CMU Tepper Deadlines, Essays & Analysis (Class of 2012, Starting Fall 2010)
DEADLINES[table id=21 /]
*April 26, 2010 deadline reserved for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents, as well as FlexTime and FlexMode candidates. International applicants for the FullTime MBA program must apply by March 08, 2010. **June 01 deadline reserved for FlexTime and FlexMode candidates.
ESSAYS & ANALYSIS
Note: Tepper does not indicate the length limitations on A & B, only that the essays be double-spaced, 12 point standard font.
A. What are your short-term and long-term goals? How will a Tepper MBA help you to achieve these goals. (Please include any information regarding what steps you have taken to learn more about the Tepper School.)
Analysis: Straight up - The MBA Goals Essay & Why MBA School X?
B. The Tepper School’s culture relies on all members to be active contributors to our community. With your values, experiences, and interests, how will you make a unique contribution to the Tepper community? Your examples may include: classroom interaction, student activities, career development, community service, etc.
Analysis: Straight up - The MBA Personal Essay
C. Please answer two of the following three questions or statements. Please clearly specify which questions you are answering. Your two answers should equal a total of two pages or less.
1. Describe an obstacle you have faced in your professional or academic life. How did you overcome this obstacle and how did it foster your development?
Analysis: I imagine this essay could be approached either as a leadership accomplishment or as a story about self-improvement, i.e., how you gained new skills or knowledge that lead to your success. In either case, The MBA Leadership Essay should give you a good starting point to approach and structure this essay.
2. Describe a time in which your ethics were challenged. How did you deal with the situation and what did you learn from it?
Analysis: Straight Up - The MBA Ethics Essay
3. One thing people would be surprised to know about me is . . .
Analysis: How do you think other people view you, and what aspect (hobby, belief, experience, etc.) of yourself might change that image or balance that perspective? Self-awareness is crucial to this essay, which could be answered whimsically or seriously or in between, depending on what would be the most unexpected. One way to approach this topic is to assume that the adcom will read all your other materials first. What kind of impression would they have of you? And how can you surprise them with something they might have never suspected? Ask your friends or family. You might get a surprise yourself.
D. Is there anything additional that you think we should know as we evaluate your application? Note: if you believe your credentials and essays represent you fairly, you should not feel obligated to answer this question. This essay is intended to provide a place for you to add information that you think is important but is not covered elsewhere in the application.
You must complete this essay if you answered “yes” to the additional information questions on the previous page.
Analysis: Tepper doesn’t put any restrictions on their optional essay, so they are trusting you’ll use good judgment. That means covering any weaknesses with brief explanations and improvement plans, not excuses. For positive information, don’t repeat anything covered elsewhere and make sure you are adding something significant to your profile. Don’t use up the space just because you can.