Mastering the London Business School Application Essays: A Comprehensive Guide

Applying to business school can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to crafting the perfect application essays. The London Business School (LBS) is known for its rigorous admissions process, and the essays are a crucial part of that. In this article, we will dive deep into the LBS application essays, breaking down each question and providing you with insights and strategies to help you stand out.

Understanding the LBS Essay Questions

The LBS application essays consist of three main questions: a career goals question, a character question, and an optional question with a twist. Let’s explore each of these in detail.

Essay Question 1: What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School program contribute towards these? (500 words)

This essay is a classic personal statement that requires you to address three key components: context, goals, and why LBS. To set the stage for your goals, you need to provide context that is both ambitious and plausible. The admissions committee (Adcom) needs to see that you are genuinely excited about your goals and that you have a clear path to achieving them.

Think of your context as one side of a river and your goals as the other side. Your MBA is the bridge that will help you cross that river. If your goals are too far-fetched, the bridge cannot be built. Conversely, if your goals are too basic, you may not need the bridge at all. Therefore, it’s essential to highlight how the LBS program will help you build that bridge.

Be specific about the resources LBS offers that will enable your growth. Consider the classes, clubs, experiential opportunities, and the unique networking advantages that come with being in London. Make a compelling case for why LBS is the right fit for you and how its international program aligns with your aspirations.

If you’re looking for more guidance on crafting your personal statement, consider exploring GMAT Sprint. It’s a fantastic platform that helps you track your GMAT progress and offers valuable resources for your application journey.

Essay Question 2: What makes you unique? (200 words)

The word “unique” can be loaded, and the Adcom is not expecting you to have experiences that no one else has ever had. Instead, they want to understand the special experiences that have shaped you as a person. Perhaps you’ve lived in multiple cities and adapted successfully, showcasing your global perspective and adaptability. Or maybe you’ve pursued an unconventional career path that highlights your courage and creativity.

Your task is to narrate these experiences in a way that draws out broader values that are universally relatable. With only 200 words, you need to leap into your narrative and ensure it concludes with a reflection on what you’ve learned. Instead of stating, “I was a musician, and therefore I was a risk-taker,” show the risk through your story and let the reflection emerge naturally.

Essay Question 3: Is there any other information you believe the admissions committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (500 words)

This optional essay presents a unique opportunity. Unlike many schools that use optional essays primarily for explaining extenuating circumstances, LBS leaves the door open for you to share anything important that hasn’t been covered in your application. This is your chance to delve deeper into your profile and highlight what you can contribute to the LBS community.

After completing the first two essays, reflect on any experiences or aspects of your profile that you feel are critical for LBS to know. Avoid simply copying and pasting an essay from another school; instead, tailor your response to LBS and provide a complete picture of who you are as an applicant.

While you can use this space to address any red flags or extenuating circumstances, I recommend focusing on positive storytelling first. If necessary, you can include brief explanations of any issues, but make sure they don’t overshadow the positive aspects of your narrative.

For more insights on crafting effective optional essays, consider checking out GMAT Sprint. It’s a great resource that can help you navigate the complexities of your application process.

Final Thoughts

Writing your LBS application essays is an opportunity to showcase your unique story and aspirations. By carefully addressing each question and providing thoughtful, reflective responses, you can create a compelling narrative that resonates with the admissions committee. Remember to highlight your context, goals, and the specific advantages of the LBS program. Good luck with your application!