Insider Tips for Crafting Your UC Berkeley Haas MBA Essays

The UC Berkeley Haas MBA Essays play a critical role in the application process. For those aspiring to join the highly competitive University of California, Berkeley Haas MBA program, these essays offer an opportunity to express goals, motivations, values, and leadership potential. Understanding how to approach them is key to building a standout application.

Understanding the Essay Prompts

The 2025-2026 application cycle includes two required UC Berkeley Haas MBA Essays:

1. What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why?

2. How will an MBA help you achieve your short-term and long-term career goals?

These questions evaluate your self-awareness, alignment with Haas culture, and clarity on career aspirations. The admissions team looks for authenticity, impact, and personal reflection in every answer.

What Haas Values Most

Haas has a distinctive culture based on four defining principles:

• Question the Status Quo

• Confidence Without Attitude

• Students Always

• Beyond Yourself

Aligning your answers with these values strengthens your candidacy. Before writing, reflect on your past experiences and how they embody these values.

Strategies to Tackle Essay 1

This prompt tests what drives you internally. It’s less about achievements and more about what excites and energizes you.

• Identify specific experiences—personal or professional—that brought joy, fulfillment, or purpose.

• Explain why those moments matter.

• Tie these moments to your future goals and why UC Berkeley Haas is the right fit.

Strategies to Tackle Essay 2

This essay focuses on career planning and how an MBA fits into that journey.

• Clearly state your short-term and long-term goals.

• Highlight how the University of California Berkeley Haas MBA curriculum, experiential learning, and network will support these ambitions.

• Showcase your awareness of UC Berkeley MBA fees and the value you expect to gain from your investment.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Generic Responses: Avoid using the same content as other applications.

• Overuse of Jargon: Simplicity and clarity show a better understanding.

• Lack of Personal Insight: Admissions wants to know you, not just your resume.

• Ignoring School-Specific Resources: Mentioning classes, clubs, and faculty unique to UC Berkeley Haas demonstrates genuine interest.

Leveraging School Resources

Haas offers several unique opportunities:

• The Berkeley Innovative Leader Development (BILD) curriculum

• The Haas Work applied innovation program

• The Center for Responsible Business

Mentioning how these align with your career goals shows thoughtfulness and preparation.

How to Research Effectively

To answer Haas-specific questions authentically:

• Connect with alumni or attend virtual info sessions.

• Review the MBA program blog and student ambassador videos.

• Study the official program brochure, including details on UC Berkeley MBA fees.

Proofreading and Feedback

Once drafted, revise your essays multiple times.

• Read aloud for tone and clarity.

• Ask mentors or former MBA students for feedback.

Final Thought

Crafting effective UC Berkeley Haas MBA Essays requires self-reflection, clarity, and alignment with the school’s mission. Successful applicants share genuine stories that demonstrate personal growth, career readiness, and cultural alignment with the University of California, Berkeley Haas MBA.