Colorado Boulder Leeds Application Essays & Questions 2023-24
Essay -STATEMENT OF PURPOSE / PERSONAL STATEMENT
Your personal statement should provide the admissions committee with insight into your candidacy.
- It is your opportunity to tell us “Why Leeds?”
- Why would you like to do your graduate MS studies at Leeds?
- Explain your interests, goals, and experience to highlight strengths that may not be represented by your college transcript or test scores.
our submission should be no more than 750 words.
Colorado Boulder Leeds Winning Sample Essays-1
Statement of Purpose-
My journey toward pursuing a Master of Science in Business Analytics at the Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder, is a culmination of my professional experiences, personal interests, and career aspirations. This program stands out to me as the ideal platform to refine my analytical skills, broaden my strategic thinking, and position myself at the forefront of the fintech industry. My background in education technology and fintech, coupled with a deep-seated passion for leveraging data to drive impactful decisions, has led me to this pivotal point in my career.
I hold a B.Tech in Information Technology from VIT University, where I graduated in the top 10% of my class. My academic journey was marked by a strong emphasis on technical skills and leadership. At VIT, I founded the IEEE-Industry Application Student Club, through which I facilitated over 120 summer internships for my peers, and co-chaired Riviera, India’s largest college event, demonstrating my capability to lead and innovate. These experiences laid a solid foundation for my professional endeavors.
Since graduation, I have dedicated over seven years to BYJU’S, the world’s highest-valued EdTech startup. As the Assistant General Manager of Digital Finance Operations, I have led the development and implementation of a fintech vertical that revolutionized our financial accessibility strategies. This vertical has disbursed over $5 billion in loans to more than 50 million customers, significantly enhancing educational opportunities for students across India. Leading this initiative has underscored the importance of data-driven decision-making and strategic management in achieving business success.
One of my proudest accomplishments at BYJU’S was the launch of an interest-free credit lending vertical. Recognizing that many parents struggled to pay course fees upfront, I proposed a solution that not only addressed this financial barrier but also expanded our reach to underserved markets. This initiative required a deep understanding of market needs, innovative thinking, and robust data analytics to optimize processes and ensure scalability. The success of this project was a testament to the power of combining technology with financial acumen.
Despite these achievements, I have realized that to propel my career to the next level, I need to deepen my understanding of business analytics and enhance my leadership skills. The MS in Business Analytics program at Leeds is particularly appealing due to its comprehensive curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Courses like “Big Data Analytics,” “Predictive Modeling,” and “Advanced Data Visualization” are aligned with my professional needs and will equip me with the tools to tackle complex business challenges.
Moreover, Leeds’ commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices resonates with my personal values. I am inspired by the school’s emphasis on creating business solutions that are not only effective but also socially responsible. This aligns with my long-term goal of establishing a fintech company that offers affordable financial solutions to unbanked middle-class consumers in India and similar global markets. I believe that integrating sustainability into business models is crucial for creating lasting impact and fostering inclusive growth.
The collaborative and inclusive culture at Leeds is another compelling factor for me. Engaging with a diverse cohort of students and faculty will provide a rich learning environment where I can share my experiences and gain new perspectives. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to participate in initiatives such as the Leeds Business Analytics Club and industry-specific workshops, which will enhance my practical knowledge and professional network.
Additionally, Boulder’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem is an ideal setting for someone with my aspirations. The proximity to numerous tech startups and financial institutions will offer invaluable networking opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge innovations. I am eager to engage with local entrepreneurs and industry leaders, learning from their experiences and contributing my own insights to foster mutual growth.
In conclusion, pursuing an MS in Business Analytics at the Leeds School of Business is a strategic step towards achieving my career goals. The program’s robust curriculum, emphasis on sustainability, and collaborative environment make it the perfect fit for my professional development. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I will gain at Leeds will empower me to drive innovation in the fintech industry and create meaningful social impact through data-driven financial solutions. I look forward to contributing to the Leeds community and making the most of this transformative educational opportunity.
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Colorado Boulder Leeds Recommendation Letters & Key Questions
One Letter of Recommendation is needed.
Recommendations should come from peers, supervisors, or mentors who are familiar with your professional accomplishments and character.-College application season is in full swing! It is good advice to start early on your college applications so that you can be sure to have all the required documents together and submitted well ahead of the deadline. One document that you’ll definitely want to begin preparing early is the Letter of Recommendation. Here you will find some tips and guidance on this important piece of the application.
Why do I have to submit a letter of recommendation?
At CU Boulder, we know there is so much more to you than just your GPA. You are a whole person! You have ambitions, drive, accomplishments and challenges. That is why we’re proud to employ a holistic review process when reading your application. This means the admissions committee carefully reads and considers every part of your application in order to make an admissions decision. The letter of recommendation is just one of the many ways we learn about you as an individual, and how you will contribute to our campus community as a Buff. It’s helpful to us to hear from someone in your academic environment about who you are and how you contribute to the classroom. Through this letter, we are able to glean more about your strengths, goals and character.
So…who should write it?
For first-year applicants, we require one letter to be submitted with your application, and it should be academic in nature. Typically, this means it should come from a teacher or counselor at your high school. Consider the teachers or counselors with whom you have built strong relationships, and/or those that have seen you grow personally and academically over time. This may not be a teacher whose class you received an A for! Sometimes the most growth or the closest connection happens in a class in which you didn’t get the best grade.
Can I submit more than one?
You can submit additional letters of recommendation along with your application, if you would like. You may have another teacher, mentor, coach, supervisor or supporter out there who knows you in a different way, who can highlight other aspects of who you are. However, you do not need to send 10 or 20! More is not necessarily better, and at a certain point your letters won’t be giving us new or helpful information. We strongly suggest no more than three, although only one is required.
What should it say?
This is up to the recommender writing your letter. However, what we hope to learn about you are additional qualities, characteristics and/or achievements that may not be clearly distinguished in other parts of your application. Maybe Calculus is not your strong suit, but you went to tutoring every day after school or attended extra workshops to raise your grade from a C to a B. Maybe you were the only student in your grade to take AP Spanish. Or maybe you confided in a counselor about how to keep up with your schoolwork while dealing with a significant family situation. If there are things you don’t feel comfortable disclosing on your own, your recommender may be able to give us that context as well. Hearing directly from someone who can speak very specifically to your character, determination and ability to overcome challenges helps the admissions committee understand the full picture of who you are in order to make an informed admissions decision.
When should I ask my recommender to write a letter for me?
Now! As you might imagine, college application season is a very busy time for your teachers and counselors as well. They have many letters of recommendation to write and many different deadlines to meet, just like you – so do them a favor by asking well in advance (3-5 weeks) of the application deadline. However, if your school or your recommender has a different timeline or specific process they’d like you to follow, it’s in your best interest to do so. This will help ensure that a quality letter is written on your behalf, and that it reaches our office by the deadline. You do not want to be scrambling to get everything submitted in time or worrying about whether your recommender sent their letter to us! And of course, don’t forget to send your recommender a nice thank you note!
We require one (1) recommendation, but (2) recommendations will be accepted and considered if details are provided.
There is no need to wait to submit your application until after your recommenders have submitted their references. Providing contact details is the only submission requirement.
Each reference listed will receive an individualized link to submit a letter in support of your application.
MSBA Recommendation Letters
(Free Samples & successful Examples)
Professor - Recommendation letter Sample 1
Date: 23 September 2023
Admissions Committee
Ms in Business Analytics Program
UC Davis
Subject: “Recommendation Letter for Akhila Mohan”
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for my former student, Akhila Mohan, who is applying for the Master’s in Business Analytics program at UC Davis. As her professor at COMSATS, where she pursued her Bachelor of Business Administration degree, I had the privilege of observing her brilliant academic and professional journey, which is punctuated with outstanding achievements. I am thrilled to support her application, as she possesses a unique blend of skills and qualities that make her an outstanding candidate for this program.
Academic Excellence and Analytical Skills
During her time at COMSATS, Akhila’s commitment to academic excellence was evident as she consistently ranked in the top 1% of her class and achieved remarkable results across all campuses. Her dedication to her studies and her exceptional intellect were further reflected in the numerous merit scholarships and medals she secured. She was an active leader in class discussions, curious and engaged, and consistently provided insightful contributions to diverse topics.
Initiative and Practical Application
Akhila’s interest in studying economic disparity within socioeconomic groups in Pakistan led her to survey women in underserved areas in her community. Using her research, she developed and implemented a financial literacy program to improve the livelihoods of economically disenfranchised women by imparting crucial money management knowledge and skills to enable their financial autonomy. This project showcases her ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems, a critical skill in business analytics.
Leadership and Multitasking Abilities
Throughout her academic tenure, Akhila demonstrated a remarkable ability to balance a multitude of responsibilities while excelling in every endeavor, both within and beyond the classroom. Her multitasking prowess is evident in her successful completion of five internships while maintaining exceptional grades, and notably her involvement with AIESEC, which showcased her dedication to global awareness for SDGs and cross-cultural exchange. Through her leadership in promoting student exchange programs, she facilitated transformative experiences for over 100 individuals through international exchanges and professional internships.
Conclusion
In summary, Akhila possesses a rare combination of academic brilliance, practical problem-solving skills, and leadership qualities. I am confident that she will excel in the Master’s in Business Analytics program at UC Davis and make significant contributions to both the program and the broader field. I highly recommend her as an exceptional candidate.
Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Institution Name]
Professor - Recommendation letter Sample 2
To,
Admissions Committee,
XXX University,
Date: 21 December 2022
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for Pranav
I have known Pranav for over two years now. He was a student in my Entrepreneurship course as part of his Minor in Entrepreneurship and Management. As a student in my class, Pranav showed great skill in applying these concepts in practical in-class quizzes, his final group business pitch at the end of the course, and his professional activities at UBS. Pranav also achieved remarkable performance in my course, earning the highest grade possible of A+.
Pranav stood out to me during the final project for the course evaluation. As a major assessment, I assign a project for students to work in groups and pitch a viable, self-sustaining business idea. Pranav took the initiative to create a multicultural and diverse team with students from different countries and majors, successfully delivering a business pitch for a student-run laundry and cleaning business. The idea was unique, and he actively sought my advice and mentorship to make the team and project successful.
Another noteworthy aspect is the analytical research Pranav conducted before and after seeking my advice. He made a concerted effort to learn about diverse topics he had not previously encountered and was able to grasp different aspects of entrepreneurship, such as management and finance. This demonstrated his goal-oriented and detail-oriented abilities. The idea, data-oriented research, and financial analysis were impressive, synthesized and executed effectively on assigned tasks. Additionally, the real-world considerations regarding the execution of the pitch and the cohesive delivery from a team collaboration perspective were excellent.
I was so impressed with the project that I asked Pranav if I could include the pitch and presentation as teaching material for my course. I also offered him a Research Assistant position for the following summer, which he was unable to accept due to his graduation.
Given his analytical skills and collaborative approach, it was no surprise to me that Pranav was able to transition into finance directly from his undergraduate studies in engineering, securing a role in finance with UBS in their Investment Banking Operations in Hong Kong.
In terms of areas for improvement, I believe Pranav’s analytical nature and attention to detail can sometimes lead him to get caught up in minutiae, affecting his time management. In the group project, Pranav struggled with time management and was a week behind schedule because he gave equal attention to all the details of the presentation, losing track of the bigger picture. With my guidance, he was able to get back on track and submitted the project by the deadline. However, I believe Pranav needs to develop a better overall view of projects to improve his time management.
Pranav is just beginning his financial career, but he already possesses analytical skills and an understanding of management, teamwork, and other organizational elements comparable to other top students I have recommended to Master’s programs. Pranav’s progress at CityU and UBS clearly demonstrates his intellect and dedication. He is capable and has a keen intellectual capacity for analytical thinking. I believe Pranav is on track to build a successful career that blends his quantitative inclinations with his qualitative skills, inspiring those he will lead and work with.
To conclude, I strongly recommend Pranav, and I would be happy to discuss his candidacy further if you have additional questions.
Regards,
XXXXX
Professor
XX university
Work Manager - Recommendation Letter Sample 1
Here is a quick PDF of a sample recommendation our client submitted for a successful admit.
Internship Manager - Recommendation Letter Sample 2
How long and in what capacity have you known the candidate?
I have known Pranav for roughly one and a half years. I was his mentor during his internship with UBS. Although he completed his internship and has moved on, we still continue to keep in touch to exchange different business ideas.
What do you think about the candidate’s professional performance and potential (including any room for improvement)?
When Pranav started his internship with UBS, he was one of the most proactive interns. Since he didn’t have a finance background, he showed keen interest in learning and came up the curve very quickly.
The team assigned him Automation and Efficiency-related projects, and while working in the automation team he managed to stand out from other interns by providing solutions that were slightly outside of the box and impressed everyone on the team.
For instance, he met with various team leads to understand their automation requirements and one team lead expressed her frustration with the manual risk report that used to take 10-12 hours every quarter. After the meeting, Pranav took the proactive step of helping automate this report for the team. The specific process automation that he implemented was for risk reports for the risk team. The team had a manual time consuming process in which they had to refer to multiple Excel sheets to create their quarterly risk report. Pranav understood and mapped the entire process before using an automation tool to automate it. This led to a time reduction of 90 percent in the compilation of the report. The automation process he designed was ingenious; no one had thought of using it before, and that is why I think everyone was impressed with his out-of-the-box thinking.
Apart from that, another one of his biggest strengths is his willingness to take initiative.
To highlight another instance, he noticed the dashboards in Operations and wider UBS were on Tableau, he took the initiative to compare Tableau and PowerBi and pitched shifting the employee statistics dashboard to PowerBi. The management team agreed and Pranav successfully created an Employee demographic dashboard on PowerBi. This led to cost savings for the department as UBS was already paying for PowerBi. He also took even more initiative, helping others in his team and UBS get certified on PowerBi and documented his knowledge for everyone before he left his internship.
On the flip side, when it comes to areas of improvement, I would also say this proactiveness and eagerness sometimes led to difficult situations. Like other fresh hires, he was also trying to prove himself in the initial months of his tenure with the team. However, this often meant that he would try to manage and solve things on his own instead of seeking help. This led to delays and situations becoming critical.
Pranav was tasked with getting certified on Automation Anywhere, another automation tool used by the team. He was unable to crack the certification according to the timeline assigned to him and was delayed by a month in getting certified. He tried to manage and solve the situation but was unable to do so without help from his team, this delay led to an increased workload for the rest of the team and longer hours as work had been earmarked for Pranav to do as soon as he would be finished with the certification.
Overall, I would say that Pranav has great potential; he is not afraid to take the initiative and present his ideas.
Regards
XXXXXX
Manager – UBS, Hong Kong Offices
Do's & Don'ts - of a Recommendation Letter
When it comes to writing great letter of recommendation, here are a few do’s and don’ts tailored for candidates applying to a Master’s in Business Analytics program:
Do’s:
1. Choose Relevant Recommenders:
– Do: select recommenders who can provide detailed and specific examples of your technical and analytical skills. Ideally, these should be people who have directly supervised your work in relevant roles, such as data analysis, business intelligence, or any analytics-related projects.
– Example: Your current or previous supervisors, project managers, or clients who have seen your analytical skills in action and can speak to your ability to handle complex data sets and derive meaningful insights.
2. Provide Context and Achievements:
– Do: give your recommenders a comprehensive list of your accomplishments and the context in which you achieved them. Highlight your contributions to significant projects, especially those involving data analysis, statistical modeling, or the implementation of analytics solutions.
– Example: Create a list detailing how your analysis led to actionable business decisions, cost savings, or process improvements. Share this list with your recommenders to help them write a more impactful letter.
3. Meet and Discuss Your Goals:
– Do: meet with your recommenders to discuss your career goals, reasons for pursuing a Master’s in Business Analytics, and why you have chosen specific programs. This helps them tailor their letters to align with your aspirations and the program’s focus.
– Example: Explain how the program’s curriculum, faculty, and resources will help you achieve your career goals in data science or business analytics.
4. Ensure Specific Examples:
– Do: encourage your recommenders to include specific anecdotes that highlight your skills and accomplishments. Real-life examples add weight and credibility to your recommendation.
– Example: Ask them to describe a particular project where you used your analytical skills to solve a complex problem, detailing your approach, tools used, and the impact of your work.
5. Set Early Deadlines:
– Do: set early personal deadlines for your recommenders to ensure they complete the letters well before the application deadlines. This gives you a buffer period to follow up if needed.
– Example: If your application is due on January 1st, ask your recommenders to submit their letters by December 1st to avoid last-minute issues.
Don’ts:
1. Avoid High-Ranking but Unfamiliar Recommenders:
– Don’t: choose recommenders based solely on their title or status if they are not familiar with your work. Letters from high-ranking individuals who cannot provide detailed and personal insights will be less effective.
– Example: Avoid asking a company CEO or a prominent professor you met briefly unless they have worked closely with you and can provide specific examples of your skills and achievements.
2. Don’t Write the Letter Yourself:
– Don’t: write the recommendation letter yourself, even if a recommender offers to sign it. Admissions committees can detect self-written letters, which can harm your credibility.
– Example: If a recommender suggests this, politely decline and offer to provide them with all the necessary information to write the letter themselves.
3. Avoid Generic Content:
– Don’t: let your recommenders submit generic letters that could apply to anyone. Generic praise without specific examples of your work and skills will not make your application stand out.
– Example: Ensure your recommenders avoid statements like “X is a great team player” without context or evidence supporting such claims.
4. Don’t Overlook the Instructions:
– Don’t: ignore the specific instructions and questions provided by each business school. Different programs might have different requirements for recommendation letters.
– Example: Make sure your recommenders address each question posed by the school’s recommendation form and follow any formatting or submission guidelines provided.
5. Avoid Subordinates as Recommenders:
– Don’t: ask subordinates to write your recommendation letters. Their perspective might not carry the same weight and could be seen as less objective.
– Example: Recommendations should come from individuals in a supervisory or client role who can objectively evaluate your performance and potential.
These tailored do’s and don’ts will help ensure that your recommendation letters are strong, relevant, and supportive of your application to a Master’s in Business Analytics program.
Free Sample Template - for your to Use
Recommendation letter template specifically tailored for candidates applying to a Master’s in Business Analytics program, including different structuring and clear instructions for highlighting relevant skills:
Admissions Committee
[Business Analytics Program Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Date:
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
It is my pleasure to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Master’s in Business Analytics program] at [University Name]. I have had the privilege of working with [Candidate’s Name] at [Company Name] for [duration], where I serve as [Recommender’s Title]. In this time, I have observed [his/her/their] exceptional analytical skills and unwavering commitment to data-driven decision-making.
Analytical Skills and Achievements
One of [Candidate’s Name]’s standout projects was [specific project/task]. During this project, [he/she/they] [specific action taken], resulting in [quantifiable result/outcome]. This project clearly demonstrated [his/her/their] expertise in [relevant skills, e.g., data analysis, statistical modeling, predictive analytics].
In another significant endeavor, [Candidate’s Name] was responsible for [another specific project/task]. [He/She/They] utilized [specific tools or methodologies, e.g., Python, R, machine learning algorithms] to [specific action taken], which led to [quantifiable result/outcome]. This work highlights [his/her/their] ability to leverage complex datasets to drive strategic business decisions.
Problem-Solving and Innovation
[Candidate’s Name] is particularly adept at identifying business problems and formulating innovative solutions. For example, during [specific challenge], [he/she/they] [specific action taken], which significantly improved [specific metric or outcome]. [His/Her/Their] problem-solving skills and innovative approach are invaluable assets in the field of business analytics.
Collaboration and Leadership
[Candidate’s Name] excels not only as an individual contributor but also as a collaborative team member. In [specific team project], [he/she/they] [specific actions taken to lead or collaborate], fostering a productive and cohesive working environment. [His/Her/Their] ability to communicate complex analytical concepts to non-technical stakeholders was particularly noteworthy.
Constructive Feedback and Growth
In my experience, [Candidate’s Name] is highly receptive to feedback and committed to continuous improvement. I once advised [him/her/them] on [specific area for improvement], and [he/she/they] proactively [specific actions taken to improve], which led to [positive outcome or development]. This responsiveness and dedication to growth are crucial for success in a dynamic field like business analytics.
Conclusion
In summary, [Candidate’s Name] possesses a unique blend of technical expertise, problem-solving acumen, and collaborative spirit. I am confident that [he/she/they] will excel in the [Master’s in Business Analytics program] at [University Name] and make significant contributions to both the program and the broader field of business analytics.
Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Company Name]
This template provides a structured format that highlights the candidate’s analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative nature, making it suitable for applications to a Master’s in Business Analytics program.
