The admissions committee at Carnegie Mellon University has released the prompt for this season’s Tepper MBA essay. The 2016-2017 CMU MBA application includes only one required question (down from two required essays last year) with a limit of 300-350 words and an additional optional essay should applicants have any additional information to convey that is not otherwise addressed in the application. Reapplicants are asked to respond to the optional essay as well.

Required Essay

Imagine that you meet up with a member of the admission committee at an airport while on a layover. You have an opportunity to make a memorable impression. Use this essay to introduce yourself. Include any information that you believe is important for the committee member to know about you both professionally and personally. (Maximum 300-350 words, 12-point font, double-spaced)

Optional Essay

• Use this essay to convey important information that you may not have been otherwise able to convey. This may include unexplained resume gaps, context for recommender selection, etc.
• If you are a re-applicant, explain how your candidacy has strengthened since your last application.

For more information, applicants can visit the Tepper MBA admissions website.