Oxford Said MBA – Essays Tips and Deadlines for 2024-25 

Oxford Said MBA – Essay Writing Tips 

Navigating the MBA application process for Oxford Saïd requires crafting essays that showcase your unique story, aspirations, and fit with the school’s culture. Saïd values leadership, innovation, and a diverse perspective. Here are essential tips to help you create standout essays for your Oxford Saïd MBA application.

From showcasing your personal and professional journey to highlighting your fit with Saïd’s unique culture, these insights will guide you in creating essays that resonate with the admissions committee. Dive in to discover how to effectively convey your experiences, goals, and the impact you aim to make, ensuring your application stands out in the competitive field.

Essay 1: Tell us something that is not covered in your application which you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you.

1. Identify Unique Aspects:

• Identify an aspect of your background, personality, or experiences that is not covered elsewhere in your application.
• Explain why this aspect is significant and how it showcases your unique qualities.

Example: One significant aspect of my background not covered in my application is my involvement in establishing a local environmental conservation group. This initiative was born out of my passion for sustainability and my desire to make a tangible impact in my community. Over the past three years, we have organized multiple clean-up drives, educational workshops, and tree-planting events, engaging over 500 community members and planting more than 1,000 trees.

2. Highlight Impact and Relevance:

• Discuss the impact of this experience on you and your community.
• Explain how this experience is relevant to your goals and fits with the Oxford MBA.

Example: This experience has honed my leadership skills and reinforced my commitment to sustainability. It has taught me the importance of community engagement and the power of collective action. As I pursue an MBA at Oxford, I plan to leverage the knowledge and network gained to drive sustainable business practices in the corporate world. The Oxford MBA’s emphasis on social impact aligns perfectly with my aspirations, making me a strong fit for the program.

Essay 2: If you are applying under the Oxford 1+1 MBA scheme, explain why you see this as particularly beneficial for you and how it fits with your career and personal development aims.

1. Articulate the Benefits:

• Clearly explain why the 1+1 MBA scheme is beneficial for you.
• Highlight specific aspects of the program that align with your career and personal development goals.

Example: The Oxford 1+1 MBA scheme is particularly beneficial for me as it allows me to combine my interest in public policy with business management. By pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy followed by an MBA, I will gain a unique interdisciplinary perspective that is crucial for addressing complex global challenges. The program’s structure provides the flexibility to tailor my education to my career aspirations, enabling me to develop the skills needed to lead impactful initiatives in both the public and private sectors.

2. Connect to Career and Personal Development:

• Explain how the 1+1 MBA scheme fits with your long-term career and personal development aims.
• Highlight how the additional year will enhance your skills and opportunities.

Example: In the long term, I aspire to lead a social enterprise focused on sustainable development. The additional year in the 1+1 MBA scheme will provide me with a deeper understanding of policy-making processes and their intersection with business strategies. This comprehensive approach will equip me with the analytical and leadership skills needed to drive systemic change. The diverse and intellectually stimulating environment at Oxford will further enrich my learning experience, preparing me to make a significant impact in my chosen field.

Re-applicants: What improvements have you made in your candidacy since you last applied to the Oxford MBA?

1. Highlight Specific Improvements:

• Detail the specific improvements you have made in your candidacy since your last application.
• Highlight any new achievements, skills, or experiences that strengthen your profile.

Example: Since my last application, I have taken several steps to strengthen my candidacy for the Oxford MBA. Professionally, I was promoted to a senior management position, where I led a cross-functional team to successfully launch a new product line, resulting in a 20% increase in company revenue. I also completed a certification course in data analytics, which has enhanced my ability to make data-driven decisions and added a valuable skill set to my profile.

2. Reflect on Growth:

• Reflect on how these improvements make you a stronger candidate for the Oxford MBA.
• Connect these improvements to your goals and fit with the Oxford MBA community.

Example: These improvements have significantly enhanced my leadership and analytical skills, making me a stronger candidate for the Oxford MBA. My promotion and the successful product launch demonstrate my ability to lead and drive business growth, while the data analytics certification equips me with the technical skills needed in today’s data-driven business environment. These experiences have prepared me to contribute meaningfully to the Oxford MBA community and align perfectly with my goal of leveraging business knowledge to drive sustainable development.

General Tips for Oxford Saïd Essays:

1. Be Authentic:

• Write in your own voice and be genuine in sharing your story.
• Avoid using overly technical jargon or industry-specific language that may be off-putting to a broad audience.

2. Show Impact:

• Emphasize the impact of your experiences and achievements.
• Use specific examples to illustrate your points and demonstrate your potential for success at Oxford.

3. Tailor Your Essays:

• Customize each essay to highlight why Oxford is the perfect fit for your aspirations.
• Mention specific programs, professors, or aspects of the Oxford culture that resonate with you.

Things to avoid in your Oxford Said Essays

• Avoid Overly Technical Jargon: While Oxford appreciates analytical and technical skills, filling your essays with too much industry-specific jargon can be off-putting. Ensure your essays are accessible to a broad audience, including those without your specific technical background.

• Don’t Underestimate the Personal Touch: Oxford values unique personal stories. Avoid focusing solely on professional achievements. Share personal anecdotes that illustrate your character, resilience, and passion. Personal stories can often be more memorable and impactful.

• Steer Clear of a One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Using the same essays for multiple schools can lead to a lack of specificity. Tailor each essay to highlight why Oxford is the perfect fit for your aspirations. Mention specific programs, professors, or aspects of the Oxford culture that resonate with you.

• Avoid Lack of Evidence for Leadership and Collaboration: Oxford places a high value on leadership and teamwork. Don’t just claim you have these qualities; provide concrete examples. Avoid vague statements and show real instances where you led a team, collaborated on a project, or contributed to a community.

• Don’t Ignore the Global Focus: Oxford has a strong global focus. Avoid essays that don’t touch on your global experiences or perspectives. If you lack international experience, discuss how you plan to gain global insights at Oxford or why this global perspective is important to you.