate addendum section for that. If your topic and writing are stellar enough, admissions committees might overlook slightly lower numbers. Of course, you need to work on your other elements as well, but the essay acts as a highly valuable opportunity to differentiate yourself.

When reading your essays, admissions committee members look to get a greater sense of who you are and how you’ve taken steps to pursue your interests. While your resumé outlines what you’ve done so far, the business school essays tie the most important pieces of it together to portray why your experiences matter. It’s crucial that you expand on a story that is your own—not your parents’ or your friends’—and one which helps admissions committees understand you beyond your grades and consulting experience. 

Business schools have specific characteristics that they look for in students. For example, Harvard Business School wants leaders who can thrive in a fast-paced environment and actively collaborate with their community. So, an important part of school research is ensuring that you know what kind of characteristics the school wants you to bring, and letting those traits shine in the anecdotes and points you bring up in your essays.

Final Writing Tips 

• Authenticity and Uniqueness are Key - Trying to figure out what admissions officers want to hear, instead of actually reflecting on your career and goals, is the wrong way to approach MBA applications. Your business school essays should stand out as your chance to tell business schools your unique story. Think about whether or not your response will help you become a memorable candidate in admissions officers’ eyes. If you have a professional or personal experience that you know your peers won’t have, that’s what you should consider writing about in your essays.
• Be as Specific as Possible - Saying you want to work in consulting or in investment banking once you’ve received your MBA is far from enough. It tells nothing unique about you. Why do you want to work where you do? What kind of consulting firms are you looking for and why? How do you hope to leverage your experiences and education to create something bigger? The more specific you are to your own goals and story, the more you can stand out to the reader.
• Start Writing with Plenty of Time in Hand - If you’re applying to a handful of business schools, chances are you’ll have over 10 essays to write! In order to make sure all of your essays are as polished as possible; you need to give yourself plenty of time to work on each carefully. So, don’t wait until 3 weeks before the deadline to start. Plan ahead and put your best efforts into convincing admissions officers why you’re ideally suited for their MBA program.

Business school essays provide a great opportunity to emphasize your individuality and supply context on how your background, work experiences, and interests can contribute to the MBA program, as well as the world of business once you’ve graduated. Think carefully about topic choices, and let the admissions committee know that there’s more to you than just your grades and work experiences. Show that you will prove to be a wonderful asset to their institution.

Tags : applying to business school , MBA , business school essays , applying to mba programs , mba essays , b school

Schedule a free consultation

to find out how we can help you get accepted.

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

The Science of Strong Business Writing

• Bill Birchard

Lessons from neurobiology

Brain scans are showing us in new detail exactly what entices readers. Scientists can see a group of midbrain neurons—the “reward circuit”—light up as people respond to everything from a simple metaphor to an unexpected story twist. The big takeaway? Whether you’re crafting an email to a colleague or an important report for the board, you can write in a way that delights readers on a primal level, releasing pleasure chemicals in their brains.

Bill Birchard is an author and writing coach who’s worked with many successful businesspeople. He’s drawn on that experience and his review of the scientific literature to identify eight features of satisfying writing: simplicity, specificity, surprise, stirring language, seductiveness, smart ideas, social content, and storytelling. In this article, he shares tips for using those eight S’s to captivate readers and help your message stick.

Strong writing skills are essential for anyone in business. You need them to effectively communicate with colleagues, employees, and bosses and to sell any ideas, products, or services you’re offering.

• Bill Birchard is a business author and book-writing coach. His Writing for Impact: 8 Secrets from Science That Will Fire Up Your Reader’s Brain will be published by HarperCollins Leadership in April 2023. His previous books include Merchants of Virtue, Stairway to Earth, Nature’s Keepers, Counting What Counts, and others. For more writing tactics, see his website .  

Partner Center

Business Essay Examples

13 Business Essay Examples for Students

14 min read

Published on: May 1, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

Share this article

Are you struggling to figure out the structure, research, or data required to make your essay stand out? Or frustrated by the lack of inspiration and ideas for your essay?

But don't give up yet! We have a powerful solution that will make your essay writing a breeze. Our list of business essay examples is here to help! 

We have compiled expertly written business essay examples that will illustrate how to write a striking business essay.

With our examples, you'll be able to see how to structure your essay and generate creative ideas for your topic. And our tips will help you make the most of these examples.

So, let's dive in and get ready to learn!

On This Page On This Page -->

What is a Business Essay?

A business essay is a type of academic writing that focuses on business-related topics and issues. These essays can cover a wide range of topics such as marketing, finance, management, entrepreneurship, and more.

The importance of business essay lies in presenting a well-researched and informed analysis. To do this effectively, writers need to conduct extensive research and analysis on the topic at hand.

Referring to examples of business essays can help you gain insight into the structure, tone, and content of a well-written essay.

Business Essay Examples For Students

Here is a list of business writing examples

Business Essay Examples Pdf

Business Essay Example Grade 10

Business Essay Example Grade 11

A Level Business Essay Examples

University Business Essay Examples

International Business Essay Examples

Short Essay About Business

College Essay About Starting A Business

Types of Business Essay with Examples

When it comes to business essay writing, there are several different types that you might encounter. 

Here's a brief overview of each type, including their characteristics and an example of each.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Case Studies

A case study is an in-depth analysis of a specific business situation or problem. It involves extensive research and data analysis to provide recommendations.

Case studies often showcase the application of theory to real-world business scenarios.

Research Papers

Research papers involve a more academic approach to business writing. They typically require an extensive literature review, data analysis, and original research. 

Business research papers aim to contribute new knowledge to the field of business. These often involve a hypothesis or research question.

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative business essays aim to persuade the reader to adopt a particular point of view or take a specific action. They present an argument and use evidence and logic to support their claims. 

Argumentative essays can address various business topics such as management practices, ethical issues, or market trends.

White Papers

A white paper is a document that provides a detailed explanation of a particular issue or problem, often with recommendations or solutions. 

White papers are typically used to educate stakeholders about a specific topic. These are often used in the business-to-business (B2B) context.

Comparative Essays 

Comparative business essays compare and contrast two or more topics or ideas. They typically analyze the similarities and differences between the topics to evaluate their pros and cons. 

Comparative essays can focus on various aspects such as products, companies, markets, or strategies.

How to Structure Your Business Essays

As you begin writing your business essay, it's important to structure it in a clear and organized way. 

Here's a step-by-step guide with business essay samples to help you do just that:

Executive Summary

The executive summary is a brief overview of your entire essay. It should summarize your main points and highlight your recommendations. 

This section should be written after completing the essay, as it gives a clear picture of what the essay covers. 

Here is how you start a business essay sample:

Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for the rest of the essay. It should introduce the topic, provide background information, and explain the purpose of the essay. 

Here is a business essay introduction example:

Industry Analysis

In this section, you'll conduct a thorough analysis of the industry in which the business operates. You should examine factors such as competition, market trends, and customer behavior. 

Here is a sample industry analysis

Key Issues or Problems

This section should identify the main issues or problems faced by the business. You should provide evidence to support your claims and analyze the impact of these issues. 

Here is an example paragraph:

Solutions or Recommendation

Here, you'll provide solutions or recommendations to address the issues identified in the previous section. Your solutions should be well-supported and feasible. 

For instance:

Implementation Plan

For this part, you'll outline a plan for implementing the solutions or recommendations you've proposed. This is sort of a description of the business model you suggest. 

This section should be detailed and include specific action steps. 

For example:

Finally, you'll wrap up your essay by summarizing your main points and reiterating your recommendations. 

This section should be clear, concise, and impactful. 

By following this structure, your business essay will be well-organized, coherent, and easy to follow for your readers.

Tips for Using Business Essay Examples Effectively

Now that you have quite a few business essay examples at hand, you should know how to use them effectively:

• Use them as a guide, not a template : While it's great to learn from examples, you should never copy them outright. Instead, use them as a starting point for your own research and writing.
• Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the essay : Take note of what works well in the example essay, as well as any areas that could be improved. This will help you understand how to make your own essay even better.
• Use them to inform your own research and writing : Pay attention to the research methods, sources, and evidence used in the example essay. This can give you ideas for your own research and help you strengthen your arguments.
• Avoid plagiarism and ensure proper citation: Whenever you use ideas or information from an example, make sure to cite your sources. This will help you avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity.

You now have a plenty of business essay examples on different topics to help you get started!

By following our tips and studying the sample essays, you can confidently write your own essays that are clear, concise, and impactful. 

However, if you still find yourself struggling with your business essays, just reach out to our professional business essay writing service . 

We have the best online essay writing service and are ready to provide you a high-quality business. Our writing service has subject specialist writers who can tackle any business essay topic.  

So why wait? Contact us today and let our AI essay writer take your business essays to the next level!

Cathy A. (Literature)

For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Legal & Policies

• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Terms of Use
• Refunds & Cancellations
• Our Writers
• Success Stories
• Our Guarantees
• Affiliate Program
• Referral Program
• AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

• Finance Specialization
• Health Systems Leadership Specialization
• Graduate Business Program Comparison
• How to Apply to the Online Graduate Business Programs
• Tuition and financial aid
• Online experience
• Tuition Reimbursement Guide
• Employee Development Plan Creation

5 business school application essay tips

Good news for potential business school applicants: the personal statement doesn’t need to be the most daunting part of your application package. While it may be some time since you’ve sat down to write an essay—particularly if you’ve already been in the professional workforce for several years—the essay you’ll write to accompany your MBA or business master’s degree application should be a rewarding challenge.

Think about it: This is your opportunity to craft your own narrative, to put on paper the kind of professional you aspire to be, to trace the steps that have brought you to where you are and to set the stage for your next accomplishment. Follow these five tips to write a business school application essay that stands out from the crowd and makes you impossible to ignore for the admissions committee of your program of choice.

Respond to the prompt

Your typical business school application will give you some guidance in composing your personal statement. This can be as specific as a numbered set of questions to address either sequentially or in the course of one cohesive essay, or as general as a guideline to discuss your experience, goals and suitability for the program. The application for the online MBA and online Master in Management programs at Marquette University, for instance, directs applicants to compose an essay “covering your career goals, your interest in the program and how the program will help you achieve your goals.”

Whatever you are given by your business school of choice, it is of primary importance to respond directly to it. To ensure you do so, it may be helpful to begin composing your personal statement with an outline broken up into sections addressing each element of the question. For the above prompt, you could create headings of “career goals,” “interest in the program,” and “how the program will help you achieve your goals. Follow each of these with a bulleted list of responses, and then take this list and expand it out into paragraph form.

Be specific and personal

The last thing you want to do is submit a personal statement that looks like it could have been written by any other business school candidate. Your story is uniquely your own, and it deserves to be framed in a way that makes you stand out from other applicants. Try to avoid descriptive cliches like “I am an ideal candidate because,” which can make your essay feel flat and limp, and focus instead on using active language that makes your passion and energy apparent to your reader.

Try to include illuminating examples to illustrate major points that you make throughout your essay. This will help your reader connect your story to specific experiences and build a vibrant image of you as a person and a professional. If possible, dedicate some time to discussing obstacles you have overcome on your journey to this point. Admissions committees want to see candidates who have the strength and perseverance to face any challenge that might stand in their way. You want it to be clear that you are the type of committed individual who will be an asset to your classmates and to the program on the whole.

Highlight your goals

The best application essays are clear about not only what you will bring to your business school to improve the experience of those around you, but where you hope your experience there will take you in your professional future. Think about where you would like to end up and detail how a graduate-level business education will help you get there.

Do you have a field that you would like to pivot into? A job title that you aspire to? A concrete set of digital or other professional skills that you know would improve your performance in the workplace? Lay out each of your goals of this nature, and discuss how your program of choice is the right one to help you achieve them.

Focus on your audience

Not all MBAs and business master’s degree programs are interchangeable, and you want to make it clear to your readers on the admissions committee why the specific program you are applying to is the only one that can take you where you want to go. Research the program that you’re applying to as thoroughly as you can before you write your essay, then focus on aspects of the program, the university, the school or any other associated elements to give your personal statement the specificity it needs in this regard.

Does your program of choice offer elective courses you can’t find anywhere else? Or does their alumni network feature connections in organizations or industries that are high on your list of desired landing spots for your future employment ? Do their faculty bring specific expertise or experience that will benefit you on your chosen career path? If any of these apply, or if any other elements of the program are uniquely tailored to your goals, be sure to mention them in detail.

Revise and perfect

One of the goals of a personal statement is to frame yourself as a conscientious and polished professional. A major part of this is the attention to detail you demonstrate through the quality of your writing, both in terms of your tone and voice and by ensuring you turn in a clean, error-free document.

Proofread your application essay for grammar, punctuation and word choice. Once you are done, proofread it again. And after that, don’t hesitate to enlist the help of a trusted friend or colleague to read it once more. A second set of eyes is often what you need to make sure you catch every lingering typo.

Ace your application to an online business program at Marquette

With a winning application essay in hand, now is the time to apply to the online MBA or online Master in Management program from Marquette University’s Graduate School of Management. Read about the rest of the application requirements for both programs , and check out our tips for requesting strong letters of recommendation .

Return to Blog

Marquette University has engaged Everspring , a leading provider of education and technology services, to support select aspects of program delivery.

Online MBA or MiM

Business Essay Topics to Write with Impact

Business essays are a common requirement for students pursuing various business-related courses. The key lies in choosing a familiar subject out of various business essay ideas that spark inspiration, one that can be thoroughly researched with ample sources, intriguing facts, or statistical data. In this article, we offer a comprehensive list of business essay topics ideas for you to write a paper that is unmatched!

Business Essay Topics Ideas: Navigating the Selection Process

Selecting the most suitable business essay topics can prove to be a challenging endeavor. Due to the intricate and sensitive nature of the subject, it is crucial to handle business terminologies with care while ensuring that your chosen topic remains intact. To aid you in this process, our custom coursework writing has compiled a set of important tips that will assist you in identifying an impressive essay topic.

• First and foremost, choose a topic that aligns with your personal interests and passions. This will not only make the writing business essay more enjoyable but also enable you to delve deeper into the subject matter.
• Additionally, opt for a business essay topic that offers a wide scope for research. Having access to a wealth of resources and information will enhance the quality and depth of your analysis.
• Select argumentative business essay topics that provide a rich pool of information and sources for reference. This ensures that you have a solid foundation to support your arguments and analysis.
• Prioritize topics that offer evidence, examples, or facts to substantiate the major points of your thesis statement. This not only strengthens your arguments but also demonstrates your understanding of the subject matter.
• Avoid the temptation to opt for overly broad subjects, as they can be challenging to cover comprehensively within the given deadline. Instead, focus on more specific aspects that allow for in-depth analysis and exploration. For instance, if you're writing an expository paper, you can enhance your approach by utilizing an expository essay outline . This will help you structure your major points more efficiently and ensure a clear and logical flow of ideas in your writing. 
• For case studies, consider selecting a business essay example centered around well-established companies and discussing their successes or failures. By offering concrete solutions, you can showcase your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

50+ Business Essay Topics Ideas: Unleashing the Best Choice

While there is an abundance of business essay topics ideas to explore, we have curated a selection of exceptional choices to assist you in this endeavor. Take a thorough look at our handpicked list and discover an ideal topic that will serve as a solid foundation for crafting a detailed and engaging business essay.

Are You Looking for Help with Your Writing?

Our expert writers will provide top-notch assistance with any writing project

Business Management Essay Topics

Business management is a broad field that covers various topics affecting the management of business operations. It encompasses finance, marketing, sales, human resources, and supply chain management. The principles of business management are applicable to all types of businesses, whether small or large. Here are some topics from our ' Do my essay ' experts that can help you explore this area.

• Leadership Styles and Their Impact on Organizational Performance: Analyze different leadership styles (e.g., autocratic, democratic, transformational) and their effects on employee motivation, job satisfaction, and overall organizational performance.
• The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Effective Management: Explore the importance of emotional intelligence in managerial roles, examining how self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills contribute to effective leadership and team management.
• Strategic Human Resource Management: Discuss the role of human resource management in achieving organizational objectives, focusing on topics such as talent acquisition, employee development, performance management, and retention strategies.
• Ethical Decision Making in Business: Examine ethical challenges faced by managers and organizations, analyzing frameworks and approaches for making ethical decisions and creating an ethical culture within the business environment.
• Change Management and Organizational Resilience: Explore strategies for effectively managing organizational change, considering topics such as change communication, employee engagement, resistance management, and building organizational resilience.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Discuss the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving business growth and success. Analyze topics such as fostering a culture of innovation, managing risk, and strategies for promoting entrepreneurial thinking within organizations.
• Strategic Marketing Management: Examine the importance of strategic marketing in achieving competitive advantage, discussing topics such as market segmentation, targeting, branding, product development, pricing, and promotional strategies.

Business Law Essay Topics

Business law is a critical component of any business operation. It covers a wide range of topics, including contracts, intellectual property, securities, and trade secrets. Here are some business law essay topics:

• The Role of Intellectual Property Laws in Protecting Innovation and Creativity in the Business World.
• The Legal and Ethical Implications of Data Privacy and Cybersecurity in Business Operations.
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Balancing Legal Obligations and Ethical Considerations in Business Practices.
• The Impact of Antitrust Laws on Promoting Fair Competition and Preventing Monopolies in the Market.
• The Legal Challenges and Opportunities of International Business Transactions: Navigating Cross-Border Trade and Investment Laws.
• The Role of Employment Laws in Protecting Employee Rights and Promoting Fair Labor Practices in the Workplace.
• The Legal and Ethical Implications of Corporate Governance: Ensuring Accountability and Transparency in Business Organizations.
• The Impact of Consumer Protection Laws on Safeguarding Consumer Rights and Regulating Business Practices.
• Legal Challenges and Strategies for Managing Contracts and Negotiations in Business Transactions.
• The Role of Environmental Regulations in Balancing Business Operations and Sustainable Development.

Business Ethics Essay Topics

Business ethics refers to the set of moral principles that govern the decisions and actions of businesses, and if you need assistance, professionals can help you ' write my research paper ' to explore this topic in-depth. Meanwhile, here are some business ethics essay topics:

• Ethical Dilemmas in the Workplace: Analyzing Real-Life Scenarios and Decision-Making Processes.
• The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Promoting Ethical Business Practices.
• The Impact of Ethical Leadership on Organizational Culture and Employee Behavior.
• Ethical Considerations in Marketing and Advertising: Balancing Profitability and Consumer Protection.
• The Ethics of Workplace Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting Equality and Fairness.
• Ethical Issues in Supply Chain Management: Ensuring Fair Labor Practices and Environmental Sustainability.
• The Ethical Implications of Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Business Operations.
• Whistleblowing and Corporate Misconduct: The Role of Ethics in Promoting Accountability.
• The Ethics of Corporate Governance: Ensuring Transparency and Responsible Decision-Making.
• Ethical Challenges in International Companies: Navigating Cultural Differences and Corruption Risks.

Business Administration Essay Topics

Business administration covers various topics related to the administration and management of business operations. Here are some ideas you can also use as dissertation topics :

• Effective strategies for managing employee diversity in business operations.
• Effective supply chain management strategies.
• Business incubation and entrepreneur support strategies.
• Effective leadership and its impact on business performance.
• Best practices in business decision-making and problem-solving.

International Business Essay Topics

International business operations are characteristic of companies that operate on a global scale. Here are some international business essay topics:

• The impact of globalization on international business operations.
• The impact of cultural differences on international business negotiations and operations.
• Digital transformation challenges and opportunities for global businesses.
• Effective entry strategies for multinational corporations into emerging markets.
• Effective strategies for managing global supply chain operations.

And if If you're wondering how to write a nursing essay focused on international business operations, here are some essay topics to consider:

• The Impact of Globalization on Nursing Practice: Analyze how globalization has influenced the nursing profession on a global scale, considering factors such as international collaboration, workforce migration, and cross-cultural challenges.
• Ethical Considerations in International Healthcare: Explore the ethical dilemmas faced by nurses working in multinational healthcare settings, examining issues like cultural relativism, patient autonomy, and disparities in healthcare access.
• Strategies for Managing Cultural Diversity in Nursing: Discuss effective strategies and best practices for nurses to navigate cultural diversity in international healthcare environments, emphasizing the importance of cultural competence, effective communication, and respectful care.
• Nursing Leadership in Global Healthcare Organizations: Examine the leadership skills and competencies required for nurses to succeed in global healthcare organizations, focusing on aspects such as cross-cultural leadership, strategic decision-making, and managing international teams.
• International Collaborative Research in Nursing: Explore the benefits and challenges of international collaborative research projects in nursing, discussing the importance of knowledge exchange, research ethics, and the potential impact on healthcare outcomes.

Organizational Behavior Essay Topics

Organizational behavior studies the behavior of people and organizations in the workplace. Here are some topics to create a thorough business essay example:

• The relevance of leadership and management in organizational behavior.
• The impact of motivation theories on business performance.
• Diversity management strategies in organizational behavior.
• The impact of workplace stress on employee performance and mental health.
• Effective communication strategies in organizational behavior.

Trending Business Essay Topics for Exam

Here are some current business essay topics ideas that are likely to be examined in exams:

• The Rise of E-commerce: Transforming Traditional Retail
• Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility: Balancing Profit and Environmental Impact
• The Gig Economy: Redefining Employment Relationships
• The Role of Big Data Analytics in Business Decision-Making
• The Influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Business Operations

Good Business Essay Example

If you are one of those students who don't need business essays and need college essay writing services you've come to the right place too. Our professional writers have done it for you. In the next section, you can explore a business essay example.

Final Words

With our comprehensive list of business essay topics ideas, we've laid the foundation for your inspiration to take flight. With your chosen topic in hand, you're now prepared to conquer the world of business essays and create a masterpiece that will captivate your readers and leave them amazed. So, take the leap and let your business essay reach new heights of excellence!

Ready to Take Your Writing to the Next Level?

Our professional writers can help you create something truly unique and special

Now, are you looking for answers to common questions about business essays? In this FAQ section, we address some of the most frequently asked questions to help you navigate the world of business essay writing.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Business Essay Topics?

Why is writing a business essay important.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Related Articles

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

The Easiest and Hardest Business Majors

The great thing about undergraduate business majors is that, in most colleges, you can take the major in any direction you want. “Business” as a field encompasses a lot of lucrative concentrations like finance, marketing, Human Resources, and more. So if you pursue a business major, you will not only learn general strategies of enterprise management, but you may also have the opportunity to specialize in a certain aspect of business that appeals to you. 

You may be asking yourself, “Which business concentration should I pursue? Are some harder than others?” These are all valid questions, but they aren’t ones that we at CollegeVine can decide for you. 

To determine what route you want to take in the Business field, you’ll need to do some self-exploration and research to figure out the right path for you. Luckily, we’ve made the research process a little bit easier. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a business major, along with our expert advice on which majors are the easiest and hardest. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Business Major 

Not all business majors are created equal. When deciding what specialty you want to dedicate the next four years, you need to think about your life and ambitions to figure out what major is going to help you achieve your goals. Here are some questions to get you started in this introspective process: 

1. What are your interests/strengths? 

Let’s start with an easy one: what are you interested in? What activities and subjects bring you joy? Finally, what are you good at? You can use your interests and strengths to figure out what business major you would not only be good at but be fascinated with throughout college and beyond. 

For example, if your interests involve solving logical and numerical problems, you might consider an Accounting major. If you love activities that involve working with people, Human Resources Management may be the route for you. Start with the things you already know you like, and you’ll get an idea of what you might be interested in as a major and career. 

2. What are the requirements for each major?

Any business major is likely to have the same basic class requirements regardless of the university you are looking at. So, if you look at a few sample course schedules at different colleges for a business major you’re interested in, you’re likely to get a decent idea of what you’ll be studying to fulfill the requirements for any business major. 

While the various business majors all fall under the umbrella of “business,” they sometimes have very different course requirements. For example, Accounting Majors are required to take extra courses in math and statistics that Marketing majors are not. Take a look at what classes you’ll have to take in the various business majors, and you’ll likely find a major whose classes appeal to your interests and skill set more than others. 

3. What kind of faculty are in each major? 

If you decide to study business, you will not only need to fulfill the major requirements to graduate, but you will also need to network and grow connections that will help you to recruit for jobs and fulfill your business pursuits. The faculty at business schools are crucial to both. Not only will they teach you what you need to know to graduate, but they are often well-connected businesspeople themselves who can help you find the people and resources to jumpstart your career in business. 

So when you’re considering which business major to pursue, take a look at the faculty in the various majors. You can even look them up on LinkedIn, or find their CV on the department website. Have they worked in companies and fields that are of interest to you? Do you think their experience offers something of value to you? Could you see yourself befriending them and adding them to your network? These are all factors to consider when evaluating the faculty at a business school. 

4. What is each major’s Return on Investment (ROI)?

It is a well-known fact that some fields of business pay more than others. For example, a Management Consultant is unlikely to make the same amount as an entry-level Human Resources Analyst. At the end of the day, you will pay the same tuition for your business degree regardless of what you specialize in, so you should consider how much each degree will benefit you in terms of salary in the future. 

5. What type of work-life balance do you want to have? 

As a general rule, the higher paying business careers also tend to take more of your time. If you’re the kind of person who needs your downtime in the evenings, you likely shouldn’t pursue a Finance degree. However, if you’re the kind of person who wants to travel a lot for their job, Management Consulting might be the path for you. If you’re not sure what kind of hours you’d need to work in each field, a quick Google search could give you a decent idea. You can also consider talking to a family friend or relative that you know in a specific field to get an idea of what their work-life balance is like. 

How We Made This List

While you’re considering many different factors when choosing your business major, we’ve also considered various factors to determine which business majors are the hardest and easiest. 

When ranking the different business majors, we took the following factors into consideration: 

General Reputation: Some business majors have a reputation for being “easier” or “harder” than others.

Course Requirements: We’ve taken into consideration how much math and other advanced coursework is generally required in each business major.

Study Time: All business majors will require you to work hard and study, but some require some more time because you need to master difficult concepts and practice their application. On the other hand, some majors require more rote memorization than practical application. 

This being said, we recognize that these three factors will differ college to college. So if you want a more realistic idea of how hard each business major will be at your school, we recommend getting in touch with some faculty and students at your school of choice who can give you a more detailed perspective.

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

Hardest Business Majors 

1. accounting .

The accounting major has been around at most colleges since the beginning, and it is designed to teach students how to manage a business’s finances so they can solve various business problems. Specifically, this major helps to prepare students to take several accounting certification exams to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and more. Accountants are needed in every business, so a major in accounting will set you up for multiple job opportunities in various industries. 

Unlike other business majors, the Accounting major’s required classes don’t tend to stray too far out of the realm of accounting-specific classes. So if you decide to study accounting, you’re in for multiple accounting classes at once throughout your college career, such as Accounting Principles, Cost Accounting, and Intermediate Accounting. In addition, you’ll be expected to have advanced statistical analysis skills to understand accounting concepts and pass the certification exams. 

2. Management Science

Management Science is a relatively new field in business that gives students the tools to analyze and solve a business’ strategic and logistical problems. With a focus on statistical analysis and computing, students who major in management science will be well-poised to start a career in management consulting, logistics, or analytics at several companies. 

If you decide that management science is the major for you, expect to engage in coursework heavy in calculus, statistics, and maybe even computer programming. This coursework will require a very logical and analytical mindset, but you will graduate with the chance to make an above-average salary for a business major.

Any major involving finance or financial management will put you on the path to a lucrative career in corporate finance, banking, investments, and more! While these careers are likely to pay a salary higher than the average business major’s salary, you’re in for a very math-heavy four years of college as well as some long hours in the office after you graduate. 

If you decide on a career in finance, expect to take some challenging courses in statistics, calculus, and corporate finance. However, through this major, you’ll learn how to evaluate and report on the profitability and financial health of all types of companies, a skill that will be very valuable to future employers. 

4. Entrepreneurial Studies

If you have a bright idea that you think could change the world or you think you have what it takes to take a startup to the next level, a major in entrepreneurial studies is right for you. You’ll learn analytical skills, problem-solving, and leadership skills so that you can be the go-to person for running a small-to-medium sized business. Some of the courses that will help you in your entrepreneurial efforts include project management, business ethics, and product innovation. 

This major involves quite a bit of cross-functional learning and experience, with a decent amount of specialization in each, so it’s considered one of the more difficult business majors. With a major in Entrepreneurial Studies, you can not only go on to start your own business but also pursue a lucrative career in many companies in a variety of fields.

Easiest Business Majors 

1. human resources.

Human Resources Management (also known as People Management) is a very well-known major in the business world that deals with training, recruiting, and developing employees, as well as ensuring employee health and safety. This broad major is all about people relations, so you’ll be expected to take courses in psychology and office management in order to fulfill your degree requirements. 

While the Human Resources major isn’t considered a very technical major, those who graduate with this major will have the skills to work as an entry-level employee in almost all companies with a Human Resources Department. As a bonus, Human Resources careers tend to have a very favorable work-life balance. 

2. Marketing

When people think of marketing, they likely think of advertisements, product placement, and endorsements. That falls under the category of advertising, and it is only a subset of Marketing. Those who study marketing learn crucial decision-making skills for the company like which products to design, where to sell them, how much to sell them for, and more! It’s a multi-faceted field that is both creative and non-technical. 

Those who major in marketing will take courses such as sales management, public relations, and market research. With a marketing degree, you can go on to pursue careers in advertising, a marketing agency, or an in-house marketing department. You can also further specialize in digital marketing, social media, lead generation, and more. 

3. Organizational Leadership

Organizational Leadership is a relatively new, specialized major in some business schools. Those who study Organizational Leadership gain a thorough understanding of the leadership practices that can lead to successful organizations, whether that be group dynamics and facilitation, organizational change, and decision making. 

Organizational Leadership majors will graduate with the qualifications to work in business consulting, employee training, employee management, and project management, to name a few. Expect to take classes heavy in people management skills such as Human Resource Management, Research Design, and Leadership. 

4. International Business

An International Business degree focuses on how to sell products to diverse markets all across the globe. You will learn how to navigate international trade agreements, different environmental regulations, cross-cultural collaboration, and more. So if you’re interested in expanding a company to become an international powerhouse, this is certainly a major you should consider. 

International Business majors take several classes involving international relations and policies. While that often does not involve a large technical skillset, it does involve a lot of memorization of foreign principles and strategies. You may also have the opportunity to learn a foreign language as part of your degree! These skills will be very helpful in a variety of jobs such as logistician, management analyst, or even a business development analyst. 

5. Business Administration and Management

The Business Administration and Management degree is the catch-all, generalist degree for business majors. In some colleges, all undergraduates are required to graduate with this degree and are not able to specialize, whereas other colleges provide this major as one of many options. With this major, you won’t specialize in any particular field of business. Rather, you will get a basic understanding of all fields of business that you can apply to several different career paths. 

This major does not allow you to specialize, so you shouldn’t expect to go into the weeds on any complex problems or topics. However, you can expect to take a broad array of courses such as economics, business statistics, marketing, etc. 

While you’re considering which route you want to take in your business career, you may also be wondering about your chances of getting into the best colleges for business . To help you answer these difficult questions, CollegeVine offers a free Chancing Engine that will tell you your chances of acceptance at the colleges of your choice based on your profile. It’ll also give you some expert advice on how to improve your profile and make it more competitive for college admissions. Sign up for a free CollegeVine account to get started today!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

English Current

ESL Lesson Plans, Tests, & Ideas

• North American Idioms
• Business Idioms
• Idioms Quiz
• Idiom Requests
• Proverbs Quiz & List
• Phrasal Verbs Quiz
• Basic Phrasal Verbs
• North American Idioms App
• A(n)/The: Help Understanding Articles
• The First & Second Conditional
• The Difference between 'So' & 'Too'
• The Difference between 'a few/few/a little/little'
• The Difference between "Other" & "Another"
• Check Your Level
• English Vocabulary
• Verb Tenses (Intermediate)
• Articles (A, An, The) Exercises
• Prepositions Exercises
• Irregular Verb Exercises
• Gerunds & Infinitives Exercises
• Discussion Questions
• Speech Topics
• Argumentative Essay Topics
• Top-rated Lessons
• Intermediate
• Upper-Intermediate
• Reading Lessons
• View Topic List
• Expressions for Everyday Situations
• Travel Agency Activity
• Present Progressive with Mr. Bean
• Work-related Idioms
• Adjectives to Describe Employees
• Writing for Tone, Tact, and Diplomacy
• Speaking Tactfully
• Advice on Monetizing an ESL Website
• Teaching your First Conversation Class
• How to Teach English Conversation
• Teaching Different Levels
• Teaching Grammar in Conversation Class
• Members' Home
• Update Billing Info.
• Cancel Subscription
• North American Proverbs Quiz & List
• North American Idioms Quiz
• Idioms App (Android)
• 'Be used to'" / 'Use to' / 'Get used to'
• Ergative Verbs and the Passive Voice
• Keywords & Verb Tense Exercises
• Irregular Verb List & Exercises
• Non-Progressive (State) Verbs
• Present Perfect vs. Past Simple
• Present Simple vs. Present Progressive
• Past Perfect vs. Past Simple
• Subject Verb Agreement
• The Passive Voice
• Subject & Object Relative Pronouns
• Relative Pronouns Where/When/Whose
• Commas in Adjective Clauses
• A/An and Word Sounds
• 'The' with Names of Places
• Understanding English Articles
• Article Exercises (All Levels)
• Yes/No Questions
• Wh-Questions
• How far vs. How long
• Affect vs. Effect
• A few vs. few / a little vs. little
• Boring vs. Bored
• Compliment vs. Complement
• Die vs. Dead vs. Death
• Expect vs. Suspect
• Experiences vs. Experience
• Go home vs. Go to home
• Had better vs. have to/must
• Have to vs. Have got to
• I.e. vs. E.g.
• In accordance with vs. According to
• Lay vs. Lie
• Make vs. Do
• In the meantime vs. Meanwhile
• Need vs. Require
• Notice vs. Note
• 'Other' vs 'Another'
• Pain vs. Painful vs. In Pain
• Raise vs. Rise
• So vs. Such
• So vs. So that
• Some vs. Some of / Most vs. Most of
• Sometimes vs. Sometime
• Too vs. Either vs. Neither
• Weary vs. Wary
• Who vs. Whom
• While vs. During
• While vs. When
• Wish vs. Hope
• 10 Common Writing Mistakes
• 34 Common English Mistakes
• First & Second Conditionals
• Comparative & Superlative Adjectives
• Determiners: This/That/These/Those
• Check Your English Level
• Grammar Quiz (Advanced)
• Vocabulary Test - Multiple Questions
• Vocabulary Quiz - Choose the Word
• Verb Tense Review (Intermediate)
• Verb Tense Exercises (All Levels)
• Conjunction Exercises
• List of Topics
• Business English
• Games for the ESL Classroom
• Pronunciation
• Teaching Your First Conversation Class
• How to Teach English Conversation Class

Argumentative Essay Topics (Business-Related)

Please find below a list of argumentative essay topics with a business focus. These topics were used for a college course in Vancouver, Canada, so they are particularly relevant to the Canadian context. Feel free to change 'Canada' in the questions to your particular region.

Note for students : If your teacher has asked you to develop a topic or research question for an argumentative essay, the best topic you can find is one that you come up with. Instead of copying a topic below, creating your own topic related to something you are actually interested in will enable you to enjoy and learn more from your assignment. Regardless, here is a list of research questions for argumentative essays that you can use for inspiration.

Jump to a topic category:

• Advertising & Marketing
• Business Ideas & Entrepreneurship
• Careers & the Workplace

Health & Food

• Employee Pay & Benefits
• Environment & Ethics
• Foreign Issues
• Human Resources & Hiring
• Investing & Personal Finance
• Law & Legalization

Real Estate

• Shopping & Consumption

Travel & Tourism

• Workplace Productivity

List of Argumentative Essay Topics

Advertising & marketing topics.

• Should advertisers be allowed to market their products to children?
• Should subliminal messages be allowed in company advertising?
• Is advertising on Youtube an effective/beneficial method to promote products?
• Should companies hire influencers to promote their products?
• Should companies adopt a product-orientation?
• Should companies adopt a market-orientation?
• Does marketing have an overall harmful effect on society?
• Should the advertisement of junk food be banned?
• Is telemarketing dead?
• Should companies use celebrities to endorse their products?
• Is direct-mail marketing still worthwhile in 2021?
• Should Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) be illegal?
• Should vaping advertisements be banned in Canada?
• Are loyalty programs still an effective strategy in 2021?
• Do coupon marketing strategies increase brand/product value?
• Should Canadian companies participate in Black Friday?
• Can a strong market monopoly be broken through a successful marketing approach?
• The Pink Tax : Do health and beauty companies unfairly target female consumers with higher prices?
• Should brands use storytelling to promote their products?
• Comparative advertisement is legal but is it also ethical?
• Will YouTube's (aggressive) advertising model drive away users?

Business Ideas & Entrepreneurship Topics

• Will Bricks-and-Mortar shopping (in physical scores) survive?
• Are supermarkets killing local businesses?
• Should companies get involved in charity work?
• Is becoming a franchisee a good business opportunity?
• Is Canada a good place to start a business?
• Would creating a language school in Vancouver be lucrative?
• Are chatbots effective customer service tools?
• Does outsourcing improve the effectiveness of businesses?

Careers & the Workplace Topics

• Should people pursue a degree in accounting?
• Is being a photographer a viable career?
• Should younger generations (or young people) consider video gaming as a career?
• Can social media influencer be considered a full-time job? / Should young people consider this as a possible career?
• Should companies/countries adopt a four-day workweek?
• Should regular employees be involved in the corporate decision-making process?
• Does shift-work have a negative impact on employee health?
• Is lifetime employment a thing of the past? / Should workers stay loyal to one company?
• Should leaders adopt a democratic leadership style?
• Should leaders adopt an authoritative leadership style?
• Should companies have dress codes? / Are strict dress code policies beneficial to companies?
• Should companies allow their employees to bring pets to work?
• Is the mental health of employees the responsibility of companies?
• Is leadership a learned trait?
• Is overtime counterproductive?
• Should companies provide benefits to gig workers?
• Should companies allow employees to listen to music during work?
• Is introversion a negative trait in the workplace?
• Can the taxi cab industry survive the advent of ride-hailing apps?

Economics Topics

• Is hosting the Olympics a waste of money?
• Should the minimum wage be increased?
• Should [Canada] provide a living wage to workers?
• Should Canada adopt a Universal Basic Income (UBI)?
• Was the demonetization in India a success or failure?
• Should government privatize public services? / Does the privatization of public services improve cost-effectiveness?
• Should the [Canadian] government privatize healthcare?
• Does the 'gig economy' exploit workers?
• Is worker exploitation necessary in order to maximize profits?
• Should workers in the public sector be allowed to unionize/go on strike?
• Has globalization hurt or helped developing countries?
• Should the Bank of Canada increase interest rates?
• Should the WTO or other trade organizations be able to issue binding orders?
• Should government regulate monopolies?
• Should government provide free healthcare to citizens?
• Does brain-drain negatively affect the economy of India?
• Should government regulate the BC housing market?
• Are Multi-National corporations (MNCs) really beneficial to the host economy?
• Should government create policies to manage population?
• Should Canada invest more in its agriculture industry?
• Is China engaging in debt-trap colonialism?
• Is China's investment beneficial to Africa?
• Will China become the new world leader?
• Was BrExit a good decision for Britain?

Education Topics

• Is a university degree needed for business success? / Does having an undergraduate degree guarantee a successful career?
• Should business schools focus on theoretical knowledge instead of practical skills?
• Are international student fees unfair to foreign students? / Are Canadian international students being exploited?
• Should young people pursue an online degree?
• Should Canadian colleges charge less for online programs? / Should tuition be lower for online learning programs?
• Should young adults do an internship as part of their education?
• Should unpaid Internships be legal?
• Should financial literacy courses be part of the national education system?
• Is studying abroad beneficial for a student's host country (or home country)?

Employee Pay & Benefits Topics

• Is the current basic requirement for weekly vacation in Canada adequate?
• In general, are CEOs overpaid?
• Are financial incentives the best way to motivate employees?
• Should college athletes get paid for their games?
• Should male employees be allowed paternity leave?
• Should companies provide childcare services for employees?
• Does the gender pay gap exist in the Canadian/North American workplace?
• Is a performance-based pay system a good motivator for employees?
• Does making more money make people happier?

Environment & Ethics Topics

• Should fracking be banned?
• Are CSR campaigns genuine or greenwashing?
• Is the hospitality industry sustainable enough?
• Should small companies pursue CSR?
• Should companies implement hiring quotas to ensure workplace diversity?
• Should organic food companies support fair trade policies?
• Should cosmetic companies be allowed to test their products on animals?
• Should government implement a carbon tax on polluters?
• Can renewable energies replace fossil fuels?
• Should government be able to censor Internet content?
• Should the Canadian seal hunt be banned? (ALT: Japanese whaling)
• Should the use of pesticides in agriculture be banned?
• Is the global coffee industry doomed?
• Should India adopt organic farming practices?
• Should designer brands start using vegan materials?
• Is Zara taking adequate measures to combat climate change?
• Should consumers support fast fashion?

Foreign Issues Topics

(*Replace [Canada] with your country of choice)

• Are immigrants worth the investment for [Canada]? / Do immigrants have a positive impact on the [Canadian] economy?
• Should [Canada] accept more refugees?
• Should international students on a study visa be allowed to work full-time?
• Should [Canada] accept more immigrants?
• Should Americans be required to have a visa to enter the Philippines?
• Does immigration in Canada increase crime?
• Will insect-based protein products replace traditional forms of protein?
• Is the food industry responsible for the problem of food waste?
• Is organic food worth the extra cost?
• Is the food industry to blame for the high obesity rate in the US?

Human Resources & Hiring Topics

• Should companies seek to hire employees internally?
• Should countries/companies enforce a mandatory retirement age?
• Should companies only hire experienced applicants? / Should companies hire university graduates with no work experience?
• Do dress code policies benefit companies?
• Should companies have policies to regulate workplace romance?
• Should workplaces conduct drug-testing?
• Is experience the most important factor for HR when promoting an employee?
• Can nepotism in the workplace be justified?
• Is money the most important factor when choosing a job?
• Is remote recruitment effective? / Should businesses shift to remote recruitment?
• Are virtual job interviews effective?
• Should companies look at social media profiles of candidates when hiring?
• Should companies hire people with criminal records?
• Are work references a reliable tool in the hiring process?
• Is equal employment opportunity balance possible to achieve?
• Are good working conditions the most important factor when looking for a job?

Investing & Personal Finance Topics

• Is cryptocurrency/Bitcoin a good investment?
• Should people invest their own money or use a financial adviser?
• Should young people focus on passive investing?
• Should the Canadian government support/adopt cryptocurrencies?
• Is the stock market rigged?
• Is donating to charities effective? / Do charities make effective use of donations?
• Are credit cards a debt trap? / Should young people get a credit card?
• Is a car a good investment for people in cities?
• Should people purchase life insurance?
• Should short-selling be made illegal?
• Is payment for order flow an unfair business model for online brokerages?

Law & Legalization Topics

• Should government legalize psychedelic drugs?
• Should the sale of tobacco products be illegal?
• Should lotteries be banned? / Do lotteries unfairly target the poor?
• Should government allow the sale of genetically modified products?
• Should drugs be legalized in Mexico?
• Should recycling be legally required (in Canada)?
• Should sex work/prostitution be legalized?
• Should FIFA consider human rights when it chooses its host?
• Are professional athletes overpaid?
• Is the gender pay gap in professional sports unfair?
• Should WNBA players receive equal pay to NBA players?
• Should young people consider a career in e-sports?
• Are e-sports the next 'big thing'?
• Is being a high performance athlete a viable career?

Shopping & Consumption Topics

• Should automatic gratuity for large groups be prohibited?
• Does tipping in restaurants improve service?
• Is the customer always right?
• Should customers base purchasing decisions on online reviews?
• Should female hygiene products be free (or subsidized)?
• Are progressive taxes fair (to all income earners)?
• Should churches be exempt from tax?
• Should the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) be eliminated?
• Should there be an additional tax on unhealthy products?
• Should online sellers without physical stores have to pay tax in the companies they operate in?
• Should there be a digital service tax (DST) on social media companies?

Technology Topics

• Will self-driving cars become a reality for consumers in the next decade?
• Should self-driving cars be legal?
• Should Amazon introduce drone delivery?
• Are cellphones unsafe for consumers? / Should government put tighter restrictions on cellphones for public safety?
• Should companies invest more in MIS (managerial information systems)?
• Should government regulate the use of cookies on the web?
• Should biodegradable straws be mandatory in F&B (Food & Beverages) businesses?
• Is a cashless economy possible?
• Can blockchain technologies replace centralized transactional systems?
• Is technology limiting the creativity of people?
• Does online shopping have addictive effects on consumers?
• Should Big Banks in Canada introduce  'tellerless' branches as people can do transactions in ATM (Automated Teller Machine)?
• Will 3D food change the food sector?
• Can electric cars replace traditional vehicles?
• Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) a threat to business?
• Should users be concerned about their privacy on social network platforms?
• Will the Metaverse be relevant five years from now?
• Should publishing companies shift to digital e-books?
• Should Canada implement measures to target 'house-flippers'?
• Should foreigners be allowed to purchase property in [Country]?
• Should government regulate the housing market?
• Is the empty-homes tax unfair?
• Should airlines allow travelers to board planes with pets?
• Are travel agencies doomed to extinction?
• Does the AirBNB business model spell doom for the hotel industry?

Workplace Productivity Topics

• Should social media be banned in the workplace?
• Do smartphones have a positive effect on workplace productivity?
• Does peer pressure in the workplace benefit workers?
• Can employees be productive when working from home?
• Should employers allow napping in the workplace?
• Should employers limit smartphone use in the workplace / Do smartphones increase worker productivity?
• Do open-office plans increase productivity? / Should companies adopt open space plans?
• Should companies incorporate the practice of mindfulness in the workplace?
• Is a highly competitive environment beneficial for workers?
• Does art or workplace decor have a positive effect on productivity?
• Should 'quiet quitting' be normalized in the workplace?

-- Argumentative essay topics compiled by Matthew Barton, Creator of Englishcurrent.com (copyright) | Last updated: Jan 2023

Related Pages

• General Speech Topics
• ESL Conversation Questions

EnglishCurrent is happily hosted on Dreamhost . If you found this page helpful, consider a donation to our hosting bill to show your support!

1 comments on “ Argumentative Essay Topics (Business-Related) ”

Great list, thanks!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business vs. Entrepreneurship: What’s the Difference Between These Degree Paths?

Business is an evolving, in-demand, and dynamic industry full of diverse career paths. Within the field, there is truly something for everyone: number-crunchers, strategic thinkers, creative marketers, organizers, decision-makers, budgeters, motivational leaders, and, of course, ambitious entrepreneurs. No matter your skill sets and interests, the world of business has something to offer you.

For individuals who have maybe dreamt up a start-up, or have goals to run a company, there are two typical pathways you can pursue in business school: business and entrepreneurship. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they involve unique approaches and mindsets, and therefore slightly different studies and career outcomes.

Business vs. entrepreneurship definitions

At a high-level, business refers to the producing, buying, and selling of goods or services in exchange for profit. It is an overarching job sector that encompasses a wide range of operations, including manufacturing, retail, finance, marketing, leadership, and more. At its core, business involves the creation and exchange of value between individuals, organizations, or entities. It often operates within a structured framework, with defined goals, processes, and hierarchies with an organization or company. Businesses can vary in size, from small start-ups to large global corporations, but all types of businesses play a key role in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and satisfying the needs and wants of their consumers. The most successful businesses effectively manage resources, adapt to market changes, and strive for innovation and efficiency to remain competitive in their respective industries.

Entrepreneurship , on the other hand, refers to the process of identifying, creating, and pursuing new business ventures. These ventures are typically established with the goal of addressing unmet needs in an industry, or creating value in new and novel ways. For example, an entrepreneur might start a tech company, launch a new business, or design a new product. Sometimes, entrepreneurs will innovate within existing companies, but all share the common drive to bring their business ideas and concepts to fruition. Entrepreneurship, as a branch of business, embodies a mindset characterized by innovation, creativity, risk-taking, and the willingness to undertake challenges in pursuit of one’s goals. Successful entrepreneurs possess vision, initiative, and determination, as well as the skills needed to break into a competitive market and thrive.

Now, the question is: As an aspiring business leader, which area of study is best for you?

Business degrees vs. entrepreneurship programs

Business and entrepreneurship programs are both incredible options for business-minded individuals, and can help you develop valuable, versatile skills that can be applied to any career. However, the subject matter of these programs can vary, so it’s important to do your research before choosing the best degree program for you.

There are many different types of business degrees but, most commonly, the term “business degree” refers to a business administration degree. Business administration degree programs cover a broad range of topics related to various aspects of operating a business. They typically include courses in management, finance, economics, customer relations, accounting, marketing, and business law and ethics. The specific curriculum will vary depending on the degree you choose, as business administration programs can be found at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree level.

Because of the broader nature of business administration, many programs will enable you to carve your own path through a concentration or customized elective coursework. For example, at Goodwin University, our BS in business offers 27 credits of open electives, as well as directed electives, so that students can hone in on their interests and professional goals. For some, this might involve taking more courses in entrepreneurship and small business management. For others, it might also involve studies in modern marketing methods.

Interested in earning a business degree? Download our free guide to getting started .

Entrepreneurship degree programs, as you might expect, are more concentrated in focus than a business administration degree. These programs focus on the knowledge one needs to start, grow, and manage a new business venture. While entrepreneurship programs may cover some foundational business topics (e.g. accounting and marketing) to prepare students for the daily operations, they typically place a greater emphasis on subjects and skills relevant to entrepreneurship , such as market research, business plan development, and leadership.

Entrepreneurship degrees may be offered in silo. More often, however, you might find that entrepreneurship is a concentration or specialization that you can pursue within a business degree program. At Goodwin University, for example, students within our associate degree program have the option to complete dedicated entrepreneurial coursework and a practical internship. Through this experience, students gain hands-on practice in small business management and walk away with the capacity to bring their own business to life.

While both business and entrepreneurship programs provide valuable knowledge and skills, a business administration degree offers a broader foundation in various aspects of business management, and an entrepreneurship program offers a more specialized focus on starting and growing new ventures. These differences translate to the varying career options and outcomes available after graduation from either type of program.

Business vs. entrepreneurship career options

Business degree programs offer a comprehensive understanding of how businesses function and operate and, as noted above, cover a breadth of topics related to daily management. Business degree candidates learn the ins and outs of strategic planning, operations management, and customer relations. They gain transferable skills and fundamental knowledge in areas from human resources to marketing/advertising. As a result, they leave well-equipped for careers in (but not limited to):

• Business management
• Human resources (HR)

Entrepreneurship studies are specifically focused on bringing business ideas to life, and giving students the tools they need to launch, as well as operate, their own business successfully. They offer students skills in business development, market research, small business management, and more. Graduates of an entrepreneurship-focused program will be best suited to:

• Achieve leadership roles
• Consult other small businesses
• Start and run their own company
• Work within existing corporations to inspire and innovate (called intrapreneurship)

At the end of the day, choosing the right degree for you is as simple as evaluating your specific career goals, interests, and aspirations within the business world. If you desire a lucrative career in business, a business administration degree is a great way to develop your foundational skills and knowledge. But if you are looking for the specific tools and knowledge needed to launch a business of your own, an entrepreneurship program is going to be a better fit for your needs.

Whether you are interested in entrepreneurship, or looking to explore your options in business school, Goodwin is here to guide you. Learn about our business programs in Connecticut by visiting us online here !