NUS MBA – Essays Tips and Deadlines for 2025-26

NUS MBA – Essay Writing Tips

Essay 1: How have people, events, and/or situations in your life influenced who you are today?

This essay is your chance to show the admissions team the human side of your story. Instead of listing achievements, focus on moments that shaped your character. Maybe it was a mentor who taught you resilience, a cross-cultural experience that gave you global perspective, or a personal challenge that built your leadership style. Keep it specific. Pick one or two influences rather than trying to cover everything.

Tips for Essay 1:

• Pick one strong story or influence instead of too many.

• Focus on lessons learned and how they shaped your mindset.

• Connect your story to values NUS looks for (leadership, global outlook, adaptability).

• Keep it authentic and don’t try to sound “perfect.”

Essay 2: How do you plan to spend your time on The NUS MBA to transform yourself personally & professionally?

Here you need to show fit with NUS. The admissions team wants to see that you’ve done your research and know exactly how the program will help you. Start by briefly outlining your past experiences (education, career highlights, leadership roles). Then connect these to your career goals: your short-term plan (right after MBA) and your long-term vision. Finally, explain how NUS will help you bridge the gap. Mention specific electives, clubs, global opportunities, or Singapore’s startup ecosystem.

Tips for Essay 2:

• Start with your career journey so far and the gaps you want to fill.

• Define both short-term and long-term goals clearly.

• Link those goals directly to NUS resources (courses, clubs, exchange programs).

• Don’t just talk about career. Mention personal transformation too (e.g., leadership skills, cultural intelligence).

• End with how you’ll contribute back to the NUS community.

Optional Essay: Is there any additional information relevant to your application?

This essay is not required, so only use it if you have something important to share. It could be explaining a gap in your resume, low grades, a career switch, or a unique achievement not covered elsewhere. Keep it short, factual, and positive. This isn’t the place for another long personal story.

Tips for Optional Essay:

• Only write it if necessary (don’t fill space for the sake of it).

• Be transparent about gaps, challenges, or context.

• Always frame the challenge as a growth story.

• Keep it professional and under the word limit.

Things to Avoid in your NUS Essays

Essay 1: Influences That Shaped You

This essay is about your personal journey, not a resume recap. Many applicants slip up by making it too formal or trying to impress with achievements instead of showing genuine growth.

Avoid:

• Listing too many people/events (stick to one or two meaningful ones).

• Giving surface-level answers without explaining how it shaped you.

• Writing only about career experiences and ignoring personal influences.

• Using generic phrases like “I am hardworking and determined” without proof.

Essay 2: Transformation at NUS MBA

This is where you prove fit, and the most common mistake is being too vague. If your goals aren’t clear or your link to NUS isn’t specific, the essay will feel weak.

Avoid:

• Writing generic goals like “I want to be a leader in business.”

• Mentioning resources that any MBA offers instead of NUS-specific ones.

• Talking only about short-term goals without a bigger vision.

• Ignoring the personal transformation aspect and focusing only on career.

• Sounding like you want an MBA just for the “brand name.”

Optional Essay

This essay should be used with caution. If you don’t have something significant to explain, leave it blank. Admissions teams prefer no essay over a forced one.

Avoid:

• Repeating achievements from other essays or your CV.

• Over-explaining small issues that don’t really matter.

• Writing long, emotional stories unrelated to your application.

• Avoid making excuses. Focus on responsibility and what you learned.