The UCLA Anderson MBA application consists of three short essay prompts, but together, they offer a fantastic opportunity to tell a coherent, engaging story about who you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re headed. Before diving into each prompt, keep this in mind: while each question stands on its own, think of them as puzzle pieces that, when put together, should form a complete narrative of why Anderson is thee right next step in your career journey.

Essay 1: Impact Goals

Prompt: "How have recent events influenced the impact you would like to make in your community, career, or both?"

Do a close reading of this prompt. Then do it again. Then again. They're not asking, 'what have you always wanted to do?'... they want to understand how you have updated your values and goals in light of recent events and the new information you've been exposed to as a result. Reflect on recent events—from your career, your community, and the broader world—and then jot down your thoughts about how each has reshaped your goals or sparked a new purpose.

When you craft your answer:

• Be personal and specific. Don’t just say, “I want to be a leader in tech.” Dig deeper: what experience or turning point gave you that clarity? Did a particular challenge at work ignite your passion for solving a bigger industry problem? Or perhaps a social cause during the pandemic made you rethink how you can drive change. Even if you've always wanted to be a leader in tech, you can discuss how recent events have informed the kind of leader in tech you want to be.
• Tie it to your future aspirations. Keep in mind, Essay 3 is about your short-term post-MBA career goals. Don't rehash those here. Do be specific about the impact you want to have, but use your storytelling skills here to highlight how your beliefs and values—which are evidence-responsive—inform the kind of individual, community member and/or business leader you aspire to be. Tee it up so that, in Essay 2, you position Anderson as the ideal launchpad for that trajectory.

How this fits into the bigger picture: This first essay lays the foundation for your story. You're essentially saying, “Here’s who I am at a deeper level than my title or industry, and this is why I'm motivated to make a change.”

Essay 2: Why Anderson?

Prompt: "Why are you interested in pursuing an MBA at UCLA Anderson? Please consider the academic, social, and professional aspects of the program that are most important to you."

Now that you’ve shared what drives you, it’s time to explain why Anderson is your chosen destination. To make this stand out:

• Do your research. Anderson has a reputation for being collaborative, innovative, and deeply connected to industries like tech, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. What specific classes, professors, or initiatives at Anderson will help you reach your goals? Visit campus if you can or even if you can't, make an effort to connect directly with current students and alums, so you can cite these conversations organically in this essay.
• Mention Anderson's community. Beyond academics, Anderson is big on community and collaboration. Whether it's joining leadership at a student club like the High Tech Business Association, or tapping into the school's vast network in LA’s startup scene, make it clear how Anderson’s social and professional ecosystems align with your goals.

How this fits into the bigger picture: This is where you explain why Anderson is the perfect complement to your goals. You’re saying, “I’m on this path, and Anderson is where I need to be to achieve my dreams.”

Essay 3: Short-Term Career Goals

Prompt: "What are your short-term career goals post-MBA?"

Now it’s time to close the loop. While the first essay sets the stage with a story about your motivations, and the second explains why Anderson is crucial to your journey, this final prompt is all about practicality. What’s your immediate post-MBA plan, and how does it fit with everything you’ve laid out so far?

• Be specific. What’s the exact role you’re aiming for, and in which industry or company? If you’re hoping to transition into consulting, for example, don’t just say “consulting”—name firms you're targeting, like BCG or McKinsey, and tie it back to why your experiences make you a great fit for this field.
• Connect to long-term aspirations. Your short-term goal should feel like the first step toward a larger vision. It should fit logically with what you’ve written in the first essay about your values and motivations.

How this fits into the bigger picture: This essay gives your story a concrete, forward-looking anchor. You’re essentially concluding with, “This is the exact next step I need to take to get to my long-term goal, and Anderson is going to help me get there.”

Bringing It All Together

When you combine these essays, they should create a cohesive narrative that flows from start to finish. You start with what motivates you (the recent events that shaped your current outlook), then explain why Anderson is the key to unlocking your future (how its resources, community, and location fit perfectly with your aspirations), and finish with a clear, attainable plan for your immediate future (your short-term career goals).

In summary:

• Essay 1 sets the stage, introducing your motivation and vision
• Essay 2 explains why Anderson is essential to achieving your goals
• Essay 3 grounds your story in a concrete, achievable short-term goal that makes sense based on what you've said so far

By the end of these essays, the admissions reader should feel like your story isn’t just about getting an MBA—it’s about getting an MBA from Anderson, right now, to bring your specific ambitions to life.

You can learn more about applying to the UCLA Anderson full-time MBA program here.