UCLA Anderson Class of 2029 Essay Analysis

UCLA Anderson has released its 2026-27 application, with slight rewording of essay questions.

2026/27 essay questions

1 - Describe your short- and long-term post-MBA goals, including your desired role, industry, and examples of target companies. How will an MBA support your path to achieving your goals, and which UCLA Anderson resources do you expect to rely on most to reach them? (250 words)

2 - How do you hope your UCLA Anderson classmates will describe you by the time you graduate? What qualities and / or values do you want to be known for, and how will you demonstrate them as a student leader and community member? (200 words)

3 - What is the first thing you would tell your classmates about yourself upon arriving at Anderson? (50 words)

Optional Essay: Are there any extenuating circumstances or additional context you would like to share with the Admissions committee? (250 words maximum)

2026/27 essay question analysis

Essay 1

This is essentially a combination of last year's Essay 1 and Essay 2. These questions are straightforward, and you will have even less room for eloquence than last year's already-tight limit. We recommend a very quick example/story that highlights your motivation for pursuing an MBA, and post-MBA goals. As with most goal-focused essays that business schools ask, we recommend highlighting the impact you aim to have, rather than roles. Then when discussing how you will use Anderson, you can link how you will use particular experiences and resources in order to achieve that goal.

Essay 2

The strongest responses to this essay focus less on achievements and more on the lasting impression you hope to leave on your classmates. Rather than listing generic leadership traits, identify two or three authentic qualities that you regularly demonstrate (if unsure, you can poll your friends and family through our PeerView tool), and illustrate how you will demonstrate them through specific contributions to the Anderson community. Ultimately, the essay should show that you aspire to make your classmates' MBA experiences richer and more successful.

Essay 3

Applicants should try to introduce a defining aspect of who you are (again, PeerView can identify traits that you are already showcasing to others who know you) that goes beyond your resume. Given the tight word limit, highlight a personal trait, passion, or formative experience that reflects that defining aspect, and aim to give classmates a reason to want to know you better while reinforcing qualities that align with UCLA Anderson's collaborative culture.

Optional essay

As with other schools, the optional question is available for you to explain any additional information that you may not have had the space to clarify in other parts of your application.

Other application details

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Re-applicant?

Check out information here (near the bottom of the page).

School resources

Check out our links to several of school's resources, including blogs, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.