Imperial Application Essays & Questions 2023-2024
- Please share your motivation for undertaking this programme?
- What is your proudest non-academic achievement?
- What would you contribute to the cohort and to the Imperial community?
- How would you use your degree to make a positive impact?
Imperial Winning Sample Essays – 1
1. Please share your motivation for undertaking this programme?
Before my family started the essential oils business, I have seen my parents struggle to make ends meet. There have been days where we used to share meals among us while that is all we could afford. Living a humble and simple life, taught me to value even the smallest things and not take anything for granted. So, I was determined to help and support my family, in whatever capacity I could as a teenager.
For the last 4 years, I have spent a considerable time growing and supporting my family business. I helped in acquiring customers, managing invoices, answering customer queries and complaints. Assisting our accountant in book-keeping and reconciliation activities was my first hand formal experience in Finance. My interest in Finance piqued beyond books and applied these learnings into real projects. I built an automatic stock trading algorithm for Reliance with over 10% annualised returns. I also won the best project award in a national competition for developing an effective equity selection model based on business headlines scanning over 5000 new articles in a week to predict trend lines and movements of the stock market.
Now I wish to gain an overall business understanding and transition into a full-time position as a Financial Analyst. My motivation for applying to this course is to gain that theoretical and practical understanding of different facets of business through the rigorous curriculum and activities that Imperial offers the student community.
2. What is your proudest achievement?
Breaking the taboo around sex education and creating awareness especially among adolescent kids is my proudest achievement.
When I was twelve, I was sexually assaulted by my math home tutor. He has been my teacher for over 5 years and was the person whom I trusted, whom my parents trusted. At that time, I had no idea what I was going through, and all I could say was that I don’t like this teacher, and I don’t want to study math anymore. When I was 18 and gained knowledge on the subject, I could look back and understand what truly happened.
Wanting to create awareness, I volunteered at an NGO, School of Life, to raise awareness on sex education for three years. During my undergraduate days, I have been very vocal about it, sensitising students on this topic. Partnering with social organisations, I created support groups and conducted workshops to spread awareness on legal rights and professional help that is available. We created spaces where a small group of people can come forward and speak about their experience under professional guidance. This helped create a positive and inclusive environment where the victims can get the necessary emotional and physical support they need. Impacting so many lives and extending support to those who need it has been a rewarding experience and my proudest achievement so far. I would continue to carry on such efforts as part of student activities at and after Imperial.
3. What would you contribute to the cohort and to the Imperial community?
As a computer science engineer, I have hands-on experience in solving problems using technology – for example I built an automatic stock trading algorithm that can trade on an intra day basis to make a net gain. With my experience, I can contribute to class discussion and case studies on how technology can be used to solve business world problems.
My introduction to finance came through my family business. I work with my Chartered Accountant to manage our business’s financial books and balance sheets. I have a good grasp of accounting and finance principles. Finance being one of the difficult concepts, I can teach and help my batchmates with financial concepts.
As someone who has worked on more than 5 live projects in my engineering days, I understand and appreciate the value of learning by doing. I would take part and represent Imperial in various case study competitions and real world projects.
A couple of years ago, I had a revelation about my sexuality, that I’m bisexual. For the past two years, I have been struggling to accept this fact about myself. I wish to join the LGBTQ+ club at Imperial and become an advocate for my community. I want to create support groups where people can open up and share their experiences in a non-judgemental, secure environment.
4. How would you use your degree to make a positive impact?
As someone who has lived through financial difficulties, I empathise with people who are underprivileged. Hence caring and supporting these communities has been a big part of my life. For over 3 years, I have taught underprivileged kids math and english. I have also associated myself with charity organizations. However, in recent years, I have seen so many fintech companies that are helping social problems. For example, microfinancing startups that give out short term credit for businesses, product startups that help low skilled immigrants send money to home countries at a cheaper rate, community insurance startups and so on.
After gaining relevant knowledge on finance and business through MiM, I will apply these learnings to create a positive impact on society through the fintech sector. I plan to volunteer and associate with social impact organisations to devise financial strategies that create a meaningful impact on small and medium businesses. In addition, I also plan on putting 10% of my monthly salary towards helping those in need.
Quick Essay Review
Using Chat GPT to Write your Essay?
Worried if your Essay is Good enough or Not?
Need a last-minute review?
Submit your essays below & get in-depth feedback within 48 Hours.
Imperial Winning Sample Essays – 2
1. Please share your motivation for undertaking this programme?
My motivation for undertaking the Master in Management program at Imperial College Business School stems from a desire to bridge my technical expertise with strategic business acumen, enabling me to lead innovative projects that address global challenges. With a background in software engineering at LinkedIn and Microsoft, I have honed my skills in developing and implementing cutting-edge technologies. However, I recognize the necessity of complementing this technical knowledge with a deep understanding of business management, finance, and marketing to achieve my career aspirations of transitioning into product management and eventually entrepreneurship.
Imperial’s emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and global business practices aligns perfectly with my professional goals. The program’s strong focus on practical learning through projects and case studies will provide me with invaluable hands-on experience, enhancing my ability to make data-driven decisions and manage cross-functional teams effectively. Furthermore, Imperial’s diverse and international student body will expose me to a wide range of perspectives, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of global markets and cultural nuances.
The unique opportunity to engage with Imperial’s renowned faculty and leverage its extensive network of industry connections is particularly appealing. I am excited about the possibility of participating in the Imperial Enterprise Lab and Innovation & Entrepreneurship Club, which will allow me to refine my entrepreneurial skills and gain insights from successful innovators.
Overall, the Master in Management program at Imperial offers the ideal environment for me to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead transformative projects and contribute meaningfully to the tech industry and beyond.
2. What is your proudest non-academic achievement?
My proudest non-academic achievement is my extensive volunteer work with the American Cancer Society. This commitment began after I experienced firsthand the devastating impact of cancer on my family, which deeply motivated me to contribute to the fight against this illness. Over the years, I have dedicated countless hours to organizing fundraising events, leading volunteer teams, and raising awareness about early cancer detection and prevention.
One particular initiative that stands out is a project I led to refurbish and sell donated electronics. This idea was born from my passion for technology and my desire to increase the organization’s fundraising efforts. I recruited and trained a team of volunteers to refurbish these electronics, which were then sold at various charity events. This project not only provided a new revenue stream for the American Cancer Society but also educated the community on the importance of recycling and sustainable practices.
The success of this initiative was remarkable. We increased monthly contributions by 30% in 2023 compared to previous years, demonstrating the impact of innovative thinking and teamwork. More importantly, this project provided critical funds for cancer research and support services, making a tangible difference in the lives of many.
This achievement has enriched me personally, teaching me the value of leadership, empathy, and community service. It has strengthened my resolve to use my skills and resources to contribute positively to society, a commitment I intend to carry forward in my professional and personal life.
3. What would you contribute to the cohort and to the Imperial community?
I am eager to contribute to the Imperial community by bringing a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership experience, and a commitment to community service. My background in software engineering at LinkedIn and Microsoft has equipped me with a robust understanding of technology’s role in driving innovation and efficiency. I plan to share this knowledge with my peers, particularly through collaborative projects and discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of how technological solutions can address complex business challenges.
Furthermore, my experience in leading volunteer initiatives, such as my work with the American Cancer Society, has honed my leadership and teamwork skills. I will actively engage in student-led clubs and organizations, such as the Imperial Enterprise Lab and the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Club, where I can contribute my insights and help drive initiatives that promote social responsibility and sustainability. My ability to lead diverse teams and manage projects effectively will be an asset in group activities and projects, ensuring we achieve our goals while learning from each other.
Additionally, I am passionate about mentoring and supporting my peers. I will offer my time to assist classmates who may need help with technical subjects or project management, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment. My global perspective, shaped by working in multinational teams, will also add to the cultural richness of the cohort, promoting inclusive and diverse viewpoints in our discussions and activities.
Overall, I am committed to enriching the Imperial community by leveraging my skills, experiences, and dedication to collaborative and innovative problem-solving.
4. How would you use your degree to make a positive impact?
Earning a Master in Management from Imperial College Business School will equip me with the comprehensive business acumen needed to drive meaningful change in the technology sector and beyond. I plan to leverage this degree to bridge the gap between technological innovation and strategic business management, ensuring that advancements in technology are aligned with sustainable and socially responsible practices.
In the short term, I aim to transition into a product management role within a leading tech company, using my enhanced understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and strategic planning to develop products that not only meet market needs but also contribute to societal well-being. By integrating principles of sustainability and ethical leadership learned at Imperial, I will advocate for the development of technology that addresses pressing global challenges such as climate change, healthcare access, and education.
Long-term, my goal is to launch my own tech startup focused on creating solutions that promote social good. This could include developing AI-driven tools for healthcare that improve diagnostic accuracy and accessibility, or creating educational platforms that bridge gaps in learning opportunities for underprivileged communities. The entrepreneurial skills and global perspective gained at Imperial will be crucial in realizing this vision, enabling me to navigate the complexities of starting and scaling a socially impactful business.
Overall, my degree from Imperial will be a catalyst for not only advancing my career but also for driving innovation that benefits society. I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to create a positive, lasting impact on the world.
Imperial Recommendation Letter – Key Questions
- In what capacity have you known the candidate? (No word limit)
- If this is a work-related reference, in what position is/was the candidate employed and for how long? (No word limit)
- What do you consider to be the candidate’s principal strengths/talents? (No word limit)
- What do you consider to be the candidate’s weaknesses or areas that need improvement? (No word limit)
MiM Recommendation Letters
(Free Samples & successful Examples)
Professor - Recommendation letter Sample 1
Here is a quick PDF of a sample recommendation our client submitted for a successful admit.
Professor - Recommendation letter Sample 2
How do you know the applicant? How long have you known them for?
I am the Dean and Professor at Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology in Rohini, India. I have known Pavani since her first semester, where she was in my “Fundamentals of Computing” class.
I have had multiple opportunities to interact with Pavani as she was leading the student activities for her batch and was also working on the “Automated Stock Trading algorithm” project as a part of the curriculum, under my guidance.
What would you say are the applicant’s key strengths and talents?
One of Pavani’s primary strengths is her ability to lead a team even in uncertain situations. In her final year, Pavani was the Organizing Committee Member of the International Conference. Since it was the first conference of its kind, there were no previous benchmarks, or processes in place. Right from marketing, outreach events, finding vendors for event management, to logistics – everything had to be figured out from scratch. The budget was also crunched which further did not help the situation.
Pavani went beyond her responsibilities and took the lead on the project. She worked with other team members, discussed with them and charted a plan. She delegated responsibilities to fellow peers, and also guided them on their tasks. There were also conflicts in the team, and unforeseen problems. One of the vendors cancelled the contract two days before the conference. Pavani immediately reached out to other vendors through personal contacts and engaged the team with a calm mind and got things done. Thanks to Pavani, the conference was a huge success with over 60 participants from multiple countries. As a result, 3 projects were selected and funded by our institution. The conference is now recognised internationally and is set to take place again next year in February.
Pavani also demonstrated her leadership capabilities while working on a project under my guidance. The project was focused on building automated stock trading algorithms that managed to maximize cumulative profit. Although she did not come from a finance background, Pavani quickly learnt the basic concepts. She also brought her team members onboard by coaching them and teaching how the stock market works. With the team’s support, Pavani was able to build a functioning algorithm that got published in a reputed Journal – “Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research”. I believe Pavani is the kind of candidate who can take ownership and deliver things with minimal guidance.
In which areas of development has the applicant progressed the most in the time you’ve known them?
Initially, when I met Pavani, she was a shy person who was not confident to lead a team. Even though she might have brilliant ideas, she used to keep it to herself and not put it forward. As a consequence of being shy, she even preferred to work alone rather than in teams. She needed a little encouragement to help break her out of her shell. Slowly, she started putting forth her ideas. As those ideas were adopted by her teammates, she started gaining confidence. She quickly learnt to plan, lead and delegate a team effectively.
Pavani grew to participate in competitions, representing the college on national level. Seeing her progress into an effective leader, I appointed Pavani as the organisational head of an international conference that took place in our campus in February 2020 as mentioned above.
Pavani also progressed tremendously in her academics from 7 CGPA in 1st semester to 9 CGPA in later semesters. Her performance has progressed not just in theory but practical as well. She was part of 2 research papers that were published in reputable journals.
Another area that Pavani needs to develop is to be open and listen to other’s opinions. Sometimes, Pavani is quite stubborn when it comes to her plans and would want to execute them the way she has planned them. Therefore, she is at times not open to new viewpoints or any suggestions to the plan she came up with. This arises from her own perceptions that changing plans will lead to chaos and hence poor performance. In one of our sessions, I coached her and made her understand that she alone cannot control all things and she alone cannot achieve great things. She understood the importance of teamwork and she has been trying to work it out. She is now a bit more open to new ideas and opinions. I believe she will learn these qualities over time and experience.
In what ways might the applicant contribute to the Masters in Management Program?
Pavani has always volunteered and stepped up to lead student activities. I have no doubt that she would continue to do the same at London Business School. With her experience in event management, she will be a great asset to lead student run activities and events.
Apart from that, I think Pavani is a fast learner who is always enthusiastic to teach her fellow batchmates. She has held multiple tutor sessions for juniors and fellow batchmates on tough courses. She will contribute to the class by bringing her technical expertise during discussions and also coaching them on relatively tough concepts.
Is MiM Program a right fit for the candidate right now?
This course would be the natural academic evolution for her. On multiple occasions, Pavani has expressed her interest in taking up roles that are in the intersection of business and technology. Engineering gave her a strong foundation in technology and analytical skills. But she needs the academic experience and learning about the business world. More importantly MiM will also groom her leadership abilities and impart holistic thinking capabilities. Pavani has a great potential to learn and succeed. And I believe MiM will be a step in the right direction towards achieving her goals.
Internship 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
ESCP
Master in Management Program
Paris, France
Date: 12-07-2022
To whomever it concerns
I am writing this letter of recommendation on Behalf of Payal Saxena for her admissions into the MiM Program at your prestigious university. I have observed Payal in the capacity of a mentor and guide for about 8 months, during which she, along with her two peers, developed an algorithm for fully automated stock trading.
Payal approached me for guidance to work on a project, which they aimed to showcase in a project challenge. This project carries a lot of value and adds towards the credits for their final degree. Initially, when the team brainstormed on the ideas, Payal raised her interest to solve some real problem using technology. The team did not want to do robotics or bot building rather create a value using their technical skills. So we decided to build an automatic stock trading algorithm.
Payal’s willingness to learn and creative problem solving abilities was evident throughout the project. When we started the project, Payal had a very basic understanding of stocks, but she was determined to learn. She took the initial few weeks to study up and research. I was surprised how quickly she ramped up her knowledge on the subject. She was studying trends on money control websites, mainly high performing stocks over different time periods. She always used to come up with new ideas, parameters to identify some patterns. True that Payal needed guidance on the subject and a little push from my end. Nonetheless, she used to contemplate and brainstorm with the team with utmost enthusiasm and result-oriented mindset.
Another strength of Payal is her team leading capabilities. As this topic is entirely new for engineering students, she helped her fellow team members understand the topics by coaching them. She was also helping the team by translating the business problem into a technical language that is easy for the team to grasp and understand. I could clearly see Payal taking a lead on the project, guiding her members, provoking them to think differently, and motivating the team with a “can-do” attitude. Finally the team applied different indicators with different timelines and devised a mathematical equation which could be coded upon. And the team succeeded in building an algorithm with the use of a golden crossover indicator with moving averages of 9 minutes and 21 minutes.
One thing that I have noticed during my time with her is that she is very stubborn. If she wants to try a new model, she wants to try it. Even if I guide her that this model may not actually work, she will still try her hands and then realise on her own when the results come out. She makes this plan in her mind and she wants to follow it through, and she is not very receptive to any changes or updates to that plan. I understand that this stems from her passion to solve problems and experiment on her own. However, she may not have the luxury of time and resources to do this in the real business world. I have advised Payal on the same and she listened to me carefully. I believe she will overcome this weakness over time and experience.
Payal is at the right inflection point in her career transition. She has strong technical skills, and she has always expressed interest to solve business problems using her skill set. I believe a MiM will help her gain that business understanding and also groom her leadership skills early in her career. I would definitely recommend Payal as a strong candidate for the MIM program
I hope the admissions committee sees the potential in Payal as I do, and I wish Payal all the best in her future endeavours.
Regards
XXXXXX
Manager, XXXXXXX
Do's & Don'ts - of a Recommendation Letter
Based on the Letters of Recommendation Guide, here are five tailored do’s and don’ts for writing recommendation letters for candidates applying to a Master’s in Management (MiM) program:
Do’s:
1. Choose a Recommender Who Knows You Well:
– Do: Select a recommender who has worked closely with you and can provide specific examples of your management skills, leadership potential, and professional achievements. This person should be able to speak to your capabilities and character in a detailed and nuanced manner.
– Reason: Admissions committees value depth and specificity in recommendations over the recommender’s title or prestige .
2. Highlight Relevant Skills:
– Do: Ensure the recommender highlights skills relevant to an MiM program, such as leadership, strategic thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Examples of how you managed projects, led teams, or solved complex problems should be included.
– Reason: Relevant skills demonstrate your preparedness for the rigorous demands of a management program .
3. Provide Specific Examples:
– Do: Encourage your recommender to provide detailed examples of your accomplishments. Anecdotes that illustrate your leadership in action or your ability to strategize effectively add credibility to the letter.
– Reason: Specific examples make the recommendation more credible and compelling, showing concrete evidence of your potential .
4. Meet with Your Recommender:
– Do: Arrange a meeting with your recommender to discuss your achievements, career goals, and reasons for pursuing an MiM. Provide them with a résumé and a list of your key accomplishments to help them write a comprehensive letter.
– Reason: This ensures that your recommender has all the necessary information to write a strong, personalized recommendation .
5. Ensure Timely Submission:
– Do: Set a personal deadline for your recommender that is well ahead of the application deadline. Follow up periodically to ensure they are on track.
– Reason: This helps avoid last-minute issues and ensures that your application is complete on time .
Don’ts:
1. Don’t Write Your Own Recommendation:
– Don’t: Never write your own recommendation letter, even if asked to do so by a recommender. Politely decline and offer to provide detailed information instead.
– Reason: Self-written letters lack objectivity and can be easily spotted by admissions committees, potentially harming your application .
2. Don’t Choose Recommenders Based on Title Alone:
– Don’t: Avoid selecting recommenders solely based on their impressive titles if they do not know you well. A generic letter from a high-ranking official is less effective than a detailed letter from someone who knows your work intimately.
– Reason: Admissions committees value insight and detail over prestige. A superficial letter can undermine your application .
3. Don’t Ignore the Instructions:
– Don’t: Ensure your recommenders follow the specific instructions and format required by each school. Avoid generic letters that do not address the school’s particular questions or criteria.
– Reason: Different programs may have unique requirements, and adherence to these shows attention to detail and respect for the application process .
4. Don’t Overuse Superlatives:
– Don’t: Instruct your recommender to avoid excessive use of superlatives without backing them up with specific examples. Phrases like “the best” or “outstanding” should be supported by detailed evidence.
– Reason: Over-the-top praise can seem insincere unless substantiated with concrete examples. Balanced, realistic assessments are more credible .
5. Don’t Choose Recommenders Who Are Unfamiliar with Your Recent Work:
– Don’t: Avoid selecting recommenders who have not worked with you in the past few years, unless absolutely necessary. Their insight may be outdated or less relevant.
– Reason: Current supervisors or colleagues are better positioned to speak about your recent achievements and current potential .
These do’s and don’ts will help ensure that the recommendation letters for candidates applying to a Master’s in Management program are strong, detailed, and effective in supporting their application.
Free Sample Template - for you to use
Free Recommendation letter template specifically tailored for candidates applying to a Master’s in Management (MiM) program, with a distinct structure and instructions to highlight relevant skills.
Admissions Committee
[Master’s in Management Program Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Date:
Subject: Recommendation letter for —-“
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Master’s in Management program] at [University Name]. I have been [Candidate’s Name]’s [supervisor/manager/colleague] at [Company Name] for [duration], and during this time, I have closely observed [his/her/their] professional growth and achievements.
Key strenghts and Competencies
[Candidate’s Name] has demonstrated a strong aptitude for management, particularly in the areas of [relevant skills, e.g., leadership, strategic thinking, team collaboration]. In [specific project/task], [he/she/they] [specific action taken], resulting in [quantifiable result/outcome]. This project exemplifies [his/her/their] ability to manage complex initiatives and drive significant results.
Initiative and Problem-Solving
A notable example of [Candidate’s Name]’s initiative was during [specific situation]. [He/She/They] identified a critical issue in [context] and took proactive steps to [specific action taken], which led to [positive outcome]. This instance highlights [his/her/their] problem-solving capabilities and proactive approach.
Leadership and Team Dynamics
[Candidate’s Name] excels in leading teams and fostering a collaborative environment. During [specific team project], [he/she/they] [specific actions taken to lead the team], ensuring that all team members were aligned and motivated. The project’s success, marked by [specific achievements], is a testament to [his/her/their] effective leadership and team management skills.
Areas of improvement and Growth
[Candidate’s Name] is highly adaptable and continuously seeks to improve. After receiving feedback on [specific area for improvement], [he/she/they] [specific actions taken to improve], resulting in [positive development]. This commitment to personal and professional growth is a key attribute that will serve [him/her/them] well in the [Master’s in Management program].
Overall Recommendation
In conclusion, [Candidate’s Name] is an outstanding candidate for the [Master’s in Management program] at [University Name]. [His/Her/Their] combination of management skills, leadership qualities, and dedication to continuous improvement make [him/her/them] well-suited for your program. I am confident that [he/she/they] will make significant contributions and excel in this academically rigorous and dynamic environment.
Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Company Name]
This template is structured to highlight the candidate’s management expertise, leadership abilities, and dedication to continuous improvement, making it suitable for applications to a Master’s in Management program.
