Can you tell me which admission essays universities abroad may ask me to write?
Admission essays depend on your program and fall into two broad types: UG essay prompts and MBA essays. UG prompts cover interests, why this college and goals, while MBA essays focus on leadership, experience and career progression. Requirements vary by university.
The program you apply to decides the type of admission essay you must answer. Broadly, essays are divided into UG essay prompts and MBA admission essays, each with its own guidelines.
UG Essay Prompts
| Prompt type | What it asks |
|---|---|
| Academic interest | Your academic interest |
| Why this college | Why this course, college or university |
| About you | Tell us about yourself |
| Current issues | Your views on important current issues and how you would solve them |
| Activity | An activity essay |
| Goals | Your post-program goals |
| Creativity | Show your cleverness and creativity |
| Risk or event | An important risk or event in your life |
MBA Essay Prompts
MBA essays focus on leadership abilities, professional experience, career progression, learning and future goals. Common prompts include:
- Career progression, goals and leadership essays
- Cultural shock, achievements and travel experience essays
- Failure, diversity and ethical dilemma essays
- Why this business school or university, and situation essays
Check the official exam or university page for the latest rules.
My Advice
Read each university's essay prompt carefully, then reuse stories across applications where the prompt allows. One strong story, adapted well, can answer several prompts.
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