tepper essay mba

Tepper School of Business

Apply to the Tepper MBA Program

Do you want to deliver on the promise of a data-driven future at tepper, we know what it takes — which is why we value a growth mindset, enthusiasm for collaborative approaches to problem-solving, and openness to joining a diverse and supportive community where everyone feels free to be their full selves..

Our admissions process reflects these values. We give equal consideration to every aspect of your application — goals, background, accomplishments — in order to determine if the Tepper MBA program is a good fit for you.

Your Tepper MBA application will contain a variety of components that provide the admissions committee information to assess your candidacy for our MBA program. Through our review process, we do not assign specific weights to the various parts of the application.

Read The Instructions Before Your Get Started

Application checklist.

The following application components are required:

✓  Online application form ✓  Current resume ✓  One written essay and one video essay ✓  One professional recommendation* ✓  Unofficial transcripts of all academic work ✓  Official GMAT, GRE, or EA score, or approved test waiver ✓  Official TOEFL or IELTS score (if applicable) ✓  $200 application fee

Once admitted, candidates will be required to submit official transcripts.

Review application component details

Note to All MBA Applicants

To safeguard the integrity of the admissions process, Carnegie Mellon University routinely uses a third-party company, Re Vera, to conduct verification procedures of all candidates who accept our offer of admission.

MBA Application Instructions

Start by reviewing the application components below. We ask you to provide a bit of personal, professional, and educational information to get to know you better.

We suggest that you create your essay and goals and then sit down to complete the online form. We provide a time estimate at the top of each page in the online application.  You'll only need about 30 minutes to complete the entire online application form .

Application Components

Upload a copy of your resume. The purpose of this document is to provide a snapshot of your education and professional achievements in your career. Use a standard (i.e. Times New Roman or Arial), 12-pt. font for your 1-2 page resume.

Pro Tip: It is important to include month and year for starting and ending dates for each position held. If this key information is not included, we will ask for an updated resume, which may delay your application.

Education Requirement and Transcripts

Successful applicants will hold a four-year, bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or an equivalent degree from a foreign country. You will provide details of your education for each institution that you attended. Additionally, admission to the MBA program requires candidates to have taken one semester of college-level calculus with the letter grade of B or better. Those who do not meet this requirement will be required to successfully complete Tepper’s Calculus Fundamentals course prior to matriculation. 

You will upload transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs you have attended or are attending. These may be copies of transcripts that you already have in your possession. However, these cannot be web transcripts. A web transcript is anything obtained from an online student portal, downloaded from your student record, or retrieved online.

Transcripts uploaded during the application process are considered “unofficial.” What makes a transcript "unofficial" is that you have it in your possession instead of us receiving it in a sealed, stamped envelope directly from your university.

Pro Tip: View a sample of a web transcript that you should avoid submitting .

All candidates are required to upload legible, scanned/digitized copies of their unofficial transcripts and degree certificates which include the following:

• University Transcripts: All transcripts are copies of actual university transcripts (not web transcripts), usually on watermarked paper with a seal, etc.
• Degree Name : If you earned a degree, the name is on the transcript (i.e. Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, etc.).
• Degree Conferral Date : If you earned a degree, the date the degree was awarded is on the transcript.
• Degree Certificate: If you earned a degree and the degree name/conferral date are not on the transcript, you must upload a copy of your degree certificate which includes this information. This cannot be a provisional certificate; it must be final. Still unsure what to submit? See sample degree certificates .
• Grading Scale : Include for every university so we know what the grades mean. Often on the back of the transcript; otherwise, contact the university to obtain. Still unsure what to submit? See sample grading scales .
• Official Translation : If the transcript is not in English, upload both the transcript in the original language and the official translated copy so that we can read it.

Pro Tip: If your uploaded transcript doesn’t include all the required information, we will need to contact you to send the missing items, and your application may be delayed.

Pro Tip: Official transcripts (those sent directly by the degree-granting institution) are not required during the application process. Should you be admitted, you will be required to submit official transcripts later.

Official Test Scores (GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, EA)

The Tepper School accepts the GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, and Executive Assessment (EA). Successful candidates submitting an EA score will have extensive quantitative academic coursework and/or will have professional experience in a STEM-related field. One of these tests is required regardless of previous advanced academic work or professional experience.

We accept both in-person and online versions of the GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, TOEFL and IELTS.

Once we receive the official score, we will update your application checklist accordingly.

Request that the official score is sent to us using the following instructions:

GMAT  and Executive Assessment : Select the program that applies:

Full-Time MBA: 69H-XH-99 Part-Time Flex MBA: 69H-XH-02 Part-Time Online Hybrid MBA: 69H-XH-01 Part-Time Accelerated MBA: 69H-XH-01

GRE Program Code : Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business: 4883

Pro Tip: GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years and must be valid at the time you submit your application.

Pro Tip: If you have taken the GMAT/GRE more than once, report the highest overall score from any one testing date when completing the online application.

Official Test Scores Waiver Application

Our Tepper MBA program is focused on the success of our students in the classroom and in employment outcomes. The application process allows us to assess readiness of candidates and provide guidance in improving future academic and career outcomes.

We believe standardized exams are one way that business programs gauge academic readiness; however, while many Tepper MBA applicants will submit a GMAT/GRE/EA score, we also recognize there are multiple ways to demonstrate academic readiness. This is the reason we offer a test waiver option.

Here is some guidance on our test waiver option:

• Waivers will be granted on a case-by-case basis.
• Waivers are evaluated on the basis of academic readiness for the Tepper MBA.
• If you are granted a waiver by the Admission Committee, it does not signal admission to the Tepper MBA.
• The admission decision will be based on a holistic review of the application.
• Even if you are granted a waiver, the admissions committee may require or recommend additional academic preparation prior to the start of the program that will improve your academic outcomes.
• Applying with a test waiver will not affect your eligibility for scholarship.

Upon submission of your application, the waiver request will be reviewed, and you will receive a response to the waiver request via email within 10 business days of the application deadline.  Please note, only complete applications will be reviewed for test waivers.

Candidates Applying Through the Consortium

If you are applying through the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management (CGSM) , make sure you have read the Consortium application instructions  and meet the requirements to submit an application through the Consortium.

If you would like to apply for a standardized test waiver, complete this form by Oct. 15 for Round 1 or Jan. 5 for Round 2.

If you receive a test waiver approval from the Tepper School, forward a copy of the waiver confirmation to the Consortium to complete your application. Upon completion of your application, it will be forwarded to the Tepper School.

English Language Proficiency Exam (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo DET)

Candidates are required to demonstrate a level of competence in English to meet the admissions requirements of the university.   You are required to take a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exam unless :

• You attended an undergraduate institution, earning a bachelor’s degree, where the sole language of instruction was English.
• You earned a graduate degree where the sole language of instruction was English. (Although not required, we do recommend that you take the English Language Proficiency exam.)

You must request that the official score be sent from the testing agency to our program for us to verify the score entered into the application. Request that the official score be sent to us using the following codes:

TOEFL  Program Code:  Institutional Code = 2074; Organization: Carnegie Mellon University, Graduate Business Organization

• Pro Tip: The recommended TOEFL score is 25 on each section of the Internet-based test. Reading: 25, Listening: 25, Speaking: 25, Writing: 25
• Pro Tip: The recommended IELTS score is 7 overall and 7 in each band. Listening: 7, Reading: 7, Writing: 7, Speaking: 7, Overall Band: 7
• The recommended Duolingo English Test (DET) score is 120 overall.

Pro Tip:   TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years and must be valid at the time you submit your application.

Pro Tip:   If you earned a degree from a non-U.S. institution, your academic documents should state that the sole language of instruction for the entire university was English in order to be eligible for a TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo waiver. If your academic documents don’t include this, you should upload an official letter from the University Registrar indicating English as the mode of instruction for the entirety of the degree.

There is one required essay (maximum 500 words) for all Tepper MBA applicants (except college seniors):

The Tepper School community is committed to helping students reach their full potential. Explain your philosophy on helping others achieve their full potential. How have you implemented this philosophy in your professional life, and what impact has it had on those around you? How will this philosophy influence your approach to leadership at the Tepper School and beyond?

College Seniors applying through the Tepper Future Business Leaders should answer the essays provided in the Deferred Admission for College Seniors section .

There also is an optional essay for additional information about your candidacy that you may wish to share with the admissions committee. Use this essay to convey important information that you may not have otherwise been able to convey. This may include unexplained resume gaps, context for recommender selection, etc. However, do not feel obligated to complete the optional essay.

Are you a re-applicant? Use the optional essay to explain how your candidacy has strengthened since your last application.

Video Essay: Goals

We know this is an important component of your decision to attend business school. We take it seriously as well. Please describe your post-MBA career goals.

It would be helpful to consider the following information in your response:

• You have up to 2 minutes to respond to this question.
• Please be as specific as possible. If you have not yet identified specific companies, that is okay. Just tell us what interests you for your next role or company. What about the industry, company, or functional role is appealing to you?
• If you have any criteria you are using to evaluate career opportunities, please share those as well. We may have great opportunities to add to your list.
• How does this post-MBA career goal relate to your long-term career plan?

Professional Recommendation

We require just one recommendation. Ideally, you would pick a supervisor (current or previous), however, anyone who can speak to your professional work experience in detail would be appropriate.

*For Online Hybrid MBA Applicants Only  - For applicants who are applying with less than 2 years of postgraduate work experience, we require two letters of recommendation. We recommend selecting a professional supervisor or someone who has overseen your work in an academic or community-based setting."

We use the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation (LOR). The Common LOR is intended to save you and your recommender valuable time by providing a single set of recommendation questions for each participating school. This allows your recommender to use the same answers for multiple letter submissions, alleviating the workload of having to answer different questions for each school multiple times. You benefit because it makes the ask for several different letters to be written on your behalf much easier.

Application Fee

A $200 application fee is required of all applicants. This fee can be paid online using a credit card at the time of submission.

You may earn an application fee waiver by completing Chart Your Path Toward Admission. Please choose the appropriate path to get started

• Chart Your Path: Full-Time MBA
• Chart Your Path: Online Hybrid MBA

Supporting Documentation

Once you have completed your online application, if you have any supporting documents, they should be uploaded directly to your application via your application status page in the application portal.

If you have submitted all the application components, it isn’t necessary to send anything else to us at this point. Upon admission, you’ll need to send your official transcripts/academic documents. These details will be included in the admission letter, so no need to worry about it now.

Evaluative Interview

Following submission of your application, you may be invited to interview with a member of our MBA Admissions team. Our evaluative interviews are by invitation only and are required.

We begin to invite applicants to interview within one week of the application deadline. However, you may receive an invitation any time prior to the decision notification date.

How We Conduct Admissions Interviews

At the Tepper School, the Admissions team conducts behavioral interviews. The behavioral interview technique is used to review a candidate’s specific experiences and behaviors in an attempt to predict his or her potential for success at the Tepper School.

We are particularly interested in learning about candidates' skills and perspectives on teamwork, leadership, success, and failure. To prepare, we suggest that you:

• Reflect on and clarify your short-term goals and your transition plan.
• Think about specific questions related to how you might advance toward your future goals.
• Identify specific examples when you have worked in a team, led a team, were challenged, succeeded, or learned something new.

More Information

• Important Dates and Deadlines

International Applicants

• Deferred Admission for College Seniors

Application Workshop

Start your application, special instructions, applying to part-time program with for-credit in-person activities.

Students enrolled in a part-time program are not eligible for a U.S. student visa. International applicants who reside outside of the U.S. will be asked to provide details regarding how they plan to attend Access Weekends. International students who cannot legally enter the U.S. to attend Access Weekends are not eligible for admission to our part-time MBA programs.

Reapplicants

If you have submitted an application for the Tepper MBA program within the last year, you will be able to log into the site with the same email address and password that you used last year. Some of the information from last year will carry over but you will need to fill in anything that is missing before you submit your new application. However, we will waive your application fee.

Interviews will be granted only at the invitation of the admissions committee based on our review of your submitted MBA application. Note that interview invitations may be extended at any time after you submit your reapplication, up until the date on which your admission decision is released.

The Consortium Applicants

The Tepper School of Business is proud to be a long-standing member of  The Consortium . Applicants should submit their application via  The Consortium application.   

The mission of the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, an alliance of more than 20 graduate business schools and some of our country’s top corporations, is to enhance diversity in business education and leadership by helping to reduce the under-representation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans in both its member schools’ enrollment and the ranks of management.

The Consortium fulfills its mission by attracting and recruiting qualified candidates from underrepresented groups, as well as other U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents who have demonstrated significant contributions to promoting diversity in the workplace.

Tepper supplemental application includes the following essay topic:

The Tepper School community is committed to helping students reach their full potential. Explain your philosophy on helping others achieve their full potential. How have you implemented this philosophy in your professional life, and what impact has it had on those around you? How will this philosophy influence your approach to leadership at the Tepper School and beyond? (maximum 500 words)

For Consortium questions or to schedule an informational meeting, please contact  Tony Gomez , Senior Associate Director of Masters Admissions.

We welcome applicants from around the globe and encourage non-U.S. citizens to apply to the Tepper School MBA program.

Review our information for international applicants to learn more about certification of financial resources and visa regulations. 

Are You a "Right Fit" Candidate?

The Admit.me Index (AMI) — a free, automated profile review for MBA candidates — gives you a candidate profile score, details of what affected your score, and recommends opportunities to strengthen your candidacy. 

Get your report in  just 5 minutes   and  see how your profile compares to the "perfect" candidate and to the schools you are targeting. The score is not expressly indicative of your likelihood of being admitted into the Tepper MBA program and we encourage you to contact our admissions team to discuss your results.

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2024-2025 Tepper MBA Essay Tips and Analysis

Admit expert.

• August 8, 2024

The CMU Tepper School of Business is renowned for its rigorous focus on analytical decision-making, innovation, and leadership. One of the most critical components of the Tepper MBA application is the required essay, which allows applicants to showcase their unique perspectives on leadership and community engagement. For the 2025 admissions cycle, the essay prompt invites candidates to reflect on their philosophy of helping others achieve their full potential and how they have applied this philosophy in their professional lives. The essay also asks how this philosophy will shape their leadership approach at Tepper and beyond.

In this article, we’ll explore what the admissions committee is looking for in your response and provide a detailed guide on how to craft a compelling essay that stands out.

Tepper MBA Essay Prompts for 2025 Intake

Required essay.

The Tepper School community is committed to helping students reach their full potential. Explain your philosophy on helping others achieve their full potential. How have you implemented this philosophy in your professional life, and what impact has it had on those around you? How will this philosophy influence your approach to leadership at the Tepper School and beyond? (500 words)

Video Essay

We know this is an important component of your decision to attend business school. We take it seriously as well. Please describe your post-MBA career goals.

It would be helpful to consider the following information in your response:

• You have up to 2 minutes to respond to this question.
• Please be as specific as possible. If you have not yet identified specific companies, that is okay. Just tell us what interests you for your next role or company. What about the industry, company, or functional role is appealing to you?
• If you have any criteria you are using to evaluate career opportunities, please share those as well. We may have great opportunities to add to your list.
• How does this post-MBA career goal relate to your long-term career plan?

CMU Tepper MBA Essay

What the admissions committee seeks.

The Tepper School of Business is characterized by its small, close-knit community, where collaboration, support, and teamwork are paramount. The admissions committee seeks candidates who not only excel academically and professionally but also demonstrate a commitment to fostering the growth and development of those around them. This essay prompt is designed to assess your ability to be a supportive leader who actively contributes to the success of others.

At Tepper, character matters just as much as capability. The admissions committee is particularly interested in candidates who embody qualities such as:

• Collaboration: Are you someone who works well with others, values diverse perspectives, and thrives in a team environment?
• Supportiveness: Do you have a track record of helping others succeed, whether through mentorship, guidance, or by creating opportunities for them to shine?
• Team Orientation: Are you committed to the idea that success is a collective effort, and are you willing to invest in the success of your peers?

By focusing on these attributes, the committee is looking for leaders who understand that great leadership is not about individual achievements but about lifting others and helping them reach their full potential. Your essay should convey your understanding of this philosophy and provide concrete examples of how you have implemented it in your professional life.

How to Write These Essays

Crafting a compelling essay for the Tepper MBA application requires introspection, clarity, and a clear narrative that ties your experiences to the values that Tepper holds dear. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you write an essay that resonates with the admissions committee:

1. Reflect on Your Leadership Philosophy

• Start by defining your philosophy on helping others achieve their full potential. Consider why you believe in this approach and how it has shaped your leadership style. Ask yourself: What core beliefs drive my actions when it comes to supporting others? How do I define success in a team or group setting?
• Your philosophy should be personal and authentic. Avoid generic statements and focus on what truly motivates you to help others grow.

2. Provide Concrete Examples

• Once you’ve articulated your philosophy, illustrate it with specific examples from your professional life. Think about times when you have played a significant role in someone else’s development. This could be as a manager, mentor, or even as a peer in a collaborative project.
• Detail the actions you took, the challenges you faced, and the impact your support had on the individual or team. The more specific you are, the more compelling your narrative will be. For example, if you mentored a junior colleague, describe the strategies you used to help them develop and the outcomes of your efforts.

3. Highlight the Impact

• The admissions committee wants to see not just what you did, but the tangible results of your actions. How did your support help others achieve their goals? What was the broader impact on the team or organization? Demonstrating measurable outcomes will strengthen your essay and show that your philosophy of leadership leads to real-world success.

4. Connect to Tepper’s Community

• The final part of the essay should focus on how you plan to bring your leadership philosophy to the Tepper community. Be specific about the opportunities you see at Tepper to apply your approach to leadership.
• Consider how you might contribute to the collaborative and supportive environment at Tepper. Will you lead or start a club? How will you engage your peers in meaningful discussions or projects? Demonstrate that you’ve thought about how you will integrate into and contribute to the Tepper ecosystem.

5. Add Your Personality

• Throughout your essay, ensure your unique voice and personality shine through. Tepper values authenticity, so be genuine in your writing. Let your passion for helping others and your enthusiasm for joining the Tepper community come across clearly.

6. Review and Refine

• Finally, revise your essay to ensure clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Keep in mind the 500-word limit and make every word count. It’s essential to strike a balance between providing detailed examples and keeping your narrative focused.

The CMU Tepper MBA essay prompt for the 2025 admissions cycle offers you a unique opportunity to showcase your leadership philosophy and how you help others achieve their full potential. By reflecting on your experiences, providing concrete examples, and connecting your philosophy to the Tepper community, you can craft an essay that not only answers the prompt but also sets you apart as a candidate who embodies the values Tepper holds dear.

1. Clarity of Career Goals

The Tepper admissions committee is looking for applicants who have a clear and specific vision for their post-MBA career. This means you need to articulate not just a general direction but precise goals, including industry, role, and even the type of companies you are targeting. Tepper wants to ensure that you have thoroughly considered your career path and that it aligns with the skills and opportunities their MBA program offers.

2. Alignment with Tepper’s Offerings

Tepper values candidates whose career goals are realistic and achievable within the context of what the program can provide. This includes the analytical and leadership training that Tepper is known for, as well as the extensive network and resources available to students. The admissions committee will look for evidence that you understand how Tepper’s unique strengths can help you achieve your career goals.

3. A Balance of Ambition and Practicality

While Tepper appreciates ambition, they are also looking for goals that are grounded in reality. Your career aspirations should be challenging but attainable, given your background, the MBA program’s resources, and the current market landscape. Tepper wants to see that you have considered potential obstacles and have a well-thought-out plan to overcome them.

4. Long-term Vision and Impact

Tepper is interested not just in your immediate post-MBA plans but also in your long-term career vision. They want to know how your short-term goals will serve as a stepping stone to your broader aspirations. Even though the video essay is time-limited, you should give the admissions committee a sense of the impact you hope to have in your industry or community in the long run.

5. Strong Communication Skills

The video format of this essay prompt is designed to assess your communication skills. Tepper is looking for candidates who can convey their ideas clearly, confidently, and persuasively. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your ability to engage an audience—an essential skill for any future business leader.

How to Ace this Video Essay

Crafting a compelling response to Tepper’s video essay prompt requires careful planning and practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare:

1. Define Your Post-MBA Career Goals

Start by clearly defining your career goals. Be specific about the industry, role, and type of companies you are targeting. If you haven’t identified specific companies yet, focus on what excites you about the industry or role. Discuss the key drivers behind your career choice, such as market trends, personal interests, or skills you want to develop.

2. Connect Your Goals with Tepper’s Strengths

Demonstrate your understanding of how Tepper’s MBA program will help you achieve your goals. Mention specific courses, faculty, clubs, or networking opportunities that are relevant to your career aspirations. This shows the admissions committee that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in what Tepper has to offer.

3. Outline Your Long-term Vision

Even though the video essay focuses on your post-MBA goals, it’s important to briefly mention how these goals fit into your long-term career plan. Explain how the skills and experiences you gain in your first few years post-MBA will help you reach your broader career objectives. This can be as simple as stating the kind of leader or industry expert you hope to become.

4. Prepare and Practice Your Delivery

Since this is a video essay, how you deliver your response is just as important as what you say. Practice speaking your response multiple times, focusing on clarity, pacing, and confidence. However, avoid memorizing your script verbatim, as this can make your delivery seem rehearsed and inauthentic. Instead, aim to internalize your key points and speak naturally.

• Setting: Choose a quiet, well-lit environment for recording your video. Ensure that your background is neutral and free of distractions.
• Diction: Speak slowly and clearly, making sure your words are easy to understand. Avoid using overly complex language—your goal is to communicate your ideas effectively, not to impress with jargon.
• Body Language: Maintain good posture, make eye contact with the camera, and use natural hand gestures to emphasize your points.

5. Be Concise and Focused

You have only two minutes to make your case, so every word counts. Aim to convey your main points in 200-250 words. Start with a strong opening statement, clearly outline your goals and their relevance to Tepper, and conclude with a brief mention of your long-term vision. Stay on topic and avoid unnecessary details.

6. Show Enthusiasm and Authenticity

Tepper values authenticity and passion. Let your enthusiasm for your career goals and for the Tepper MBA program come through in your video. This is your chance to connect with the admissions committee on a personal level, so be genuine and express why this path is meaningful to you.

Final Thoughts

Crafting strong responses to the Tepper MBA essay prompts requires introspection, clarity, and a strategic approach. By thoughtfully addressing the required essay, optional essay, and video essay, you can present a well-rounded application that showcases your leadership potential, career aspirations, and unique contributions. With the guidance provided in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to articulate your story and demonstrate your fit with the Tepper School of Business, positioning yourself as a standout candidate for the 2025 admissions cycle.

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Tuesday Tips: Tepper MBA Essays and Tips 2024-2025

Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business has published the new MBA application for this admissions cycle. Your resume, transcripts, recommendations, and other application data will tell the story of your career and academic accomplishments. Therefore, your Tepper MBA essays should showcase your character and personality.

CMU Tepper is an interdisciplinary program with centers like Sustainability, Architecture, and Technology and a startup incubator. The Tepper Quad delivers a campus with several interconnected parts.

The school fosters community with small class sizes and a culture that values intelligent, team-minded leadership. Tepper revels in technology and innovation as a transforming educational experience. Students are encouraged to take smart risks to learn and innovate.

As you prepare your Tepper MBA essays, remember that the program is looking for driven top performers. Ideal candidates include those seeking a tight-knit community and analytical course structure.

Curious about your chances of getting into a top B-school?  Contact us  to talk strategy with a free 15-minute advising session with an SBC Principal Consultant. 

Tepper MBA Essays

Required essay, the tepper school community is committed to helping students reach their full potential. explain your philosophy on helping others achieve their full potential. how have you implemented this philosophy in your professional life, and what impact has it had on those around you how will this philosophy influence your approach to leadership in the tepper mba program and beyond (maximum 500 words).

CMU Tepper has a small and close-knit community. Because this factor is so important, this essay question is about how you support other people. MBA programs believe that character matters—specifically, being collaborative, supportive, and team-oriented.

Great leaders lift up their team members, whether they are peers or direct reports in a professional setting. Think about times when you have developed or helped other people achieve. This could be as a manager or team member at work or even in an extracurricular activity.

As you consider how you approach leading or developing others, think about why you think the way you do. That “why” is your philosophy on leadership. Explain that philosophy and then get into specifics When you look back at your history of working and collaborating with a team, what specific behaviors have you demonstrated? Be specific when you describe how you have implemented your leadership philosophy.

Finally, consider how you will bring your leadership philosophy to the Tepper community. For example, you might lead or start a club and try to develop your classmates. Or, perhaps you’ll try to engage all of your fellow students in classroom discussions. Remember to add your personality to this essay and ensure you come across as collaborative, supportive, and inclusive.

Video Essay: Goals

We know this is an important component of your decision to attend business school. we take it seriously as well. please describe your post-mba career goals., it would be helpful to consider the following information in your response:, you have up to 2 minutes to respond to this question. please be as specific as possible. if you have not yet identified specific companies, that is okay. just tell us what interests you for your next role or company. what about the industry, company, or functional role is appealing to you, if you have any criteria you are using to evaluate career opportunities, please share those as well. we may have great opportunities to add to your list. how does this post-mba career goal relate to your long-term career plan.

To prepare for the video essay, first write down your ideas about your future career. Consider your long-term goals and what position you plan to seek immediately after graduation from Tepper. Focus on clarity and use concise language as you explain your career goal after earning an MBA.

Tepper notes that it’s not necessary to mention specific companies, but you will want to explain the industry that interests you and the desired function within that industry. For example, if you are interested in consulting after graduation, explain the consulting type and industry focus. You may be interested in a range of firms like McKinsey and Deloitte.

The second area to focus on for this video essay is why you are interested in this career path. What interests you about this industry and/or function? Tepper also suggests explaining the criteria that led you to choose this career path. The video format is ideal for conveying your personality and enthusiasm. Make sure you show the viewer that you are excited to pursue this path and know why.

Optional Essay

There is also an optional essay for additional information about your candidacy that you may wish to share with the admissions committee. use this essay to convey important information that you may not have otherwise been able to. this may include unexplained resume gaps, context for recommender selection, etc. however, do not feel obligated to complete the optional essay., reapplicants, if you are a reapplicant, use the optional essay to explain how your candidacy has strengthened since your last application..

This optional essay gives you the space to explain any gaps in your application. Some areas you could write about are academic issues or a recommendation that is not from a current or former supervisor. Another common area is gaps in work experience.

Explain each issue clearly, and then describe how you have improved. For example, perhaps you were unfocused during undergrad but have since made great strides professionally. Or, maybe you faced layoffs or a struggling industry that created resume gaps, but you now have a career focus.

In each case, highlight the positive. Stay future-oriented and explain why the issue won’t be ongoing. You can also use the optional essay to share information not covered in the required essay or your resume. However, ensure it is information that will genuinely enhance your application and tell the admissions committee something essential about your background.

Reapplicants should use the optional essay to describe how their candidacy has improved—for example, any promotions at work or increased responsibility. You may also have a better test score or a grade from a class you took. Finally, if you don’t have any tangible improvements, focus on goals that may have changed.

For more information on applying, visit the CMU Tepper School of Business website .  Don’t hesitate to contact Stacy Blackman Consulting about your MBA plans! We offer multiple services to meet your MBA application needs, from our  All-In Partnership  to hourly help reviewing your MBA resume. Contact SBC today for a  free 15-minute advising session to discuss  strategy with a Principal SBC consultant.

Here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team .

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School Kellogg MBA

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School MBA, the Wharton School

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

Admissions Officer at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB)

Asst Director MBA Admissions at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) Director MBA Admissions at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business

MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) Minority Admissions, the GSB Diversity Programs, the GSB

Associate Director MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute

Director, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania Professional Writer

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) NYU Admissions

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) M.S.Ed, Higher Education, U of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS)

Ashley is a former MBA Admissions Board Member for Harvard Business School (HBS), where she interviewed and evaluated thousands of business school applicants for over a six year tenure.  Ashley  holds an MBA from HBS. During her HBS years,  Ashley  was the Sports Editor for the Harbus and a member of the B-School Blades Ice Hockey Team. After HBS, she worked in Marketing at the Gillette Company on Male and Female shaving ...

Kerry is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS). During her 5+ year tenure at HBS, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a wide range of backgrounds across the globe. She also led marketing and outreach efforts focused on increasing diversity and inclusion, ran the Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP), and launched the 2+2 Program during her time in Admissions. Kerry holds a B.A. from Bates College and  ...

A former associate director of admissions at Harvard Business School, Pauline served on the HBS MBA Admissions Board full-time for four years. She evaluated and interviewed HBS applicants, both on-campus and globally.  Pauline's career has included sales and marketing management roles with Coca-Cola, Gillette, Procter & Gamble, and IBM.  For over 10 years, Pauline has expertly guided MBA applicants, and her clients h ...

Geri is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS).  In her 7 year tenure in HBS Admissions, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a diverse set of academic, geographic, and employment backgrounds.  Geri also traveled globally representing the school at outreach events in order to raise awareness for women and international students.  In additio ...

Laura comes from the MBA Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS) and is an HBS MBA alumnus. In her HBS Admissions role, she evaluated and interviewed hundreds of business school candidates, including internationals, women, military and other applicant pools, for five years.  Prior to her time as a student at HBS, Laura began her career in advertising and marketing in Chicago at Leo Burnett where she worked on th ...

Andrea served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Harvard Business School (HBS) for over five years.  In this role, she provided strategic direction for student yield-management activities and also served as a full member of the admissions committee. In 2007, Andrea launched the new 2+2 Program at Harvard Business School – a program targeted at college junior applicants to Harvard Business School.  Andrea has also served as a Career Coach for Harvard Business School for both cu ...

Jennifer served as Admissions Officer at the Stanford (GSB) for five years. She holds an MBA from Stanford (GSB) and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jennifer has over 15 years experience in guiding applicants through the increasingly competitive admissions process into top MBA programs. Having read thousands and thousands of essays and applications while at Stanford (GSB) Admiss ...

Erin served in key roles in MBA Admissions--as Director at Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and Assistant Director at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB). Erin served on the admissions committee at each school and has read thousands of applications in her career. At Haas, she served for seven years in roles that encompassed evaluation, outreach, and diversity and inclusion. During her tenure in Admissions at GSB, she was responsible for candidate evaluation, applicant outreach, ...

Susie comes from the Admissions Office of the Stanford Graduate School of Business where she reviewed and evaluated hundreds of prospective students’ applications.  She holds an MBA from Stanford’s GSB and a BA from Stanford in Economics. Prior to advising MBA applicants, Susie held a variety of roles over a 15-year period in capital markets, finance, and real estate, including as partner in one of the nation’s most innovative finance and real estate investment organizations. In that r ...

Dione holds an MBA degree from Stanford Business School (GSB) and a BA degree from Stanford University, where she double majored in Economics and Communication with concentrations in journalism and sociology. Dione has served as an Admissions reader and member of the Minority Admissions Advisory Committee at Stanford.   Dione is an accomplished and respected advocate and thought leader on education and diversity. She is ...

Anthony served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he dedicated over 10 years of expertise. During his time as a Wharton Admissions Officer, he read and reviewed thousands of applications and helped bring in a class of 800+ students a year.   Anthony has traveled both domestically and internationally to recruit a ...

Meghan served as the Associate Director of Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute, a joint degree program combining the Wharton MBA with an MA in International Studies. In her role on the Wharton MBA admissions committee, Meghan advised domestic and international applicants; conducted interviews and information sessions domestically and overseas in Asia, Central and South America, and Europe; and evaluated applicants for admission to the program. Meghan also managed ...

Amy comes from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where she was Associate Director. Amy devoted 12 years at the Wharton School, working closely with MBA students and supporting the admissions team.  During her tenure at Wharton, Amy served as a trusted adviser to prospective applicants as well as admitted and matriculated students.  She conducted admissions chats with applicants early in the admissions ...

Ally brings six years of admissions experience to the SBC team, most recently as an Assistant Director of Admission for the full-time MBA program at Columbia Business School (CBS).  During her time at Columbia, Ally was responsible for reviewing applications, planning recruitment events, and interviewing candidates for both the full-time MBA program and the Executive MBA program. She traveled both internationally and dome ...

Erin has over seven years of experience working across major institutions, including University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, and NYU's Stern School of Business. At Columbia Business School, Erin was an Assistant Director of Admissions where she evaluated applications for both the full time and executive MBA programs, sat on the admissions and merit scholarship committees and advised applicants on which program might be the best fit for them based on their work experience and pro ...

Emma comes from the MBA Admissions Office at Columbia Business School (CBS), where she was Associate Director.  Emma conducted dozens of interviews each cycle for the MBA and EMBA programs, as well as coordinating the alumni ambassador interview program. She read and evaluated hundreds of applications each cycle, delivered information sessions to audiences across the globe, and advised countless waitlisted applicants.

With deadlines around the corner, you may be interested in the world-famous SBC Flight Test . Once a full set of application materials for your initial school have been drafted, but not finalized, the application will be sent to a former admissions committee member for a one-time review, adcomm style. You’ll have the benefit of a true admissions committee review while still having the ability to tinker and change.  You will receive written feedback within two business days after submitting.

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CMU Tepper MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Looking to ace your CMU Tepper MBA application essays? Our comprehensive guide offers an overview, valuable tips, and real examples to help you craft compelling and impactful responses.

Posted March 1, 2024

Featuring Keta B.

Telling Your MBA Admissions Story: Create A Holistic Application

Starting thursday, october 31.

4:00 PM UTC · 45 minutes

Table of Contents

Are you considering applying to the CMU Tepper School of Business MBA program? One crucial aspect of your application will be the essays. The Tepper MBA essays play a significant role in the admissions process, allowing the admissions committee to gain insights into your personality, goals, and fit with the program. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with an overview of the CMU Tepper MBA essays, along with valuable tips and examples to help you craft compelling essays that will make your application stand out .

CMU Tepper Application and the Role of Essays

Before we dive into the details of the essays, let's first understand the overall CMU Tepper MBA application process and the role of the essays within it. The application consists of various components, including your resume, transcripts, recommendation letters, and standardized test scores. However, the essays are often considered the most critical part of the application.

Through the essays, the admissions committee aims to understand your motivation for pursuing an MBA, your career goals, your values, and how you will contribute to the Tepper community. They provide you with an opportunity to showcase your personal and professional experiences, leadership abilities, and ability to think critically.

When crafting your essays, it is essential to consider the specific prompts provided by the CMU Tepper MBA program. These prompts are carefully designed to elicit responses that will help the admissions committee evaluate your fit with the program and assess your potential for success.

One of the common essay prompts asks you to describe your short-term and long-term career goals. This prompt allows you to articulate your aspirations and demonstrate your understanding of how an MBA from CMU Tepper will help you achieve those goals. You can discuss the industry you plan to enter, the role you aspire to, and the impact you hope to make in your chosen field.

Another essay prompt may ask you to reflect on a challenging situation you have faced and how you overcame it. This prompt provides an opportunity to showcase your resilience, problem-solving skills , and ability to learn from adversity. You can discuss a professional or personal challenge and explain the steps you took to address it, highlighting the lessons you learned along the way.

In addition to these specific prompts, CMU Tepper also offers an optional essay that allows you to provide any additional information you believe is relevant to your application. This essay is an excellent opportunity to address any gaps in your resume, explain extenuating circumstances, or provide context for any unusual aspects of your profile.

When writing your essays, it is crucial to be authentic and genuine. The admissions committee is looking for candidates who can bring unique perspectives and experiences to the Tepper community. Therefore, it is essential to reflect on your own journey, values, and aspirations and convey them effectively through your essays.

Furthermore, it is crucial to pay attention to the structure, grammar, and overall clarity of your essays. Proofreading and editing your work thoroughly will ensure that your ideas are communicated effectively and professionally . Additionally, seeking feedback from trusted mentors, friends, or family members can provide valuable insights and help you refine your essays.

Remember, the essays are not just a means to an end but an opportunity for self-reflection and self-expression. Take the time to craft thoughtful and compelling narratives that highlight your strengths, experiences, and aspirations. By doing so, you will increase your chances of standing out among the pool of applicants and securing a spot in the CMU Tepper MBA program.

CMU Tepper Essay Prompts (2023-2024)

For the 2023-2024 application cycle, CMU Tepper has introduced three essay prompts. Let's take a closer look at each prompt and understand what they are looking for:

• Essay Prompt 1: Describe your short-term and long-term goals and how the Tepper MBA will help you achieve them.
• Essay Prompt 2: Describe a challenging situation you have faced personally or professionally and how you resolved it.
• Essay Prompt 3: Tepper is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community. Discuss an experience where you made a meaningful impact on others in a diverse context.

Now that we have a clear understanding of the essay prompts, let's move on to some expert tips on how to approach each one effectively. Remember, the key is to be authentic, concise, and demonstrate your fit with the Tepper MBA program.