Essays

What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? To help admissions get to know you, please share something about yourself that may not be evident in other parts of your application. Examples might include information about your family, culture, hobbies, and lived experiences. Please avoid professional topics.

(Ideally 300 words, up to 400)

Why are you seeking a UC Berkeley Haas MBA at this time? What are your short-term and long-term career objectives, and how will our unique culture and curriculum help you reach them?

(200 word limit)

Distance Traveled / Logistics (Non-Bay Area Applicants)

If you are applying from outside the Bay Area, please explain your plans to attend classes on campus. Please include your employment plans and whether you intend to relocate or commute. (up to 150 words) Mark N/A if your cohort preference is "Flex Only" or if you live in the Bay Area.

Quantitative Readiness Statement

Under Self-Reported Test Scores: Quantitative Readiness Statement: Please briefly discuss ways in which you have demonstrated strong quantitative abilities or plan to strengthen your quantitative abilities. (Up to 150 words) Mark N/A only if you have a degree in a quantitative field (e.g., engineering, math, statistics).

Employment Gaps & Current Status

Under Work Experience: Please provide an account of any gaps in your employment since earning your undergraduate degree. If you are not employed full time, please explain your current employment situation and your career search plans. (Up to 150 words)

Recommender Details

Under Recommendations: For each of your recommenders, please list their name, company, the dates you worked with the person, and the context of your professional relationship. (Up to 200 words)

Academic History Statement

Have you ever been subject to academic discipline, placed on probation, suspended, or required to withdraw from any college or university? An affirmative response to this question does not automatically disqualify you from admission.

Extracurricular Activities

List up to five significant community and professional organizations and extracurricular activities in which you have been involved during or after university studies. 

Fun Fact for Orientation

At Orientation, we like to share fun facts about our students (without identifying your names). If you are willing, please share a fun fact (big or small) about yourself that you wouldn't mind sharing with your future classmates. (1-2 sentences suggested).

General Optional Statement

This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include an explanation of academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate. (250 word limit)

Personal Background Additional Information

We invite you to help us better understand the context of your opportunities and achievements.

If you were raised in one of the following household types, please indicate:

1. Raised by a single parent
2. Raised by an extended family member (grandparent, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, cousin)
3. Raised in a multi-generational home
4. Raised in foster care

If you have you ever been responsible for providing significant and continuing financial or supervisory support for someone else, please indicate:

1. Child
2. Spouse
3. Sibling
4. Parent
5. Extended family member (grandparent, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, cousin)
6. Other

Please elaborate on any of your above responses. Alternatively, you may use this opportunity to expand on other hardships or unusual life circumstances that may help us understand the context of your opportunities, achievements, and impact. Mark N/A if not applicable.