mit sloan mba video essay

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Advice, tips and insights from the admissions dream team., table of contents, mit sloan video statement tips & strategy.

• By Brittany Maschal

Just as MIT Sloan eschews the M7 convention throughout its MBA application process  (requiring a cover letter and org chart in lieu of traditional written essays), its MIT Sloan video component is unlike the others.

Instead of seeing how you’ll field a series of randomly selected questions, MIT Sloan wants a one-take video statement in which you “introduce yourself to your future classmates.” And the kicker is that you get just 60 seconds to deliver a response that’s meaningful, memorable, and coherent.

A growing number of business schools have introduced a video component of the MBA application in recent years, including INSEAD, Kellogg, Yale, Rotman, and MIT Sloan. In addition to seeing you in action, the video component allows MBA admissions to assess your confidence, presentation style, language skills, and ability to think on your feet. My Fortuna Admissions colleagues have offered great advice on acing the MBA video essay , including tips on set-up, presentation, and fielding sample questions. Each of those great insights are still valuable and applicable to MIT Sloan.

One of my clients delivered a 60-second MIT Sloan video statement  that knocked it out of the park.

The secret to his success was to focus on just one story from his life, which revealed a distinctive aspect of his personality. Frankly, it was an anecdote that might easily be overlooked, if it weren’t for the artful way he used his story to illuminate the personal values and attributes that made him a great fit for the MIT Sloan MBA program .

His MIT Sloan video statement didn’t showcase any remarkable technical skill, nor attempt to deliver his elevator pitch. He appeared to be sitting at his desk in a small, tidy corner that might have been a bedroom or office. Then he launched straight into a story that evoked a specific moment in time, and suddenly I could picture the scene. I felt myself get curious and attentive. What he achieved was a winsome glimpse into what made him unique, and it exuded warmth, sincerity, and authenticity. He even managed to convey a personal “ah-ha” that was both profound and relevant. And what he chose to omit was so intentional and well-tuned that you couldn’t watch his video statement without wanting to meet him. Slam dunk.

While the content is your own, there are several key characteristics you can take to heart in creating your standout video.

Here are six top tips to keep in mind for your MIT Sloan video statement .

1. Consider elaborating on one, specific experience. A single story that conveys something meaningful allows you to offer more depth about who you are beyond a shimmering track record of management and professional  excellence. Think of something that won’t be found in the rest of your application – what will add value to your overall narrative?

2. Avoid a monologue of your professional accomplishments. This means sidestepping what my Fortuna colleague Karla Cohen refers to as the “resume to prose” essay (and while a video isn’t prose, this translates to scripting a story of successes and achievements). “It’s a common mistake, and it robs your story of the potential for making an emotional connection,” says Karla in her recent article on what HBS really wants . “When you take the risk to be vulnerable, it inspires a human connection, and it’s so much more appealing.”

3. Take the risk to reveal something personal . Focusing too heavily on work-work-work makes you seem less human. Or like you’re trying to give the admissions team what you think they want to hear. The best MIT MBA video statement is about giving them a genuine glimpse of who you are.

4. Emphasize quality over quantity. A minute can feel impossibly short, and there isn’t a lot of room for sharing. Dig deep to explore a specific story that says a lot about you, and allows you to make a connection to the values that MIT holds dear.

5. Connect your values to those of MIT Sloan. MIT’s MBA program  is looking for brilliant, imaginative doers who are having an impact in the communities in which they exist. Think about anecdotes and stories that show when you’ve gone beyond yourself, demonstrated leadership and/or created a positive impact.

6. Strike a tone that’s humble yet confident. The applicant pool at any M7 business school is teeming with overachieving students. So, while you’ll want to convey your poise and authenticity, be sure to release any shred of entitlement or arrogance. (This isn’t politics, and boasting won’t win you favors.) Being likable is a huge part of admissions success.

To cite an enduring maxim from the late author and poet Maya Angelou:

“ At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel. ”

The MIT Sloan video essay is an opportunity to make the admissions committee feel something powerful. And, ultimately, leave them feeling a desire to interview and meet you in person.

Want more advice?

For more insider information, check out our related articles on MIT Sloan below. You can also view Fortuna’s Business School Profile on MIT Sloan or request a copy of our Insider Tips Report  on MIT Sloan.

• MIT Sloan MBA Strategy: How to Tackle the Application 
• MIT Sloan Org Chart: How to Tackle It

Fortuna Admissions Expert Coach Brittany Maschal  is a former member of admissions teams at Wharton, Princeton & Johns Hopkins. For a candid assessment of your chances of admission success at a top MBA program, sign up for  a free consultation .

• Posted on September 18, 2020

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Tips for a Stand-Out MIT Sloan Video Essay

MIT Sloan is one of the most prestigious business schools not just in the United States but around the globe. It’s known for its innovative approach to management education, which revolves around creating principled and innovative leaders who can make a difference in the world. One of the core components of the application is the video statement, which provides applicants with an opportunity to showcase their personality, and communication skills and demonstrate their fit with the school’s mission. In this blog post, we will provide you with some helpful tips for crafting a successful MIT Sloan video essay that will increase your chances of getting into the program.

How important is the MIT Sloan Video Essay?

Three years ago, MIT Sloan added a video statement to the application process which allows applicants to showcase their personality, language skills, confidence, and presentation style to the admissions committee in under 60 seconds. This is an opportunity for applicants to reveal more about themselves and for the committee to evaluate their presence, interests, and passions. Since the of the goals of admissions committees is to build cohesive and diverse class, the importance of this video is not to be overlooked.

Make an Outline

Before getting in front of the camera, make sure to draft an outline of the important topics that you want to cover. A well-thought-out script will allow you to organize your thoughts and communicate more effectively. Brainstorm ideas about what anecdotes, skills, and qualities you want to share, but also show your real, authentic self. To prepare for the MIT Sloan video statement, treat it like any other interview by getting ready in advance. One benefit is that you’ll know the question beforehand. Dedicate sufficient time to prepare for your performance.

• Plan your content : To apply to MIT Sloan, you need to provide a cover letter, resume , and letters of recommendation highlighting your professional or academic successes. However, for the video statement, it’s best to focus on your passion and interest rather than simply providing examples of work achievements. MIT Sloan looks for passionate applicants who are committed to making a positive impact on the world. In your video statement, you should showcase your passions and interests that align with the school’s mission. Share your personal and professional goals, your values, and what motivates you to pursue an MBA degree at MIT Sloan. Your goal is to demonstrate to the admissions committee that you are excited about the opportunity to join the MIT Sloan community and that you will be an active member of it. Emphasize quality over quantity by selecting one specific topic to discuss in the 60-second video statement. When thinking about topics to discuss, imagine introducing yourself to new coworkers on your first day of work. Share more than just your name and job, such as where you’re from, your hobbies, or something you’re proud of having accomplished.
• Align your narrative story to MIT Sloan values : As you write your script, remember to keep in mind the values of MIT Sloan.
• Keep your audience in mind : MIT Sloan wants you to introduce yourself to your prospective classmates rather than to the admissions committee. The committee’s intention is to avoid soliciting self-promotion. Instead, they want you to be genuine and communicate with your peers. As you create your introduction, ensure that your language and demeanor reflect how you speak to people of a similar age.

Make it visually appealing

While the content of your video statement is critical, you also want to make sure that the quality of the video is visually appealing. Ensure that the lighting, sound, and framing are all perfect. A poorly lit and unprofessional quality video can diminish the impact of the message you are trying to convey.

MIT Sloan’s admissions committee does not require applicants to have professional cinematography skills or hire a team for their video statement. Instead, they suggest that applicants record their video using software like QuickTime or iMovie. They provide tips to help applicants produce a high-quality video statement.

• Lighting : To ensure good recording quality, ensure that your face is properly illuminated and there are no ambient sounds in the background.
• Background : To prevent visual distractions from taking away attention from you, please stand in front of a plain background.
• Sound and image : Use a good quality mic and camera, which can give good quality audio and video output.

Make YOURSELF visually appealing

• Dress for success : Wear business casual attire for your video statement recording as it will be viewed by the admissions committee as part of your application process. Even though your audience is your classmates, they will be your future professional network and social group. Avoid any casual clothing when recording your video statement.
• Polish your delivery : To ensure a clear introduction delivery, remember to take pauses between words. As previously mentioned, use a tone and style of speech that is relatable to individuals your age. Avoid being overly formal and remember to maintain a pleasant demeanor while speaking.
• Pay attention to body language : To improve your posture and eye contact during video calls, make sure to keep your body upright and speak directly into the camera. Also, adjust the camera to your eye level to avoid leaning.

Demonstrate Your Knowledge and Connection to MIT Sloan

Showing your connection to MIT Sloan, and the reasons why you want to join the community, is particularly important. The admissions committee wants to see that you have conducted in-depth research and understand what differentiates MIT Sloan from other MBA programs. They also want to know how you envision leveraging the program’s resources, curriculum, and culture to achieve your personal and professional goals. For example, you can mention the various clubs, centers, competitions, or other events that interest you and how you intend to participate in them.

Practice Makes Perfect

The MIT Sloan video essay allows you more time to prepare compared to other video essays. You can script and practice your statement before recording. If you’re not good at speaking on the spot, practice until your video looks natural. Film yourself as you practice and review your videos to critique your performance. Make sure to look directly into the camera and treat it as your audience. Please maintain eye contact with the camera while speaking. Just like any other important presentation, rehearsing your MIT Sloan video statement is necessary to avoid mistakes, gain confidence, and refine your delivery. \

Get feedback from trusted sources

Getting feedback from trusted sources can help you eliminate any potential weak spots in your statement. Share your video with your peers, advisors, mentors, or other MBA consultants for their input. Ask them to pay attention to your content, your communication skills, and your connection to MIT Sloan. Take their feedback constructively; criticism and suggestions can be very valuable to improve your performance.

Use Authentic Language

Be true to yourself and communicate as naturally as you would in a conversation. Allow your language and tone to reflect your character and who you are as an individual. You want to build an authentic, engaging connection with the admissions team.

Be yourself

The video statement is your chance to introduce yourself to the MIT Sloan community. Don’t try to be someone you are not. Be true to yourself and let your personality shine through. While it’s essential to showcase your professional achievements, be sure to balance them with your personal experiences. The admissions committee wants to get to know you as a whole person, not just as an application package.

It’s clear that getting accepted into the MIT Sloan MBA program is not a simple task. However, if you put in the effort and thoughtfully craft your video statement, it may give you an edge over other applicants. You have all the necessary information to help you write and present a successful video statement – just remember to be creative, stay organized, prepare ahead of time, and give yourself enough practice. Don’t forget that with the right focus and dedication, anything is possible! So start putting together your compelling MIT Sload video essay today for the very best chance at being accepted into MIT Sloan. If you would like more guidance along this journey or need extra help throughout the application process, check out MBA application services available on our website – we’re always here to provide direction and support!

With a Master’s from McGill University and a Ph.D. from New York University, Dr. Philippe Barr is the founder of The Admit Lab . As a tenure-track professor, Dr. Barr spent a decade teaching and serving on several graduate admission committees at UNC-Chapel Hill before turning to full-time consulting. With more than seven years of experience as a graduate school admissions consultant, Dr. Barr has stewarded the candidate journey across multiple master’s and Ph.D. programs and helped hundreds of students get admitted to top-tier graduate programs all over the world .

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for tips and tricks on navigating the grad school application process and weekly live Q&A sessions!

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MIT Sloan Video Statement: Overview, Advice, & Common Mistakes

Learn all about the MIT Sloan video statement, including valuable advice and tips to help you stand out.

Posted January 10, 2024

Featuring Jordan M.

Why You Should Consider Getting an MD/MBA

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Table of Contents

The MIT Sloan Video Statement is an integral part of the application process for prospective MBA students. In this article, we provide an overview of the video statement, offer advice on how to prepare and succeed, and highlight common mistakes to avoid. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, this article will help you navigate the video statement with confidence .

MIT Sloan Application and the Role of the Video Statement

The MIT Sloan application is highly competitive, and the Video Statement is an opportunity for applicants to showcase their communication skills, interpersonal abilities, and overall fit with the program . While traditional written essays provide insights into your achievements and aspirations, the video statement allows the admissions committee to assess your poise, confidence, and presence in a dynamic and interactive format.

Beyond assessing your communication abilities, the video statement also offers a glimpse into your personality, values, and how you handle pressure. It is a chance to differentiate yourself from other applicants and leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

When creating your video statement, it is important to carefully consider the content and delivery. This is your chance to tell your story in a compelling and engaging way . Think about what sets you apart from other applicants and how you can effectively convey that through your video.

One strategy to consider is to start by introducing yourself and providing a brief background on your academic and professional experiences. This will give the admissions committee a sense of your qualifications and achievements. From there, you can delve into specific examples and anecdotes that highlight your skills and accomplishments.

It is also important to showcase your passion and enthusiasm for the program. Share why you are specifically interested in MIT Sloan and how it aligns with your career goals. This will demonstrate your commitment and dedication to the program, which is something the admissions committee will be looking for.

Furthermore, the video statement is an opportunity to showcase your creativity and presentation skills . Consider incorporating visuals, such as graphs or charts, to support your points and make your video visually appealing. However, be mindful not to overwhelm the video with too many visuals, as the focus should still be on your message and delivery.

Lastly, practice, practice, practice! Rehearse your video statement multiple times to ensure that you are comfortable and confident in your delivery. Pay attention to your body language, tone of voice, and overall presence. Remember, the admissions committee is not only evaluating what you say, but also how you say it.

MIT Sloan Video Statement Instructions (2023-2024)

Before diving into the creation of your video statement, it's crucial to understand the specific instructions provided by MIT Sloan for the upcoming application cycle.

On its website, MIT Sloan outlines the video statement with the following:

Introduce yourself to your future classmates. Here’s your chance to put a face with a name, let your personality shine through, be conversational, be yourself. We can’t wait to meet you!

• Length: Your video statement should be no longer than one minute.
• Content: Address the prompt above: "Introduce yourself to your future classmates."
• Technical Specifications: The video should be recorded in one continuous take using a neutral background. You can use any recording device, including a smartphone or computer webcam (we recommend the latter). Do not include background music or subtitles.

Creating a compelling video statement is an opportunity for you to showcase your personality, experiences, and aspirations to the admissions committee at MIT Sloan. While the instructions may seem straightforward, it's essential to approach this task with careful consideration and planning.

When crafting your video statement, think about how you can effectively introduce yourself to your future classmates. Consider highlighting aspects of your personal and professional life that have shaped you into the individual you are today. This could include discussing your upbringing, cultural background, or any significant life events that have influenced your values and goals.

Remember, the video statement is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get to know you beyond your written application. Use this platform to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations that make you a strong candidate for MIT Sloan.

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Expert Tips for the MIT Sloan Video Statement

Preparing for the MIT Sloan Video Statement can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. To help you navigate this process, we have compiled a list of expert tips to ensure you make the most of this opportunity:

• Plan and Rehearse: Take the time to plan your content and rehearse your delivery. Structure your thoughts, emphasizing key points without sounding scripted.
• Show Authenticity: Be yourself and let your genuine personality shine. Admissions committees value authenticity, so avoid trying to portray an image that isn't true to who you are.
• Convey Passion: Share your enthusiasm for your goals, experiences, and aspirations. Demonstrate your motivation and commitment to making a difference in your chosen field.
• Be Concise: Given the time limit, be mindful of being concise and impactful in your communication. Avoid rambling or providing unnecessary details.
• Practice Non-Verbal Communication: Pay attention to non-verbal cues such as body language, eye contact, and facial expressions. They can greatly enhance your message and overall impression.
• Seek Feedback: Record yourself and seek feedback from trusted individuals, such as mentors, family, or friends. They can offer valuable insights and help refine your presentation.

How to Write Compelling MBA Essays

While the MIT Sloan Video Statement provides a unique opportunity to showcase your abilities, it's important to remember that it should complement your overall application. Your written essays play a crucial role in highlighting your achievements, experiences, and motivations. Here are a few tips to write compelling essays:

• Reflect on Your Experiences: Dive deep into your personal and professional experiences to identify key moments that have shaped your journey and fueled your aspirations.
• Show Impact: Demonstrate how your experiences have had a positive impact on others, your community, or your organization. Admissions committees value applicants who make a difference.
• Connect with MIT Sloan: Research the program thoroughly and tailor your essays to highlight how your goals align with MIT Sloan's mission, values, and resources. Connect your aspirations to specific offerings within the program.
• Seek Feedback: Share your essays with trusted advisors, mentors, or friends, and incorporate their feedback to refine your writing. Multiple perspectives can help you craft stronger narratives.
• Show Growth and Learning: Admissions committees are interested in your ability to learn from challenges and adapt. Highlight instances where you have overcome obstacles and grown both personally and professionally.

MIT Sloan Video Statement FAQs

1. What is the MIT Sloan Video Statement?

The MIT Sloan Video Statement is a short video submission required as part of the MBA application. It gives candidates the opportunity to introduce themselves to the admissions committee in a more personal and dynamic way than written essays.

2. How long should the MIT Sloan video statement be?

The video statement should typically be around one minute long. It's important to adhere strictly to the time limit specified by MIT Sloan in the application instructions.

3. What content should be included in the video statement?

The video should include a brief introduction of yourself, your background, and why you are interested in MIT Sloan. Focus on aspects that might not be evident from your written application, like your personality and enthusiasm.

4. What technical quality is expected for the video?

While the video doesn’t have to be professionally produced, ensure good quality in terms of clear audio and visual. Record in a well-lit, quiet environment and test your equipment beforehand.

5. Should I follow a script for the video?

It’s advisable to outline key points you want to cover, but avoid a rigid script. The video should come across as natural and conversational. Practice enough to be comfortable but maintain a spontaneous feel.

6. How can I make my video statement stand out?

Be authentic and let your personality shine through. Use the video to share stories or insights that add a new dimension to your application. Creativity is welcome, but keep it relevant and professional.

7. What are common mistakes to avoid in the video statement?

Common mistakes include exceeding the time limit, poor audio or video quality, being too scripted or rehearsed, lack of focus on relevant content, and failing to convey enthusiasm for the program.

8. Can I include other people in my video?

The video should primarily focus on you. If including others adds value to what you’re conveying (for instance, a brief clip showing team interaction), it can be considered, but ensure the primary focus remains on your own contributions and story.

9. How important is the video statement in the overall application?

The video statement is a critical component of your application. It provides the admissions committee with insights into your communication skills, personality, and fit with Sloan’s culture.

10. Should I get feedback on my video before submitting?

Yes, getting feedback can be very beneficial. Show your video to trusted friends, mentors, or professionals who can give you honest feedback on the content, delivery, and overall impression.

With these insights and tips, you can approach the MIT Sloan Video Statement with confidence and make a compelling impression on the admissions committee. Take the opportunity to showcase your personality, passion, and readiness to contribute to the MIT Sloan community. Good luck!

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Homepage > MBA Admissions > Business Schools > MIT Sloan MBA Essays 2022-2023: Analysis and Tips from an MIT Fellow

MIT Sloan MBA Essays 2022-2023: Analysis and Tips from an MIT Fellow

Posted by Suheb Hussain | Jan 24, 2023 | Business Schools , GMAT Focus Edition , MBA Admissions , MBA Application Process

The MBA application for MIT Sloan School of Management is quite different from other business schools. The application does not have an MBA essay per se, but has an extensive application with the following requirements:

• Cover Letter (300 words or fewer)
• Resume (one page)
• Video Statement (1 minute)
• Letter of Recommendation (one)
• Additional References (two)
• Organizational Chart
• Optional 250-word short answer question

In this article, Prashant Tibrewal from Admitsquare, who has mentored 1,000+ students get into their dream business schools and who is currently enrolled at MIT Sloan himself, shares his expert tips on the MIT Sloan MBA essay and other application components.

As you start working on your MIT Sloan MBA application, ask yourself if you are cut out for MIT . Securing an admit to one of the M7 business schools is not just about a high GMAT score or a unique profile or a strong application.

While all of these are just “prerequisites”, what remains the most important is a strong personality match – between the applicant and the school. You should, therefore, spend as much time understanding your dream schools, as you would, working on your application.

What makes MIT so unique and desirable to applicants?

Getting a seat at MIT Sloan does not just give you access to the business school, but also to the larger MIT university, which is among the most future-focused education ecosystems one can dream of as a student.

Not surprising, therefore, that an MIT team comprising of students from aeronautics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and business management beat out teams from 115 other universities and 20 countries to earn the Best Overall Design Award at the SpaceX Hyperloop competition.

MIT Sloan offers an exciting range of master’s programs, designed for a wide range of students and career outcomes. It may be wise, therefore, to research well and apply to the program that you would benefit the most from:

• Sloan Fellows MBA (1-year)
• Leaders in Global Operations (LGO)
• Master of Finance
• Master of Business Analytics

Do you aspire to get into the MIT Sloan MBA Program? A 740+ GMAT score can significantly improve your chances of admission. Kickstart your GMAT preparation by  Signing up for our Free Trial ! For any queries, write to us at  [email protected] . We are the  most reviewed GMAT prep company on gmatclub with more than 2500 reviews.

MIT Sloan MBA Application Deadlines

Take a look at this article to know the MBA application deadlines of other business schools.

MIT Sloan MBA Essays and Application Requirements

While getting an admit at MIT Sloan can be difficult, applying to the program doesn’t come easy either. The MIT Sloan MBA has an extensive application with the following requirements:

MIT Sloan Cover Letter Analysis and Sample Essay Structure

“MIT Sloan seeks students whose personal characteristics demonstrate that they will make the most of the incredible opportunities at MIT, both academic and non-academic. We are on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. We seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities and the drive and determination to put their stamp on the world. We welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative — true doers. We want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems, and strive to preempt unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. We demand integrity and respect passion.”

Taking the above into consideration, please submit a cover letter seeking a place in the MIT Sloan MBA Program. Your letter should conform to standard business correspondence, include one or more examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria above, and be addressed to the Assistant Deans of Admissions, Rod Garcia, and Dawna Levenson (300 words or fewer, excluding address and salutation).

The MIT admissions team, including Rod Garcia and Dawna Levenson, has been the most consistent admissions team among the top business schools, ensuring the highest quality of student recruitment over the years.

The team, having retained the Cover Letter requirement for the fifth year now, clearly loves the format and how it has helped assess applicants. An open-ended question such as this comes with a high risk of submitting an essay that may not be aligned with the expectations of the admissions team.

Why such a short (300 word) cover letter, in contrast to other schools that allow much more space and scope to present yourself?

Well, for an MIT applicant with rich professional experience, applying to a business school is pretty similar to applying for a job. This is your opportunity to convince the team why they should consider your application over thousands of other well-qualified applicants.

Candidates often end up presenting a verbose, high level, broad-based career summary, which is exactly what the adcom doesn’t want to read. With access to your resume, one can pretty much trace your career path and gain a broad level of understanding.

The MIT Cover Letter lays down focused guidelines and seeks to understand specific aspects of your personal and/or professional life. “We welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative — true doers.”

While the school encourages these qualities among its students, to be able to establish through your cover letter that you have already demonstrated these qualities, will be the key to a strong cover letter.

Further, understanding the MIT Style of Leadership or the Problem-led Leadership will be an interesting exercise to help you develop a stronger application. The question specifically asks to substantiate your claim with example(s).

As you recollect your best achievements and think of the examples to present in the cover letter, do not forget that it is a 300-word essay.

You do not want to touch upon too many things and spread yourself too thin. Ask yourself what key qualities you would want to establish through the cover letter and find the best example that demonstrates the quality.

If space permits, back it with another short example. While it goes without saying that you use the STAR format, but go deep with “how” you did what you did. Talk about the extrinsic as well as the intrinsic motivations behind your actions.

And while you do all this, do not lose track of the primary purpose behind writing this cover letter – “to seek a place in the MIT Sloan MBA Program”.

A good part of your essay should touch upon why you are seeking a place in the program (your short term and long term career plans) and how the MIT MBA will equip you to achieve your plans. How well you know yourself and how well you know the school is both critical to presenting a strong match.

MIT Sloan Resume Format

The resume you submit to a business school holds extremely high significance, given that it helps the adcom get a detailed perspective about your professional experience and is often the only document that the interviewer has access to (once you receive an interview invite).

Not all business schools prescribe a resume format, but MIT Sloan does. In addition to suggesting the order of the different components of the resume, you are specifically asked to redact your personal information. Further, the following are the instructions to be followed.

Please submit a one-page resume that includes the following information and formatting:

• One page limit
• Times New Roman font
• Size 10 font
• Word or PDF formats only
• Redact (remove or blackout) your name, address, and contact information

 For formatting purposes, please list the information in the following order in reverse chronological order:

• Education – please feel free to include relevant awards, scholarships, and professional societies.
• Company name
• Results-oriented bullets that demonstrate your skillset, and
• Additional information – languages, extracurricular activities/community service, technical skills/certifications, and special skills/interests (if appropriate).

MIT Sloan MBA application video statement

Applicants are required to upload a 1-minute video as part of their application. In your video, you should introduce yourself to your future classmates, tell us about your past experiences, and touch on why MIT Sloan is the best place for you to pursue your degree.

Videos should adhere to the following guidelines:

• No more than 1 minute in length
• Single take (no editing)
• You should be speaking directly to the camera
• Do not include background music or subtitles

When most other schools are using the Kira video format where you must answer the video questions live, MIT allows you enough time to plan and record your video.

Is this supposed to be your Elevator Pitch? Probably yes, albeit a more personal one. Having presented most of your information through your resume and the cover letter, this should be your space to “connect” with your future classmates as well as the admissions committee.

You may talk about your personal background, unique life experiences, interests, and passions, and how specific opportunities at MIT connect with your plans and interest areas.

Sloan doesn’t want you to hire a video expert – an unedited video makes it a level playing field for all applicants.

While the video will allow the admissions committee to see you and hear you, it is your passion and your story that will invite them to feel your presence and personality. Prepare a story that is authentic, exciting, and enchanting. Above all, sound fluent, but not rehearsed!

The following article discusses the analysis and tips related to MIT Sloan video statement in detail. Have a look! 4 tips to ace MIT Sloan video statement . You can also refer to the following article for insights on how to make an impressive MBA application video essay: Make an impactful MBA Application Video Essay .

MIT Sloan Letter of Recommendation and Additional References

Several schools are now moving to a single recommendation, thus making the application less demanding for the candidate.

While the MIT LOR format isn’t very different, what’s unique is the requirement for two Additional References. These references do not need to submit any document upfront, but they may be called if required.

Choose your references like you would choose your recommenders – people you have worked closely with, who may be in a good position to talk about your strengths with specific instances.

Most of our candidates did not report their references being called, but you may want to pick the best possible options, nevertheless.

MIT Sloan MBA application – Organizational Chart

Please upload an organizational chart that outlines the internal structure of your department and company. Limit to two pages.

Note: You may choose to create your own document or redact individuals’ names. However, please provide as much information as possible.

We should be able to see your line of reporting to the top of your organization, and to easily find you, your peers, your supervisor, their peers, and your direct reports (should you have any), as well as any recommender or references from your current organization. For those in consulting, please submit an organizational chart of a current or previous project you were staffed on. 

This is again a unique requirement for the MIT Sloan application. This isn’t really a new addition to the application, which means that MIT has found it useful to evaluate the applicant’s relative position in the organizational hierarchy.

The key is to make it informational, with good details about your own position as well as those who may be in levels higher and lower than you.

You may not need to invest a lot of time making the organizational chart super fancy, but a simple chart presenting the different levels should work pretty well. Refer to the sample organizational chart suggested by the school.

MIT Sloan MBA application- Optional 250-word short answer question

For the 2022-23 applications, the applicants are invited to expand on their background by responding to the following  optional  250-word short-answer question:

“How has the world you come from shaped who you are today? For example, your family, culture, and community, all help to shape aspects of your identity. Please use this opportunity if you would like to share more about your background.”

According to the MIT website , This question is truly optional; applicants will not be evaluated more positively or negatively should they choose to respond. This is an opportunity for you to share more about yourself with the Admissions Committee, should you choose to do so.

Suggested Reading: “Problem-led Leadership” – Are you cut out for the MIT Sloan MBA? Applying to Kellogg? Read our detailed Kellogg Essay Analysis

About the Author

Prashant Tibrewal is the founder of Admit Square Consulting and has mentored 1000+ MBA aspirants to get into top global universities such as Harvard, Stanford, INSEAD, Oxford, HEC, ISB, etc. Prashant has also served on the Board of the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants (AIGAC) and led the AIGAC Conference 2020, attended by admissions officers from 25+ top-ranked MBA programs.

Admit Square Consulting has mentored applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply to top MBA programs. With a proven track record of 10+ years, and admits to universities such as Stanford, MIT, Kellogg, Cambridge, INSEAD, etc., Admit Square was awarded the Most Successful International MBA Consulting Company in India at the India Education Awards, 2019. With a team of Consultants from top business schools such as MIT, Yale, LBS and Oxford, Admit Square offers 100% Money-back Assurance on its services. You may send your details to  [email protected]  for a free profile evaluation.

That was all about MIT Sloan MBA essays. Here are a few other that can help you with your MBA application essays:

• 5 Different Types of MBA Essays Explained
• MBA Application Process – Weightage of Different Components
• 2020-2021 MBA Application Deadlines

Do you aspire to get into the MIT Sloan MBA Program? A 740+ GMAT score can significantly improve your chances of admission. Kickstart your GMAT preparation by  Signing up for our Free Trial ! For any queries, write to us at  [email protected] . We are the  most reviewed GMAT prep company on gmatclub with more than 1940 reviews.

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August 2, 2024

MIT Sloan MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2024-2025], Class Profile

According to its website , MIT Sloan is looking for individuals from all around the world, from a broad array of academic backgrounds, who value dignity and respect and demonstrate the following:

• Leadership and an ability to inspire others 
• A collaborative spirit and focus on community
• Intellectual curiosity and analytical strength 
• Creativity to generate new solutions to existing challenges 
• Growth in both professional and personal endeavors 

To uncover these attributes, the MIT Sloan MBA application continues to include its signature cover letter and resume requirements. It also retains the video component and organizational chart.

Ready to get to work on your MIT Sloan application? Read on.

• MIT Sloan application essay tips 

MIT Sloan application deadlines

Mit sloan class profile, mit sloan application essay tips, mit sloan mba cover letter.

MIT Sloan seeks students whose personal characteristics demonstrate that they will make the most of the incredible opportunities at MIT , both academic and non-academic. We are on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. We seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities and the drive and determination to put their stamp on the world. We welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative – true doers. We want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems, and strive to preempt unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. We demand integrity and respect passion. Taking the above into consideration, please submit a cover letter seeking a place in the MIT Sloan MBA Program. Your letter should conform to a standard business correspondence, include one or more professional examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria above, and be addressed to the Admissions Committee. (300 words or fewer, excluding address and salutation)

MIT helpfully provides insight into what it’s looking for in the cover letter. Like all cover letters, this one is a marketing document. If you apply for a job, you research the firm to learn what it values and is seeking. Based on your research, you send your resume with a cover letter designed to make you as attractive to the company as possible, one that shows you have what the firm wants.

Similarly, your MIT Sloan cover letter should show that you have what the program is looking for. Make your case for admission using your accomplishments, specifically those where you show the qualities mentioned earlier. How do the talents revealed in your examples demonstrate fit with the MIT Sloan program, its tight-knit community, and its innovative culture of doers? Your resume should reveal above-average progression on the job and increasing responsibility, as well as the creativity and spirit of contribution that MIT Sloan requires.

In making your case and mentioning your accomplishments, highlight your role and the impact on the entities you contributed to. Those results constitute “your stamp on the world” so far. Looking ahead, be sure to provide a complete picture by highlighting your career plans (MIT does not have a specific career goals short answer question), what you have accomplished that will help you get there, and what gaps you need to fill via your experience at Sloan.

Note: this is not an essay. Make sure your letter is formatted as a professional letter, with a date, address, header, salutation, and close.

MIT Sloan MBA Video Question 1

Introduce yourself to your future classmates. Here’s your chance to put a face with a name, let your personality shine through, be conversational, be yourself. We can’t wait to meet you! 

Videos should adhere to the following guidelines:

• No more than 1 minute (60 seconds) in length
• Single take (no editing)
• Speaking directly to the camera
• Do not include background music or subtitles

The video question allows a broader set of people at Sloan to gain insights into who you are “in person.” Historically, this was an opportunity available only to the person interviewing you later in the admissions process. Your goal here is this: deliver your response with poise and presence . I suggest you outline a 60-second statement that you would use to introduce yourself to your classmates (not the admissions committee members; they’re just important flies on the wall who happen to be listening in).

Don’t be too casual; your classmates are your future professional network and social group, but still be friendly and remember to smile. What would you tell them about yourself? What would show that you are already a member of MIT’s community – you just don’t happen to pay tuition yet?

Here are a few tips for the video part of this exercise. First, practice in front of a webcam to get used to talking to a little lens that has no affect, feedback, or expression. Recording yourself on video is different from talking on Zoom with other people. Second, I suggest you put a smiley face just above or below the camera to remind you to smile at appropriate points in your statement. Third, review your practice videos, looking for poise and presence. During some of the practices, maybe have a friend present to encourage you, but also practice without anyone else in the room. We at Accepted are happy to help you prepare, too .

For the real video statement, dress in business or business casual attire. If you’re not confident that your attire is appropriate, it probably isn’t; dress more conservatively. Make sure your location is quiet and that roommates, pets, and children are in a location where they won’t be heard or disturb you. Make sure your background is neutral and not a distraction. Blank walls make a great background.

MIT Sloan MBA Video Question #2

All MBA applicants will be prompted to respond to a randomly generated, open-ended question. The question is designed to help us get to know you better; to see how you express yourself and to assess fit with the MIT Sloan culture. It does not require prior preparation. 

Video Essay 2 is part of your required application materials and will appear as a page within the application, once the other parts of your application are completed. Applicants are given 5 seconds to prepare for a 60-second response.

Unlike video question #1, you won’t know the question ahead of time. The goal of this essay is to hear you speak extemporaneously about a topic that is not supposed to trip you up. Given the 5 seconds provided for preparation before delivering your response, it is critical that you prepare by thinking through your “fit” with the Sloan program and how you will make a positive impact in the community. 

MIT Sloan MBA organizational chart

To help us better understand your current role and the impact that you have on your team and department, please submit an organizational chart. We should be able to clearly understand the internal structure of your organization, where you sit in your organization, and your line of reporting.

Organizational charts should not be more than two pages and keep the following in mind:

• Give us as much detail as possible (names, titles, etc.) but it’s ok to redact names if you need to.
• Please circle your role in red so that your position is easily identifiable.
• Make sure we can easily identify where you are, to whom you report, and if applicable, who reports to you.
• If your recommender or references are on your organizational chart (they may not be, and that’s ok!), please highlight them for us.
• If you are a consultant, entrepreneur, or affiliated with the military review our FAQs for suggestions on how to approach the organizational chart.

MIT Sloan’s organizational chart is a way of illustrating your role within your organization for the admissions team. The goal is to clearly show your line of reporting, including your peers, supervisors, supervisors’ peers, and any direct reports you might have. If you have received a promotion, make sure to highlight both your current and previous roles.

Not in a traditional organization? The admissions team suggests that it might be helpful for some applicants (e.g., entrepreneurs or contractors) to put themselves in the center of the chart and build out from there to the individuals they interact with regularly.  A consultant, on the other hand, might select a specific project and identify the players involved in the project from both the consulting firm’s side and the client’s side.  

MIT Sloan Optional Short answer question: You and Your Background

Applicants are invited to expand on their background by responding to the following optional 250 word short answer question:

How has the world you come from shaped who you are today? For example, your family, culture, community, all help to shape aspects of your life experiences and perspective. Please use this opportunity if you would like to share more about your background.

This is an opportunity for you to share more about yourself with the Admissions Committee, should you choose to do so.

The admissions committee is looking to understand life experiences that have impacted your development, character and motivation.  Perhaps you faced challenging circumstances in your childhood. Reflect on how this experience has shaped your perspective and drive. Consider what aspects of your life influenced your personal values. Within a brief essay, MIT wants to learn about you beyond your academic and professional experience.  

Remember, this is optional and serves as an opportunity for you to provide additional information to the committee if you choose to do so. 

This optional short-answer question is a great place to share information about yourself that you couldn’t fit into other areas of the application. Notice, however, that this question does not mention your professional life. Most often, circumstances that truly shape who we are come from a situation that impacted us personally. Despite what we have achieved, we all have taken different paths to arrive at this point. Take time to reflect – what truly impacted you? For instance, did you face some sort of adversity, yet persevered? Share what you overcame. Have you made a difference in your community? Share how you have done so. In both cases, be sure to include how the situation helped to shape aspects of your identity. MIT Sloan wants to know more about your personal background and how its community will benefit from your being a part of it.

*Applications must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. EST

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with MIT Sloan directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***

Here’s a look at the MIT Sloan Class of 2025 (data taken from the MIT Sloan website ):

Class size: 409

Average years of work experience: 5

International: 40%

Countries represented: 60

Underrepresented minority: 28% 

Median undergraduate GPA: 3.61

Median GMAT: 730

GMAT range (middle 80%): 700-760

GRE Quant range (middle 80%): 157-168

GRE Verbal range (middle 80%): 155-167

Pre-MBA industry:

• Consulting: 26%
• Technology: 23%
• Financial Services: 17%
• Government, Education, Nonprofit: 10%
• Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, Biotech: 7%
• Manufacturing: 3%
• Automotive, Transportation, Defense: 2%
• Consumer Products, Retail: 2%
• Media, Entertainment, Sports: 1%

Undergraduate majors:

• Engineering: 33%
• Economics: 18%
• Business: 16%
• Science and Math: 12%
• Computer Science: 6%
• Social Science: 5%
• Humanities: 3%

As the former executive director of admissions at Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School and assistant dean of admissions at Georgetown’s McDonough School and the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz School, Kelly Wilson has 23 years’ experience overseeing admissions committees and has reviewed more than 38,000 applications for the MBA and master’s programs in management of information systems, computational finance, business analytics, and product management. Want Kelly to help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related resources

• GMAT, GPA, and MBA Acceptance Rates: The Selectivity Index
• M7 MBA Programs: Everything You Need to Know in 2024
• Admissions Straight Talk podcast

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Tuesday Tips: MIT Sloan Cover Letter and Video Advice for 2024-2025

Are you targeting the MIT  Sloan School of Management  this application season? Today, we’re sharing our tips for the MIT Sloan cover letter and personal video statement to help you create a positive impression through your application materials.

The MIT Sloan MBA admissions committee has put together a set of useful video tips on their YouTube channel, including a “ day in the life” of a Sloan student. In watching the videos, you can see what Sloan values to highlight in your MIT Sloan cover letter.

One of the former  MIT Admissions Officers  on the SBC team shared that MIT seeks applicants who can navigate, “problems of progressive complexity, ability to adapt to ambiguous situations, independence of thought, humility/consideration for others.”

Students at MIT Sloan are engaged, creative, and think outside the typical MBA frameworks. A study group profiled in the videos includes engineering and design students. For example, a student in the video just returned from a trip to Africa. Also, the video describes vibrant social events and life in Cambridge and Boston. With the cover letter essay, your task is to convince the admissions committee that you are MIT Sloan MBA material.

Curious about your chances of getting into a top B-school like MIT Sloan? Contact us  to talk strategy with a free 15-minute advising session with an SBC Principal Consultant. 

MIT Sloan Cover Letter

Mit sloan seeks students whose personal characteristics demonstrate that they will make the most of the incredible opportunities at mit, both academic and non-academic. we are on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students., we seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities and the drive and determination to put their stamp on the world. we welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative — true doers. we want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems, and strive to preempt unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. we demand integrity and respect passion., taking the above into consideration, please submit a cover letter seeking a place in the mit sloan mba program. your letter should conform to a standard business correspondence, include one or more professional examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria above, and be addressed to the admissions committee (300 words or fewer, excluding address and salutation)..

The MIT Sloan cover letter format has been used for many years to select candidates. In some ways, this structure reflects the MIT goal to admit candidates with practical (though innovative) ideas and experience. Also, the cover letter is a way to describe your key accomplishments and use them to prove that you embody the outlined criteria for admission. Those criteria are: independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative — true doers.

Take the MIT Sloan cover letter idea literally and approach this essay as if you were applying for a demanding new job. Can you highlight essential stories in your background to prove you take an innovative approach? How can you tell stories that will show you have integrity and passion?

Specifically, use one or more concise illustrations. For example, you could discuss a time when you have approached a business problem and provided a creative solution. Have you innovated a process at work? Or, perhaps you have suggested a new approach to a customer problem. Also, think about times when you have been able to provide a fresh perspective at work. Finally, for each story, describe what you did in those situations to demonstrate problem-solving skills and passion.

Learn more about  SBC’s 2-hour strategy engagement , which explores your strengths and weaknesses, target schools, positioning and differentiation AND allows you to test the waters with your consultant before committing to a full package.

While showcasing your skills and talents is crucial, don’t forget to demonstrate your ability to work with others and support them. Also, note that MIT Sloan is on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. Therefore, you want to demonstrate that you will be an asset to the community and will embody a collaborative approach.

Video Statement

Introduce yourself to your future classmates. here’s your chance to put a face with a name, let your personality shine through, be conversational, be yourself. we can’t wait to meet you videos should adhere to the following guidelines:.

• No more than 1 minute (60 seconds) in length
• Single take (no editing)
• Speaking directly to the camera
• Do not include background music or subtitles

As the MIT admissions committee advises in a  short video , this format is all about getting to know you better. Areas evaluated include your presence, passions, and interests. Because you will need to record the video in one take, we suggest preparing for this video statement like an interview. Therefore, write down the stories you might tell about yourself—ideally personal, engaging, and revealing of who you are.

First, brainstorm stories that reveal the real you. For example, you might be passionate about travel and experiencing new cultures. Have you made several exciting trips in your life? Each has likely given you a new perspective. Maybe you developed a passion for Thai cuisine after a trip. Or, you collected Brazilian art from your travels to that country.

Second, think of a few discrete examples. Third, combine the stories and the introduction. Make sure to practice until you are comfortable before you start recording.

Finally, speak slowly and clearly to the camera when recording the video essay response. Though it will feel awkward to speak to a camera, try to be natural. The most important goal is to convey your personality. Remember, the admissions committee wants you to be authentic and have fun!

To talk to Stacy Blackman Consulting about your MIT Sloan cover letter, don’t hesitate to contact us!     We offer multiple services to meet your MBA application needs, from our  All-In Partnership  to hourly help reviewing your MBA resume.   Contact SBC today for a  free 15-minute advising session to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant. 

Here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team .

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School Kellogg MBA

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School MBA, the Wharton School

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

Admissions Officer at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB)

Asst Director MBA Admissions at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) Director MBA Admissions at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business

MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) Minority Admissions, the GSB Diversity Programs, the GSB

Associate Director MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute

Director, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania Professional Writer

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) NYU Admissions

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) M.S.Ed, Higher Education, U of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS)

Ashley is a former MBA Admissions Board Member for Harvard Business School (HBS), where she interviewed and evaluated thousands of business school applicants for over a six year tenure.  Ashley  holds an MBA from HBS. During her HBS years,  Ashley  was the Sports Editor for the Harbus and a member of the B-School Blades Ice Hockey Team. After HBS, she worked in Marketing at the Gillette Company on Male and Female shaving ...

Kerry is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS). During her 5+ year tenure at HBS, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a wide range of backgrounds across the globe. She also led marketing and outreach efforts focused on increasing diversity and inclusion, ran the Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP), and launched the 2+2 Program during her time in Admissions. Kerry holds a B.A. from Bates College and  ...

A former associate director of admissions at Harvard Business School, Pauline served on the HBS MBA Admissions Board full-time for four years. She evaluated and interviewed HBS applicants, both on-campus and globally.  Pauline's career has included sales and marketing management roles with Coca-Cola, Gillette, Procter & Gamble, and IBM.  For over 10 years, Pauline has expertly guided MBA applicants, and her clients h ...

Geri is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS).  In her 7 year tenure in HBS Admissions, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a diverse set of academic, geographic, and employment backgrounds.  Geri also traveled globally representing the school at outreach events in order to raise awareness for women and international students.  In additio ...

Laura comes from the MBA Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS) and is an HBS MBA alumnus. In her HBS Admissions role, she evaluated and interviewed hundreds of business school candidates, including internationals, women, military and other applicant pools, for five years.  Prior to her time as a student at HBS, Laura began her career in advertising and marketing in Chicago at Leo Burnett where she worked on th ...

Andrea served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Harvard Business School (HBS) for over five years.  In this role, she provided strategic direction for student yield-management activities and also served as a full member of the admissions committee. In 2007, Andrea launched the new 2+2 Program at Harvard Business School – a program targeted at college junior applicants to Harvard Business School.  Andrea has also served as a Career Coach for Harvard Business School for both cu ...

Jennifer served as Admissions Officer at the Stanford (GSB) for five years. She holds an MBA from Stanford (GSB) and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jennifer has over 15 years experience in guiding applicants through the increasingly competitive admissions process into top MBA programs. Having read thousands and thousands of essays and applications while at Stanford (GSB) Admiss ...

Erin served in key roles in MBA Admissions--as Director at Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and Assistant Director at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB). Erin served on the admissions committee at each school and has read thousands of applications in her career. At Haas, she served for seven years in roles that encompassed evaluation, outreach, and diversity and inclusion. During her tenure in Admissions at GSB, she was responsible for candidate evaluation, applicant outreach, ...

Susie comes from the Admissions Office of the Stanford Graduate School of Business where she reviewed and evaluated hundreds of prospective students’ applications.  She holds an MBA from Stanford’s GSB and a BA from Stanford in Economics. Prior to advising MBA applicants, Susie held a variety of roles over a 15-year period in capital markets, finance, and real estate, including as partner in one of the nation’s most innovative finance and real estate investment organizations. In that r ...

Dione holds an MBA degree from Stanford Business School (GSB) and a BA degree from Stanford University, where she double majored in Economics and Communication with concentrations in journalism and sociology. Dione has served as an Admissions reader and member of the Minority Admissions Advisory Committee at Stanford.   Dione is an accomplished and respected advocate and thought leader on education and diversity. She is ...

Anthony served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he dedicated over 10 years of expertise. During his time as a Wharton Admissions Officer, he read and reviewed thousands of applications and helped bring in a class of 800+ students a year.   Anthony has traveled both domestically and internationally to recruit a ...

Meghan served as the Associate Director of Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute, a joint degree program combining the Wharton MBA with an MA in International Studies. In her role on the Wharton MBA admissions committee, Meghan advised domestic and international applicants; conducted interviews and information sessions domestically and overseas in Asia, Central and South America, and Europe; and evaluated applicants for admission to the program. Meghan also managed ...

Amy comes from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where she was Associate Director. Amy devoted 12 years at the Wharton School, working closely with MBA students and supporting the admissions team.  During her tenure at Wharton, Amy served as a trusted adviser to prospective applicants as well as admitted and matriculated students.  She conducted admissions chats with applicants early in the admissions ...

Ally brings six years of admissions experience to the SBC team, most recently as an Assistant Director of Admission for the full-time MBA program at Columbia Business School (CBS).  During her time at Columbia, Ally was responsible for reviewing applications, planning recruitment events, and interviewing candidates for both the full-time MBA program and the Executive MBA program. She traveled both internationally and dome ...

Erin has over seven years of experience working across major institutions, including University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, and NYU's Stern School of Business. At Columbia Business School, Erin was an Assistant Director of Admissions where she evaluated applications for both the full time and executive MBA programs, sat on the admissions and merit scholarship committees and advised applicants on which program might be the best fit for them based on their work experience and pro ...

Emma comes from the MBA Admissions Office at Columbia Business School (CBS), where she was Associate Director.  Emma conducted dozens of interviews each cycle for the MBA and EMBA programs, as well as coordinating the alumni ambassador interview program. She read and evaluated hundreds of applications each cycle, delivered information sessions to audiences across the globe, and advised countless waitlisted applicants.

With deadlines around the corner, you may be interested in the world-famous SBC Flight Test . Once a full set of application materials for your initial school have been drafted, but not finalized, the application will be sent to a former admissions committee member for a one-time review, adcomm style. You’ll have the benefit of a true admissions committee review while still having the ability to tinker and change.  You will receive written feedback within two business days after submitting.

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MIT Video Essay Tips

MIT Sloan requires applicants to submit a video statement as part of their MBA application. Here are some tips for creating a successful MIT Sloan MBA video essay:

• Prepare and practice: Take time to prepare and practice your video essay. Think about what you want to say and how you want to say it. Consider drafting an outline or script to help you stay focused and organized.
• Be authentic: The video essay is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get to know you beyond your application materials. Be yourself and let your personality shine through. Avoid trying to sound overly polished or rehearsed.
• Keep it concise: MIT Sloan requires applicants to keep their video essay to no more than one minute in length. Be sure to use your time wisely and communicate your key points clearly and succinctly.
• Show, don't tell: Use visual aids or examples to illustrate your points whenever possible. This can help make your video essay more engaging and memorable.
• Dress professionally: While you don't need to wear a suit, it's important to present yourself professionally in your video essay. Dress in a way that's appropriate for a job interview or business meeting.
• Pay attention to production quality: While the content of your video essay is the most important thing, production quality does matter. Make sure your video is well-lit and has good sound quality. Avoid distracting background noise or clutter.
• Edit and review: Once you've completed your video essay, take time to edit and review it. Make sure it flows well and communicates your key points effectively. Consider showing it to a trusted friend or mentor for feedback before submitting it.

Remember that the MIT Sloan MBA video essay is just one part of your application, but it can be a great opportunity to showcase your personality and communication skills. Approach it with confidence, and use these tips to help you create a strong and memorable video essay.

Need assistance with your application? The Admission Concierge is a one-on-one approach consulting service, founded by a former director of admissions with extensive experience in guiding applicants through the application process, including interview prep and post-admission assistance.

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Essay • MBA • MIT

MIT Sloan MBA 2021-2022 Essay and Video Tips

October 6, 2021

Following the release of MIT’s MBA Deadlines , here is our guide to Sloan’s written and video application essays. There have been no major changes to the app this year and, it’s important to note, that there is no optional essay required.

Instead of an optional section, applicants are provided with two spaces within the Academic Information and Employment Information portions to address any problems in their profile, such as poor school performance or significant job gaps. Should there be any red flags in your history, it goes without saying that it is in your best interest to use that space.

Because MIT’s MBA admissions process is hyper-competitive, your first step to standing out should be to learn and connect with the program: dig deep into MIT’s courses, structure, culture, and the things that make MIT different. Interacting with the program’s staff, as well as former and current students, either virtually or in-person, should also play a key role in your admissions process for MIT Sloan.

Cover Letter – MIT Sloan seeks students whose personal characteristics demonstrate that they will make the most of the incredible opportunities at MIT, both academic and non-academic. We are on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. We seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities and the drive and determination to put their stamp on the world. We welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative — true doers. We want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems, and strive to preempt unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. We demand integrity and respect passion.

Taking the above into consideration, please submit a cover letter seeking a place in the MIT Sloan MBA Program. Your letter should conform to a standard business correspondence, include one or more professional examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria above, and be addressed to the Assistant Deans of Admissions, Rod Garcia and Dawna Levenson (300 words or fewer, excluding address and salutation).

One of the most common questions about this essay is whether or not MIT actually wants a cover letter. The answer is, sort of . While this essay’s format should follow that of a generic cover letter, its content should be oriented to match MIT’s unique tone and preferences.

In terms of substance, the two main areas of focus should be on your experiences and MIT’s MBA. The larger part of your essay should share examples from your life that reflect MIT values, such as recent professional experiences and successes. You can extend your focus, however, as long as you make sure to highlight the qualities that MIT values, such as leadership, teamwork, creativity, and communication.

For the cover letter’s second portion, try connecting the experiences you just mentioned to concrete aspects of MIT’s program or culture. It’s best to only include relevant points gathered from your prior research and outreach — generality risks coming across as a lack of effort, care, or both. Keep in mind that the purpose of this second part is to show how you fit the profile that MIT is searching for.

Finally, while cover letters can at times come across as dry, it’s important to show a bit of style and creativity while writing this particular one. It’s best to avoid generic language when possible, and try to pique your reader’s interest by employing an engrossing and generally positive tone.

Potential Additional Essay (Interview Dependent) – The mission of the MIT Sloan School of Management is to develop principled, innovative leaders who improve the world and to generate ideas that advance management practice. We believe that a commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and well-being is a key component of both principled leadership and sound management practice. In 250 words or less, please describe how you, as a member of the MIT Sloan community, would work to create a campus that is welcoming, inclusive and increasingly diverse.

Details for submitting your response will be included in the interview invitation.

MIT wants to grow its strong, supportive student and alumni network. In order to accomplish that goal, they try to ensure that admitted candidates will actively participate in Sloan’s MBA community. In order to best answer this potential essay, try to identify how your previous interests and activities align with those available at MIT, especially those outside of the classroom. Feel free to be creative. It may help to ask yourself how you can improve a particular MIT community or association, and to ask yourself how that improvement is linked with your particular strengths, interests, and former experiences.

VIDEO ESSAY

Applicants are required to upload a 1 minute (60 second) video as part of their application. In your video, you should introduce yourself to your future classmates, tell us about your past experiences, and touch on why MIT Sloan is the best place for you to pursue your degree. 

Videos should adhere to the following guidelines:

No more than 1 minute (60 second) in length

Single take (no editing) 

You should be speaking directly to the camera

Do not include background music or subtitles

We recommend using applications such as QuickTime or iMovie to record yourself.  Upload the video file according to the detailed instructions within the application.

Video recordings understandably make many people nervous. However, this isn’t like INSEAD’s video essay where you’re asked a series of random questions and need to think on your feet (for more about that sort of requirement, read our post here ). Instead, for MIT you can plan the video out as much as you’d like. The question then becomes, what should you do with so much control?

Before we get to the shoulds , let’s quickly review the shouldn’ts . This is not a place where you should be mentioning any subjects that have been discussed in other parts of the application. Neither is this a question about your future goals, nor is it about MIT. This video is all about you .

Most applicants benefit from taking a personal approach here. First, take some time to outline the passions that define your life. What are the hobbies that take up most of your time? What are the events that have recently caused you to change your mind? What are the principles that guide your daily life? There are many questions you can ask yourself to help identify them.

Once you have a rough outline of what you’d like to present about yourself, consider how to best present those aspects. First of all, this isn’t a movie shoot: a camera crew is not a must (unless you happen to actually work in the film industry). However, there are many ways to bring your passions to life without having your video come across as overworked. If some of your main interests revolve around flight, for example, why not shoot your video amidst aeronautical materials or even in an airplane hangar – either could be a simple method to visually connect the viewer with your message. Beyond the mise-en-scène, we recommend that you practice your pitch so as to make sure that your speech comes across in a natural, friendly, and attractive manner, all while remaining professional.

If you’re interested in building a powerful application for MIT Sloan, contact us to be put in touch with the industry’s best MIT MBA experts .

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MIT Sloan Video Essay - Business formal?

Hi I am an applicant for Sloan’s MBA program . I have two good takes on my video essay, one wearing business formal and the other in casual wear (plain T-shirt, waist up).

I work in an interesting niche area of finance that is normally business formal. Since covid, I’ve been at home working in my tshirt and sweats.

My video essay is me in my home office explaining my work and my goals. I wasn’t sure what outfit to go with, or if I should reshoot with a just a dresshirt as a smart-casual type look.

Any thoughts appreciated!!!

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