Washington University / Olin Business School MBA Essays & Analysis 2024-2025

The following essay topic analysis examines Washington University’s Olin Business School (WashU / Olin) MBA admissions essays for the 2024-2025 admissions season. You can also review essay topic analyses for other leading MBA programs as well as general Essay Tips to further aid you in developing your admissions essays.

Washington University / Olin Business School MBA Essays & Analysis 2024-2025

Extenuating Circumstances

If applicable, please use the space below to briefly describe any significant or extenuating circumstances you would like the Committee to consider in the review of your academic history.
This appears in the Academic History section of the application. There is no word limit. This section can be used to explain any issues, such as a sub-3.0 GPA, gaps in studies or even just clarifying transcripts that may be confusing, e.g. additional coursework, sourcing from multiple universities.

This is not a place to make excuses for any liabilities. Instead, clearly assert the issue and, if applicable, how you learned and grew from it. For example, you may not have much quant work to highlight in your undergrad studies, but you can then highlight how you have related skills based on your work or other sources. If you choose to submit a GMAT or GRE score, you may also be able to cite your success on the test as proof of your abilities, should your undergrad record prove lacking.

Essay 1

At WashU Olin, we recognize that our community is comprised of individuals who come to us from different pathways and perspectives. Similarly, each student’s journey during and after the program is unique. Please provide a Personal Statement that describes how your life experiences have shaped your decision to apply to graduate school and how you believe WashU Olin will help you achieve your long-term professional and personal goals. (Max 500 words)
A variation of the typical career goals essay, this question asks applicants to provide their history/perspective and connect their long-term professional goals to the Olin MBA.

This essay is followed by a short answer where you can define your immediate post-MBA career goals (function/industry/target companies); therefore, applicants should explain their long-term career goals and the broad impact they hope to have on their industry, community, country or region. Your description should also connect to the personal history you highlight, making it clear how your perspective or personal experience led you to this long-term vision. A brief career summary can also naturally lead to the gaps in your professional skill set that the Olin MBA would fill.

Of course, to craft a truly compelling essay, applicants must also display a strong and specific understanding of how Olin’s program would enable them to accomplish their goals. Taking the time to learn about the school’s curriculum, special programs and extracurricular activities—whether by seeking out alumni or current students to engage, or connecting with resources through the Olin website—will pay dividends here.

Short Answer

Please describe what your ideal career will be immediately following graduation from business school. (100 words)
Applicants should concisely describe their plans upon graduating from Olin, covering the particular role and responsibilities they are interested in. Name your target firms and skills that you hope to hone. Space permitting, you could lend meaning to your short-term plans by touching on how they support or naturally lead to your long-term goals. Also, be sure to research Olin’s career resources and make sure that your short-term goal is realistic.

Optional Essay

Is there anything else you would like to share? If so, please provide any additional information not previously addressed in the application that would help the Admissions Committee assess your candidacy. (250 words)
Consider these five questions before providing additional information (and extra reading) to the adcom. If you need to address glaring weaknesses or liabilities (as opposed to offering “bonus information” about one’s candidacy), keep responses brief and to-the-point. Offer explanations without making excuses and humbly bring mitigating factors to the reader’s attention. That said, it’s possible that there are other elements of one’s background that would be appropriate and not covered elsewhere, for example an anticipated promotion or an element of one’s identity not covered in the program’s data forms. While applicants should make an effort to fully represent their candidacies within the required elements of the application, this leaves a bit of room for short exceptions.

Clear Admit Resources

Before you start writing your responses to the Washington University / Olin essay topics, check out some of our Olin resources:

• Wash U / Olin Profile on the Clear Admit website: up-to-date advice and admissions information
• Clear Admit LiveWire: admissions updates submitted in real time by applicants to Olin
• Clear Admit DecisionWire: school selections in real-time by admits to Olin