University of California--Los Angeles (Anderson)Essay Topics 2011-2012

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Essays
We are interested in getting to know applicants on both a professional and personal level. We encourage you to be introspective, genuine, and succinct. Remember that we are more concerned with the content of your essays than their form or style.
All responses to essays must be on double-spaced pages that are uploaded in document form, except for the optional essays for first-time applicants, which may alternatively be submitted as an audio or video file instead. (Please note the word limits indicated in parentheses below.)
First-time applicants -- 2 required essays:

REQUIRED ESSAYS:
Please be introspective and authentic in your responses. Content is more important than style of delivery. We value the opportunity to learn about your life experiences, aspirations, and goals.
1. What event or life experience has had the greatest influence in shaping your character and why? (750 words)
2. Describe your short-term and long-term career goals. What is your motivation for pursuing an MBA now and how will UCLA Anderson help you to achieve your goals? (750 words)

OPTIONAL ESSAY:
The following essay is optional. No preference is given in the evaluation process to applicants who submit an optional essay.
1. Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? (250 words)

REAPPLICANT ESSAY QUESTIONS

REQUIRED ESSAY:
Reapplicants who applied for the entering Fall 2010 or 2011 class are required to complete the following essay. Please be introspective and authentic in your response. Content is more important than style of delivery. We value the opportunity to learn more about your aspirations and goals.
1. Please describe your career progress since you last applied and ways in which you have enhanced your candidacy. Include updates on short-term and long-term career goals, as well as your continued interest in UCLA Anderson. (750 words)

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Recommendations
Letters of Recommendation
You are required to provide two letters of recommendation from individuals who are well acquainted with your performance in a work setting. One of those letters should preferably be from a direct supervisor. Please do not submit more than two letters. If you have been working less than two years, you may include an academic recommendation in place of one that is work related. The title or position of the recommender is not important, but his or her ability to comment knowledgeably and specifically about you is vital. Letters from friends and co-workers are not appropriate.

If you are unable to ask your current supervisor for a letter of recommendation then you may ask another work-related source, such as a client or a manager from another department who knows your skills. You might consider asking a former boss who has left the company. We are looking for a recommendation from someone who knows your work well, preferably in a supervisory capacity.

Once you register your recommenders through the online application system, they will be sent a link via e-mail where they can complete their recommendations for you.

Please note that your online letters of recommendation must be received by 11:59 p.m., Pacific Time on the day of our deadline for the round in which you are applying along with all the other required documents. Any applications that are incomplete by the deadline (i.e., missing information) will be moved to the following round.

Letter of Recommendation Questions*
What is your relationship to the candidate and how long have you known him or her? How would you compare the candidate to others with similar responsibilities within the organization?
Comment on the candidate's career progression to date.
How would you describe his or her potential for professional growth and development?
Comment on the candidate's aptitude for strategic thinking, leadership, and/or management.
Describe how the candidate deals with challenges.
Is there anything else that you would like us to know about the candidate?
*Note: Questions listed above are for your reference only. Actual submission of letters of recommendation is done online, through the application system only.