mba application cover letter examples

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How To Write An MBA Cover Letter

Introduction.

One of the most daunting parts of the MBA application is writing an effective cover letter. An MBA cover letter is an important supporting document in your MBA application. Along with being a required component of your application, the cover letter for MBA programs provides valuable insight to admissions committees.

It is your opportunity to make your case as to why they should admit you to the program. The cover letter and your resume are often the first parts of your application to be read by the admissions committee, and a strong cover letter is key to making a great first impression. This article will tell you everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter for MBA programs and outline the dos and don’ts for creating a top-notch MBA cover letter.

What is an MBA Cover Letter?

An MBA cover letter is a short letter — generally one page in length — that accompanies your MBA applications. This letter should provide a short summary of what you will bring to the MBA program in terms of your academic background, qualifications, and experiences.

The MBA cover letter should elaborate on some of the skills and experiences listed on your resume as opposed to simply repeating them. The MBA cover letter is also your chance to showcase your personality.

Resumes are very straightforward and fact-based, and don’t really show much personality. Your cover letter has much more space for writing and, therefore, can better display your writing style and thought processes, which can help admissions committee members gain some insights into your personality.

Purpose of the MBA Cover Letter

The purpose of the MBA cover letter is to give the admissions committee an idea of who you are. Similar to the cover letter you would write when applying for a job, the MBA cover letter is your opportunity to demonstrate why you would be a good fit based on your skills, goals, and personal traits. MIT Sloan recommends highlighting how you’ve made an impact in your recent professional roles when describing your professional experiences in your cover letter. However, you are limited in how much space you have to convey this information.

The exact word or page length of the cover letter will vary by school, so it’s crucial you check the cover letter requirements for each school before you start writing. Typically, you can expect your cover letter to be one page in length, and this limited space requires your writing to be concise.

The cover letter is also your chance to demonstrate your knowledge about the MBA program and the business school itself, which is also similar to what you would do if you were applying for a job. Showing what you have learned about the program and how it has informed your decision to apply will demonstrate to the admissions committee you have done your research and are serious about attending the school.

It can also be a helpful way to tie in how your skills, experiences, and characteristics suit the program’s mission and values, along with the types of candidates they are seeking.

Step-by-Step Guide on Writing a Cover Letter for MBA Programs

Step 1: format your letter..

Laying out the framework for your letter allows you to see how much space you’ll have to work with once you’ve included basic information. First, start by setting up your header. Your cover letter should have the same header and font as your resume.

You want them to look like a set and not like completely separate documents. If your resume header is aligned with the right-hand side of the page, your cover letter should mirror this. Your header should contain your full first and last name, your phone number, and your email address.

Business schools will have their own criteria for the font size and spacing for MBA cover letters. You can generally expect to write your letter using a 10 to 12 point font size and single spacing, but it is vital to check each business school you are applying to for their specific guidelines and make note of these requirements.

Step 2: Include the date your letter will be sent and the name of the recipient.

The first line following your header should be the date on which you will send your letter. This should be written out in full (April 14, 20XX) and not as a short form (04/14/XX nor Apr. 14, 20XX). Leave a space between this line and the next line, which will contain the name of the person to whom your letter is being sent.

Since your letter is going to an admissions committee and it would take up far too much space to include the name of every committee member, your letter should be addressed to the head of the admissions committee. Both the dateline and the address line should be aligned with the left-hand side of your page.

Classically, prefixes have been used when addressing your letter recipient, such as Mr., Ms., Mrs., or Dr. However, it is no longer easy to assume which of these prefixes — or one of many others — a person uses. It does not make for a good first impression to address the head of the admissions committee incorrectly, so it is best not to put a prefix in front of someone’s name unless you know with absolute certainty the specific prefix they use. Simply use their first and last name.

Step 3: Include a salutation.

The salutation is the greeting that signals the start of your letter. The most commonly used salutation by native English speakers is “dear”, but “greetings” is also a suitable choice. Following your salutation, you will put in the name of the person to whom your letter is addressed. This should be the same person indicated in the previous section. 

Step 4: Demonstrate the research you have done about the program.

The first paragraph of your cover letter should demonstrate the research you’ve done about the school’s MBA program. This will show the admissions committee you are a serious applicant because you have taken the time to learn about the program and its community.

You can refer to materials you’ve read, alumni you may have spoken to about the program, or a campus tour or class visit. While you demonstrate your research, you should also indicate how this research influenced your decision to apply to this particular program. This can include how your goals, current skills and areas for improvement, and career aspirations align with the program.

Step 5: Pitch yourself.

The second and third sections of your cover letter should discuss how your profile of skills, experiences, achievements, and leadership potential make you a good fit for the program. This can be done in either a narrative or bullet format. A narrative format is likely the way you have written cover letters in the past. In this format, you write in full sentences to tell the story of how you’ve gotten to where you are, where you want to go, and how the MBA program will help you get there.

With the bullet format, you'll still include an introduction and conclusion paragraph written in the narrative style. The middle section is where the bullet format differs from the narrative format. Instead of using full sentences to communicate information about your skills, you will use a list of bullet points. Each bullet point will speak to a specific skill you’ve used in the workplace.

Depending on your industry, this could range from developing financial strategies for your organization to crafting creative briefs for clients and anything in between. These bullet points will look similar to the structure of bullet points you may have used in your resume to provide details on your responsibilities and accomplishments at the jobs you listed.

You will have to balance the information needs of the admissions committee and the space constraints, regardless of the format you choose to use in the middle section of your cover letter. Using the STAR method will help you to write in a way that both conveys relevant information to the admissions committee while keeping it short and sweet.

• Situation - This is the who, what, where, and when of it and sets the scene for your reader (a.k.a., the admissions committee). For instance, this might start a sentence and look something like “While working as a financial analyst at XYZ Company.”
• Task - What were you responsible for doing? This should be a very specific aspect of your job responsibilities and should also be something you excelled at in your role. Following the situation outlined above, it may add on like this: “While working as a financial analyst at XYZ Company, I was responsible for compiling data for quarterly reports.”
• Action - How did you complete the task? Adding this to the situation and task already mentioned, it may look like this: “While working as a financial analyst at XYZ Company, I was responsible for compiling data for quarterly reports. I created a new reporting system which increased the efficiency of data collection.”
• Result - What was the outcome of the action(s) you took? This will show the importance of your actions and what you accomplished. Your final statement may look something like this: “While working as a financial analyst at XYZ Company, I was responsible for compiling data for quarterly reports. I created a new reporting system which increased the efficiency of data collection. This drastically increased the visibility of our clients’ revenue and expenses, and its adoption throughout the department resulted in a 14% increase in our own revenue one year after implementation.”

Since the cover letter is only one page long, it is a good idea to only discuss a small portion of your skills and experiences. You could describe two or three key elements from your resume if you follow the narrative format in your letter, but in the bullet format, you would be able to describe three or four elements.

The skills and experiences you choose should be the best examples of your knowledge and abilities, as these will be your best opportunity to set yourself apart from the competition. It’s not necessary to restate everything on your resume in your cover letter. The cover letter should provide some additional insight into a couple of items on your resume with the goal of standing out.

Step 6: Summarize your letter.

In your concluding paragraph, it is important that you summarize the contents of your letter. This is your last chance in your cover letter to establish yourself as a strong applicant, so restating how your educational background and professional experience make you the right fit for the program is crucial.

Thanking the person for reading and considering your application is a common courtesy in both professional and academic cover letters. This is critical for you to do at the end of your letter since its absence will be noticed by the admissions committee and will reflect poorly on you. Your final sentence should include a call-to-action for the next steps you want to take. This is usually a request for an interview or conversation about your fit for the program.

Step 7: Sign off.

The final part of writing your cover letter is to sign off. You should include a complimentary close, which is a polite way to close a letter. This is usually done by using “sincerely” or “yours truly,” and there is a line space separating it from your final paragraph.

Although phrases like “best wishes” or “kind regards” are other commonly used complimentary closes, they are better suited for situations where you are on a first-name basis with the recipient. You likely will not be on a first-name basis with the head of the admissions committee, so it is best that you use a more formal option such as “sincerely” or “yours truly” in your cover letter.

Following your complimentary close, you will include your first and last name. The way you write your name here should be the same as it appears on your resume and in the header of your cover letter. Your name will also be separated from your complimentary close by one line space.

You may also want to insert your signature above your name. This can be done by handwriting it, taking a picture of it, and scanning it onto your computer to insert into your letter, or by including an e-signature. Including your signature adds a professional touch to your letter and will be noticed by admissions committee members.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

As has been covered so far in this article, there are a lot of things you should do when writing your MBA cover letter. There are also a number of pitfalls you will want to avoid in your cover letter, as these can cause admissions committees to not move forward with your application. Some of the common mistakes to avoid include:

1. Writing one general cover letter and only changing the names.

Admissions committee members will be able to tell the letter wasn’t tailor-made for their program, and a generic letter will come across as lazy.

2. Stuffing your cover letter with everything on your resume and not giving yourself enough space to detail the experiences that matter the most.

Your resume already shows all your work experiences and skills. Do not waste valuable cover letter space by putting your whole resume into it.

3. Forgetting to change the name of the school or admissions committee member to whom the letter is addressed.

Reviewers will notice this immediately. They will see it as a lack of attention to detail and this mistake could result in your application being rejected.

4. Not following the basic format requirements set out by the business school.

The admissions committee won’t be keen to admit you if you demonstrate that you cannot follow instructions.

5. Neglecting the principle of “show us, don’t tell us.”

You want to show the admissions committees the impact you had as a result of your combined skills and experiences, not just that you possess certain skills or had particular experiences. 

6. Using the wrong prefix to address the recipients of your letters.

As stated earlier, it is best not to assume your recipient’s prefix and instead omit it altogether. Your recipients will not appreciate being addressed incorrectly, and it could negatively impact your chance of being admitted.

7. Sending in a cover letter with grammar, punctuation, or syntactical errors .

A letter containing errors shows you didn’t take the time to proofread and shows poor attention to detail. Make sure you take the time to make sure your letter is perfected before you send it, or have someone else review it to catch any errors you may have missed.

MBA Cover Letter Example

Here is an example of a cover letter written by a successful applicant to the MIT Sloan MBA program. As you will see, this applicant used the narrative format to describe how they started a blockchain currency transfer in response to seeing first-hand the amount lost due to transfer fees.

The narrative format allowed this applicant to tell a story about a relevant experience that demonstrated to the admissions committee their strengths and accomplishments, and to a lesser extent, what they would bring to the program.

The introduction sets the scene and explains why the applicant chose to apply to MIT Sloan by relating what they’ve learned about the school and the way their skills meet the program’s goals.

They do this in a way that’s not pushy or boastful but rather have found a way to weave these facts into their narrative. The conclusion summarizes what was discussed in the cover letter, including restating the applicant’s interest in Sloan. Finally, the applicant ends the letter with their name and signature.

1. What should I put in my cover letter? Do I write about everything that’s on my resume?

Your cover letter should focus on key items from your resume that are the best representation of what your skills and abilities have enabled you to accomplish at this point in your career. It’s important to keep in mind that your letters of recommendation will provide far greater insight into your performance in specific roles, so you don’t need to describe those same roles at length in your cover letter since your recommenders will already be providing those details.

2. How do I know whether I should use a narrative format or bullet point format?

This decision will ultimately come down to which one will best help you tell your story. If you have two main things you want to discuss in your cover letter, the narrative format will enable you to provide more details about these items. It will also be the best way to use the available space since you don’t want to leave a noticeable amount of blank space in your letter. 

If you have three or four items you want to discuss in your letter, using the bullet format may be the more suitable choice for you. This will allow you to make shorter notes without having to worry about transitioning between sentences, which can eat up valuable space. The choice between formats is based on your preference and which one you believe will help you produce a convincing cover letter.

3. How do I know if my cover letter is tailored to the program enough?

The easiest way to tell whether your cover letter is tailored to a specific program enough is to ask yourself: “Could I send this letter to another school and get into their MBA program?” If the answer is yes, you will need to make some revisions to make the letter relevant to only that program.

Although you may wish to discuss similar aspects of your profile in many of your letters, you will need to make adjustments depending on the school’s mission, values, and the focus of the program.

For instance, if a program values innovation, such as MIT Sloan, your cover letter should emphasize your ability to think critically and creatively solve problems. If a program values ongoing learning, such as Berkeley Haas, you should highlight your curiosity and times when you’ve challenged yourself to learn a new skill.

4. What skills and experiences should I write about in my cover letter?

The aspects of your profile you choose to emphasize in your MBA cover letter will vary depending on the school. Paying close attention to the mission and values of each school you’re interested in will give you insight into who the school is looking to admit, and how to show that your skills and experiences align with their mission and values, demonstrating that you’re a good fit for the program.

The curriculum and learning outcomes established by the business school will show you more specifically what’s important to the school. Knowing details about these aspects will further help you to customize your cover letter.

5. How do I format my MBA cover letter?

Formatting varies by program, but typically you can expect to use a 10 to 12 point font size in a common font (Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri). Page margins should be set to one inch on all sides. Your header should contain your contact information and be consistent with the style of your resume.

6. How can I be sure my MBA cover letter is error-free?

There are a lot of different programs out there that will check for spelling and grammar errors. Most word processors have spelling and grammar check functions built into them, and running these a few times will help to catch basic errors. Reading your cover letter out loud will also allow you to pick up on errors as well as identify any spots where the sentence flow isn’t natural or where the meaning of what you wrote isn’t clear.

It is best to consult an expert to get a more holistic review of your cover letter to ensure it is error-free and that you have pitched yourself in the best way possible.

Writing a cover letter can be an intimidating process, but it doesn’t have to be. Doing research about the programs that interest you will help you understand the types of students who are admitted and which of your personal qualities you should emphasize in your letter. Each school has a unique mission, so it’s essential that every cover letter you send is customized to each specific program.

When writing your letter, be mindful of your format and show the committee the outcome of your experiences and how they prepared you for your future as an MBA student and graduate. Now that you know how to write a cover letter for MBA programs, you’re ready to begin writing your winning cover letter.

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MBA Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Text Examples
• How To Write a MBA Cover Letter

A great MBA cover letter highlights how you applied your business strategy and administration expertise to generate results in your industry. Demonstrate how you’ve leveraged the knowledge you gained from your MBA program to drive positive business outcomes throughout your career. Our guide provides expert tips and examples to help you translate your academic and professional achievements into a winning cover letter.

MBA Cover Letter Templates and Examples

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

MBA Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

Melissa Thompson, MBA  Financial Analyst | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Seattle, WA 12345 | LinkedIn

January 1, 2024

Pat Martin Senior Hiring Manager Capital Funds Inc. (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Pat Martin:

As an equities analyst for Jenkins and Associates, I conducted due diligence and enabled data-driven decision-making for large mergers and acquisitions of retail businesses. In 2023, my team was responsible for 27% of gross profits, totaling $7.5 million. I welcome the opportunity to bring my track record of success to your organization.

With three years of experience and promotion from an equity research associate to a senior analyst, I’m drawn to Capital Funds’ diverse investment capabilities in the global marketplace. My acumen for identifying stocks with superior earning potential would be an asset to the portfolio managers on the international growth equity team. Some of my previous achievements include:

• Researched business trends, analyzed economic climates, identified potential risks and deterioration in business fundamentals, and contributed to over $7.5 million in gross revenue
• Conducted due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, analyzed company financials and market indicators, and delivered presentations to senior investment analysts
• Created reports on the financial status of potential investments and communicated findings to shareholders to support high-level decision-making

I’d like to set up an interview to discuss how my expertise as a financial analyst can help inform your organization’s investment strategy. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

Melissa Thompson

Yaling Zhang, MBA Junior Portfolio Manager | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | New York, NY 12345 | LinkedIn

Matthew Johnson Senior Hiring Manager NY Equities (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Johnson:

As a junior portfolio manager for Jones Investments, I managed 50 multi-asset portfolio accounts valued at up to $15 million and communicated with clients to identify investment opportunities. I can bring the same level of diligence to the role of associate portfolio manager with NY Equities.

With eight years of experience in portfolio management, I can support your organization’s strategic goals of investing globally in untapped market verticals. In 2023, I received the Portfolio Manager of the Year Award for achieving a 300% return on investment (ROI) following a key acquisition. Below, you’ll find a list of my most notable accomplishments:

• Collaborated with senior financial analysts to develop comprehensive investment strategies, identify optimal portfolio structures, and exceed ROI goals by 200% to 300%
• Served as the point of contact for 50 multi-million dollar client accounts, managed stakeholder relationships, and identified opportunities to enhance portfolio growth and performance
• Performed due diligence on potential investments, evaluated risks and market indicators, and analyzed financial health and positioning of acquisitions

I would like to schedule an interview to discuss how my expertise in strategic investing can help grow your client portfolios. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yaling Zhang

Tyrone Jackson, MBA IT Project Manager | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | San Francisco, CA 12345 | LinkedIn

Lori Taylor Senior Hiring Manager Cadence Technologies (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Taylor:

As you can see from my attached resume, I have over seven years of experience managing multi-million dollar projects that align technological solutions with business needs. My ability to identify process improvement opportunities and enhance revenue growth would be a strong asset to your team in the information technology (IT) project manager role.

Cadence Technologies’ reputation for delivering innovative cloud-based solutions to solve complex business challenges is what draws me to apply for this opportunity. With a master’s of business administration degree and a strong background within the tech industry, I can help your team continue to excel. Some of my previous achievements include:

• Led the implementation of new IT and cloud solutions for a portfolio of enterprise clients valued at over $20 million, including security systems, disaster recovery, data protection
• Managed budgets of up to $5 million and oversaw teams of up to 20 developers, programmers, and network specialists throughout all phases of the project lifecycle
• Integrated new Agile development processes to reduce project delivery times by 10%

I look forward to telling you more about how my business acumen and technology background can benefit your organization. Feel free to contact me via phone or email to schedule an interview. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Tyrone Jackson

How To Write an MBA Cover Letter

The first step in building an impactful MBA cover letter is to research your target company. What qualifications is the organization looking for in a candidate? How does your background align with their long-term goals and business needs? Structure your content around answering these questions, as this is the surest way to show potential employers you’re the ideal candidate for the position.

For example, say you were applying for a position that requires a unique blend of business knowledge and technical acumen. Start by citing your MBA to show you’ve cultivated a strong understanding of business strategy. Follow up with a complex technology project that demonstrates your ability to bring a tactical business perspective to drive the delivery of technical solutions.

1. Contact information and salutation

Greeting the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name] is important. This small personal touch shows you’ve taken the time to learn more about the company before submitting your MBA cover letter and you’re genuinely interested in joining their team. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.” You can also feature a link to your MBA in the header to immediately draw attention to your degree.

2. Introductory paragraph

Open your MBA cover letter with a powerful introduction to draw the reader in and entice them to read further. Highlight your years of industry experience and relevant qualifications that match the job description. Anchor your paragraph with one of your most notable career achievements to showcase your proven track record of success. Select an accomplishment demonstrating how the skills you’ve garnered from your MBA program have allowed you to generate results for previous employers.

3. Body paragraphs

In the body paragraphs of your MBA cover letter, describe your strongest professional achievements and qualifications. Start by mentioning details about the company’s reputation or mission statement and how your background aligns with their needs.

For example, suppose an organization is seeking a candidate to perform due diligence on potential investments. In this situation, it would be advantageous to emphasize how you’ve evaluated company financials, risks, and market indicators to identify the most promising acquisitions. This provides context for how you applied skill sets and knowledge from your MBA program in a real-world business setting.

• Researched business trends, analyzed economic climates, identified potential risks and deterioration in business fundamentals, and contributed to over $7.5 million in revenue

4. Key skills and qualifications

For an MBA cover letter, highlight qualifications that emphasize your talent for business strategy and financial analysis. Rather than providing a list of skills, carefully weave key terms from the job posting into your document in a way that feels natural. Below, you’ll find a list of potential skills hiring managers will be looking for during the job search:

5. Closing paragraph

The conclusion of your MBA cover letter needs to include a call-to-action (CTA) that encourages the hiring manager to bring you in for an interview. Highlight how your expertise in business administration can help create value for the company you’re applying to. Be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time in the final sentence.

MBA Cover Letter Tips

1. highlight your tactical approach to business administration.

To make a strong impression on the hiring manager, emphasize how you’ve achieved positive results using both a tactical and strategic approach to business decision-making. In the example below, the candidate illustrates how their business administration skills have allowed them to deliver ideal technical solutions for client organizations. This demonstrates how their blend of business and industry knowledge has allowed them to develop high-impact strategies:

As you can see from my attached resume, I have over seven years of experience managing multi-million dollar projects that align technological solutions with business needs. My ability to identify process improvement opportunities and enhance revenue growth would be a strong asset to your team in the IT project manager role.

2. Quantify your business achievements

Feature strong monetary figures and data points to draw the reader’s eye and demonstrate your history of generating results. Quantifying your achievements helps to establish a sense of scope for your experience and breaks up the monotony of the text on the page. In the example below, the applicant highlights how their investment strategies have consistently exceeded performance goals:

3. Align your MBA cover letter with the job description

Carefully tailor your MBA cover letter towards each individual job opportunity. In addition to featuring key skills from the posting, it’s important to emphasize how your MBA and industry experience can create value for potential employers. In the example below, the candidate mentions the company’s goal of improving growth in untapped market verticals. They follow this up by featuring a prestigious award they received as a portfolio manager, which clearly conveys that their background aligns with the organization’s needs.

With eight years of experience in portfolio management, I can support your organization’s strategic goals of investing globally in untapped market verticals. In 2023, I received the Portfolio Manager of the Year Award for achieving a 300% ROI following a key acquisition. Below, you’ll find a list of my most notable accomplishments:

MBA Cover Letter FAQs

Why should i include an mba cover letter -.

Submitting an MBA cover letter offers several unique advantages for job seekers. Having recently finished your master’s degree, the cover letter provides an opportunity to show how you’ve applied your advanced business knowledge in a professional setting. This also allows you to express your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the company, which can help you stand out from other candidates during the job search.

How long should my MBA cover letter be? -

While you may be tempted to provide a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional experience , limiting your cover letter to 400 words or less is best. Long-winded paragraphs and excessive amounts of detail can actually distract the reader from your most relevant qualifications. Avoid simply reiterating job responsibilities from the resume and instead focus on reinforcing your strongest career achievements.

Should I use artificial intelligence (AI) to write my cover letter? -

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be a powerful tool, but it needs to be used carefully and strategically. If you allow AI to craft all of your content, it's likely to result in a generic document filled with inaccuracies. When using an AI tool for writing support, be sure to infuse the cover letter with your unique voice and insights. Hiring managers want to hear more about your story, which can never be fully captured through a machine-learning algorithm.

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Frank Hackett

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Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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Professional MBA Application Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your MBA application cover letter must showcase your drive and leadership. It needs to reflect your understanding of the program's core values. Connect your past experiences to your future aspirations. Let the committee see the unique perspective you bring to the table.

Cover Letter Guide

MBA Application Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience MBA Application Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Crafting an effective MBA application cover letter can be a daunting task, especially if you’re already juggling job applications. You might be tempted to rehash your resume, but your cover letter should instead highlight a single, shining professional success story. It's a fine balance—formal yet fresh, avoiding worn-out phrases, and all under one page. Let's tackle these challenges together and create a cover letter that stands out, just like your achievements.

• Step your best foot forward in the mba application cover letter introduction;
• Be inspired by other professionals' certified cover letters;
• Structure your mba application cover letter to feature what matters most;
• Close off your mba application cover letter to make a memorable impression on recruiters.

But where to start writing? Upload your resume into Enhancv's AI, which will prepare your mba application cover letter (all you need to do is personalize it, and you'll be good to go).

If the mba application isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

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MBA Application cover letter example

Carla Jensen

New York, NY

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Highlighting specific, relevant accomplishments - The cover letter includes an example of leading a team and successfully managing a $500 million portfolio, showcasing leadership skills and direct experience in handling large-scale financial operations.
• Quantifying achievements - The writer quantifies their achievements by stating the percentage of time saved due to their initiatives, which demonstrates the tangible value they bring to a team.
• Aligning past roles with the job application - The applicant emphasizes their strategic planning and financial modeling skills, which are directly applicable to the Senior Financial Analyst role they are applying for.
• Mentioning reputable education and previous employer - References to Harvard Business School and Bank of America provide credibility and a sense of the candidate’s background, suggesting a high level of professionalism and performance.

What should your mba application cover letter look like - formatting and organizing your information

Have you ever wondered what are the must-have sections you need to include in your mba application cover letter? Our builder sets those up for you with:

• Header - dedicated to your contact information, the role you're applying for, and the date (don't forget to include your name);
• Greeting and opening paragraph - to create a personalized and memorable experience for recruiters;
• Body paragraph - emphasizing your skill set and knowledge that aligns with the role and helps you to stand out;
• Closing paragraph - leaving a great impression and ending with an optional signature.

Use a cover letter template to discover the best formatting for your mba application cover letter: that is single-spaced paragraphs and wrapping your content in a one-inch margin.

Ensure that both your resume and mba application cover letter are in the same font . Stand apart from the crowd by using modern, yet simple fonts, like Chivo and Rubik, instead of the overused Arial and Times New Roman.

Did you know that the Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your mba application cover letter? Instead, submit your profile in PDF to recruiters to keep the same formatting and the design intact.

The top sections on a mba application cover letter

Header: This includes your name, address, contact information, and the date, ensuring that the admissions committee can easily identify and contact you.

Greeting: Addressing the cover letter to a specific person, such as the Director of Admissions, shows that you've done your research and are serious about your application.

Introduction: Here you should clearly state your intent to apply for the MBA program and mention how you learned about it, making a strong and personalized first impression.

Body: This section should highlight your relevant experiences, academic achievements, career goals, and why you are a good fit for the program, showcasing your potential to contribute to and benefit from the MBA.

Closing: Summarize your qualifications, reiterate your enthusiasm for the MBA program, and include a call to action, prompting the admissions team to consider your application and contact you for further discussion or an interview.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Leadership Experience: Recruiters look for candidates who have demonstrated leadership skills, as MBA programs often focus on developing leaders for the business world.
• Analytical Abilities: Strong analytical skills are essential for MBA candidates, as they will need to assess complex business situations and make data-driven decisions.
• Teamwork and Collaborative Spirit: The ability to work well in a team and foster collaboration is highly valued, as much of MBA coursework involves group work and projects.
• Professional Accomplishments: Recruiters prioritize candidates with a track record of professional success and achievements that show their potential to excel in business management.
• Strategic Thinking: Applicants who exhibit strategic thinking are preferred because this quality is important for driving business innovation and long-term planning in management roles.
• Global Mindset: International experience or a demonstrated understanding of global business markets is advantageous, as businesses increasingly operate in a globalized economy.

How to start your mba application cover letter: with a greeting, of course

Have you ever considered just how powerful a personalized salutation can be?

We sure have news for you! Your mba application cover letter should start with the right salutation to recruiters, nurturing a sense of respect and individuality.

Greet recruiters by using their first name (e.g. "Dear Tom" or "Dear Patricia") if you've previously established contact with them.

Otherwise, opt out for the less familiar, "Dear Ms. Peaches" or "Dear Ms Kelsey", if you've found the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or a corporate website.

"To whom it may concern" is never a good option, as it creates a sense that you've been sending out your mba application cover letter to anyone. Instead, use "Dear HR team" or "Dear (company name) recruiter" for a feeling of exclusivity.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Admissions Committee,
• Dear [Business School Name] Admissions Team,
• Dear Director [of Admissions],
• Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
• Dear MBA Admissions Board,

Your mba application cover letter intro: showing your interest in the role

On to the actual content of your mba application cover letter and the introductory paragraph .

The intro should be no more than two sentences long and presents you in the best light possible.

Use your mba application cover letter introduction to prove exactly what interests you in the role or organization. Is it the:

• Company culture;
• Growth opportunities;
• Projects and awards the team worked on/won in the past year;
• Specific technologies the department uses.

When writing your mba application cover letter intro, be precise and sound enthusiastic about the role.

Your introduction should hint to recruiters that you're excited about the opportunity and that you possess an array of soft skills, e.g. motivation, determination, work ethic, etc.

How to write an achievement-focused mba application cover letter body

We've got the intro and greeting covered. Now, comes the most definitive part of your mba application cover letter - the body .

In the next three to six paragraphs, you'd have to answer why should recruiters hire you.

What better way to do this than by storytelling?

And, no, you don't need a "Once upon a time" or "I started from the bottom and made it to the top" career-climbing format to tell a compelling narrative.

Instead, select up to three most relevant skills for the job and look back on your resume.

Find an achievement, that you're proud of, which has taught you these three job-crucial skills.

Quantify your accomplishment, using metrics, and be succinct in the way you describe it.

The ultimate aim would be to show recruiters how this particular success has built up your experience to become an invaluable candidate.

Time to wrap up your mba application cover letter

Writing the closing paragraph of your mba application cover letter is just as important as the salutation.

You have to make it personalized to the job advert and recruiter.

Experienced professionals advise candidates to end with a request or reminder for follow-up. Write that you're grateful for the opportunity, and, at the same time, hint that you're available for the next steps of the process.

Otherwise, you could also conclude your mba application cover letter by facing the future. How do you see yourself, as part of the team? In particular, how would you settle in your new role in the first six months to a year?

Which story should you tell in your mba application cover letter when you have zero experience

Candidates, lacking professional experience in the field - this one is for you.

Your mba application cover letter is an exercise of integrity, honesty, and, above all, spinning a positive narrative around your strengths.

And what better way to capture recruiters' attention than with your most job-relevant achievement (this could be from your internship or volunteering experience)?

Make sure to back up your success with transferrable skills that are relevant to the job (e.g. how your year, studying abroad, has taught you to be more motivated and handle multicultural environments).

Another safe card you can bet on is your career dream: in the body of your mba application cover letter, go into the details of how your ambitions would help make the company you're applying for better.

Key takeaways

Your mba application cover letter is your best shot at standing out by showing your motivation and the unique skills you'd bring to the job:

• Chose no more than one achievement, which you'd be talking about in the body of your mba application cover letter, by focusing on skills and outcomes;
• Address recruiters with their first or last name, or "Dear Hiring Manager" in your mba application cover letter greeting;
• Introduce in no more than two sentences what makes your profile unique (perhaps it's your motivation, enthusiasm, or appreciation of the company you're applying for);
• Select the same font you have used in your resume (avoid Times New Roman and Arial, as most candidates tend to invest in them);
• Close your mba application cover letter with a promise of how you see yourself growing in the company and the benefits you'd bring about.

Cover letter examples by industry

AI cover letter writer, powered by ChatGPT

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• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
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A surprising lesson from Maisie Williams about career change

Part-time job on resume: how to include it, interview question: tell me what you know about our company, how to answer: “do you want to tell us anything else about you”, how to answer "where do you see yourself in 5 years", personal details on cv (contact info, phone number & more).

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MBA Letter of Interest: Your Guide to Crafting a Compelling Statement

Are you considering pursuing an MBA program? Crafting a compelling letter of interest is a crucial step in your application process.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essentials of writing an impactful letter of interest for MBA admission.

Also, we will provide you with three samples that showcase different approaches and highlight the key points you need to include.

Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, our guide will offer valuable insights and practical tips to help you stand out from the competition and successfully secure your spot in the MBA program of your dreams.

So let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to creating a persuasive letter of interest!

Statement of Interest for MBA Admission – Sample 1

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to express my strong interest in pursuing an MBA degree at [Institution Name]. Having carefully researched various programs, I am confident that your MBA program aligns perfectly with my aspirations and goals.

With a background in business administration and a solid foundation built during my undergraduate studies, I have gained valuable insights into the corporate world and the challenges it presents. However, I believe that an MBA will provide me with the necessary knowledge, skills, and network to take my career to the next level.

Your renowned MBA program stands out for its exceptional faculty, rigorous curriculum, and emphasis on experiential learning. I am particularly drawn to the program’s focus on strategic management, entrepreneurship, and global business practices. Additionally, the opportunity to collaborate with classmates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds is invaluable, as it fosters a holistic and enriching learning environment.

Furthermore, I am impressed by the extensive resources and opportunities that your institution provides to its students. The access to internships, guest lectures, and industry events will enable me to gain practical experience and connect with influential professionals in the business world. I am also excited about the chance to participate in case competitions and consulting projects, which will hone my problem-solving and leadership abilities.

Moreover, your strong alumni network is a testament to the quality of education and the long-term career prospects that your MBA program offers. I am eager to tap into this network and leverage the alumni’s expertise and guidance as I navigate my future career path.

In conclusion, I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your MBA program and contributing to its vibrant community. I am confident that the knowledge and experiences gained from your program will empower me to achieve my professional goals and make a positive impact in the business world.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further.

[Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

MBA Admission Letter of Interest Sample 2

Adam Burns (000) 744-1421 [Your Email Address]

June 29, 2024

Ms. Phoebe Darwin Admissions Officer University of Georgia 6412 Clairmont Avenue Atlanta, GA 12827

Dear Ms. Darwin:

I am writing to apply for the Masters of Business Administration program at the University of Georgia in the January 2024 session. I believe that this program will be a solid step toward the obtainment of my ambition to excel in the business and management arena. Having seen through the course outline in detail, I found a substantial parity between what it offers and my interests in business and technology.

This year, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Atlanta University with a 3.8 GPA. Besides that, I attained an award for my final year project, which was based on research and development work.

Having made the Dean’s list three times, I was a favorite among my peers and instructors. After graduating from Atlanta University, I worked as an intern for ABC Company, which helped me gain a more in-depth insight into business management processes. There, I was deemed “Intern of the Quarter” because I added much value to both their marketing and management projects.

Both my academic and professional accomplishments confirm that I will be a good student at the University of Georgia. With a solid background in business processes and administration, I will require minimum oversight and will be able to provide the maximum output as far as exams and projects are concerned.

Apart from relevant education and internship, I acted as a student leader while in college, and volunteered in other activities, including working as a Green Peace activist and a volunteer at two local hospitals.

I am aware of the entrance examination procedures and am well prepared for them.

In the hope that I will get admission, I have enclosed my transcripts, project outlines, and reference letters with this letter. If you need any other documents or information, please feel free to contact me at (000) 744-1421.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

______________

MBA Admission Statement of Interest or Intent Sample 3

I chose Maryland State University to pursue my Master of Business Administration because I believe that it offers the best combination of business and technology. The most compelling evidence of your fame is that employers prefer to hire a Maryland State University graduate.

I possess a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and would now like to build upon my knowledge to be able to decide my vocation. My interest in business administration stems from years of trying to understand the process that holds businesses together on different levels in and outside offices.

While pursuing my MBA (Marketing) at Maryland State University, I intend to study at a level that will lead to excellence. The marketing field will assist me in working toward my vocation as a marketing professional in order to play a substantial role in any organization.

Another key point is that the course provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience while taking classes.

Furthermore, the courses for the MBA program are very attractive. For instance, the following courses will help me achieve my career focus

• Marketing Management
• International Marketing
• Marketing Research
• Advertising and Sales Promotion
• Consumer Buyer Behavior
• Marketing Decision Models
• Internet Marketing

The flexibility to complete this degree in three years is an added benefit. Obviously, I would like to take advantage of it.

Above all, my admission to the MBA program will prove to be two-way learning. That is to say; I will bring diverse knowledge and multicultural experience to the class.

I aim to pass out as a top student from Maryland State University and eventually work in an environment where I may pose as a representative of the university.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration, and I look forward to joining Maryland State University soon.

[Applicant’s Name] [Applicant’s Phone Number] [Applicant’s Email Address]

How to Write a Letter of Interest for MBA Admission?

A letter of interest (also known as a statement of purpose or a letter of intent) is a crucial component of your MBA application. It provides you with an opportunity to showcase your qualifications and express your enthusiasm for the program. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to craft an effective letter of interest:

1. Header and Salutation

Include your name, address, contact information, and the date at the top of the letter. Following this, address the letter to the specific person or committee handling admissions.

2. Introduction

Begin with a strong opening paragraph that captures the reader’s attention. State your purpose clearly — that you are applying for the MBA program.

In the body of the letter, elaborate on your qualifications, experiences, and why you are a good fit for the program.

a. Academic Background and Professional Experience

Mention your academic qualifications and relevant professional experiences that have prepared you for the MBA program.

b. Skills and Achievements

Highlight specific skills and achievements that demonstrate your readiness for the challenges of an MBA program.

c. Why This Program and University

Convey why you are interested in this particular MBA program and how it aligns with your career goals. Mention specific courses, professors, or program strengths.

4. Conclusion

End with a compelling conclusion that reiterates your enthusiasm and readiness for the program. Express your willingness to provide any additional information and thank the admissions committee for considering your application.

• Proofread: Ensure your letter is free of grammatical errors and typos.
• Be Concise: Keep your letter to one page, if possible.
• Personalize: Tailor each letter to the specific program you are applying to.

By following these guidelines, you’ll create a well-structured and persuasive letter of interest that effectively communicates your qualifications and passion for the MBA program.

• Sample Statement of Interest for a Job
• Nanny Letter of Interest Sample and Writing Guide
• Email Expressing Interest in Internal Position: Professional Guide
• Sample Letter of Interest for Nursing School

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2024-2025 MIT Sloan Cover Letter Advice & Application Tips

This article was originally published on January 7, 2021. It was last updated on August 1, 2024.

If you’re applying to MIT Sloan’s MBA Program, you’ve likely given thought to what you want to express in the required 300-word Cover Letter. Perhaps the trickiest thing about this unique application component is the word limit, which is incredibly short and forces you to have a laser focus on the elements of your personality / experience that demonstrate your fit with Sloan’s culture. 

What MIT Sloan Asks for in its Cover Letter

For reference, here is the prompt they provide:

“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).”

How to Write the Best MIT Sloan Cover Letter

Pay close attention to the language of this prompt because it helpfully describes the qualities Sloan seeks in a successful applicant. Many of these are similar to those sought by all of the top MBA programs – intellectual strength, track record of accomplishments, and ability to bring dimension to the cohort. However, the critical things to note here are those that make Sloan different – its orientation towards an independent mindset and creative problem-solving. They don’t just want someone who ‘got the job done’, they want the person who redefined the problem and came up with a solution no one had thought of before. 

Practice the Art of Omission

With only 300 words at your disposal, you simply don’t have space to separately demonstrate you possess each of the more basic traits. For these, utilize the other components of the application – your GMAT/GPA can help prove your intellect, your resume showcases your history of accomplishments, and your video essays should highlight what makes you unique. In the cover letter, make a solid case – supported by one or maybe two stories – that you are an innovative thinker who isn’t afraid of rocking the boat to enable progress. The ideal story to use is career-focused (given the tone of the prompt), fairly recent, and has a connecting thread with how you will contribute at Sloan if admitted.

Make the Case for “Why You?”

That said, you do need to use this vehicle to provide a higher-level ‘pitch’ of yourself to the adcom. A structure I’ve seen be consistently successful is one that is three paragraphs, maybe four. In the first paragraph, without simply restating your resume, you can lay out the differentiating or notable experience you bring to the table. Then in the second paragraph (or perhaps two paragraphs if needed), dive into a story that supports this ‘brand’ and hits on the Sloan-specific qualities mentioned above. Finally, in the last paragraph, drive the argument home by asserting why these qualities will make you an asset to the Sloan community.  

A Successful Sample MIT Sloan Cover Letter

To demonstrate this structure in practice, here is an example from a past client (privatized, of course):

“Dear MIT Sloan Admissions Committee,

Through my role at [consulting firm], and my experience driving positive change in my community first as a student mentor and now as a founder of a [mentoring program], I know that I will be able to make a significant contribution to Sloan. This is rooted in my experiences learning to manage increasingly larger teams, leading projects in eight countries and enhancing both the product offerings of my company and traditional mentoring frameworks.

As a self-described quantitative person who went from a trading career out of college to working in consulting and rising to manage my firm’s [industry-focused] practice, I’ve had the opportunity to learn not only how to leverage data to drive business strategy but also how to manage and collaborate with people with different backgrounds. For example, after seeing a need to extend our product offering to include capabilities in emerging technologies, I proactively led a three-person team to create a research product that provided clients with capability maturity assessments in three areas: digital, data analytics, and cloud. To action this, I worked with [firm] experts and our existing clients to build a framework, scope and go-to-market strategy for the new products. To date, we have delivered research to over 30 clients, supported four […] cases with data and hosted two roundtables that brought together heads of technology from over 20 firms to discuss the findings.

I am confident that the breadth of my experience will allow me to succeed at Sloan while also bringing a unique perspective to the school. The opportunity to be involved in innovation periods and the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Track will provide the skills needed to transition into a bank’s innovation team and ultimately create a FinTech firm.

Respectfully,

[name redacted]”

Sloan MBA Essay Guidance – Video Statement Tips

In addition to the cover letter, Sloan asks you to submit two 60-second video statements.

“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! “

Since your cover letter will likely be professionally focused, the video statement is a great place to share who you are outside of work and the unique attributes you would bring to the class. Specific content will vary from person to person of course, but remember that Sloan values independent thought, fearless creativity, and passion. What about you hits on these notes?

Perhaps the most important thing to do to ensure you submit a strong video statement is practice. You know the prompt and can record and re-record yourself until you are satisfied with the output. And so can the competition! So, give this application component the thought and attention it deserves to ensure you stand out.  

“ 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 .”

Video essays with randomized questions are becoming a more popular part of the application process. You can expect to have a few different buckets of questions that come up.

• #1: Behavioral questions
• #2: Questions about your personality or interests (such as What is your favorite book and why?)
• #3: MBA-specific questions (such as Why MBA? or How you will contribute to the school’s community?)

For any question, remember that the most important thing is to explain the “why” instead of the “what”. Be concise and clear, but also show your enthusiasm. Overall, you can prepare and practice any questions you would expect in a formal Zoom or in-person interview setting for this randomized video essay.

We hope that these tips help you get your Sloan application across the finish line! If not, we’d be happy to help. Reach out to schedule a free consultation with our top-rated team of MBA admissions experts. 

Katie is a passionate mentor and coach, helping her clients craft a unique, compelling story by leveraging her experience as a corporate executive, alumni interviewer, and campus recruiter. Before completing her MBA at Kellogg, Katie spent five years in banking where she learned practical finance skills as well as how to operate in a demanding, high pressure environment. She pursued an MBA in order to transition to an industry role where she could utilize her finance knowledge to drive change within an organization. Post-MBA, she worked in finance and strategy for a leading CPG firm, progressing to an executive role leading the finance function for a $2B business segment. Her experience managing diverse teams led to a passion for developing others. In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities, she led her firm’s MBA recruiting efforts and served as an alumni admissions interviewer for Kellogg.

Round 1 vs. Round 2 MBA Applications

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Your MBA Applications Roadmap

MBA Cover Letter

A cover letter is often the first thing that an MBA admissions committee reads when they receive your application, so it’s important to make a good impression with it. Your cover letter should tie together all of the pieces of your application so the committee can get a sense of your overall qualifications for the program.

If there are any parts of your application that require an explanation, such as a gap in education or employment, this is your chance to let them know. Your cover letter should be brief and to-the-point, and leave the reader wanting to find out more about you from the other parts of your application.

A good cover letter won’t make up for a mediocre application packet, but it can get the reader on your side, looking for the positives in your application.

How Important is an MBA Cover Letter?

Each MBA program has its own requirements, and may or may not call for a cover letter. Some programs may ask you to answer essay questions or write a Statement of Purpose instead of or in addition to a cover letter. Always check your school’s admissions criteria to make sure your cover letter is the right length and style for your program.

For example, the Sloan School of Management at MIT asks for a cover letter of no more than 300 words in the form of “standard business correspondence.” It should have “one or more examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria” for the program. They also ask for a 1-minute Video Statement introducing yourself and explaining why you want to attend MIT. They don’t require a separate essay or Statement of Purpose.

The Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University doesn’t require a cover letter, but has guidelines if you choose to submit one. It should be no more than 1 page and should “include reasons why you are qualified for a place in the graduate degree program, how your participation will add value to the graduate degree program, or explain any other information useful to the admissions committee.”

Some schools in Europe have begun to require video essays instead of written cover letters, such as the SDA Bocconi School of Management. This allows the admissions team to recognize names and faces out of hundreds of applications.

So, how important your cover letter is depends on what other materials are requested. If your cover letter is the only space you have to introduce yourself, then use it wisely. This is especially important if you have an unusual resume or education that doesn’t fit neatly into the boxes of a typical MBA application.

But if your application includes one or more essays that already provide an overview of your resume and career goals, it may be less important. If your program doesn’t specify the criteria for a cover letter, then it’s best to keep it short and professional and let your resume and other materials provide the information the admissions team needs.

What They’ll Be Looking For

When the admissions committee reads your cover letter, they’ll be trying to get a sense of who you are as a candidate and if you’re likely to be a good fit for their program.

Think of it like the summary on the back of a book: you’ll need to read the whole book to get the whole story, but the summary lets you know what to expect and whether it’s likely to be a match for your interests and reading preferences.

Your cover letter serves a similar purpose. It gives the admissions team an idea of who you are, which is then expanded on by the other parts of your application. In a way, it’s about personalizing your application.

A good cover letter shows that you can follow directions and have done some research into the particular program you’re applying for. The admissions team wants to see that you understand what the program is about and what you can bring to it.

This is also your opportunity to manage expectations. If your GMAT score is lower than the school’s average, or you don’t have a lot of work experience yet, you can highlight other strengths that you bring to the table.

That way, when the team turns the page to your resume or test scores, they won’t be surprised by what they find, and are more likely to give you a fair assessment.

You can also use your cover letter to mention anyone who has agreed to write a Letter of Recommendation for you, so the admissions team knows what other documents to look forward to in your application packet.

Tips for Writing an MBA Cover Letter

The length and format of your letter will depend on what your program requires, but there are several tips that apply to all cover letters. If you’ve ever written a cover letter to apply for a job , then you should have a general idea of what a cover letter looks like.

A typical cover letter has 3-4 paragraphs and is written on standard letter-sized paper in 12-point font and with 1-inch margins. The letter should include the date and recipient’s address at the top left and your name and signature at the bottom.

Here are a few more tips that apply specifically to cover letters for MBA programs:

Write a unique cover letter for each program

Don’t use the same cover letter for every application. Show the admissions team why you want to attend this particular program . Some of the information you include will be the same for each school, but the letters shouldn’t be identical.

Highlight any experience on your resume that aligns with the school’s focus or values. If there’s a particular course or professor you’re interested in, mention it. Also make note of any other connections you have to the school, such as a visit to campus or conversation with a recent graduate that influenced your decision to apply.

Address the letter to the right person

Avoid starting off your letter with a generic “To Whom It May Concern.” If the application instructions don’t say who to address the letter to, then look up the name of the Dean of Admissions or another faculty member who is likely to read your application.

Your letter should be more formal than an email. Addressing the letter properly shows that you understand the conventions of professional business correspondence. It may seem simple, but it’s an easy way for the admissions team to tell a serious candidate from someone who just put a cover letter together at the last minute.

Don’t forget to introduce yourself

Your cover letter should get the admissions team interested in you as a candidate, but it shouldn’t leave them guessing. Remember, this is your introduction, so let them know a bit about who you are and your work and educational background.

Instead of vague statements like “as you’ll see from the work experience on my resume,” mention your “5 years of employment in the financial services industry.” Specific names and numbers are more likely to get the reader’s attention.

Biographical details, such as your country of origin or the time that you spent studying abroad, are also useful to present a well-rounded picture.

Advocate for yourself (and back it up)

The cover letter is an opportunity to sell yourself as a qualified applicant, and that means explaining any inconsistencies in your application. Did you change your course of study in the middle of your degree? Did you take a year off of work to volunteer overseas?

Gaps or inconsistencies in your resume may make perfect sense once you explain them. Ideally, you’ll have a strong Letter of Recommendation to back up your claims. A shift in your career path or education may make more sense if you have a supervisor who is able to vouch for your abilities and on-the-job work experience.

That said, don’t exaggerate or make things up. A clever cover letter won’t get you into an MBA program if you don’t meet the minimum admission requirements.

MBA Cover Letter Example

Let’s take a look at an example to see what a standard cover letter should look like. This letter was submitted as part of an application for an MBA at West Coast University. The letter is only around 150 words in all, making it a very clear and concise example.

The letter starts off with a standard greeting “To Members of the Admissions Committee”. You can address your letter to an individual if you know the name of the Dean, but this is an effective introduction and is more specific than “To Whom It May Concern”.

Next, the applicant clearly states the purpose of the letter and goes on to reference a personal connection to the school in the form of an alumni interview. The information includes a specific name and date if the admissions committee wants to verify it.

“This letter expresses my interest in applying for admission to the School of Management’s Fall 2003 MBA Program. On December 21, 2002, I had the pleasure of interviewing with your alumnus, Mr. Stephen Meeker, a meeting that solidified my decision.”

Then, the applicant mentions what it is about the program that they’re drawn to. They show the research that they’ve done and highlight some of the program’s features:

“After comprehensive research into your program, I was pleased with your educational policies and the culturally diverse environment in which I can learn much from both professors and students of many nations.”

This paragraph is short, and could include a little bit more information on the specific focus of study or likely career path, but it gets the job done.

Next, they bring up their resume as evidence of their qualifications. Without going into too much detail up front, they mention a few skills and experiences that the admissions team can look out for in other sections of the application:

The enclosed resume provides my inclusive and accomplished background, including:

Seven years of experience in international banking.

Strong quantitative and analytical skills.

Fluency and solid communication capabilities in English, French, and Italian.

Inspirational leadership in a cross-cultural environment in France and Italy.

While they don’t mention much about their educational background, their skill in three different languages is likely to make them stand out from other applicants.

Finally, they go on to mention future steps they will take to further their investment in the program, including an upcoming visit to campus. They provide contact info so that they can easily be reached for the next step in the application process:

“I will be visiting West Coast University during the second week of February to audit classes and interact with the students. Should you require additional information, I can be reached at the number above.”

This is a relatively short cover letter, but it includes all of the important information in a clear and straightforward way. The applicant could have offered more details on their education, for example, but chose to highlight their overseas experience instead.

In general, a cover letter is less detailed than a personal essay or Statement of Purpose, so it’s best to stick to a single page and 3-4 paragraphs. If your program asks for a longer letter or a personal essay, you can go into more detail about your current employment or career goals, but don’t repeat the same info too many times in your application.

If you’re asked to submit a video introduction instead, you can cover the same points in your video as you would in your cover letter. Your video should appear casual and less formal than a cover letter, but it’s a good idea to make some notes and rehearse it a few times to make sure you don’t forget to include anything.

A cover letter isn’t the most in-depth part of your application, but it lets the admissions team know what to expect from you. Just like the preface to a book, it can set the tone of your application and influence whether the admissions team looks at the rest of your documents with a hopeful or a skeptical eye.

A good cover letter will help the admissions team see a real person, not just a resume and a GMAT score, when they consider your application.

If you’re not sure what to say in your cover letter, don’t worry. Whether your MBA program requires a standard cover letter, a personal essay, or a video, we can help you figure it out. We’ll make sure that you’re clear on the application requirements and submit the right type of cover letter for your program to increase your chances of success.

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MBA Motivation Letter: How to Write One

Includes mba motivation letters sample.

Featured Expert: Aali Malik, MBA

Looking at an MBA motivation letter sample is a great start to being drafting your own motivation letter for your MBA application. The term MBA motivation letter is often considered interchangeable with MBA cover letter, and both of these are sometimes confused with the MBA personal statement, statement of purpose or letter of intent. But a well-written MBA motivation letter can be a focused and effective short letter that will strengthen your MBA application, especially if you want to convey your enthusiasm for getting your MBA or share with the admissions committee what is driving you to future success. For extra help in writing and refining your MBA motivation letter, you can get professional feedback from an MBA admission consulting service or MBA essay consultant. In this blog, we’ll explore what an MBA motivation letter is and how to write one. We’ve also provided some sample MBA motivation letters to guide you.

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Article Contents 8 min read

What is an mba motivation letter.

An MBA motivation letter is one of many different types of written documents an MBA applicant might include in their application to an MBA graduate program. MBA motivation letters are similar to a personal statement or MBA letter of intent , but there are some key differences. A good MBA motivation letter is designed to share with the reader what your future aspirations are, why you want to pursue an MBA at that school and why you are a top-choice applicant.

An MBA motivation letter is not the same as a personal statement, statement of purpose or letter of intent. It serves a similar function in an MBA application, but its content and structure are closer to than of a cover letter you might write for a job application. Your MBA application might also ask for an MBA cover letter sample , but this is a different document than a motivation letter. Motivation letters are typically written for graduate and undergraduate study programs, or unpaid job positions, for example volunteer work or internships. Motivation letters focus on what you can contribute and what your future career goals in business are. Your MBA cover letter serves as a sort of introduction to your entire application and lays out why you are a good fit for an MBA program or addresses any weaknesses in your application such as low GMAT scores.

An MBA motivation letter has a similar structure and format to a cover letter you might write for a job interview. It should be no longer than one page long, or around 400 words. It also needs to adhere to a formal letter format, which means it has to include your full name and contact information, the addressee’s name, title and contact information, and the date.

A formal letter uses a professional, straightforward tone and uses formal greetings and sign offs. You should also include a sincere thank you at the end of your letter to the person who will read it. As with cover letters, your MBA motivation letter will also include a brief introduction of yourself, 2 to 3 body paragraphs outlining your main points, and a closing paragraph before your thank you and sign off. So, a basic template of an MBA motivation letter would look just like an MBA cover letter.

Here we’ve included a few MBA motivation letter samples to guide you on how to write your own! For the purposes of these samples, we’ve left out contact information, names and dates you would include at the top of your letter.

MBA motivation letter sample #1

Dear Dr. Wexton,

I am taking this opportunity to write to you as part of my application to the [Business School] MBA program. I am recently graduated from [Undergraduate Program] and have decided to continue my education in graduate school. After careful thought, I have decided an MBA will best suit my career goals.

I was fortunate to not need to work during my undergraduate years, so I have not gained a great deal of work experience. I have worked several part-time positions and I am proud to be a dedicated volunteer for a number of university clubs and community programs. These experiences you can find in my resume and extracurriculars, which are included in my application package. Through these experiences, I have discovered where I would want to focus my work as a future businessperson.

Teamwork is an essential part of volunteering, and indeed in working with any team. I have been fortunate to work with many different teams, both large and small, and the interpersonal dynamics at play, the way a group of people can come together to create an effective whole, has always fascinated me. I feel my own traits of being detail-oriented, compassionate and open-minded have also helped me positively contribute to the teams I’ve been a part of. This has fostered an interest in working in a business consulting environment, specifically with a focus on team management and employee relationships. To show my commitment to this goal, I have also pursued a Scrum Master certification to add to my professional experience, as I do not have a long CV.

An MBA from your school will teach me to become the best team management specialist I can be, and I truly believe it will allow me to find the job positions and experience I need to further develop myself professionally. Thank you for your time and consideration of my application to this MBA program. I hope to hear back from the admissions committee soon.

Stacey Steadman

MBA motivation letter sample #2

Dear Professor Alvaro,

I am writing this letter today to express my interest in the MBA program at [Business School]. As part of my application, I wanted to write this motivation letter to explain my decision to pursue an MBA as a non-traditional applicant.

This year, I turned 43, and I truly hadn’t thought I would make the decision to go back to school and continue my education. My background is in the Arts, where I have worked for the past 15 years as a volunteer, a professional artist and the co-chair of the [Arts Foundation] in my city. I have enjoyed my time with the Arts immensely, and all of the positions I have held have been incredibly rewarding experiences. However, I have recently been offered an opportunity to launch an arts-related organization of my own, and I have found my knowledge of the business side of running things to be insufficient. After researching my options, I decided it was time to return to school to earn my MBA so I could provide myself the best tools and know-how for the job of running a large arts organization.

My dedication to the arts and my professional development makes this the clear next step for me. In researching MBA programs, I specifically chose your program for three reasons. The first is that [Business School] values creativity, sustainability and collaboration, all important values to both the arts community and myself, personally. The second reason I chose to apply to this program is that two of your instructors have backgrounds in the Arts as well, which tells me your program is diverse and well-rounded. The final reason I made the decision to apply for this MBA program is the curriculum focuses on a broad, solid understanding of business while recognizing the importance of maintaining relationships. I believe enrolling in this program will be an excellent decision for myself, my peers in the arts community and my team members who count on me.

Thank you very much for reading my letter and considering my candidacy as a non-traditional applicant to your MBA program. I truly believe a collaboration between us would be fruitful. I look forward to your reply.

Kind regards,

Susan Kloepki

MBA motivation letter sample #3

Dear Mr. Roberts,

I am interested in attending [Business School] to earn my Master’s in Business Administration. My motivation for pursuing a graduate degree and my interest in studying business come from my background as the oldest son of a single mother.

As the older brother of 3 siblings, I learned very early in life the importance of setting an example, collaboration and conflict management. Alongside my mother, I worked to help bring in income and care for my younger siblings. As a working high school student, I started to give greater thought to my future. I made the decision to apply to university and cultivate bigger career dreams. Despite any initial self-doubt, I was accepted to [University] and completed my degree in political science with honors. Coming from a family with a disadvantaged background, this was a proud accomplishment for me. It was also a valuable lesson in self-discipline and leadership, as I encountered the new challenges of being away from my family and committing myself to study. I continued to work part-time while earning my degree, and my interest in starting my own business was fostered.

After graduating, my decision to continue my education and pursue my MBA was cemented. I realized if I wanted to run my own business, I would need to learn the hard skills necessary to be a success. I feel I have a foundation already in the other integral skills such as leadership and collaboration. The MBA program at [Business School] I know values leadership, integrity and vision, and this is the reason I chose this program. I know my goals are ambitious and my vision is grand, but I have already proven to myself that I can rise to meet the challenge. I feel I am prepared to take on the next, and I am excited at the prospect of further developing as a leader, student of business, individual and older brother.

I am grateful to you for reading my letter and considering me for acceptance to the [Business School] MBA program. I hope to hear back soon from the admissions committee, and I look forward to enrolling in the fall.

An MBA motivation letter is a part of the MBA application, sometimes required and sometimes optional. It is a short, formal letter outlining why a candidate is applying to an MBA program and what skills they will bring to the program.

MBA motivation letters begin with a short introduction of who you are and why you are writing. This is to give the reader a snapshot of who you are as a person and why you are applying for an MBA program.

MBA motivation letters should include information on your career goals, why you are the best fit for an MBA program and any experiences you have which demonstrate your skills and strengths you can bring to the program. You can also mention how earning an MBA from a particular school will help you achieve your goals.

A motivation letter is typically no longer than one page, or around 400 words. 

Not always. Some MBA programs may ask for other written components as part of the application, or they may offer students the option of writing a motivation letter if they wish.

Although similar in length and structure, a cover letter is typically written as part of a job application, and a motivation letter is written for a school application or an unpaid position, such as an internship or volunteer work. An MBA motivation letter is written for a graduate MBA program. 

To write a good MBA motivation letter, keep your letter concise, formal and to the point. Eliminate unnecessary details or flowery language. Focus on one to three main points you want to make and try to stay within one page of writing. 

In general, an MBA motivation letter focuses on your big picture goals and future career aspirations. It may also discuss how your chosen MBA program will help you achieve these goals and why you are a good fit. Your MBA personal statement will share your past experiences and influences and how they have shaped your decision to apply to an MBA program. 

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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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The Full-Time MBA Cover Letter and Optional Statement

Mba cover letter.

The application cover letter is a critical means of learning who you are as an applicant and assessing your communication and writing skills. Here is the prompt to help guide you in writing the application cover letter:

Please write an application cover letter summarizing your aspirations, qualifications, personal and professional experiences that make you a strong candidate for the Texas Full-Time MBA program. (max 500)

MBA Optional Statement  

Please provide any additional information you believe is important or address any areas of concern that you believe will be beneficial to the MBA Admissions Committee in considering your application. (e.g. gaps in work experience, choice of recommender, academic performance, or extenuating personal circumstances) (250 words)  

Honestly, the most important piece of advice we can provide you on the optional statement is to remember that it is just that– optional. Only applicants who feel some of their profile deserves more explanation should submit an optional statement. This section of the application is not to designed for you to tell us more about your extracurricular activities or expand upon the essay prompt . While we love to see how excited you are to share additional information with us, there are other ways to let the Admissions Committee know about additional projects or passions. Your resume and the video assessment are better forums for these additional details. Optional statements should focus on filling gaps or answering questions we are likely to have about you.  

Our Tips for Writing Your Cover Letter

• Be patient with yourself. Take time to reflect, brainstorm, rewrite, and EDIT. It will likely take more than one draft to realize your final submission.
• Don’t copy and paste. Do not use the same content for multiple business schools. We can always spot recycled content.
• STAY ON PROMPT. We actually want your submission to be in cover letter form! Approach this as you would drafting a cover letter for a job – who are you, why do you want to come to McCombs, and how will you contribute to the program?
• Be honest. The cover letter is a way to learn more about you. Our community values authenticity and we look for submissions that reflect your authentic self.
• Have someone you trust read over your cover letter. Those closest to you can provide valuable insights, feedback, and perspectives as you highlight your personal gifts and qualities.

We hope these insights into the written portions of our application give you some ideas to think about and some points to revisit as you write (and rewrite) your cover letter. Good luck, and happy applying!

If you have any questions during the application process,  we’re here to help . Please visit  our website  for details on applying to each program and  follow us on Instagram  for an inside look into the Texas McCombs MBA.  

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MIT Sloan Cover Letter Advice: Maximizing 300 Words

If you’re working towards submitting a Round 2 application to MIT Sloan’s MBA Program, you’ve likely given thought to what you want to express in the required 300-word Cover Letter (or, ideally, have already started working on it). Perhaps the trickiest thing about this unique application component is the word limit, which is incredibly short and forces you to have a laser focus on the elements of your personality / experience that demonstrate your fit with Sloan’s culture. 

For reference, here is the prompt they provide:

“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 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).”

Pay close attention to the language of this prompt because it helpfully describes the qualities Sloan seeks in a successful applicant. Many of these are similar to those sought by all of the top MBA programs – intellectual strength, track record of accomplishments, and ability to bring dimension to the cohort. However, the critical things to note here are those that make Sloan different – its orientation towards an independent mindset and creative problem-solving. They don’t just want someone who ‘got the job done’, they want the person who redefined the problem and came up with a solution no one had thought of before. 

With only 300 words at your disposal, you simply don’t have space to separately demonstrate you possess each of the more basic traits. For these, utilize the other components of the application – your GMAT/GPA can help prove your intellect, your resume showcases your history of accomplishments, and your video essay should highlight what makes you unique. In the cover letter, make a solid case – supported by one or maybe two stories – that you are an innovative thinker who isn’t afraid of rocking the boat to enable progress. The ideal story to use is career-focused (given the tone of the prompt), fairly recent, and has a connecting thread with how you will contribute at Sloan if admitted.

That said, you do need to use this vehicle to provide a higher-level ‘pitch’ of yourself to the adcom. A structure I’ve seen be consistently successful is one that is three paragraphs, maybe four. In the first paragraph, without simply restating your resume, you can lay out the differentiating or notable experience you bring to the table. In the second paragraph (or perhaps two paragraphs if needed), dive into a story that supports this ‘brand’ and hits on the Sloan-specific qualities mentioned above. In the last paragraph, drive the argument home by asserting why these qualities will make you an asset to the Sloan community.  

To demonstrate this structure in practice, here is an example from a past client (privatized, of course):

“Dear Mr. Garcia,

Through my role at [consulting firm], and my experience driving positive change in my community first as a student mentor and now as a founder of a [mentoring program], I know that I will be able to make a significant contribution to Sloan. This is rooted in my experiences learning to manage increasingly larger teams, leading projects in eight countries and enhancing both the product offerings of my company and traditional mentoring frameworks.

As a self-described quantitative person who went from a trading career out of college to working in consulting and rising to manage my firm’s [industry-focused] practice, I’ve had the opportunity to learn not only how to leverage data to drive business strategy but also how to manage and collaborate with people with different backgrounds. For example, after seeing a need to extend our product offering to include capabilities in emerging technologies, I proactively led a three-person team to create a research product that provided clients with capability maturity assessments in three areas: digital, data analytics, and cloud. To action this, I worked with [firm] experts and our existing clients to build a framework, scope and go-to-market strategy for the new products. To date, we have delivered research to over 30 clients, supported four […] cases with data and hosted two roundtables that brought together heads of technology from over 20 firms to discuss the findings.

I am confident that the breadth of my experience will allow me to succeed at Sloan while also bringing a unique perspective to the school. The opportunity to be involved in innovation periods and the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Track will provide the skills needed to transition into a bank’s innovation team and ultimately create a FinTech firm.

Respectfully,

[name redacted]”

We hope that these tips help you get your Sloan application across the finish line!

The post MIT Sloan Cover Letter Advice: Maximizing 300 Words appeared first on Vantage Point MBA .

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MBA Cover Letter Example

Get the job you've always wanted and find inspiration for your own cover letter with this highly instructive MBA cover letter example. Download this cover letter sample for free or rewrite it using our sleek cover letter maker.

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MBA Cover Letter Example (Full Text Version)

Ravi elvien.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Digital Marketing Manager position at DF Corporation, Inc. in Toronto, ON. With a strong background in digital marketing and a proven track record of success, I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for this role.

I hold an MBA degree from the University of Toronto, where I graduated with a GPA of 3.98 and received the Dean's Award for my achievements in international business and economics competitions. My education has equipped me with the necessary skills to excel in a team environment and effectively solve complex problems.

During my tenure as a Social Media Account Manager at DIERNE, Inc., I successfully managed multiple social media platforms, conducted market research, and significantly increased web traffic. I was recognized as the Employee of the Year for my efforts in growing our Instagram following from 2,000 to 150,000. Additionally, I am fluent in German, proficient in English, and have a basic understanding of Chinese.

I am well-versed in software programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and HubSpot Marketing, and am confident in my ability to contribute to the success of DF Corporation, Inc. I am eager to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to your organization.

Sincerely, Ravi Elvien

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

Edit this sample using our resume builder.

Don’t struggle with your cover letter. artificial intelligence can write it for you..

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How to Apply to the MBA Program

What’s your story? What experiences have shaped who you are today? We want to know. We are on a quest to find curious, passionate, analytical candidates who will enhance the collaborative community here at MIT. Our goal is to create a vibrant learning environment rich in diverse ideas and life experiences. That's why we welcome applicants from all over the globe, and from all areas of study, including the humanities, the social and physical sciences, business, and engineering. Above all, we seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities, determined to make their mark in the world—people who value dignity and respect. Here’s how to get started!

Application Deadlines for August 2025 Entry

The Admissions Committee reviews all applications and will notify applicants of their decision on or before these deadlines. Please note that in the interest of confidentiality, we will only deliver official decisions via your online application.

All applications should be received by 3:00 p.m. EST on the deadline date. The Admissions Committee will release decisions on the dates listed above, however, decisions will be released early for candidates who have been denied admission without an interview. Reapplicants may submit an application in any round.

LGO applicants must apply in an LGO Round .

MIT Sloan MBA Application Tips

A complete 2025 application entry requires:

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).

Please submit a  one-page  resume. This will help us easily track your academic and career path. Try to focus on your work results, not just your title or job description. Here are some pointers on formatting: 

• One page limit
• Times New Roman font
• Size 10 font
• Word or PDF formats only

Provide the following information in reverse chronological order:

Education: Please include relevant awards, scholarships and professional societies

Work Experience: Please include company name, title, results-oriented bullets that demonstrate your skill set, and dates

Additional information: Please include extracurricular activities/community service, technical skills/certifications, and special skills/interests, and languages spoken (if applicable)

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 second) in length
• Single take (no editing) 
• Speaking directly to the camera
• Do not include background music or subtitles

Note: While we ask you to introduce yourself to your future classmates in this video, the video will not be shared beyond the admissions committee and is for use in the application process only.

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 10 seconds to prepare for a 60-second response.

The following are examples of questions that may be asked in the Video Question 2:

• What achievement are you most proud of and why?
• Tell us about a time a classmate or colleague wasn’t contributing to a group project. What did you do?

One Letter of Recommendation

A detailed recommendation can tell us a lot about you. Make sure you select an individual qualified to speak about your results as a professional and your potential as a leader. Some important details:

• MBA applicants must submit one letter of recommendation .
• A recommendation from a professional contact is preferred, ideally a manager or supervisor.
• We do not accept recommendations from family members.
• Your letter of recommendation must be received by the deadline date for the round you are applying (see above for our deadlines.) It is your responsibility to remind your recommender to make sure it is submitted on time.

You will be instructed to add your recommender's contact information and they will be sent instructions on how to submit their letter. You should choose a recommender who can answer the following questions:

• How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant?
• How does the applicant stand out from others in a similar capacity?
• Please give an example of the applicant's impact on a person, group, or organization.
• Please give a representative example of how the applicant interacts with other people.
• Please tell us anything else you think we should know about this applicant.
• Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant's response.

Additional References

We want to make sure we give you the best chance to show us your strengths, so please provide us with contact information for two additional professional references. If we still have questions after reading your application, we might reach out to one or both of these references. Similar to your recommender, these additional references should be able to speak to your professional and/or academic background. These two individuals should be different from your recommender.

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.

Click here to view a sample organizational chart.

Transcripts

Please scan and upload your transcript(s) from all colleges and universities you attended or are currently attending. If you are currently earning a degree, please upload your most up-to-date transcript. We review transcripts carefully, please double check that what you have uploaded is legible; if you can’t read it, neither can we!

Some important details:

• All applicants to the program must hold a four-year undergraduate degree or three-year equivalent undergraduate degree from outside of the U.S, by time of matriculation.
• Do not mail any hard copies of official academic records or transcripts.  
• If you received an undergraduate degree as part of a Master's program, please include an undergraduate entry in addition to your Master's degree.
• If your transcripts are not in English, please scan and upload both the original and the certified translation.
• We cannot accept “digitally signed” or encrypted transcripts. If you’re having difficulty uploading your document, this may be the reason. Print out your transcript, scan it, and upload the PDF.
• We do not accept transfer credits. Any MIT classes taken pre-matriculation cannot be counted toward your degree at MIT Sloan

Once admitted to the program you will be required to provide an official signed and sealed transcript from all schools attended. Any discrepancies between the scanned transcripts and official transcripts may result in a candidate’s rejection or a withdrawal of our offer of admission.

Test Scores

Standardized tests, specifically the GMAT (Focus Edition and 10 th Edition) and GRE are a critical component of the application process and play an important role in our holistic evaluation process. The MIT Sloan Admissions Committee expects that you will submit a GMAT (Focus Edition and 10 th Edition) or GRE score to be reviewed as part of your application. Both the remote and in-person versions of these exams are accepted with no preference. If your current situation prevents you from being able to submit a test score, you may request a test waiver explaining the situation; the Admissions Committee will take your request under advisement and let you know if the waiver has been approved. If the waiver is approved, and you are later admitted, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to offer conditional admission such as, but not limited to, receiving a certain score on the GMAT or GRE or taking a supplemental class.The test waiver request form is not intended to be a Statement of Academic Readiness and should focus only on the circumstances surrounding your inability to take a GMAT or GRE. To request a test waiver, please start your application and navigate to the Test Scores section; you can submit your request there. Once submitted, you will receive a response by email as soon as possible.

The Admissions Committee is also interested in assessing the writing abilities of anyone who is admitted to MIT Sloan’s MBA program. For anyone who submits a GMAT (Focus Edition) or is granted a test waiver, the Admissions Committee may require that you take the GMAC Business Writing Assessment . If you took the GMAT (10 th Edition) or the GRE and have a valid AWA score, that will satisfy this requirement. If the Admissions Committee requires you to take the GMAT Business Writing Assessment, we will contact you after interview invitations are sent.

We will accept self-reported test scores by the application deadline, and welcome either the traditional or online version of exams. Test scores must be valid by the application deadline. Official scores should also be sent using the following school codes:

• To share your GMAT (Focus Edition and 10 th Edition) score, please enter Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - MIT Sloan School of Management
• GRE School Code: 3791

For the 2024-25 admission cycle, we will accept all versions of the GMAT (Focus Edition and 10 th Edition) or GRE, including remote or in-person.

Relevant Coursework & Professional Certifications

We welcome applicants from many types of academic backgrounds and do not have any academic prerequisites. That being said, we want to understand what relevant coursework you have already completed in order to assess how prepared you are for our core MBA courses.

In the application, we ask you to tell us which courses (if any) in the following subject areas you have taken. We’ll also ask what grade you received in each course.

• Communications
• Linear Algebra
• Microeconomics
• Organizational Behavior
• Probability

Additionally, if you earned special certifications or took professional development courses in your spare time, please tell us about them! Feel free to submit academic evidence not already on your transcripts, such as: professional certifications CFA, CPA, ACCA, among others; non-degree coursework such as MITx MicroMasters, CORe, edX, MBA Math, or any other non-degree coursework you completed.

Short Answer Question

The Admissions Committee is excited to learn more about you and your background. In 250 words, please respond to the following 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 to share more about your background.

Application Fee

The non-refundable application fee of $250.00 USD must be paid online prior to submitting your application.

In addition to the list below, attendees of some recruitment events and conferences where MIT Sloan is present may qualify for an application fee waiver. If you are in attendance at one of these events, you will be notified at the conclusion of the event and the payment section of your application will reflect the waiver automatically.

Please note that we cannot grant retroactive fee waivers if the application fee has already been paid online. If you are submitting a request, please wait to hear back from us.

You may be eligible for a fee waiver if any of the following apply:

• Current Peace Corps Members
• Current Teach for America Members or Alumni
• Forte MBA Launch Participants
• Veteran or Active Duty U.S. Military Personnel
• Paying the application fee will result in insurmountable financial hardship

Participants from the following list of programs, conferences, and fellowships are also eligible for an application fee waiver:

MIT Sponsored Programs

• MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP General)
• MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP Biology/BCS/CBMM)
• On-Campus MIT ACCESS Program
• MIT Media Lab Open House Travel Grant Recipients
• MIT OME Laureates and Leaders
• MIT OME The Standard
• MIT Emergent Behaviors of Integrated Cellular Systems (EBICS)
• Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology (HST) Summer Institute

Fellowship Programs

• APSA Diversity Fellowship Program (APSA DFP)
• Emergent Behaviors of Integrated Cellular Systems Research Experience for Undergraduates (EBICS REU)
• Gates Millenium Scholars Program
• Leadership Alliance Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP)
• Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
• Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC)
• McNair Scholars Program
• Mellon Mays Minority Undergraduate Fellowship Program (MMUF)
• Morehouse College Dr. John H. Hopps Jr. Defense Research Scholars Program Hopps (HOPPS)
• National Association of African American Honors Programs (NAAAHP)
• Questbridge
• Ralph Bunche Summer Institute (RBSI)
• Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement Program (RISE)
• The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science (GEM)
• University of Baltimore Maryland County Meyerhoff Scholars Program
• Woods Hole Partnership Education Program

Events and Conferences

• ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing
• American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
• Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS)
• California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education
• Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM (ERN)
• FIU McNair Scholars Research Conference
• Georgia Tech Virtual Graduate Showcase
• Grace Hopper Celebration Conference
• Howard University Research Month
• Institute on Teaching and Mentoring (SREB)
• Ivy Plus Puerto Rico
• MC-STEMP Graduating Engineering Minorities (GEM) GRADLab
• National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE)
• National Organization of Minority Architects
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP)
• Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Spelman College Research Day
• The National GEM Consortium

Instructions for Dual Degree Applicants & Reapplicants

Lgo applicants.

The LGO program at MIT Sloan allows you to pursue two degrees from the MIT School of Engineering (SoE) and the MBA program at the MIT Sloan School of Management. To learn more about the LGO program and read about the application requirements please visit the LGO website .

LGO Applicants are automatically considered for LGO and MBA. You may not submit separate applications to LGO and MBA. If you are unsuccessful in gaining admission to LGO, you will still be considered for the MBA program.

Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Applicants

The MIT Sloan MBA program and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (HKS) offer a dual-degree program that can be completed in three years:

• One year in residence at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government
• A second year in residence at the MIT Sloan School of Management
• A third year with one semester at each school

Applicants who wish to pursue the dual degree option must receive:

• Concurrent admission to the MIT Sloan MBA program and the Harvard Kennedy School; and
• Permission from MIT Sloan to pursue the dual degree option in three years

Applicants intending to pursue the dual degree option with the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (HKS) should follow the MBA applicant instructions above. All applicants intending to apply for the dual degree program must be applying concurrently to HKS and MIT Sloan and submit their application to MIT Sloan in Round 2.

Concurrent applicants to MIT Sloan and HKS must notify MIT Sloan immediately if accepted into HKS so that we can review and approve you to pursue the dual degree program.

MIT Department of Urban Studies (DUSP) Applicants

This program allows students to pursue an MBA and a Master in City Planning (MCP) in three academic years.

• Concurrent admission to the MIT Sloan MBA program and DUSP; and

All applicants intending to apply for the dual degree program must be applying concurrently to DUSP and MIT Sloan and submit their application to MIT Sloan in Round 2.

Reapplicants

For applicants who applied for entry in a previous year, we require that you complete and submit a new and complete application. We strongly encourage you to submit new application materials and emphasize what has changed since you last applied. Reapplicants may submit their applications in any round, and will have an opportunity to highlight changes since their previous application in a short-answer question. LGO reapplicants must submit their applications by the LGO deadline. You can find more information in our FAQs .

The Interview Process

Interviews are by invitation only. They are a required step in the process. An invitation to interview signals that your application has reached an advanced stage of consideration, but it does not guarantee admission. Those invited to the interview will be asked to respond to two additional questions prior to the interview. Details for submitting your essay will be included in the interview invitation.

Interviews will be conducted virtually and will be scheduled in local Boston time. Please adjust your calendar to reflect the correct time if you are located outside of the Eastern Time Zone.

Interview Tips with Dawna Levenson, Assistant Dean of Admissions

In this video, Dawna Levenson, Assistant Dean of Admissions, walks you through the interview process and shares some tips to help you prepare.