Anderson MBA Admissions Tips (UCLA)

GMAT

Last year, Anderson required in the range of 580 to 780 on the GMAT to be considered. This year, you need a 680 minimum.

Interviews

Interviews are offered by invitation only, after a preliminary review of your application. Only one interview is conducted for each applicant. Interviews are available either at UCLA Anderson or off-campus. There is no disadvantage to interviewing with a student or alumnus. Interviews are held from mid-August through March and are subject to interviewer availability. Off-campus alumni interviews are conducted by invitation after a review of the application.

Essays

Despite Anderson’s low acceptance rate and its great reputation, the school has a relatively low yield percentage. The school is looking for improvement in that area and will evaluate applicants closely to see if they are really committed to Anderson or are just applying to diversify risk. Along those lines, establishing fit is extremely important. You are given an explicit opportunity to show that Anderson is your top pick in its essays. Be sure to capitalize on that opportunity by displaying intimate knowledge of the program and then go the extra step by explaining how you would get involved in school activities to further bolster Anderson’s reputation.

Examples of essay prompts previously used by Anderson:

Application Essays

1. How has your family and/or community helped shape your development? Please include information about where you grew up, and perhaps a highlight or special memory of your youth. (750 words)
2. What experience has had the greatest impact on who you are today and why? (500 words)
3. Discuss your short-term and long-term career goals. What is your motivation for pursuing an MBA now at UCLA Anderson? (750 words)
4. Audio or text:  Select and respond to ONE of the following questions. We would like you to respond to the question by recording an audio response (up to 1 minute).  If you are unable to submit your response via audio, then please upload a written response (250 words) instead.  The supported file types for audio files are: .avi, .wav, .mp3, .wmv, .midi, .wma, .aiff, .au, .mp4

a.  What does entrepreneurial spirit mean to you?

b.  What global issue matters most to you and why?

c.  What is something people will find surprising about you?

5. (Optional) Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? (250 words)

Recommendations

Two recommendations are required, preferably from supervisors or managers at your current place of employment. If you have been out of school for less than two years you may include an academic recommendation in place of a work-related one. Ideally an academic recommender should know you beyond the classroom through research, internships or other interactions. Early career applicants should consider also asking club advisors, internship or other employers who can comment on your leadership skills.

For expert help with your application, check out our MBA Admissions Consulting.