Yale University – School of Management

Full-time MBA program – Application essays

1. Describe the biggest commitment you have ever made. (Maximum 500 words)
2. VIDEO ESSAY The purpose of the video interview is to distinguish between polish and professionalism. The brief, spontaneous nature of the video essays forces applicants to forgo polish in favor of quick thinking and concise, forthright answers. The school knows that your responses are unrehearsed, extemporaneous, and in-the-moment – they are more concerned about the thoughtfulness than polish.
   • After submitting an application, you will receive an email that will include directions on how to complete the three video essay questions.
     • One question will be an open-ended, introductory question about yourself.
     • The second question will be a “behavioral” question similar to what you would be asked in a business school or job interview that asks how you handled a certain professional situation.
     • The third question will be a “thought” question that offers a statement and asks if you agree or disagree with it, and why.
   • There are practice questions that you may complete as many times as you like to get comfortable with the format and technology. The practice questions and experience will simulate the actual video essay experience, so this is meant to be a useful tool to help you feel prepared.
   • We encourage you to practice so you are comfortable with the format once it is time to complete the official questions. There is not an opportunity to re-do the answer to the official video essay questions.
   • Each question will give you 20-30 seconds to think about the answer and up to 60-90 seconds to respond.

Optional essays

1. The additional information section is an optional section that should be used to communicate information you would like the Admissions Committee to know that may not fit into another part of the application. Applicants typically use it to explain unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, etc.