UCLA Anderson Class of 2028 Essay Analysis
- Amit Kapur
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
UCLA Anderson has released its 2025-26 application, with slight rewording of essay questions.
Essay 1: Why is the MBA the right degree for you to pursue both personally and professionally? (150 words)
Essay 2: Describe your post-MBA short-term and long-term career goals. (150 words)
Essay 3: What makes UCLA Anderson a top choice for you, and how will you engage with and contribute to the community? (250 words)
Optional question: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions committee should be aware? (250 words maximum)
2025/26 essay question analysis
Essay 1, Essay 2
These questions are straightforward, and you won't have too much room for eloquence, but both have room for quick examples/stories that illustrate motivation for pursuing an MBA, and post-MBA goals. As with most goal-focused essays that business schools ask, we recommend highlighting impact you aim to have, rather than roles. Doing so will help you be more flexible as it relates to potential career paths.
Essay 3
A change from last year, this question signals UCLA Anderson's search for applicants who are eager to attend Anderson and have considered why it is one of their top choices.
Given the tight word limit, we suggest focusing on a limited number of differentiated examples that tie together your background and future goals, so it is clear how you will use the experience/resource you are referencing to succeed. They are not expecting an exhaustive list of all the ways you plan to leverage UCLA Anderson in only 250 words.
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
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