MIT Application Essays & Questions 2023-24
The required essay question is-
- Please tell us why you’re pursuing the Master of Business Analytics degree at MIT Sloan. What do you hope to gain from the program? What are your career aspirations? (500 words or less)
Optional Short Answer Question-
Applicants are invited to expand on their background by responding to the following optional 250 word short answer question:
- How has the world you come from shaped who you are today? For example, your family, culture, community, all help to shape aspects of your life experiences and perspective. Please use this opportunity if you would like to share more about your background.
This question is truly optional; applicants will not be evaluated more positively or negatively should they choose to respond. This is an opportunity for you to share more about yourself with the Admissions Committee, should you choose to do so.
MIT Winning Sample Essays-1
- Please tell us why you’re pursuing the Master of Business Analytics degree at MIT Sloan. What do you hope to gain from the program? What are your career aspirations? (500 words or less)
My career as a product manager in diverse sectors such as fintech, health tech, and e-commerce has shaped my professional outlook and sparked my deep interest in analytics. Through various leadership roles at companies like Meesho and Docquity, I’ve driven projects that significantly enhanced operational efficiencies and user engagement. For instance, my leadership in the Scan & Pack initiative at Meesho reduced fulfillment errors by 15% and increased the company’s revenue by $65 million.
Despite these successes, I frequently encountered the limits of my analytical skills, which led me to pursue a Master of Business Analytics. MIT Sloan is my institution of choice due to its unique integration of data science with business management.
MIT Sloan’s program offers an unmatched blend of analytics training and real-world application. The program’s structured path from foundational courses in analytics to specialized options like the Analytics Lab appeals to me as a structured way to broaden and deepen my expertise. Furthermore, engaging in the Analytics Capstone Project allows for a practical, hands-on experience directly applicable to real-world business challenges. I am particularly excited about collaborating with leading companies to solve pressing analytical problems.
Beyond the academic offerings, MIT Sloan’s emphasis on leadership and innovation in analytics aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. In the short term, I aim to transition into a strategic role within a major tech company, leading product innovation through advanced analytics. The comprehensive training at MIT Sloan will equip me with the necessary skills to analyze complex datasets and extract actionable insights, driving decisions that align with strategic business goals.
In the long run, I envision myself as a Chief Product Officer, spearheading product strategies and innovation at a global scale. The leadership skills and analytical expertise gained from MIT Sloan will be crucial in this role, allowing me to lead cross-functional teams and foster a culture of data-driven decision-making within my organization. I am particularly drawn to the potential of using analytics to enhance user experience and engagement, a key to success in the technology sector.
My commitment to using technology and analytics for social good also motivates my choice of MIT Sloan. I have always been driven by the desire to make a tangible impact on the world, a value instilled in me during my time with Teach for India and various diversity initiatives. Hence, MIT Sloan is not just a means to advance my career; it is where I believe I can fully realize my potential to contribute to society.
The collaborative environment at Sloan, surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the field of analytics, will foster my growth as a leader and an innovator. Participating in clubs and seminars focused on technology and entrepreneurship will further enhance my learning and enable me to share my experiences with fellow students.
In conclusion, pursuing a Master of Business Analytics at MIT Sloan is essential to achieving my professional objectives and fulfilling my aspirations. It will provide me with the technical prowess, strategic mindset, and leadership skills needed to transform industries through analytics.
2. How has the world you come from shaped who you are today? For example, your family, culture, community, all help to shape aspects of your life experiences and perspective. Please use this opportunity if you would like to share more about your background. (less than 250 words)
The complex social dynamics prevalent in India–my birthplace has been deeply influenced by my community and its roots. My parents, dedicated educators in underprivileged areas, have instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility and a commitment to making a positive societal impact. Early exposure to the disparities in access to education and technology fostered my determination to bridge these gaps through my career in technology and analytics.
My leadership roles in various extracurricular activities, including chairing the university dramatics club, further shaped my perspective and skills. Dramatics was not just an artistic outlet but also a platform to voice social issues, which taught me the power of narrative and persuasion—skills invaluable in product management and data storytelling.
I’ve professionally navigated multiple industries across different countries, adapting to and learning from diverse corporate cultures and consumer behaviors. This exposure has been instrumental in developing my ability to empathize with users from different backgrounds, enhancing my capability to create culturally sensitive and broadly impactful products.
At MIT Sloan, I aspire to deepen my understanding of how data-driven solutions can be effectively tailored to diverse populations. I am eager to contribute my unique insights to the Sloan community, learning from peers and professors who share a commitment to innovation and social change.
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MIT Winning Sample Essays-2
- Please tell us why you’re pursuing the Master of Business Analytics degree at MIT Sloan. What do you hope to gain from the program? What are your career aspirations? (500 words or less)
At the intersection of rapid technological advancement and the growing complexity of market dynamics lies the expansive field of business analytics, a discipline that promises to leverage data to transform decision-making processes across industries. My pursuit of the Master of Business Analytics degree at MIT Sloan stems from a deep-seated ambition to harness analytical tools to drive strategic business decisions, primarily in the technology sector, where I have accumulated substantial professional experience.
With four years of experience as a Senior Software Engineer at GeekyAnts, I have honed my technical skills and developed a profound understanding of web and mobile application development. I’ve led projects and teams that interfaced directly with clients from diverse industries, enhancing my capability to translate complex technical challenges into actionable business strategies. However, I recognize the need for a rigorous formal education in business analytics to transition into a role that profoundly influences business strategies through data.
MIT Sloan’s Master of Business Analytics program is an exemplary blend of rigorous technical training and its application in a business context. The program’s emphasis on developing a robust quantitative base in analytics, combined with real-world applications through the Analytics Capstone Project, aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. Engaging with world-class faculty and industry leaders will provide me with the theoretical grounding and practical experience to transform business operations through data.
Furthermore, I am particularly attracted to the program’s collaborative environment, which simulates real-world business scenarios. This environment will challenge me to apply theoretical knowledge pragmatically and refine my skills in a setting that mirrors future workplace situations.
My career aspirations post-graduation are to join a leading technology firm where I can integrate my background in software engineering with my newly acquired analytical skills to improve product development processes and user experience strategies. Over the long term, I aim to ascend to a leadership role where I can set strategic directions and foster a culture that embraces data-driven decision-making.
At MIT Sloan, I anticipate developing the analytical skills required for these roles and gaining a global perspective on technological trends and business strategies. This perspective is crucial, as the technology sector is rapidly evolving and increasingly becoming intertwined on a global scale. The Master of Business Analytics program will enable me to build a robust professional network and foster relationships with industry leaders, setting a solid foundation for my aspirations to influence technological innovations and business strategies.
In summary, my pursuit of the Master of Business Analytics at MIT Sloan is driven by a commitment to integrate my technical expertise with advanced analytics to contribute significantly to the tech industry. I am eager to engage deeply with the Sloan community and believe that this program will be pivotal in equipping me with the skills, knowledge, and network necessary to realize my professional goals and make a lasting impact in business analytics.
2. How has the world you come from shaped who you are today? For example, your family, culture, community, all help to shape aspects of your life experiences and perspective. Please use this opportunity if you would like to share more about your background. (less than 250 words)
Growing up in a vibrant, culturally diverse environment in India, I was raised in a community where adaptability and resilience are not just valued traits but necessities for thriving amidst constant change. This positive outlook has allowed me to bring about an appreciation for diverse perspectives and a versatile approach to problem-solving—qualities that have significantly shaped my personal and professional development.
My family has been a cornerstone of my growth, instilling a work ethic rooted in persistence and a commitment to continuous learning. My father, an entrepreneur, and my mother, a teacher, both championed the philosophy of lifelong education and the pursuit of excellence.
Observing my father navigate the challenges of running a business, I learned the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking. My mother’s dedication to her students taught me the value of patience and the impact of imparting knowledge, which later translated into my mentoring roles within the tech community.
Moreover, the communal culture of my hometown, where collective success is celebrated as much as individual achievements, taught me the importance of teamwork and community engagement. This ethos has permeated my approach to professional projects, where I emphasize collaborative processes and shared successes.
MIT Recommendation Letters-Key Questions
MBAn applicants must submit three letters of recommendation.
A detailed recommendation can tell us a lot about you so make sure you select individuals qualified to speak about your qualifications and impact.
One letter must come from someone who can speak to your quantitative abilities. If you are a current student, you should submit three academic letters of recommendation. If you are working full-time, you should submit two academic letters of recommendation and one letter from your most recent employer.
Some important details:
We do not accept recommendations from family members.
Recommenders must submit their letters online.
Recommendations may be either letter or short answer format.
Recommendations should not exceed two pages.
Your letters of recommendation must be received by the deadline date. It is your responsibility to remind your recommenders to make sure they are submitted on time.
Please choose recommenders who are able to provide specific answers to the following questions:
How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant?
How does the applicant stand out from others in a similar capacity?
Please give an example of the applicant’s impact on a person, group, or organization.
Please give a representative example of how the applicant interacts and communicates with others, including peers and superiors.
Please give an example of how the applicant has synthesized and executed on an assigned task and/or mastered new material.
Which of the applicant’s personal or professional characteristics would you change?
Please tell us anything else you think we should know about this applicant.
Please navigate to the Recommendation Letter section of the application and add your recommenders’ contact information; they will be sent instructions on how to submit their letter.
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.
