lbs mba essays

• London Business School Essay Tips and Examples

June 6, 2023

Denise Potter

LBS 2023–2024 Essay Tips

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

As we have noted, LBS’s required essay covers several basic elements of a traditional personal statement. You will need to show that you have a long-term vision for yourself and your career and that you have a clear plan for how to get there via the LBS MBA program. The basic assumptions, of course, are that business school is the next logical step in your progress and that you need to pursue your degree at LBS in particular because the school provides specific experiences, knowledge, skills, exposure, and/or other elements that are necessary for you to attain your aspirations and thrive in your chosen career. Ideally, you have already researched the program thoroughly to discover these important resources and areas of fit, but if not, do not skip this important step and/or refer only to basic offerings most business schools have. Your essay must be LBS specific. Demonstrating your authentic interest in the program by giving concrete examples and drawing clear connections between what the school offers, what you need, and who you are is key to crafting a compelling essay response here.

Because 500 words is not a lot, avoid going into excessive detail about your past, though you will need to offer enough information to provide context and support for your stated goals. Given this essay’s significant overlap with a standard personal statement, we encourage you to download your free copy of the mbaMission Personal Statement Guide . In this complimentary guide, we present a much more detailed discussion of how to approach and craft this kind of essay, along with multiple illustrative examples.

Question 2 (Optional): Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (500 words)

Applicants typically use the optional essay to explain confusing or problematic elements of their candidacy—a poor grade or GPA, a low GMAT or GRE score, a gap in work experience, etc.—and LBS’s can certainly be used this way. If you feel you need to clarify an aspect of your profile, first check the other parts of the school’s application, which already includes several opportunities to address certain issues (such as academic performance and disciplinary instances). If you can discuss your concern elsewhere instead, do so, and avoid using this essay to simply repeat any information provided via that avenue. If you have a problem to address that is not mentioned in the LBS application, we suggest downloading a copy of the mbaMission Optional Essays Guide , which is also available for free, and in which we offer detailed advice on deciding whether to take advantage of the optional essay and, if so, how to do so to effectively mitigate any concerning elements of your application.

If you do not feel that your candidacy includes any elements that need further clarification, however, you might use this essay to instead offer a more rounded, positive representation of yourself—but be thoughtful about this opportunity. Do not just copy and paste an existing essay you wrote for a different school here and hope for the best. Take a step back and carefully consider what the admissions committee already knows about you from the other parts of your application, including, of course, your required essay. Then, do your utmost to develop and convey a narrative that is truly crucial to understanding your character. Because this question is so open-ended, your options are somewhat limitless. You will need to honestly check your instincts and ask yourself whether you are simply tacking something extra onto your application with this essay or whether you are offering something that is truly additive and would be helpful for the school to know to fully and fairly evaluate you. Be mindful and respectful of the admissions committee’s time, and remember that each additional file you submit requires more resources on behalf of the admissions office, so whatever you write must be truly worthwhile and clearly reveal that you made good use of this opportunity to provide further insight into your candidacy.

Business schools outside the United States are increasingly popular among MBA hopefuls, and we at mbaMission are proud to offer our latest publications:  International Program Guides . In these snapshots, we discuss core curricula, elective courses, locations, school facilities, rankings, and other jey program features. Click here to download your free   copy of the  London Business School Program Guide .

The Next Step: Mastering Your LBS Interview

Many MBA candidates find admissions interviews stressful and intimidating, but mastering this important element of the application process is definitely possible—the key is informed preparation. And, on your way to this high level of preparation, we offer our  free Interview Guides  to spur you along! Download your free copy of the  London Business School Interview Guide  today.

To learn more about the essays for other top business schools, visit our  MBA Essay Tips and Examples Resources Page .

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2023–2024 MBA Essay Tips

• Berkeley Haas School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
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• Chicago Booth School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
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• Michigan Ross School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
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• NYU Stern School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Ohio Fisher College of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Oxford Saïd Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• SMU Cox School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Stanford Graduate School of Business Application Essay Tips and Examples
• Texas McCombs School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Essay Tips and Examples
• The Wharton School Essay Tips and Examples
• Toronto Rotman School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
• UCLA Anderson School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
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• USC Marshall School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
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• UW Foster School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
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2023-2024 London Business School (LBS) MBA Essay Analysis

Admit expert.

• July 20, 2023

If you’re thinking about getting an MBA in the UK, you may have heard of London Business School (LBS). London Business School, located in one of the world’s most significant business capitals, offers a completely unique MBA experience. With the option to complete the program in just 15 months and a student body comprised of more than 60 different nationalities, London Business School is a top choice for many internationally-minded individuals.

London Business School has formally confirmed the essay prompts for the 2023-2024 admissions season. If you are interested in an MBA program with a worldwide community and access to a major metropolis, London Business School may be an excellent choice.

London Business School is really a global centre, with 60+ nationalities represented in the class of 2023 and distinguished professors and visiting speakers from around the world. In addition, 38 percent of the class of 2023 identifies as female, and students come from a variety of industry backgrounds, according to the information provided.

Getting into such a highly competitive MBA program requires you to ace every component of your application particularly the essay section. 

Here are the 2023-2024 essays for London Business School and how to answer them.

LBS MBA Essays

Lbs mba essay tips, essay 2 (optional), let us help you get into london business school.

Essays are a vital part of your application and we recommend that you spend a significant amount of time in their preparation. The questions for the LBS MBA programme are:

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

• Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (Optional) (500 words)

This question has been on the LBS application for some years now. It is a traditional goals essay, a type of essay that many top business schools ask applicants to write.

Through this essay, you must demonstrate that you have a long-term goal for your career and yourself and that you have a solid strategy for achieving it through the LBS MBA program. 

Of course, the fundamental presumptions are that business school is the logical next step in your development and that you should pursue your degree at LBS specifically because the institution offers the unique experiences, knowledge, skills, exposure, and/or other components that are essential for you to realize your goals and succeed in your chosen career. 

Ideally, you have previously done extensive research on the program to identify these crucial resources and areas of compatibility, but if not, do not skip this crucial stage and/or merely refer to the fundamental offers that the majority of business schools have. 

Your essay must be focused on LBS. The key to writing a strong essay response here is to demonstrate your genuine interest in the program by providing specific instances and creating links between what the school offers, what you need, and who you are.

In short, through this essay you need to explain the following:

• Background of your goals
• Your post-MBA goals
• Why MBA and why now to achieve those goals
• How LBS MBA can help you achieve those goals

Here are five ideas to get you started:

• Go beyond your resume

Instead, pay attention to the instances that helped you stay on track with your career aspirations or demonstrated your leadership potential. Make a point of emphasizing the links between your prior experiences and your present goals.

• For your post-MBA career goals, make sure they are thoroughly researched and feasible.

Consider this when making career, role, or location changes. If you don’t have a solid strategy for the future, the admissions committee will see that as a big red flag.

• Explain why LBS is the best option for you.

‘I desire to expand my professional network’ could be used in any MBA essay. Your presence in the LBS classroom isn’t warranted just on the basis of this flimsy argument. LBS encourages students to think beyond the box and challenge the status quo. Make sure you can explain why LBS is the ideal fit for you.

• Make sure you talk to LBS alums/current students to get a sense of what the school stands for.

The LBS website has testimonies and contact information for student ambassadors. Searchable by program nationality and industry, this database of student ambassadors is an invaluable tool. Take advantage of the opportunities that are available to you by speaking with current LBS students and attending virtual events.

• LBS should be a platform to help you achieve your long-term career goals and objectives.

For those who want to tailor their MBA experience, LBS claims to have the “world’s most adaptable MBA.” Using LBS as a launching pad, explain how you plan to move from point A (your current job) to point B (your post-MBA profession).

In addition, keep in mind what you’ll study at LBS and in London. What additional education or training can help you reach your professional objectives? 

Do you want to impress the LBS Adcom?

At Admit Expert, we have helped hundreds of students get into top MBA programs around the world. We would be happy to help you too. Schedule a free call with us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your goals.

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Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (500 words)

Applicants usually use the optional essay to explain confusing or problematic parts of their application, like a low grade or GPA, a low GMAT or GRE score, a gap in work experience, etc., and LBSs can be used in this way as well. 

If you think you need to clarify something about your profile, first look at the other parts of the school’s application, where you may already have a chance to do so (such as academic performance and disciplinary instances). 

If you can talk about your problem somewhere else, do that instead. Don’t use this essay to just repeat what you said elsewhere.

If you don’t think there are any parts of your application that need more explanation, you could use this essay to give a more complete, positive picture of yourself. Just be sure to use this chance wisely. 

Do not just cut and paste an essay you already wrote for another school and hope for the best. Take a step back and think carefully about what the admissions committee already knows about you from the rest of your application, including the required essay. 

Then, do your best to come up with and tell a story that really helps people understand your character. Because this question is so broad, you have a lot of ways to answer it. 

You’ll need to be honest with yourself and ask yourself if you’re just adding something extra to your application with this essay or if you’re actually adding something that would help the school get a full and fair picture of you. 

Be mindful and respectful of the admissions committee’s time, and keep in mind that each additional file you send requires more resources from the admissions office. 

This means that whatever you write must be really worth it and show that you took advantage of this chance to give more information about yourself.

In our opinion, this open-ended question is a great chance to tell a personal story and give it some color to show how you will fit in with the culture. This could be the perfect place to talk about a background, experience, or trait that doesn’t fit anywhere else on the application.

There are many ways to look at diversity. It could be where you come from, the culture you identify with, or how you live your life. If different experiences or ways of thinking don’t speak to you, ask yourself if you’ve ever been challenged or come up with something new. 

When have you tried something new or questioned what everyone else thought? A global perspective is also very important. Think of stories that could show how you have shown any of these qualities that LBS looks for.

We will help you write essays that portray your unique strengths and experiences in the most favorable light so that your application shines above the rest. We have helped hundreds of students get into top US business schools. Let us help you too.

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LBS MBA Essays : Sample Essays & Writing Tips

MBA & Beyond Team

22/12/2023 | 7:31 pm

As a student looking to study abroad, you’re on the threshold of an exciting journey, and the London Business School (LBS) offers a unique opportunity to catapult your career onto the global stage.

The MBA essays are a critical part of your application, serving as a window into your aspirations, experiences, and personality. Let’s dive into what makes an exceptional LBS MBA essay, setting you apart in a pool of global talents.

WHO IS LBS LOOKING FOR?

The London Business School isn’t just looking for smart students; they seek individuals ready to challenge norms and lead in an ever-globalizing world. LBS values diversity – not just in nationality but in thoughts and experiences. So, who exactly fits the bill?

Key Characteristics of an Ideal LBS Candidate:

• Global Mindset: Students who appreciate and leverage global diversity.
• Leadership Potential: A track record of leadership or the potential to lead.
• Academic Excellence: Strong academic credentials backed by a solid GMAT or GRE score.
• Professional Experience: An average of 5 years of work experience, showcasing growth and impact.
• Collaborative Spirit: A collaborative approach to learning and problem-solving.

In summary, LBS looks for candidates who are more than their academic scores. They value diversity, leadership, and a global outlook. If you see yourself in this description, you’re on the right path!

BREAKING DOWN THE LBS MBA ESSAY QUESTIONS

When it comes to the LBS MBA application, the essays play a pivotal role. Understanding the questions is your first step to crafting responses that resonate with the admissions committee.

Essay Questions Overview:

• Required Essay: This revolves around your post-MBA goals and how LBS will contribute towards these goals.
• Optional Essay: An opportunity to share additional, significant information with the admissions committee.

REQUIRED ESSAY: POST-MBA GOALS AND LBS’S ROLE

This essay is your chance to showcase clarity in your career aspirations and how an LBS MBA aligns with these goals. The key here is specificity – be clear about your post-MBA goals and how LBS, with its unique offerings, will be instrumental in achieving them.

OPTIONAL ESSAY: BEYOND THE RESUME

The optional essay is a space to address any gaps in your application or to highlight unique aspects of your profile. This isn’t just about fixing weaknesses; it’s an opportunity to share stories or experiences that give depth to your application.

• Use bullet points to list down key elements of each essay question.
• Highlight the word limit and specific requirements for each essay.

WRITING THE REQUIRED ESSAY: TIPS AND STRATEGIES

Crafting the required essay involves a delicate balance of discussing your goals, past experiences, and the significance of LBS in your journey. Let’s break it down:

• Contextualize Your Goals: Start by defining your post-MBA goals. Be specific about the industry, role, and how these goals align with your long-term vision.
• Link Past Experiences: Connect your past work and academic experiences to your goals. How have these experiences shaped your aspirations?
• Role of LBS: This is crucial. Detail how LBS’s curriculum, culture, and network will be instrumental in achieving your goals. Mention specific courses, clubs, and other unique aspects of LBS.

Key Takeaways :

• Start with a clear statement of your post-MBA goals.
• Use bullet points to list past experiences relevant to your goals.
• Include a section specifically on how LBS will help you achieve these goals, with bullet points for clarity.

TACKLING THE OPTIONAL ESSAY

The optional essay in the LBS MBA application can be a bit of a wild card. It’s your chance to address parts of your application that might raise questions or to add another dimension to your profile. Here’s how to approach it:

• Addressing Gaps or Weaknesses: Use this essay to explain any anomalies in your academic or professional background, such as gaps in employment or low grades. The key is to be honest and succinct, providing context without making excuses.
• Adding Depth to Your Profile: If you don’t have gaps to address, use this opportunity to highlight aspects of your personality or experiences that aren’t covered elsewhere in your application. This could be personal achievements, unique experiences, or aspects of your background that contribute to your diversity of thought.

Essential Tips:

• List down scenarios when you should use the optional essay.
• Use bullet points to highlight key strategies for each scenario.

MAKING YOUR STORY SHINE

In crafting your essays for the LBS MBA, it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. Your essays should tell a compelling story that resonates with the admissions committee.

• Personalize Your Narrative: Share personal stories that reflect your character, values, and journey. This makes your application memorable and relatable.
• Be Authentic and Reflective: Authenticity is key. Reflect on your experiences, learnings, and how they have shaped your perspective and aspirations.
• Show, Don’t Just Tell: Use specific examples and achievements to illustrate your points. This gives credibility to your claims and brings your story to life.

LBS APPLICATION DEADLINES AND PROCESS

Navigating the application deadlines and process for the LBS MBA program is crucial for a timely and successful submission. Here’s what you need to know:

APPLICATION DEADLINES:

• Make sure to check the latest application deadlines on the LBS website.
• Plan to submit your application well in advance of the deadline to avoid last-minute stress.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Online Application: Start by filling out the online application form, which includes personal information, academic history, and professional experience.
• Essays: Allocate ample time to write and revise your essays. Remember, they are a central part of your application.
• Recommendations: Choose your recommenders wisely – they should be able to provide insightful comments on your abilities and potential.
• Interview: If selected, you will be invited for an interview, which is a key component of the evaluation process.
• Use a bulleted list for the steps in the application process.
• Highlight important dates and deadlines in a separate box for easy reference.

As you embark on the journey of crafting your LBS MBA essays, remember that this is your opportunity to shine. Be authentic, be reflective, and most importantly, be yourself. The essays are a way to communicate not just your professional aspirations but also your personal journey and the unique qualities you will bring to the LBS community.

Embrace the process, and remember that each part of the application is a chance to showcase a different facet of who you are.

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London Business School Essay Tips: 2023-2024

If you are seeking an MBA program with a global community and access to a major city, London Business School may be a great option for you.

With acclaimed professors and visiting speakers from around the world, and students representing 63 nationalities in the class of 2025, London Business School is truly a global hub. Information on the class of 2025 also notes that 43% of students identify as female, and students come from a variety of industry backgrounds.

If you have decided that the London Business School full-time MBA program is a good fit for you, check out Personal MBA Coach’s tips below for tackling the LBS MBA essay questions.

Once again, the London Business School application will ask applicants to answer one required essay question . This year, the school is minimizing changes and keeping the question the same as the previous application cycle.

London Business School gives candidates the opportunity to answer an optional essay question as well, which also remains the same this year.

London Business School’s MBA Essays for 2023-2024:

Personal mba coach’s london business school essay tips:.

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

This is a standard goals essay. Personal MBA Coach recommends beginning your essay by providing some background context about yourself and detailing your career accomplishments to date. This does not mean that applicants should detail their entire careers or repeat what is on their resume. However, LBS is looking to understand how your past career has prepared you to achieve your goals. Therefore, you should include some discussion of your career in terms of how it relates to your aspirations.

After sharing this background information, go on to discuss your MBA goals. If you are having trouble articulating your goals, take a look at Personal MBA Coach’s six key pieces of essay advice . This section should be a good portion of your essay and should include a specific short-term and long-term goal.

Finally, the remainder of your essay should specifically discuss how attending London Business School will help you accomplish these goals. Be sure to research everything that London Business School’s MBA program has to offer and detail what you plan to take part in on campus. Is there a class you want to take? A club you hope to join? Mention these here and clearly explain how they relate to your MBA goals. Keep in mind that LBS is an international program, and a strong essay will explain why this is important to you.

LBS Essay 2 (Optional):  Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School?  (500 words maximum)

While Personal MBA Coach normally does not advise most candidates to complete optional essays, you  should  consider answering this essay. This is the chance to tell London Business School a bit more about who you are and what makes you unique.

Possible topics to cover here include extracurricular leadership roles or other work that is not presented in the rest of your application. This could be a personal story, triumph, or a side project you were involved in.

Want to learn more about the London Business School full-time MBA program? Visit Personal MBA Coach’s LBS school page for more information on what sets the program apart.

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LBS MBA Essay Samples

London Business School Admissions (LBS) likes to see uniqueness in each applicant, as that helps to add to the diversity dimension more broadly – it’s not just international diversity but differences in professional experiences, goals, and paths to these goals.

LBS is very focused on Leadership. “There is a big emphasis on how we could recognise certain characteristics in applicants who were likely to become global business leaders,” shared a representative of LBS’s MBA program. LBS really wants well-rounded students. They are interested in mistakes or failures that candidates have experienced and how they have grown from those experiences. Demonstrating global awareness is key, as LBS teaches a global business model, not just the American business perspective.

SBC has former LBS MBA Admissions Officers and several additional LBS experts on our team. We know the nuances of applying to LBS successfully. If you’d like to speak with one of our Principals about your candidacy, please request a free analysis here.

Successful Examples of LBS Essays

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.

My interest in the intersection of healthcare and technology was initially piqued during a high school internship at a laboratory. While I realized in college that I prefer the world of finance to a career in medicine, I have retained a strong passion for healthcare that I plan to apply to my post-MBA goals. After graduating from LBS, I intend to join a global venture capital (VC) fund in London, such as X, Y, or Z, with exposure to digital health and a thesis that aligns with my vision of making healthcare more accessible. As a naturally curious person, I am drawn to VC because I’m excited to invest in founders who create innovative solutions that improve people’s lives. Working in VC will allow me to gain insight into the operational challenges of building a startup through partnerships with founders all around the world and learn about existing gaps in the healthcare landscape. This will prepare me for my long-term aspiration of launching a women’s health-tech startup in India. In GLOBAL BANK’s ABC Group, I work on private equity-led transactions and analyze investment ideas for our clients – these are transferable skills that I will leverage for a job in VC. My internship with VC FIRM has further prepared me for VC by providing a window into the operational side of investing. The next step for me is to pursue an MBA at LBS in order to cultivate a diverse network and develop the requisite skillset that will aid me in accomplishing my post-MBA career goals. LBS’ location at the center of Europe’s burgeoning startup ecosystem coupled with its entrepreneurial focus is appealing to me. I plan to take advantage of living in London by interning at VC firms throughout the year and consulting a startup through ABC, a module I become excited to pursue after speaking with ALUNA3 (’20). The LBS curriculum caters to my interests in VC, entrepreneurship, and healthcare and will help me to develop as an effective leader in a global context. In conversations with Professor NAME and ALUMNA4 (’21), we discussed my career aspirations and how electives such as ELECTIVE1 and ELECTIVE2 will help me gain the strategy and operational skills that I will benefit from in my post-MBA goals. These electives, coupled with the initiatives through the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will prepare me to become a well-rounded investor. Immersion into the LBS community through student clubs is a key ingredient in broadening my network and achieving my career goals. The global treks offered by the PE / VC Club are opportunities to engage with VC firms that I could work at post-MBA. The ABC challenge and the annual VC challenge will allow me to place myself in the shoes of an investor and test out my business ideas in the healthcare space. These clubs, along with LBS ABC CLUB, are also great ways to connect with LBS alumni working in firms that interest me.

At the end of 2019, I secured a part-time internship in venture capital at VC FIRM, in addition to my current job in investment banking, through a combination of networking and thought leadership through my online blog. I source deals, tackle operational challenges with founders, research industries of interest to VC FIRM, and execute due diligence. Placing myself in the shoes of an investor has further demonstrated to me the value and strength of a global network and has deepened my interest and passion for investing and entrepreneurship. While it has been difficult at times to balance the internship with my current job, I have honed my prioritization and time management skills and feel motivated knowing that I am getting invaluable hands-on experience that will help me immensely with my post-MBA plans. This drive and resilience is something that I have consistently noticed in the diverse group of LBS students I have spoken with. Inspired by ALUMNA3 (’21) and other students I have spoken with in the LBS network, I am excited to become a Student Ambassador at LBS. My prior experience as the UNIVERSITY recruiting caption for GLOBAL BANK’s summer intern program and my desire to give back to students who have been in the same place as me is something that motivates me. Through my involvement with UNIVERSITY intern recruiting, I also built out a mentorship program for female students in order to help them succeed before, during, and after the internship. This effort carried over to our recruiting process for other schools and last year we were able to achieve gender equity in our intern class. Empowering women through mentorship and elevating their voices is a cause that I am very passionate about. As I aspire to join a heavily male-dominated industry, I am a proponent of having a strong network of women throughout one’s career starting at the earliest stages, which is why I would like to build out a mentorship program between LBS CLUB and women in senior VC positions in London.

As an Investment Banking Associate in the ABC Group at GLOBAL BANK I advise global private equity firms on transactions and assist with investment idea generation for their portfolios. The clients I work with are late stage investment firms and buyout firms, such as X, Y and Z. These clients are amongst the largest clients of the bank and our business with them generated approximately $XXMM in revenue last year, making our group the highest revenue-generating group in the bank. I perform financial analyses to assist in due diligence for global transactions ranging from $XXMM to $XXBN, with fees ranging from ~$XXMM to $XXMM. My role is dynamic in nature and I must manage unpredictability of transaction timelines and ad hoc client requests, which consistently require fast turnarounds. I mainly interact with Principals and Partners at our private equity clients and frequently speak to portfolio company management whenever there is a live transaction. Speaking directly with company management is interesting for me as it allows me to understand the drivers of day-to-day choice within the company as well the thought process behind larger scale, strategic decisions. In addition to frequent interactions with clients and company management, I work cross-functionally across portfolio management, credit, capital markets, and relationship managers to lead processes for deal approval and execution. Our deal teams are comprised of Managing Director, a Vice President, an Associate, and an Analyst from each of these internal groups, including my group. I report directly to the Head of U.S. ABC Coverage, who reports directly to our Head of North America Investment Banking and Markets. Moreover, I supervise five analysts on deals and client pitches; this has helped me refine my communication and conflict resolution skills and become an effective and trusted mentor and supervisor for junior colleagues. The development of my people management skills has also been beneficial when I present to clients, senior management, or at deal screenings. When I first joined this group, I joined a team of XX people; in the last two years, the group has expanded to include XX people. This rapid growth has allowed me to actively undertake more responsibility in my current role over the last two years. In addition to being designated as a lead Associate on deals, I spearheaded our firm’s middle market direct lending initiative, which culminated in an increase in revenue of almost $XXM against a $XXMM budget.

As an NATIONALITY1 NATIONALITY2 woman, living in EUROPEAN CITY and working at a GLOBAL bank was an immersion into a rich blend cultures that gave me a view into how business is conducted differently across the globe. I stepped into the shoes of my international teammates to understand their culturally driven approaches to certain situations, making me a better problem-solver. I acquired the ability to value and leverage the characteristics of those working around me, became a more dynamic worker, and developed the confidence and empathy required to navigate unfamiliar situations with adaptability and understanding.

Whether it has been through advising a non-profit on its business strategy or collaborating with GLOBAL BANK’S human resources department to implement new corporate social responsibility initiatives, helping others by getting involved has been a driving force in my life. For the last three years, I have volunteered with NFP1, advising resource-constrained local organizations and organizing the annual conference in New York. My involvement has challenged me to think outside the box and prepare for unexpected situations – these skills have proven critical when leading projects at work. Through volunteering, I have been able to combine my interests in entrepreneurship and commitment to social impact initiatives while also improving my team-building and negotiation skills. I hope to continue contributing my time to social impact causes through participation in the XXX Club at LBS. For the last five years, I have mentored young women as GLOBAL BANK’s UNIVERSITY recruiting team captain and have organized firm wide networking events led by senior leadership as a member of the Women’s ABC Group. Having had strong female mentors throughout my career, I am driven to elevate women’s voices and promote female leadership. Inspirational conversations with women at LBS have underscored my excitement about collaborating with likeminded individuals in LBS ABC CLUB and using the platform to organize a speaker series with women in venture capital. Two years ago, I started an online blog, where I publish my thoughts on various industries and interviews with founders. My blog serves as a portfolio of my thoughts and has served as a bridge into the startup ecosystem. The release of creativity and freedom I feel when I write is similar to the rush I get when playing the piano and composing music, an activity that I started when I was five years old and still continue to pursue in my free time. Finally, being a competitive figure skater for nine years and playing doubles tennis in both high school and college have been two of my most wonderful experiences. Today, these sports remain a large part of my life and continue to instill in me the values of discipline, self-motivation, and teamwork.

SBC’s star-studded consultant team is unparalleled. Our clients benefit from current intelligence that we receive from the former MBA Admissions Officers from LBS, Columbia CBS and every elite business program in the US and Europe.  These MBA Admissions Officers have chosen to work exclusively with SBC.

Meet Susan , just one of the many superstars on the SBC team. Susan was the Director of Recruitment and Admissions at London Business School LBS and also the Director of the Executive MBA program at Columbia Business School CBS.

Tap into this inside knowledge for your MBA applications by requesting a consultation .

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Advice, tips and insights from the admissions dream team., table of contents, london business school essays: tips & strategy.

• By Emma Bond

London Business School requires one essay and offers another optional one.

As former Senior Manager of MBA Admissions at LBS, I believe that very best versions of Essay One will give the Admissions Committee insight into what has motivated your post-MBA career goals and how the LBS program will help you achieve them.

Recently, I sat down for a virtual conversation with LBS Admissions Director David Simpson . When I asked about the qualities he’s looking for in an MBA candidate, Simpson said:

“Above all for me is the idea of an inquiring mind — someone who’s fascinated by other views gathered from around the world, somebody who is open for personal growth… In addition: ambition, collaborative nature, curious / questioning, global outlook and desire, reflective and self-aware — with some humility. These are factors that everybody needs in business and in society.”

With this in mind — and always remembering the global outlook central to life and learning at LBS — your essays are the place to convey a high level of self-awareness and ambition, while conveying your uniqueness to the Admissions Committee.

HOW TO TACKLE THE LBS ESSAYS

ESSAY 1. What are your post-MBA plans and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these? (500 words)

LBS has retained this question for a long time;  answered well, it should tell the Admissions Committee exactly what they need to know. The question pulls no punches — it doesn’t make you read between the lines — but its seeming simplicity is actually what makes it so tricky. At a minimum, you need first to make a compelling case for needing an MBA to achieve your professional goals and then to demonstrate how London Business School is uniquely positioned to help get you there. The very best answers go a little deeper, giving the Admissions Committee context into what has motivated your post-MBA career goals and showing an advanced level of self-awareness.

Like all schools, LBS wants to see you’ve done your homework, so you’ll need to showcase a more in-depth knowledge of the program and community than you can glean from a quick review of their website. This is your opportunity to highlight your school research and show your LBS love. Think about how specific classes, professors, clubs or other on and off campus initiatives will factor into your success, and importantly, how they are relevant to your career goals.

ESSAY 2. (Optional) Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (500 words)

In many business school applications, the optional essay needs to be used to explain a less than stellar undergraduate performance or low GMAT. However, London Business School asks you about your prior academic performance specifically in their application form. If you have another weakness you’re concerned about— perhaps you were let go from a job or took an extended career break— you should use this section to explain.

Otherwise, use this section to further make the case for your candidacy by highlighting another aspect of your profile that makes you a great fit for LBS. Perhaps you have another passion, not directly related to your career goals. This is your chance to tell the committee what you’ve done with that passion, and what you’ll do to share it with the community, showcasing your leadership, team skills and/or international outlook along the way.

Our clients always come up with some great examples for this essay. Some of the most memorable include a candidate who had overcome learning disabilities and wanted to help connect learning-disabled students at LBS with the resources to help them succeed in the program; an amateur photographer who had organized exhibitions who wanted to revive the LBS photography club; and an LGBTQ+ rights advocate who had been a senior organizer of his city’s Pride parade and wanted to take a leadership role within the OiB club on campus.

View our MBA Admissions Essay Masterclass featuring London Business School, INSEAD & HEC Paris, above. Previous sessions from our MBA Admissions Essay Masterclass series are available on  Fortuna’s YouTube channel .

Let’s Get You In.

Fortuna Admissions is a dream team of former MBA Admissions Directors and Officers from 18 of the top 20 business schools, including LBS. With our unparalleled collective expertise, we are able to coach you to develop a clear vision of your goals for business school and beyond. We work closely with you throughout the application process and provide expert guidance at every stage to maximize your chances of admission to a top school.

Our free consultations are consistently rated as the best in the industry. To learn more about Fortuna and assess your chances of admission to Wharton and other top programs, request a  free consultation .

Want More Advice?

For more insights and advice on LBS, view our related articles and videos:

• How to Get Into London Business School
• Why London Business School Should Be On Your Shortlist
• London Business School MBA Interview: Everything You Need to Know
• A Conversation with LBS Admissions Director David Simpson  (video strategy session)
• INSEAD & London Business School: Insider Admissions Advice (7-min video blog)
• MBA Admissions Trend: One Letter of Recommendation

Updated Oct. 3, 2023

Fortuna’s Emma Bond is an expert MBA admissions coach and former LBS Senior Manager of MBA Admissions. For a candid assessment of your chances of admission success at a top MBA program, sign up for  a free consultation.

• Posted on October 3, 2023

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How To Successfully Complete the LBS Video Essay

Oct 12, 2023

Why does LBS require a video essay?

How does the lbs video essay work, which types of questions are asked, sample lbs video essay questions, the difference between a good and great london business school video essay, make sure you get into london business school.

UPDATE : This article was originally posted on February 4, 2019. It has been updated with new information and tips below. 

London Business School has long been a top-choice business school for professionals seeking a flexible, globally-focused program. 

Driven by their interest in attending one of the world’s most diverse and flexible business schools, many applicants dedicate countless hours writing LBS’ admissions essays only to fail to fully prepare for the video essay component of the application. 

This is a huge mistake. 

In addition to giving the admissions committee the chance to “put a face with a name,” the video essay is an essential part of the LBS application, as it allows committee members to determine if your communication style and values are a good fit with the LBS community. 

That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you understand how the LBS video essay works and have shared a list of London Business School video essay questions to ensure you put your best foot forward! 

When we first started working with London Business School applicants many years ago, the video essay component had not yet been introduced. However, since its launch, the video essay has quickly become a critical part of the application. 

That’s because it gives the admissions committee the chance to truly “meet” candidates — as well as identify red flags in potential members of the LBS community. In their words, “[ The video essay] is an addition to our interview process, which we hope will give us a chance to get to know you better. ”

With that in mind, it’s extremely important to make sure you fully understand this component of the application. 

The way the video essay works is very simple. 

After submitting your application and being selected for an interview , you will receive an email from the LBS admissions team. This email will contain a link that allows you to access the video essay platform. 

After signing in and starting the session, you will get two questions in total, one at a time. After receiving the questions, you will have 40 seconds to think and then 90 seconds to answer. 

There are no opportunities to redo the questions , meaning you only get one chance to speak and provide your answer.

The first question is random, and the second is a fixed question (which will be asked of all applicants). We’ll go more into detail about the questions you can expect below. 

If you’ve taken the TOEFL exam , you’ve already practiced for the type of format you can expect in the INSEAD video essay! 

After signing in and “starting” the session, a video will appear on the screen. This video will show someone who will read the question you are tasked with answering. The question will also appear in written form under the video. 

After the time runs out, the screen video will disappear, and your image will be visible on the screen. At this point, your 40 seconds to think will automatically appear. 

After the preparation time runs out, the clock to answer (90 seconds!) will start, and you will need to give your answer during this period of time. Remember: you cannot redo either of the questions . 

After you answer the question, the system will upload your answer to the server (depending on your connection this can take a while) and will present you with the next question. 

DO NOT leave your computer during the upload time, even if it’s taking a while. You cannot pause the process, and you may end up missing questions!

Technical requirements

Given past applicants’ issues with iPad and mobile versions of the application, we strongly suggest you record your answer on a computer . 

If you do end up experiencing technical issues, access the support page here . 

The deadline for the video essay changes with each round. The specific deadline for your video essay will be listed in the email you receive from LBS. On average, the school gives you around 2 weeks to complete the video essay, after receiving the email. 

You can expect two questions during your LBS video essay. One is entirely random, and the other is a fixed question. We’ve discussed each of these question types in depth below. 

Question 1: Why LBS

The first London Business School video essay question will be: “ What will you gain from the London Business School MBA Programme that you won’t gain from another MBA programme ?”

This is undoubtedly the most important question in the LBS video essay, and the good news is that, since you know the questions ahead of time, you can extensively prepare and polish your answer. 

First, we suggest you spend the first 30 seconds or so discussing your career goals . Though this is not formally part of the question, starting the answer by giving your goals as context helps make everything you say about why you love LBS more connected to concrete objectives you have for your career. 

Here, the most important thing is to show consistency with your LBS essays . If you said in your essays that you want to launch a social impact startup, don’t suddenly change your goals in the video essay to “work in private equity,” for example. Though you may worry your answer is repetitive, if your goals across your application are not consistent, this can cause your application to be rejected. 

What you should do, however, is give more detail about why you’re passionate about your goal. 

Then, spend the remaining minute discussing why you are passionate about LBS . Make sure to include specifics (like classes, clubs, or student initiatives) and discuss how these assets can help you develop as a person and professional in the context of your goals. If you’ve spoken with any current students or alumni who have shared meaningful experiences they had at LBS, you can also mention these. If you do so, make sure not just to name drop, but to show why having a similar type of experience is important for you. 

TOP TIP: Make sure your passion for LBS shines through. A very thoughtful answer that lacks passion will be less convincing than one that clearly shows you’re excited to start your LBS MBA. 

Question 2: Random interview-type question

These questions have been incredibly varied in the past and can range from your favorite book to who inspires you to how you handle ethical dilemmas to your proudest accomplishment at work. 

The best advice for this section is to think about what it’s asking you and what you can show about yourself, your achievements, and your values.

So think about how you want the admissions committee to learn about you beyond what you’ve already shared in your application. 

If Gandhi inspires you, tell us why. Maybe because he made huge changes without using violence. If your father inspires you, tell us it’s because of his dedication to his family and how hard he worked to build a business from scratch and tell us how you hope and work to emulate this person. 

If you get a question that’s more like a traditional behavioral interview question, try to draw on examples. Furthermore, make sure to show your human side and demonstrate that you genuinely care for others and want the teams you join to succeed. It can be easy to answer in a very conversational way, but doing so can often lead to an answer without a point, so make sure you use your 40 seconds of planning time to structure the key elements of your answer. 

Regardless, be careful about what you choose to show here. Keep in mind that LBS prefers globally-minded leaders who embrace diversity , so don’t miss an opportunity to reinforce your personal brand and your fit with the school’s values. 

Since the first question of the LBS video essay is fixed, we have included sample London Business School video essay questions for Question 2 only. 

Random interview-style questions

• What accomplishment are you proudest of?
• Tell us about a time you took a risk. What did you learn?
• Tell us about an organization or activity to which you have devoted a significant amount of time. Why was it meaningful to you?
• Tell us about a situation in which you were part of a dysfunctional team. What steps did you take to improve the situation?
• What impact do you have on your co-workers?
• What will your LBS classmates be most surprised to learn about you?
• What are you planning to get involved in at LBS?
• Tell us why working in an international environment is important to you?
• What GBE location would you pick and why?
• How do you plan to take advantage of LBS’ location in London during your MBA?
• Tell us about a time a team member did not “pull his weight” in the team.
• What is your favorite motto or quote, and why?
• What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
• Tell us about a time you were introduced to a new culture. What did you gain from this experience?
• How would your teammates describe you?
• If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?
• Why do you think you are fit to work in an international environment?
• What is the most important thing you have ever done for someone else?
• What is the most important thing someone else has ever done for you?
• What is the importance of diversity in the workplace?
• What is your leadership style?

Given the importance of the video essay in your London Business School application, it’s crucial to make sure you don’t just have a good video essay, but that you have a great video essay. 

Now that you’ve learned how the video essay will work, we’ve gathered our top 5 tips here to ensure your video essay performance brings you one step closer to reaching your goal of attending LBS. 

You have stressed about every aspect of your LBS application, and now you are ready to record your video essay! With the right preparation, this can be your chance to shine and get a highly-coveted spot at LBS. 

However, maybe you don’t know where to start in preparing, or maybe you ramble on and lose your focus while answering. Maybe you’ve even downloaded the sample questions and written out your answers. The problem is, when you try to apply these templates to your own story, it doesn’t quite work.

Our video essay prep focuses on helping you determine how to present yourself to LBS while using appropriate, impact-driven language without being artificial, or worse, robotic.

That’s why 98.9% of our clients pass into at least one of their top choice business schools , like our client Hugo, who recently secured admissions to LBS. Here’s what he had to say about the preparation process:

“ I am very thankful to Ellin, who had a fundamental role in my admission to LBS. Her amazing individualized support stood out during my long application journey. She was solicitous all the time and guided me to highlight the best of my profile throughout the essays, video essays and interview preparations. 

Moreover, Ellin was also a fantastic career coach. Thanks to her expertise and honest advice, I was able to evaluate my career options more clearly and became more confident about how an MBA programme will promote my personal and professional growth.

I strongly recommend Ellin to anyone who thinks about studying abroad. Her unique work will certainly add great value to your application.”

Want to put the Ellin Lolis advantage to work for you? Schedule your preparation session with our team of interview experts today! 

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August 9, 2022

London Business School Executive MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2022 – 2023]

The 2 application essay questions, although quite different, both ask you to discuss how you’ll connect with the LBS EMBA program, classmates, and community. And this emphasis in turn underscores LBS’s values of collaboration, contribution, and engagement. I suggest keeping these values on the radar screen as you conceive and draft these two essays. And these questions can overlap a bit, so read both and think through your answers to ensure you make the best use of this space to make your case.

London Business School Executive MBA application essays

Lbs executive mba essay #1.

Please provide a personal statement explaining how you will contribute to the experience of others on the programme, and how the Executive MBA programme will benefit you. (600 words maximum)

How interesting that the question starts not with you and your goals, but with what you will contribute to your classmates’ experience. Be guided by that priority. That doesn’t mean you have to start your essay with that point, but, rather, be substantive. When you are allocating space to different components of the discussion, do not shortchange this contribution point. Rather, provide thoughtful examples rooted in experience, and specify how it might be helpful or worthwhile to others in the program – it’s an opportunity to spotlight your understanding of the LBS EMBA cohort. 

The part of the essay discussing how the program will benefit you should contain your career goals (you may emphasize immediate, short-term, intermediate, or long-term, but I suggest keeping most focus and detail on immediate through intermediate goals) – what are the learning needs these goals engender, and how will the program meet those needs? You can also address anticipated personal growth benefits of attending the program.

<< READ: SAMPLE EMBA APPLICATION ESSAY >>

LBS Executive MBA essay #2

Describe what it would mean to you personally to be an alumnus of London Business School, what you believe membership of the community represents, and how you would give back to London Business School in the future. (600 words maximum)

This question is also about your connection to the program; its focus is fit , your fit with the program .  And it’s really 3 questions, so let’s look at each separately.

• What it would mean to you personally to be an alumnus of LBS: First, note that they don’t just ask about the EMBA program, but about LBS broadly. Respond in kind. Identify and discuss key elements of LBS that are meaningful to you, move you, impress you, and/or excite you. Explain how being connected to this institution and its community will enhance and enrich your life.
• What membership in this community represents: first, keep the idea of “community” central in this part of your discussion. In a community, no one is an audience or a viewer – everyone is a participant. Everyone has a role and responsibilities. Describe your prospective role in this community in specific terms – and reference specific elements, qualities, and aspects of the LBS community, to show you understand it and appreciate its unique character.
• How you will give back to LBS in the future: Again, LBS, not just the EMBA program. And note the emphasis here on “future.” This part of the essay question may overlap with the previous one, but specifying future means you should also have a practical plan or ideas to actually make that participation happen and ensure it’s productive, helpful, beneficial. Again, reference specific opportunities that already exist, whether alumni groups, clubs, projects, etc. – and feel free to present new ideas as well.

What’s next?

You’ve worked so hard to get to where you are in life. Now that you’re ready for your next achievement, make sure you know how to present yourself to maximum advantage in your executive MBA applications. In a hotly competitive season, you’ll want a member of Team Accepted in your corner, guiding you with expertise tailored specifically for you.

For professional guidance with your LBS Executive MBA application, check out Accepted’s MBA Application P a ckage , which includes advising, editing, interview coaching, and a resume edit for the LBS EMBA application.

London Business School EMBA deadlines for January 2023 intake

Source: London Business School EMBA website

Related Resources:

• Why MBA , a free guide
• EMBA: The Ultimate Guide for Applicants
• 4 Ways to Show How You’ll Contribute in the Future

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London business school mba | cost, admission requirements & how to ace your application.

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Applying to the London Business School MBA? Find out more about LBS MBA admission requirements, cost, and how to ace your application

Fri Jun 11 2021

So how do you get accepted onto the LBS MBA? Whatever your reasons are for applying to this world class MBA, you’ll need to be ready with a top GMAT score, strong application essays, work experience, and a good GPA. 

Here's how to stand the best chance of LBS MBA application success:

London Business School MBA Admission Requirements

- An undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification.

- A strong GMAT or GRE score

- Excellent professional references

- A minimum of two years’ work experience

- The ability to work in multicultural teams and demonstrate an international outlook.

As part of your LBS application, you will also be asked to complete a short essay, around 500 words, and attend an interview. 

Use your LBS MBA essays to communicate your career goals 

The latest LBS MBA essay questions are:

1. What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School program contribute towards these? 

2. Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (Optional)

Although your career ambitions may change course during your studies, it's important to be clear on what you want out of your time with LBS, so the school can see whether you’re a suitable fit.

The MBA application essay is the perfect opportunity to clarify your career ambitions, and lay out precisely how the LBS MBA will help get you there.

The LBS MBA is known for its flexibility, allowing you to customise your course to your specific interests, so it’s worth researching which modules you might want to take, and explaining in your application how they suit your goals.

David Simpson, MBA admissions director at LBS, says self-awareness, and an understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses, is important here. “Know the gaps you have coming into the program,” he advises. “Then you’ll know what you can focus on during your time here.”

Read more LBS MBA Essay Tips & Advice

Watch Our Interview With The LBS MBA Admissions Director

Ask yourself what you will bring to the LBS MBA classroom 

It’s good practice in your application to reflect on the experience, qualifications and perspectives you have developed in your career so far, and consider how they might be useful to other MBA candidates.

“The most common question we’ll ask incoming students is: 'What will you bring to us, what will you bring to the classroom and the school community?'” says David.

LBS will be looking to build a diverse cohort where students can learn from each other, so it’s worth reflecting on the ways your professional experience, business philosophy, and skillset make you unique.

The school boasts one of the most diverse student bodies, with 66 nationalities represented in the MBA class of 2021.  

With LBS valuing a global perspective, any international experience is worth talking about in your application.

Make your LBS MBA application personal

One common pitfall in applications, particularly in essays and interviews, is not making them personal enough. “Candidates will sometimes tell us what they think we want to hear, rather than the best thing about them,” says David.

“The best thing to do is think: ‘Who am I? What do I want out of this, and how should I put that across to business schools?” he says.

LBS MBAs note that making an effort to know the school, its culture, and its community, was particularly valued in their applications. 

When it comes to your reference, make sure you choose someone who knows you, your ambitions, and your abilities really well. Don’t just choose the most senior person in your company, unless you have a particularly strong relationship.

LBS MBA Cost & Scholarships

Tuition fees for the 2021 MBA intake are £92,735  ($131,000) .

The tuition fee covers the full length of the 15-21 month program and is not affected by your chosen exit point.

According to our BusinessBecause Cost of MBA Report , we estimate the total cost of your MBA at LBS to be over $170,000 . This total cost includes tuition, living expenses, healthcare, and additional fees.

Despite the costly fees, LBS are keen to accept bright students from all backgrounds and there are a growing range of scholarships available offering full or partial funding.

Many scholarships are run internally at LBS, and admitted students are automatically considered for any of these awards, if eligible. These include the Professor Sir James Ball Endowed Scholarship Program, which is open to all MBA students, and funds targeting a historically underrepresented demographic, like the Gonzalo and Maria Garcia Scholarship for Latin American women.

Reach out to LBS MBA alumni and faculty

It’s well worth reaching out to speak to alumni and faculty members to get a sense of the school’s values, and how you may fit into them. LBS wants to know why they are the best school for you, not just why you want to do an MBA.

Don’t be shy to the admissions team either. It’s their job to help you be as informed as possible throughout your application, so take the opportunity to reach out for any information you may need.

According to their dean, François Ortalo-Magné, LBS values curiosity and humility in prospective students. “We want people who ask questions,” he says. 

“If you’re a curious questioner, globally-minded and collaborative, you would be a great fit for London Business School.”

Given the LBS MBA is ranked among the best programs in the world, getting accepted is going to be tough. A strong score on the GMAT is expected, alongside impressive experience and excellent references.

But don’t let the competition put you off. LBS want to build a diverse cohort with a wealth of different experiences and perspectives, who are openminded, collaborative and curious.

LBS' holistic application process gives you plenty of opportunity to shine. You should have a clear idea of your career goals and how LBS will get you there, as well as an awareness of how you could bring a unique perspective to the classroom.

Top Tips For Applying In 2021 From London Business School's MBA Admissions Director

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