2023-2024 MBA Essays: Tips for Manderson University of Alabama

University of Alabama, Manderson Graduate School of Business

Lucky for MBA applicants, Manderson Graduate School of Business at the University of Alabama tends to stick to the same prompts year-on-year, which means it’s never too early to get started! Wondering where to start, what to write? No worries, we have all the tips you need to get a nice start on writing a quality essay for Manderson Graduate School of Business.  

Manderson focuses on developing real-world relationships in their students, and this is reflected in the course curriculum. Students take courses with their classmates in a sequential order, providing them with the time and space to learn and grow together. Through the story you relate in your essay, the admissions council is looking to see if you reflect the same values that the school does. Manderson is looking for students who are eager to diversify their talents through participation in various campus organizations. The best way to represent that you possess those qualities is through the type of essay you choose to write. 

It’s crucial to pick the right experience to discuss in your essay, and the different types of prompts help narrow that down for you. Keep reading for a closer look at the different types of essays, and how best to utilize them in order to write a stand-out essay for Manderson School of Business.

The Career Goals Essay

You’re not the only one hoping you’ll have a job after you’ve graduated with your MBA. Admissions committees are looking for students who are motivated and clear in their intentions so that when they get a job post-grad, they’ll be more willing to speak positively of their experience in the program. And, of course, in the hopes that their alumni will earn enough money to become a donor to the school one day.  

There are three aspects to the career goals essay: 

Your aspirations need to be convincing, ambitious, and realistic. Manderson GSB is looking for applicants who have meaningful goals grounded in their past experiences, and it’s important that you relate that notion in your essay, however it applies to your experience in life. In addition to the standard MBA focuses, Manderson offers dual degrees that can be completed in as little as two to four years. Students focusing on more creative areas, such as Theater Management, can combine standard curriculum with business courses to earn their MBA/MFA.

Career Goals

The Statement of Purpose is a required document where you share your story of why an MBA from Alabama is the best fit for you. It is ideally 2-3 pages (1.5 or double-spaced) on the following:

  • What led to your decision to pursue a Manderson MBA
  • What makes you a good fit for the program
  • Areas of improvement that you would like to focus on as part of your MBA education
  • Area of focus you plan to select as part of the program
  • Potential career aspirations

Source

Conclusion

Writing strong, coherent, genuine stories is an essential part of your MBA application. These essays are meant to help you stand out among many other applicants, so it is worth your time to do the work and write about situations unique to your life and that you truly learned from. Visit our process page to understand how Menlo Coaching can help you with your MBA essays for Manderson Graduate School of Business.