4 MBA Admissions Essay Question Types and How to Tackle Them

CAT or Common Aptitude Test allows an MBA college to test the aptitude of their applicants. However, management colleges in Kolkata and other places devise Essay Questions to get an insight into the mind of an applicant. While answering the essay, the applicant is essentially expected to spill out their thoughts and ideas to the administration. 

We have curated a list of 4 categories of MBA Essay Questions asked by MBA institute in Kolkata.

1. Describe your specific career aspirations and why do you want to pursue an MBA:

This essay question is most difficult to answer. The seats in a premier institute are restricted, and the answer to this question can get you the seat you worked hard for so long. It is an opportunity to speak of your background, skill sets and career aspirations. Constructing a relative bridge between what you want to achieve and the college giving you the stage to kick-start your career. If you speak of realizing your potential in the right light, the college will acknowledge your application. 

However, one can speak of modest goals. Gaining expertise, broadening perspective are rock-solid reasons to pursue this degree. If you speak of haughty goals such as becoming a CEO or starting your own company, you need to chalk out a realistic and pragmatic plan. 

2. What are your principal interests outside of work or school? What leisure and/or community activities do you particularly enjoy?

There is much more to management colleges in Kolkata than just the library. The immersive student-run programs allow you to present your talent and creativity that embellishes your personality. Best programs buzz with the energy of a student body that is talented, creative, and bursting with personality. The institutes are not restricted to these case studies and careers. You need to describe how will you be a unique addition to the business school community.

A B-school opens a wide door to a social circle. There are group work and joint projects that require active involvement. The weekends include social gatherings, networking, and all of these are things you take back from an MBA college besides your degree. You should be able to communicate that active involvement in social and cultural set-ups, not just your studies and technical skills, are an important aspect of your life.

3. Who do you most admire?

The admission panel intends to know the qualities, values, and strengths you look out for in others and a further look at imbibing. It is imperative to look beyond conventional character traits such as drive, discipline, and vision. You can narrate a story or incidents to showcase examples. Tell a story and provide specific examples. If you choose someone who is a well-known personality, you run the risk of being one of many in the pile. In contrast, you may speak about your current boss, a friend, or a mentor. What matters more is what you say about the person rather than the person itself. 

4. Describe a situation in which you led a team. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

The committee isn't looking at how you came to the rescue during a crisis like a Bollywood hero. They want to understand how you thrived to create an environment in which others could contribute. It is more about putting the sum together rather than highlighting your individual traits. You should shift gears from ‘I’ to ‘We’. 

Bengal Institute of Business Studies is an MBA institute in Kolkata known for the exposure it gives to its students. The course is industry-relevant and students are prepared by getting them to participate in various events and competitions.