U.S. News and World Report | Pepperdine Graziadio's Margo Bell, Senior Asst. Director of Admissions, Shares Tips For an Outstanding MBA Personal Statement

Writing a compelling and successful personal statement for an MBA application may feel overwhelming. The key to a promising personal statement is to write an authentic piece that shows evidence of resilience, introspection and initiative. Pepperdine Graziadio Business School is proud to train and develop values-centered leaders that act with integrity, have courage with compassion and lead with a pioneering spirit, regardless of the circumstances or if it’s the “right time.” Prospective MBA students must explain their reasons for applying and how their interests and values align with the school’s, as well as how the MBA will aid the individual in their career.

Margo Bell, senior assistant director of admission with Pepperdine Graziadio, shares that MBA essays are the influential factors in the MBA admissions process and the essays help the admissions committee gauge the compatibility of a prospective student with the culture and values of the institution. “As applicants begin to write their MBA applicant essays, it’s important for prospective students to share who they are as an individual. The essay allows MBA admission officers to get a better understanding of who you are, what you wish to accomplish and why you deserve to be accepted.” The application essay provides an opportunity to context for deficits in a prospective student’s admissions profile and share their academic, professional and personal journey up to that point. Read more.