oxford admissions essays

2023-2024 Oxford Saïd MBA Essay Tips and Example Essays

Aug 1, 2023

Who is Oxford Saïd looking for?
How should I answer the Oxford Saïd MBA essay questions?
Make Your Oxford Essays Shine
Oxford Saïd Deadlines

UPDATE : This article was originally posted on September 4, 2020. It has been updated with new information and tips below.

With its focus on ethical leadership and social impact, Oxford is at the top of the list for an increasing number of applicants who seek to pursue (or continue pursuing) a high-impact, global career.

However, with impressive recruiting statistics and its unique 1+1 MBA + Master’s program, the competition to join Oxford’s elite MBA is more difficult than ever.

That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you use your Oxford admissions essays to stand out. We’ve rounded up our best tips and links to Oxford Saïd MBA sample essays to ensure you give your Saïd application your best shot.

1. Who is Oxford Saïd looking for?

Source: @ oxfordsbs on Instagram

“Oxford University has a rich tradition of developing leaders. Our MBA programme builds on this legacy, providing you with a solid foundation in core business principles while developing a broadened mindset and understanding of the role of business in society.” Oxford Saïd Admissions

Every year, Oxford searches the globe (64 countries are represented in the Class of 2023) for outstanding professionals to join its annual class of 313 students. With a strong emphasis on diversity, there is no “typical” Oxford student, yet the average admitted student for the Class of 2023 had a 690 median GMAT score and five years of work experience .

Beyond the impressive statistics, though, Oxford is looking for candidates who want to make a positive impact on the world through their careers. That’s why, in addition to strong academic performance (demonstrated through the test scores and university grades), Oxford seeks candidates who possess the following qualities:

If this sounds like a community in which you’d be right at home, you’ll first have to prove you’ve got what it takes by successfully answering Oxford’s short admissions essay questions.

2. How should I answer the Oxford Saïd MBA essay questions?

Additionally, Oxford has numerous “hidden” responses about your goals when filling out your online application form. Our tips for answering these are also detailed below!

2.1. Essay 1 Tips

Tell us something that is not covered in your application which you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you. (Maximum 250 words)

For this short question, we recommend including at least one story to show off an aspect of your values, your profile, or your personality that the admissions committee has not seen in other parts of your application. This prompt is broad, so you’re free to choose elements from your personal and professional life.

We suggest you choose your most high-impact story or personal characteristic and meaningfully explain both what happened and what it taught you/how it shaped you. To help you structure your response, we suggest you use the STAR format when shaping your story.

To help you identify which stories would be best for this response, you must have a clear understanding of Oxford’s culture so you can demonstrate your “fit” with the school. Ask yourself, Which parts of Oxford’s culture do you identify with, and how do you see yourself putting those into practice during your MBA? How can you contribute to the Oxford community in a way no one else can? Check out this video that focuses on what Oxford students value most about the school community.

You can also consider other aspects of your profile and personal brand that you’ve already touched upon in other parts of your Oxford application – considering you will have a set of mini goals essays to answer within the online application form (more on these below).

Additionally, if you have space to add a bit about how you will connect it to your Oxford MBA experience, this can be a great conclusion.

For example, last year, our client Marcelo talked about how he was recruited to help his company solve a financial challenge at a branch in Angola and developed a solution, together with that country’s government, that not only solved the company’s financial issue but also provided a reliable food source for thousands of Angolans. He then wrote about his plan to share the challenges of performing business on an international scale and bringing discussions about global issues to the Oxford community.

TOP TIP: If you’re having trouble fitting all of this information into just 250 words, our team of editing experts can be your ace up the sleeve by helping you incorporate as much content as possible to show off your profile in this super short essay.

Need more guidance?

Our MBA Resource Center has dozens of Oxford MBA essays that worked to get our clients admitted to help you plan out a winning Oxford Saïd essay.

Our library also includes guides for all top global MBA programs, detailed essay brainstorms, interview tips and mocks, CV templates, and recommendation letter guides. Click to join !

2.2. 1+1 Essay Tips

If you are applying under the Oxford 1+1 scheme you also need to submit the following essay:

Explain why you see this as particularly beneficial for you and how it fits with your career and personal development aims. (Maximum 250 words)

For this question, we suggest a straightforward statement that includes why the additional degree is necessary to reach your goals and specific elements of the program that will support your growth both as a professional and as a person.

As such, you might want to start by creating a list of ways you want to grow personally and professionally at Oxford, then work to connect elements of the 1+1 program to demonstrate that the program clearly supports your development goals.

Since you have a short space here, you may want to limit yourself to 3-5 reasons. This will give you enough space to talk both about how and why you want to develop in a particular area and then state specific aspects of the 1+1 program that will help you grow in a way the MBA alone would not.

Writing a 250-word essay can be challenging, but we’ve prepared an in-depth post to help you maximize every word.

2.3. Optional Reapplicant Essay Tips

Re-applicants will need to submit an additional essay: What improvements have you made in your candidacy since you last applied to the Oxford MBA? (Maximum 250 words)

Here, make sure you clearly demonstrate how you have improved since your previous application. We have written extensively on the topic of reapplying to business school here .

2.4. Short Goal Essays Tips

Inside the application form, Oxford has also “hidden” many small essays about your goals. Though there is no stated word count for these, you want to be sure to be complete yet concise. Something in the range of 100-250 words should be adequate, in our opinion!

The topics and guidelines are below.

-Describe below your immediate plan after graduating from the MBA.

With this short answer question, Oxford essentially has asked you to write a very short version of a traditional MBA goals essay. Furthermore, they have deliberately been very clear about what they want here: short-term goals only .

TOP TIP: If you’re not sure what your goals are, check out this post designed to help you think through this critical component of your application!

When discussing your goals , clarity is king, so make sure you include a job title and industry in your description of your post-MBA aspiration.

After clearly stating your goal, you should dedicate a bit of space to discussing what motivates you to pursue these goals. Here, you may choose to include a bit of background information that is relevant to your career choice, but be careful not to include information that overlaps with the “How do you meet these requirements” question below.

Ending your essay with a killer conclusion sentence to leave your reader with a strong image of your profile is the perfect wrap-up.

-How does your preferred sector in your preferred location recruit MBA talent and what do they look for in a candidate? Describe the research you have done so far.

Here, research is the key to success.

As such, we recommend that you start by interviewing as many people as you can who are related in some way to your post-MBA industry. Since Oxford asks how recruitment works in your preferred location make sure to narrow your focus to include only your target geography .

You may want to consider speaking to the HR departments of companies you’d like to work for, speak to headhunters specialized in this area, and even talk to friends or colleagues who successfully recruited for your post-MBA role in the past.

Then, when writing your essay, give a description of how recruitment works in your sector in your preferred location and what they look for in a successful candidate . For the latter, make sure to cite things like specific required skills (such as an ability to use advanced analytics tools or fluent Spanish), personal characteristics, and degree/certifications.

Then, cite each of the steps you took to discover this information, mentioning the specific people and companies you spoke with and the insights they provided you.

To wrap up, you may want to close with a sentence on why, learning what you have learned, you are confident you will be successful in your own recruitment process. You’ll go into more detail below, so make sure to keep this brief.

-Reflecting on your answer above, how do you meet these requirements?

A little bit about your work history is essential for this essay, which gives context to your goals and proof that you have relevant experience related to your goals.

When discussing your career progress to date, keep in mind the information the admissions counselors already have. The goal here is not to list every achievement you’ve made (they probably see that on your resume), but to give brief, strong examples of an accomplished career, especially focusing on achievements that relate to your future goals.

For example, though you may have had a highly successful marketing internship, but have since forged a career in M&A, you may want to leave your marketing achievements out of your goals essay to focus on more relevant information.

Nonetheless, not everyone has a perfectly linear path where each step logically leads to the next. Your work history might look disjointed on paper, but the key is to emphasize growth and highlight your capabilities. All of this needs to add up to show that you have what it takes to achieve your post-MBA goals .

-What do you plan to do between now and starting your MBA to prepare and maximise your chances of success?

To answer this question, you must clearly demonstrate what you are doing or plan to do before your MBA to prepare yourself to reach the goals you stated above.

For example, last year, our client Bruno, who was planning to leave his MBB consulting job to open his own startup, spoke about how he was spending his secondment period at a startup to learn best practices, had signed up for numerous entrepreneurship conferences, and had joined several professional groups on fintech innovation. He then cited how each of these would help him be more successful as an entrepreneur after his MBA.

If you’re planning to switch industries, here make sure you also give a detailed description of the steps you’re taking before joining Saïd to enhance your skills and also cite your networking efforts. Showing you’ve connected with people in your target industry and area already building the network you’ll need to be successful will go a long way to reinforce you’re going to achieve your post-MBA goals.

Finally, if you plan to return to your current company ( whether sponsored or not ), show how you plan to continue evolving in your responsibilities and preparing yourself to take the next step up the career ladder.

-Should you not be successful in securing your first choice of role, what is your alternative?

It’s always good to have a backup plan, especially considering the tough economic realities present in many places in the world these days. For your Plan B, make sure it relates in some way to your “official” goal so as not to undermine your goals statements.

For example, if your goal is to work in private equity, but your plan B is to start an eco-travel company, the admissions committee is going to wonder just how committed you were to those original goals in the first place.

However, a job that allows you to achieve the same impact, just in a different format, would be ideal.

For example, if you want to work in a biotechnology startup to learn best practices and shape health care, a good backup might be working in a more established biotechnology firm and later making the jump to an earlier-stage venture.

2.5. Video Essay Tips

Online assessment: You will need to complete five questions via our online assessment platform.

To virtually meet you, get a sense of your personality and see how you think on your feet, you will need to complete an online assessment as part of your application:

– Two motivation-based questions – all candidates will answer the same questions

– Two competency-based questions – these will be randomised

– Written response – this will be randomised and light-hearted to show us how you can think on your feet!

The motivation-based questions give you the opportunity to demonstrate your motivations for undertaking an MBA and why the Oxford MBA is the right programme for you. The competency-based questions let you demonstrate the skills and qualities we look for, such as decision-making, problem-solving, influence, leadership, and strong communication skills.

Once you have submitted your application for either the Oxford MBA or Oxford 1+1 MBA you will see a link in your application status portal. This will enable you to register with Kira Talent, our online assessment platform, and complete your assessment. This link will appear up to 24 hours after submitting your application, therefore we strongly encourage you to leave yourself enough time to practice and complete the online assessment by the deadline in which you are applying.

You will be provided with preparation time and practice sessions before going live with your real responses. The whole online assessment should only take up to 30 minutes for you to complete. All you need is a desktop or laptop computer with a functioning webcam, microphone and internet connection.

In addition to the written essays, you will be required to complete a set of video essays for your application to be considered complete.

We have prepared an extensive guide on this component of the application, which you can access here !

Looking for Oxford Saïd MBA essay examples?

Check out our real sample essays that got our clients admitted here .

3. Make Your Oxford Essays Shine

One of the most common mistakes we see in MBA essays is that candidates fail to tell compelling stories . This is important because if your stories are not compelling, they will not be persuasive. At the same time, they must be backed by strong examples that establish a track record of success and prove to the admissions committees why you belong at their school.

Striking this balance between content and creativity can be tough, however, as succeeding means not only choosing the right stories but ensuring they are told in an optimal manner.

This is why our iterative developmental feedback process here at Ellin Lolis Consulting helps you mold your message through the application of our storytelling expertise until it reflects exactly what makes your profile stand out and show fit with your target program.

Not only can you take advantage of our iterative feedback process through multiple edits – you can also benefit from it after a single review! If your budget is tight, our editors will be happy to help polish your text as much as possible and leave “bonus comments” so you can keep working on it on your own!

No matter how long we work with you, we will always ensure your essays shine . Sign up to work with our team of storytelling experts and get accepted.

4. Oxford Saïd Deadlines

Here are the deadlines for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. You can access the online application here .

Oxford has not yet released their deadlines for this year. You can keep track of updates here .

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How to write an Oxford application essay

Hello hello!

Not sure how many future Wellesley’s plan on applying to study abroad at Oxford (and the OIS already has great resources for this); thought I’d share my essays and how I structured/thought about them.

When you apply for Oxford, at least for the visiting program, you can apply for two out of the thirty-something colleges that make up the University. Granted, Wellesley only allows us to choose from seven or so of those thirty plus colleges, but that’s still plenty to choose from.

How I chose which two colleges to apply for: Arbitrarily. I literally googled “Oxford University Mountaineering Club” (because I knew I would want to get heavily involved with that club) and looked a the two climbing wall locations. Mansfield and St. Edmund were the two closest to these locations, ha.

Other specifications included: had to teach Economics, since that’s what I’m studying, and had to be a full year (I didn’t want any one-semester silliness–if I’m going to go to Oxford, I’m going to get the full experience!) and finally, I literally calculated the percentage of each college that is made up of visiting students and I think Mansfield and St. Edmund were pretty high; i.e. my chances of getting in were best there.

Okay so onto the essay structuring itself: First paragraph is basically “Why Oxford”

Oh and by the way, here’s what the essay prompt was. That’s kind of important:

“A personal statement which provides a brief account of your studies to date in your present university and an account of how a year of study at Mansfield College would fit into your educational plans. Your personal statement should also include a detailed description of the main subjects you would like to study as well as a description of the course work you have completed in the subject(s) at your home college or university.”

Okay first paragraph: “Why Oxford”

I am drawn to Oxford, and Mansfield College specifically, for a number of reasons. Oxford’s tutorial program requires a combination of dedication, hard work, and independence that I believe would challenge and enhance my intellectual ability, and is also a challenge I am excited to take on and am well prepared for. Oxford also has the geographic environment I am looking for, which is a place of natural beauty and greenery, with a large city easily accessible but not too close by (very similar to Wellesley). Mansfield College, specifically, offers courses in subjects I hope to pursue at Oxford, namely Economics and Management, and in which I already have demonstrated interest. Finally, being an avid rock climber, I have thoroughly researched Oxford’s Mountaineering Club, and Mansfield College is particularly close to both the Iffley Bouldering Wall and the Brookes Climbing Wall, two main locations for the OUMC.

Second paragraph is “why me/why I’m a good fit/why I can handle the program”:

The reason I say I am well prepared for Oxford’s tutorial program is because I am well acquainted with challenging, independent work, as well as heavily writing-based daily routines. The MIT Sloan School of Management course I took this semester, Power and Negotiation, was writing-intensive, met once a week, and was very much a self-learning process. I have also been developing my writing skills since age ten, when I began keeping a journal, and am now one of five weekly bloggers for the Wellesley Admissions Office. I am highly interested in improving my writing and independent work skills, and believe Oxford’s tutorial program perfectly aligns with those interests.

Paragraph three is “what courses I plan on taking (since they want to know) AND WHY and what courses I have already taken”:

Specifically, I plan to take Economics and Management courses at Mansfield, with the addition of one Human Sciences course. My previous coursework in Calculus, Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, Statistics, and Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis have prepared me well for the Economics courses I plan to take at Mansfield, which are Economics of Developing Countries, Labour Economics and Industrial Relations, and Command and Transitional Economies. I am drawn to these specific primary tutorials because I am highly interested in the macro economy. I read the Wall Street Journal daily and follow the international impact of economic policies made not only in the U.S., but also in China, Japan, and the European Union. My previous coursework in Power and Negotiation introduced me to art of managing difficult interactions and developed my desire to take Strategic Management, Organisational Analysis, Behaviour and Leadership, and Behaviour and its Evolution: Animal and Human at Mansfield. Having held multiple leadership roles since high school and with plans to work in finance after graduation, I desire to enhance my interpersonal and management skills.

A quick note here: I don’t read the WSJ anymore. I was just reading it a lot at the time of this application because I was preparing for banking interviews for summer internships. So don’t feel like you have to be someone who reads a lot of publications all the time. It’s okay to stretch the truth.

Paragraph four is “conclusion and what other cultural aspects (of Oxford, or the UK in general) I find unique/I will look forward to experiencing”

Given my experience in writing-intensive and independent work, my demonstrated interest in Economics and Management, and my passion for climbing, I feel I am a particularly good fit for a year abroad at Mansfield College. In addition, I plan to take full advantage of the social and traditional events at Oxford, including the formal dinners and lectures. This winter break, I will be backpacking through Asia, and during my term breaks at Oxford, I hope to backpack through both the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. Having demonstrated my ability to withstand a rigorous academic workload by taking challenging courses and maintaining very good grades at Wellesley, while participating in time-consuming extracurricular activities, I believe Oxford will supplement very well the educational experience I’ve established for myself at Wellesley. It would be a pleasure and a privilege to spend a year abroad at Mansfield College.

Voila! There’s an essay. One page, size 12, Times New Roman, single spaced, normal margins.

Below is my St. Edmund essay, slightly tweaked to personalize it to the school, but otherwise the same.

Hope this will be helpful to future Wellesley-Oxford-hopefuls!

Cheers and have a great rest of the week,

I am drawn to Oxford, and St. Edmund Hall specifically, for a number of reasons. The Oxford tutorial program requires a combination of dedication, hard work, and independence that I believe would challenge and enhance my intellectual ability, and is also a challenge I am excited to take on and am well prepared for. Oxford has the geographic environment I am looking for, which is a place of natural beauty and greenery, with a large city easily accessible but not too close by (very similar to Wellesley). St. Edmund Hall, specifically, offers courses in subjects I hope to pursue at Oxford, namely Economics and Management, and in which I have already demonstrated an interest. Finally, being an avid rock climber, I have thoroughly researched Oxford’s Mountaineering Club, and St. Edmund Hall is particularly close to both the Iffley Bouldering Wall and the Brookes Climbing Wall, two main locations for the OUMC.

In addition, I am drawn to both St. Edmund Hall’s recent partnership with the Oxford Chinese Economy Programme and the launch of the China Growth Centre in 2009. I am highly interested in China’s economy, as demonstrated by my History of Chinese Commerce and Business course this semester and my close reading of the Wall Street Journal (which has proven especially interesting lately considering the decisions of the People’s Bank of China to decrease benchmark rates.) Both the OXCEP and the CGC will allow me to pursue my growing interest in the Chinese economy while I’m abroad.

Finally, one of my extracurricular passions, rock climbing, will be thoroughly fulfilled if I am to attend Oxford, and St. Edmund Hall specifically. The OUMC is extensive, active, and very well equipped with resources. I am currently pioneering the founding of a climbing team at Wellesley, and have already networked with various climbing gyms, Wellesley administrators, and climbing equipment brands—one of which has already agreed to sponsor our fledgling team! St. Edmund Hall has a prime location (compared to the other colleges Wellesley has programs with) in relation to OUMC facilities. I would be honored to climb, compete, and go on trips with OUMC members, as well as learn from club leaders how to successfully lead the club.

Given my experience in writing-intensive and independent work, my demonstrated interest in Economics and Management, and my passion for climbing, I feel I am a particularly good fit for a year abroad at St. Edmund Hall. In addition, I plan to take full advantage of the social and traditional events at Oxford, including the formal dinners and lectures. This winter break, I will be backpacking through Asia, and during my term breaks at Oxford, I hope to backpack through both the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. Having demonstrated my ability to withstand a rigorous academic workload by taking challenging courses and maintaining very good grades at Wellesley, while participating in time-consuming extracurricular activities, I believe Oxford will supplement very well the educational experience I’ve established for myself at Wellesley. It would be a pleasure and a privilege to spend a year abroad at St. Edmund Hall.

Application requirements

Applications for the Oxford MBA class of 2025-26 will open in early August.

Find out everything you'll need to prepare to submit a complete and competitive application.

Work experience

Relevant experience.

You should have at least two years of full-time work experience, detailed on a one page CV . We look for evidence of career progression and international exposure, as well as being able to show leadership potential. We do not look for experience in a specific sector.

Career plan

You will be asked to detail your post-MBA career plans and demonstrate how the programme will equip you with the skills to reach these goals. By indicating a clear view of your professional development, you will show us that you understand the strengths of your professional experience, have researched your future professional goals, and how an MBA will bridge the gap between the two.

Undergraduate degree

You will be asked to upload all your university degree academic transcripts/mark-sheets to the online application form.

All applicants are required to have completed a recognised undergraduate degree. As evidence, you will be asked to upload all your university degree academic transcripts/mark-sheets to the online application form. These must outline the subjects studied or grades obtained from each academic year.

If your original transcripts are not in English you must also supply an official translation.

GMAT or GRE score

We look for a high level of quantitative and analytical skills evidenced by your GMAT or GRE results.

We accept valid scores for both the original GMAT and GMAT Focus Edition. We don't ask for a minimum score, but GMAT scores of 650 or above are considered competitive. Our current class has a median GMAT score of 690.

All sections of the GMAT must be taken in order to be considered valid
Official online scores must be accessible by our admissions department for your application to be considered complete. For GMAC to release your official scores to Saïd Business School, please give your test centre the following code: Q0G-4B-59
GMAT scores are not valid if they are older than five years on the application deadline date
Contact GMAC directly to arrange to take the test

A GRE verbal score of 160 and a quantitative score of 160 is considered competitive, however we do accept all scores. Our current class has a median of 160 (verbal) and 160 (quantitative).

All sections of the GRE must be taken in order to be considered valid
Official online scores must be accessible by our admissions department for your application to be considered complete. For ETS to release your official scores to Saïd Business School, please give your test centre the following institution code: 0807
GRE scores are not valid if they are older than five years on the application deadline date
Contact ETS directly to arrange to take the test

Please note you must submit either a GMAT or GRE score result with your application, regardless of your previous work experience, studies, or qualifications. Further detail can be found on our FAQs page.

Written work

As part of your application, you will need to submit a supporting statement

Tell us something that is not covered in your application which you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you. (Maximum 250 words)

If you are applying under the Oxford 1+1 MBA scheme you also need to submit the following essay:

Explain why you see this as particularly beneficial for you and how it fits with your career and personal development aims. (Maximum 250 words)

Re-applicants will need to submit an additional essay as below:

What improvements have you made in your candidacy since you last applied to the Oxford MBA? (Maximum 250 words)

When reviewing your essays, the admissions committee will be looking for evidence of the following: good communication skills, leadership potential, analytical skills, fit with the Oxford MBA community, among other characteristics.

Online assessment

You will need to complete four questions via our online assessment platform.

To virtually meet you, get a sense of your personality and see how you think on your feet, you will need to complete an online assessment as part of your application:

Two motivation-based questions - all candidates will answer the same questions
One competency-based questions - this will be randomised
Written response - this will be randomised and light-hearted to show us how you can think on your feet!

The motivation-based questions give you the opportunity to demonstrate your motivations for undertaking an MBA and why the Oxford MBA is the right programme for you.

The competency-based question lets you demonstrate the skills and qualities we look for, such as decision-making, problem-solving, influence, leadership and strong communication skills.

We require two professional or academic references.

Using the online application form you will need to submit two references, preferably from professional referees. Once your referee details are input into the form, your referee will receive an automatic email from the School with details on how to complete the online reference form. Please note we can only accept references from a valid work/professional/institutional email address and not from Gmail/Hotmail accounts.

English language capability

You will need to prove your English language capability through one of the below means if you are a national of a non-majority English speaking country (listed below) as defined by the UK Visas & Immigration Office*.

A TOEFL score

Test of English as a Foreign Language® is a standardised test to measure the English language ability of non-native speakers wishing to enrol in English-speaking universities. The institution code for ordering your official TOEFL score sheet from ETS is 0807. There is no department code, this can be left blank. TOEFL scores are only valid if they have been taken less than two years prior to the start date of the course for which you are applying.

Minimum Score: 110
Minimum required on each component: Listening - 22; Reading - 24; Writing - 24; Speaking - 25

An IELTS score

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS™, is an international standardised test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. If you choose to take the IELTS you need to sit the academic test. IELTS scores are only valid if they have been taken less than two years prior the start date of the course for which you are applying.

Minimum Score: 7.5
Minimum required on each component: 7.0

Cambridge Certificate (C1 Advanced)

The C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced or CAE) is an international standardised test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. We will only accept scores that have been taken less than two years prior to the start date of the course for which you are applying. If admitted you will be asked to supply an official copy of the certificate.

Minimum score: 191
Minimum required on each component: 185

Cambridge Certificate (C2 Proficiency)

The C2 Proficiency (formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency or CPE) is an international standardised test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. We will only accept scores that have been taken less than two years prior to the start date of the course for which you are applying. If admitted you will be asked to supply an official copy of the certificate.

Minimum Score: 191

*UK Visas & Immigration office English speaking country list

Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, USA, UK.

English language wavier

At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, the requirement to provide English language test scores may be waived. You can apply for a waiver if you have completed, or are currently completing one of the following:

A degree-level course that is:

at least nine months in duration
undertaken at a recognised institution where teaching and assessment throughout the course is undertaken entirely in English; and
has been completed within 2 years of the start date of the course to which you are applying.

You can also apply for a waiver based on substantial professional experience if:

you have worked for a minimum of two years in a majority English speaking country where the main language for the role was English
your role involved daily professional use of each of the four language components (reading, writing, listening, and speaking)
you worked in an appropriately technical context to demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in an academic environment; and
your role has ended no more than two years before the start date of the course to which you are applying.

If you meet either criteria based on your previous education or your professional experience, you will need to indicate this by answering yes or no to the English Language waiver questions on the 'English Ability' tab on your application form. If you choose the professional experience option, you will need to summarise your role and use of English to enable the assessors to judge whether it meets the criteria.

Application form and fee

Please ensure you have all the above requirements before submitting your application form.

Please ensure your application is complete and that your £150 application fee has been paid upon submission.

The admissions committee can only consider a candidate once all supporting documentation has been received. We conduct spot checks on a regular basis to ensure the authenticity of applicants' references, work experience and academic background. We also reserve the right to ask for supporting evidence if necessary.

Personal Statements for Further Study

A personal statement is your chance to explain your motivation for applying and why you are a great candidate for the course..

Guidelines given vary from the simple “Provide evidence in support of your application” to the more common “Tell us why you are interested in the course to which you have applied. Describe your academic interests and reasons for applying to XXX”. For some courses there may be a much more prescriptive and structured approach, requiring you to write a series of shorter responses to specific questions relating to your motivation, experience and suitability for the course. You may also come across some institutions that ask you to reflect on how you might add to the diversity of a cohort should your application be successful.

If you are applying to more than one university, each statement will need a different emphasis – do not use the same statement for all applications.

In your statement, you should demonstrate:

Motivation, enthusiasm, and a clear understanding of why you are making the application to this particular course, and to this particular institution.
How your academic background and other experiences have shaped your decision to apply and how the course contributes to your plans for the future.
Evidence that you have the ability, experience, skills and motivation to successfully contribute to the course, and to complete it.

Structure and Content

The opening paragraph sets the framework for the rest of the statement, think of it as your ‘trailer’. This is where you can grab the reader’s attention or lose it… You might start with a powerful anecdote, a brief narrative of your initial inspiration, or a thought-provoking statement linked to your academic interests.

Within the main body of the essay you should aim to cover:

Why you want to study this topic or field

Is it a natural extension of your current interests? How did you become interested in this area? Why does it continue to fascinate you? What have you done within your degree or outside of your study to fuel this interest? Would the course provide a step towards a longer-term goal?

Why you have chosen this specific course and institution

Are there particular options or modules that interest you? Is there particular expertise in that department? Has access to specific resources such as museum collections, libraries or laboratory equipment been a factor? Has the reputation (through recommendations or other means) of the course inspired you? Are you attracted by opportunities for collaboration or work placements? Have you attended any Open Days or other visits?

How your experience equips you for the course

Consider the subjects you studied at undergraduate level; your relevant skills (technical, language, computing, research methods); independent study or research; prior (relevant) experience; academic awards and other achievements. The focus here is likely to be on your academic suitability for the course, but if you have relevant work experience or extra-curricular activities that provide further evidence of your interest or ability then include them too. Your non-academic achievements might also provide evidence of project management, resilience, effective communication and so on.

Where the course might lead you

You don’t need to have a detailed career plan, but you do need to show how this course fits in with your general aspirations. Are you intending to continue on to a PhD? Do you have a broad interest in contributing to a particular issue or field, e.g. social enterprise, public policy, human rights, sustainability? Or do you have a more specific goal in mind? How will your chosen course help you to achieve your goals?

Closing paragraph

Use your closing paragraph to summarise your application, return to any themes you introduced at the beginning, and to restate your enthusiasm for the course.

Practical Advice

Writing effective personal statements takes time. Expect to go through several drafts and ask tutors, peers, careers advisers and others to review your statement before you submit it.
Good English, grammar and spelling are essential. Avoid jargon and make sure it can be understood by non-experts.
Keep the tone positive, fresh and lively in order to convey enthusiasm and make yourself stand out, but remember that this is a document introducing you in a professional capacity.
It’s a good idea to mention relevant individuals whose work has truly inspired you, but avoid name-dropping for the sake of it, and excessive and evidence-free flattery of the institution or the course.
If you refer to any papers or books then reference these correctly in a bibliography at the end of the statement.
Pay attention to any word limits. If none are stated then aim for no more than two sides of A4 or 1000-1500 words.
It is usually possible to apply for multiple courses at a single institution. Many (including Oxford) will require you to complete a separate application form for each course that you wish to apply for.

Research Proposals

For many PhD and some research Masters applications the personal statement is often accompanied by a research proposal – a document that sets out your research interests and proposed area of study. The detail required in this section varies hugely for different disciplines. For some science subjects it may simply be a list, in order of preference, of the named PhD projects you wish to be considered for. However, for most areas – and especially in the arts, humanities and social sciences – you will need to devote a considerable amount of time to developing your ideas, discussing them with potential supervisors and writing a proposal. Your academic tutors should be able to give you some guidance on writing research proposals, and there is some useful advice from Vitae and from Find a PhD .

Admission Essays for US Graduate Schools

The information in this handout applies also to applications to American universities. However, there are subtle differences in the style and approach to essays aimed at the US context. A statement written for the US is likely to feel more personal; think of it as your academic biography – setting out your inspiration for the academic path you have followed in the past, the present and into the future. The Careers Service runs a workshop on US applications early each Michaelmas Term. The Fulbright Educational Advisory Service also publishes guidelines on completing US applications. US university career services often provide useful advice on writing graduate school admissions essays. See for example: MIT graduate school essay advice , UC Berkeley advice on writing graduate admissions statements , UNC application essay advice and Yale advice on writing personal statements for graduate school.

Teacher Training Applications

The personal statement for postgraduate teacher training is the key part of your application. The question is quite prescriptive, and your focus should be on your motivation for becoming a teacher: particularly how your teaching and other experiences have contributed. Ideally you should also set out how these have helped you to understand the role, and the sort of teacher you aspire to be. The Careers Service runs a workshop on careers in teaching each Michaelmas Term, which includes advice about the application process. For more information, see the Careers Service information on Teaching in Schools .

Graduate Entry Medicine

Applications to graduate entry medicine courses are submitted via UCAS and include a personal statement. Much of the advice in this document also applies to medicine applications, but you are likely to need to place considerable emphasis on the relevant work experience you have gained prior to your application.

See Careers Service's information on Medicine as a Second Degree for further information.

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Tips for your Oxford Saïd Application Essays

August 8, 2022

Sophie Hilaire

Oxford Saïd Application Essay Tips, 2022-2023

Oxford Saïd Business School takes pride in being part of a “world-class university, tackling world-class problems.” The school attracts a diverse student body that comes from all areas of life and is motivated to drive change and turn ideas into action. The program’s main 250-word essay is a great way to showcase a personal aspect of your candidacy. In your written work, Oxford will be looking for evidence of good communication skills, leadership potential, analytical skills, and fit with its very international MBA community.

Essay 1: Tell us something that is not covered in your application which you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you. (Maximum 250 words)

This essay prompt gives you the flexibility to cover any topic, but being specific and concise will be key to crafting an effective response. We suggest you pick a maximum of one or two examples. If you have any gaps or weaknesses in your profile that need to be clarified, you can address those, but add a positive spin by highlighting what actions you have taken to address the shortcomings. For example, if you had a low GPA in college as a result of extenuating circumstances, perhaps you took additional quantitative courses to demonstrate your ability to handle the intense MBA coursework.

You can also consider sharing a story about a personal achievement, a leadership experience, a volunteer opportunity, an extracurricular activity at work, or a hobby. Provide details about your role, what result you achieved or impact you had, and what you learned from the experience. Depending on the topic—and if space permits—you can try working in how you could continue the activity while contributing to the Oxford community.

Given the global nature of the program, this essay would be a great place to talk about any international experiences or cross-cultural exposure you have had, whether through a project at work or while growing up. Share details about what the experience taught you and how it contributed to your growth and development or to your understanding of different cultures.

1+1 Applicant Essay: Explain why you see this as particularly beneficial for you and how it fits with your career and personal development aims. (Maximum 250 words)

The Oxford 1+1 MBA program provides an excellent opportunity for specialized individuals to complete a one-year master’s degree from selected Oxford University departments, followed by a one-year MBA. In this essay, passionately share how you’ll practically apply a comprehensive understanding of business to your chosen discipline to create wide-reaching impact.

Be sure to illustrate the synergies you anticipate from accessing Oxford’s resources throughout both years. You might wish to highlight the strong networking opportunities you’ll access, including other MBA students, international alumni, prominent academics, and expert practitioners.

Overall, make the admissions committee confident that you are clear on your plans and will make them proud upon graduation. Don’t repeat any content from Essay 1; ensure that you are maximizing the tight word count by sharing only complementary information.

Reapplicant Essay: What improvements have you made in your candidacy since you last applied to the Oxford MBA? (Maximum 250 words)

As a reapplicant, you should provide specific examples of how you have strengthened your profile from the previous time you applied, whether you have taken on additional responsibilities at work, earned a promotion, improved your test score(s), learned a new skill, or picked up a new activity that has helped you grow. Be sure to express your continued interest in the Oxford MBA program by sharing any steps you have taken to learn more about the school and its community.

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July 31, 2022

Oxford Saïd MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2022 – 2023]

Oxford lets your resume, recommendations, application form, and transcript(s) speak for themselves. The one required MBA essay question indicates that the adcom wants a glimpse of you beyond these core elements. It seems like a simple question – but there is a little twist in it that amplifies its importance in the application and its connection between you and the admissions readers. Also realize that the adcom learns about you from this essay not just through the details of the topic you present but also through your decision to use that topic. That decision reflects your values, your understanding of fit with Oxford , and your overall perspective.

Oxford Saïd 2022-23 MBA application essay

Tell us something that is not covered in your application which you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you. (Maximum 250 words)

While the “something” will be the topic of the essay, the real heart of this essay question lies in the phrase “which you would like the Admissions Committee to know.” It almost posits a dialogue between you and the adcom; it sets up a relationship, a dialogue. It’s personal; they’re talking to YOU. Reading the spirit as well as the literal meaning of these words, you can infer that the adcom is looking for a story or a message that gets to the essence of who you are in some way.

Therefore, don’t try to find the most dramatic or exotic topic possible; this essay doesn’t have to shout. Rather, it should incisively reveal a fresh dimension of you – one that is relevant to the application and that will add to the Oxford Saïd community.

That leaves a lot of room for topic choice. I suggest committing to one topic and discussing it in as much depth as is possible in 250 words. Make this single essay vivid and memorable by basing it on your actual experience, which gives the adcom not just information about you but also your unique perspective on an aspect of your life.

As for topic, be strategic in selecting one that is relevant, will engage the Oxford adcom, and enhances your fit for Oxford Saïd.

Oxford Saïd at a glance

Saïd median GMAT score: 690

Saïd class size: 350

94% of the Saïd MBA class are international students.

Check out the Business School Selectivity Index for more stats about top b-schools.

Has this blog post helped you feel more confident about approaching your Oxford Saïd application? We hope so. It’s our mission to help smart, talented applicants like you gain acceptance to your dream schools. With so much at stake, why not hire a consultant whose expertise and personalized guidance can help you make your dream come true? We have several flexible consulting options— click here to get started today!

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Oxford Saïd 2022-2023 MBA application deadlines

Stage 1	Wednesday, 31 August 2022
Stage 2	Wednesday, 12 October 2022
Stage 3	Wednesday, 4 January 2023
Stage 4	Wednesday, 22 March 2023

Source: Oxford Saïd website

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Tuesday Tips: Oxford MBA Application Essay Tips for 2023-2024

Are you currently working on your Oxford MBA application? The highly ranked one-year Saïd at Oxford MBA program exposes students to an international, diverse network at a world-class institution. For that reason, Oxford seeks engaged students and mature leaders with extensive work experience.

In addition to attending virtual information sessions and visiting the school, a great way to learn about the Oxford MBA is by reading student blogs . You’ll notice that there is a strong culture of improving the world. In fact, this emphasis on making the world a better place comes through clearly in this set of Oxford MBA application essays. Conveying your deeper purpose is a core motivator for a successful applicant.

Above all, Oxford states, “the admissions committee will be looking for evidence of the following: good communication skills, leadership potential, analytical skills, fit with the Oxford MBA community.”

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The Oxford MBA Application

Supporting statement: tell us something that is not covered in your application which you would like the admissions committee to know about you. (maximum 250 words).

This Oxford MBA application essay is open-ended. Therefore, it allows you to cover almost any topic that you think needs more clarification. Perhaps you want to describe something about your personal background. On the other hand, you might want to describe a leadership role in a volunteer role.

In addition, it’s possible to use this essay to further emphasize your career goals. Consider sharing information about your international experience if applicable. Oxford is looking for maturity, leadership, and diversity in applicants. Accordingly, this essay is an opportunity to show these qualities.

Once you have chosen a topic for this Oxford MBA application essay, you will want to explain yourself clearly. With only 250 words, you should make sure to use precise language and examples. Specific examples will help the admissions committee understand you better. For example, you might describe a volunteer accomplishment. To do so, describe who was there, what you accomplished, and how you felt about it.

If you are applying under the Oxford 1+1 MBA scheme, you also need to submit the following essay:

Explain why you see this as particularly beneficial for you and how it fits with your career and personal development aims. (Maximum 250 words)

The Oxford 1+1 MBA provides a unique experience. You can study business for one year and spend the other year studying topics from African Studies to Water Science, Policy, and Management.

Successful applicants will show why they have a good reason to study both. Consider your career goals and how a well-rounded course may help you. In addition, focus on long-term goals and consider how deep knowledge in a master’s topic could provide perspective.

This Oxford MBA application essay is asking “Why 1+1,” and you will need a clear answer. Therefore, extensive program research will help you answer the question thoroughly. To conduct your research, consider contacting current or former students, as well as alumni or faculty. Make sure you have well-researched questions to ask of them and focus on your interests and goals.

Re-applicants will need to submit an additional essay as below:

What improvements have you made in your candidacy since you last applied to the Oxford MBA? (Maximum 250 words)

It’s easy to answer questions like this one when you have improved scores. However, even if your improvements are less tangible, this essay allows you to express them.

First, consider what you have learned since you last applied. Second, think about any advancements at work. Third, review your outside activities for any leadership experiences. Once you have reviewed the recent developments, describe them briefly in this essay. Finally, make sure to explain why you are a stronger candidate.

To learn more about the Oxford MBA application process, visit the Oxford Saïd website .

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Admission Tests: Essay Sections

Admissions tests: essay sections.

Most admissions tests are made up of several different components and many will involve essays or an essay-based section. This resource breaks down each Oxford and Cambridge Admission Test that includes an essay element, and gives our Oxbridge graduate tutors’ advice on how best to approach it.

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ELAT (English / Oxford and Cambridge)

Essay Format The ELAT gives you a choice of six texts (prose or poetry) and asks you to consider two or three of the different extracts, comparing and contrasting them.

Approach When approaching the ELAT, a good starting point is to focus on specific literary devices. Try thinking about the imagery and language, as well as the rhetorical devices being used. Make sure, however, that if you’re using literary terminology you know exactly what it means and are sure that what you’re discussing is an accurate example, and always back up your definition with an explanation of why it has been used and the effect it’s having. When comparing the passages, think about how they differ or are similar. Think about this not just in terms of the content, but also the form, structure, syntax, and style of the writers so as to give a comprehensive analysis of the text from all angles. In this test you are being assessed on your ability to analyse as well as your depth of analysis. You will also be required to demonstrate an eloquent writing style.

‘Many students are under the impression that picking three texts to compare and contrast rather than two may give them the advantage. The ELAT is all about close analysis, so the more detail you go into during the test, the stronger your essay will be. Thus, it would be unwise to bring in other texts if you don’t feel it is vital. Talking about outside texts may give the impression that you are avoiding the close analysis.
Make sure that you divide your concentration evenly over the sources. If you write on two texts, make sure that you spend half your time on each of the texts. This is a compare and contrast exercise, so this is important. Practice poems can easily found online, however support from teachers can be invaluable when locating examples of prose and plays, as thematically-similar extracts can be hard to find. Similarly, matching extracts with common themes can also be a useful practice tool in itself.
You should try to structure your argument thematically. Not only should you avoid talking about texts separately, but you should also avoid talking about form, language and style separately: use themes and ideas to integrate these points in each paragraph, talking about both extracts in each.
The ELAT shows students’ close analysis technique, which will underpin English courses at Oxford and Cambridge. At Cambridge, one of the modules, ‘practical criticism’, is virtually identical to this Admissions Test, and carries throughout the three years.’

CLT/LNAT (Law / Cambridge and Oxford)

Essay Format In both the Cambridge Law Test and the National Law Admissions Test, you are required to write one essay in the space of one hour. These tests are designed to assess how well you can structure and make a convincing argument. The assessors want to see if you have the ability to weigh up both sides of an argument and make a persuasive case for one side or the other.

Approach It’s important to remember here that examiners aren’t particularly interested in which side of the argument you take, as they are not assessing interpretation. Lots of students argue opposing sides of the argument, but still come out with equally strong marks. The test also does not require you to have knowledge of law terminology or any other subject for that matter, as it is first an foremost an exercise in essay writing and argument making. Make sure that you are up to date on current affairs to help inform your argument, brush up on your writing skills and eloquence, and always double check your grammar. Before writing your answer, make sure that you have read the question properly and be sure not to rush into writing straight away. Think about how you’re planning to back up your arguments, and create a small written plan or at least a mental draft of how each point will flow into the next.

To be able to understand the abstract issues which underlie the question.
To be able to recognise the tension between the values expressed in the question. The question will most likely present controversial and complex ideas, and students should make sure that they do not underestimate their complexity.
To be able to argue clearly and concisely, writing in paragraphs that include an initial point, and then defend the point throughout the rest of the paragraph.
You may want to inform your arguments by bringing in examples, for instance if the question talks about liberty, you may wish to talk about recent terror attacks. If you cannot think of any relevant real examples, you can also use hypothetical examples.
Try to avoid preamble. You must remember to write an essay, rather than a speech, so don’t use rhetorical devices like adjectives and adverbs. Contrary to popular opinion, you can use the word ‘I’, however avoid phrases like ‘I think’ or ‘in my opinion’. It is best to use ‘I’ in the context of ‘I will conclude’, ‘I agree’ or ‘I will argue’.
In Oxford, studying Law Jurisprudence, you will write an essay a week following the LNAT format, the only difference being that you will refer to Law. The LNAT and the CLT give you the opportunity to show that you can write in this style competently.
Use this tip – Look through your paragraphs and check that every line advances the argument. If it doesn’t, then it needs cutting or rephrasing.
Don’t ‘beg the question’. Don’t assume the thing that the question wants you to examine. Make sure you really think about what the question wants you to discuss.’

BMAT (Medicine / Oxford and Cambridge)

Essay Format The BioMedical Admissions Test essay section presents you with a quote which you will have to define, argue both for and against, and come to a conclusion on. The essay is used to determine whether you can present information in an organised and reasoned manner, so it’s important that you write concisely. Doctors are frequently asked to summarise cases, coming to a conclusion based on their professional opinion; this essay is designed to replicate such a task and test your ability to do so.

Approach Particularly given that many Medicine applicants haven’t studied an essay-based subject since GCSE, this part of the test can represent a point of anxiety for many applicants. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s best to begin re-familiarising yourself with essay-writing as a skill. Remember to plan and structure your essay well (since you will only have one side of A4) before writing it in proper and eloquent English where possible. Make sure not to use any shorthand or bullet points as you will be marked down for this.

‘Examiners assess how coherent and logical the argument presented can be. Unlike a Humanities degree, they are not looking for a creative, opinionated, imaginative essay, they are looking for a well structured, precise, short piece of writing.
The question or quote which is given can be extremely varied. They are usually scientific, either involving scientific language, or from a scientific source. There will always be a question that sounds medical, which the majority of students will choose. There is NO NEED to do that, it will not give you an advantage.
Unlike section two, there is no syllabus to revise, however despite this, the BMAT essay section is very easy to practice. The formula of the question is so predictable and methodical that you can easily use your own quotes or statements to make mock tests.
You shouldn’t feel like you need to shoehorn medical references into your essays. The essay section is about writing style and analysis, and less about your knowledge of the subject; this will be displayed in section two of the BMAT.
The essay is designed to show time management, precision and organisation within a highly pressured environment. This is to show that you have the desired transferable skills to be a doctor, or a scientist.

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TSA Oxford (Experimental Psychology, Geography, Human Sciences, PPE, and PPL (Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics) / Oxford)

Essay Format If you are sitting the Thinking Skills Assessment for Oxford, you will need to sit an additional essay section. You will asked to choose one of four questions and write about your conclusions. Approach The questions aren’t subject specific, and there isn’t an set structure on how to answer this section, however it is best if you make sure you present an argument, back it up, assess the opposing side, and then come to a conclusion. Make sure you follow a reasoned and clear plan to give yourself the best chance of performing well.

Will Small is one of our top tutors for the TSA (Oxford and Cambridge). He studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at St John’s College, Oxford: ‘Examiners are assessing your ability to: write a structured and clear essay, be able to argue competently, and demonstrate an ability to work well under strict time constraints. You will not have time to write in convoluted, flowery language. Your teachers can help refine your technique by ironing out individual idiosyncrasies within your writing style. Your teachers can also help you to demonstrate your passion for your subject. If your application is pooled, then your Admissions Test can help you to stand out, and therefore you should have a curiosity and knowledge of your subject that informs your argument. You will not need a bank of statistics, and should not think too much about bringing in outside sources or examples. Again, the allocated time is very short, and includes question choice and planning, so you should start arguing as fast as possible. In my course (PPE), I was writing two essays a week, informed by an enormous amount of reading. This meant by the end of my first year, I was writing in an incredibly concise manner. The TSA (Oxford) gives you the opportunity to practice this skill.’

HAT/HAA (History / Oxford and Cambridge)

Essay Format In both the History Admissions Test and the History Admissions Assessment, you will have a definition exercise, then an explanation exercise, and finally an essay. The essay part of the exam assesses how a student can structure an argument. Again, as is the case in many of the Admissions Tests, the essay section is not about what you know, it is about the skills you can display.

Approach Be wary of waffling! In GCSE, and occasionally even A-level, students can sometimes get away with a lot of preamble and big ideas without backing them up with hard arguments and evidence. However, in both the HAT and the HAA, you are being assessed on your originality, clarity, and precision, as well as your ability to spot flaws, which leaves little room for pontificating.

Through tutoring the HAT and the HAA, our Oxbridge consultants have compiled these tips for the essays:

The HAT essay section is designed to test your ability to analyse a source critically and offer a coherent argument. You will be doing this throughout your course at either Oxford or Cambridge. Again, as a Humanities subject, there may be a temptation to write in a flowery, creative way. Due to the amount of time that you have, you should only spend half an hour on the essay section. This doesn’t allow for much time to demonstrate your essay writing prowess, so you should concentrate on your argument.
You are allowed to bring in other historical sources, however make sure that if you do that it informs the sources presented in the test. You should not spend too much time discussing something which is not on the paper.
The question may well be relatively open-ended, and whilst making sure that you answer the question directly, you should think about the different perspective lenses that you can analyse the content through. The source may be referring to a historical battle, but students could analyse through various different themes, such as colonialism or monarchy.
The examiner will appreciate originality and this can be presented in a variety of different forms. This may come in your perspective on a source, the areas of the text you choose to focus on, or your conclusions. Take time before you leap into writing your argument to think about how you can stand out from your peers.

It’s worth noting that, although these are the main tests required for the above subjects, some colleges have different entry requirements or may set different tests (sometimes for each candidate in rare circumstances) so always make sure that you’re preparing for the correct test(s) when using these resources.

Overall, an essay section of an admissions test is designed to give the admissions tutors an idea of your ability to structure an argument, reason logically, and persuade the reader in clear and concise language in a given direction. Really focus on making your argument and thinking processes stand out, rather than trying to shoehorn in specific pieces of knowledge that you feel may be relevant, as this is not the purpose of the exercise. If you’ve got an essay test coming up, or any other form of admissions test, and aren’t sure where to begin, get in touch with our Oxbridge graduate consultants for up-to-date advice and bespoke guidance.

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Oxford Saïd MBA Essay 2023 – Tips and Analysis

Admit expert.

July 31, 2022

Oxford’s Saïd Business School requires one essay for its 2022-2023 MBA application. In addition to this essay question, applicants must answer five questions about their career goals. There is one reapplicant essay as well.

When reviewing your essays, the admissions committee will be looking for evidence of the following: good communication skills, leadership potential, analytical skills, and fit with the Oxford MBA community, among other characteristics.

Therefore, you need to submit an impeccable essay to impress the Oxford Saïd admissions committee.

In this article, we analyze and share tips on how to approach the Oxford MBA essay questions.

Application deadlines

Oxford saïd mba essay – 2023 admissions, essay analysis, re-applicant essay, let us help you get into oxford saïd.

Applications for the Oxford MBA class of 2023-24 will open on 1 August 2022.

You need to submit your online application form with all application requirements by your chosen application deadline.

Application deadlines for the Oxford MBA class of 2023-24:

Stage 1: Wednesday, 31 August 2022
Stage 2: Wednesday, 12 October 2022
Stage 3: Wednesday, 4 January 2023
Stage 4: Wednesday, 22 March 2023

Tell us something that is not covered in your application which you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you. (Maximum 250 words)

Re-applicants will need to submit an additional essay as below:

What improvements have you made in your candidacy since you last applied to the Oxford MBA? (Maximum 250 words)

This essay for the Oxford MBA program is open-ended. So, it lets you talk about almost any subject you think needs more explanation. You might want to talk about something from your own background. On the other hand, you might want to talk about a leadership role.

You can also use this essay to talk about your career goals in more detail. If you have international experience, you might want to talk about what you did there. Oxford wants applicants who are mature, can lead, and come from different backgrounds. So, this essay is a chance to show that you have these qualities.

Once you have chosen a topic for your Oxford MBA application essay, you will want to explain yourself clearly. With only 250 words, you should use clear language and specific examples. The admissions committee will understand you better if you give them examples. For example, you could talk about something you did as a volunteer. To do this, talk about who was there, what you did, and how it made you feel.

There are 3 ingredients to crafting an essay that would impress the Oxford Saïd admissions committee:

Relevant anecdotes

Authenticity

If you don’t know much about the Oxford community, it will be hard to write a good essay about why you feel like you belong there. So do your homework as a first step. Which parts of Oxford’s culture do you like, and how do you think you’ll be able to use them during your time there? How can you help the people of Oxford in a way that no one else can?

Relevant high-impact anecdotes

Providing supporting evidence is essential for creating a strong and convincing essay. Therefore, choosing an anecdote that adds the most value to your profile is of paramount importance.

Thus, we recommend that you first evaluate the various components of your profile and unique brand that you’ve previously discussed in other stages of your Oxford application – especially since you will be required to answer a series of mini-goals essays within the online application form! Then, consider further means by which you might contribute to the Oxford community.

These are the mini-goals essays that you would also have to answer. So, make sure that you do not repeat any information that you’ll cover in these mini-essays.

Describe below your immediate plan after graduating from the MBA

How does your preferred sector in your preferred location recruit MBA talent and what do they look for in a candidate? Describe the research you have done so far.

Reflecting on your answer above, how do you meet these requirements?

What do you plan to do between now and starting your MBA to prepare and maximise your chances of success?

Should you not be successful in securing your first choice of role, what is your alternative?

Keeping this in mind and after determining what will be included in the application, you can then assess what you wish you had room for or what may be missing.

This could be anything: a favorite hobby or community involvement, a difficult work project that was ultimately successful, an aspect of one’s upbringing that has had a lasting impact, an international or cross-cultural experience that prompted learning or growth, or one’s plans for community involvement in Oxford. In assessing your personal statement and essays, the admissions committee will seek evidence of, among other qualities, your communication abilities, leadership potential, analytical ability, and fit within the Oxford MBA community.

You should evaluate the balance of material between this response and the application, and seek to emphasize something fresh that will demonstrate to the admissions committee an additional facet of your personality and your potential to contribute to the Saïd community.

Given the limited word count, we believe the most successful replies to this question will completely develop a single topic (or offer two instances with a similar theme) as opposed to attempting to cover multiple unrelated topics.

However, because Oxford does not provide an optional essay question, applicants with a weakness in their candidacy may need to use this response to provide an explanation or highlight a mitigating circumstance.

This should be accomplished as succinctly as possible, ideally in 50-100 words, and then the candidate should be inventive in giving positive facts under a single umbrella.

Finally, make sure that your story is truly yours and is not exaggerated in any form. Moreover, the overall tone of your essay can also make it sound more authentic. So, write as though you are having a conversation with a family member or a friend. This can make the essay feel more personal and real, which could help you convince the Oxford admissions committee of the authenticity of your story.

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Given that you only have a few words for this response, people who are reapplying will want to be clear about the steps they’ve taken to improve their applications since they last applied to Oxford.

Candidates should try to be as thorough as possible when they talk about how they’ve worked to become stronger applicants this season.

They should talk about how they’ve improved their quantitative records, their professional qualifications, how they’ve worked to learn more about the Oxford MBA program, and anything else they’ve done.

Mini Goals essays

Oxford has also “hidden” many small essays about your goals inside the application form. Even though there isn’t a set number of words, you should make sure to be complete but brief. We think that anything between 100 and 250 words should be fine.

Here are the topics:

Describe below your immediate plan after graduating from the MBA.

When talking about your goals, it’s important to be clear, so make sure you include a job title and industry when you talk about what you want to do after you graduate.

After you’ve made your goal clear, you should spend a little time talking about your motivation behind your goal. Here, you can give a bit of background information about yourself that is related to the job you want, but be careful not to repeat information from the “How do you meet these requirements?” question below.

The perfect way to end this essay is with a high-impact sentence that gives the reader a clear picture of who you are.

So, we suggest that you start by talking to as many people as you can who work in the field you want to go into after your MBA. Since Oxford wants to know how recruitment works where you want to work, make sure to narrow your focus to just your target geography.

You might want to talk to the HR departments of companies you’d like to work for, talk to headhunters who specialize in this area, or even talk to friends or coworkers who have successfully hired for your post-MBA role in the past.

Then, in your essay, describe how hiring works in your industry and where you want to work, as well as what they look for in a good candidate. For the second part, be sure to list things like specific skills needed (like being able to use advanced analytics tools or speaking Spanish fluently), personal traits, and degrees/certifications.

Then, list all of the steps you took to find this information, including the names of the people and businesses you talked to and the information they gave you.

To wrap up, you might want to end with a sentence about why you’re sure you’ll be successful in your own recruitment process now that you know what you’ve learned. You’ll go into more depth later, so keep this part short.

This essay requires knowing a little bit about your work history. This gives your goals some context and shows that you have the experience that is relevant to your goals.

Keep in mind what the admissions counselors already know about you when you talk about your career so far. Here, the goal isn’t to list all of your accomplishments (they can see that on your resume), but to give short, strong examples of a successful career, focusing on accomplishments that relate to your future goals.

To answer this question, you must show clearly what you are doing or what you plan to do before you get your MBA to get ready to reach the goals you listed above.

If you want to switch industries, you should also describe in detail the steps you’re taking to improve your skills before joining Saïd and mention the networking you’ve done.

Showing that you’ve already started building the network you’ll need to be successful in your target industry and area will go a long way toward proving that you’ll reach your post-MBA goals.

It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan, especially since the economy is hard in many parts of the world right now. Make sure that your Plan B has something to do with your “official” goal so that it doesn’t hurt your goal statements.

For example, if your goal is to work in Management Consulting but your Plan B is to work for an NGO, the admissions committee will wonder how committed you were to your original goals.

But the best job would be one that lets you make the same kind of difference in a different way.

For example, if you want to work in a Web3.0 tech startup to learn best practices of blockchain technology, you could work in a more established technology firm and then switch to an earlier stage venture later.

We will help you write essays that portray your unique strengths and experiences in the most favorable light so that your application shines above the rest. We have helped hundreds of students get into top US business schools. Let us help you too.

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Oxford University Personal Statements

We hope our collection of oxford university personal statements provides inspiration for writing your own. please do not plagiarise them in any way, or ucas will penalise your application. our personal statement editing & review services are availble if you feel you need a little extra help..

History Personal Statement Example 3 Recently, I found out that my grandma was gambled into slavery for seven years. She escaped her prison and made her way back to Hong Kong, 300 miles south. I was amazed at how courageous she was. This personal discovery led me to read Jung Chang's 'Wild Swans' which made me both proud and ashamed of my heritage...

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 4 I find it amazing to watch as the digital revolution sculpts society at a rate that has never before been seen; there is so much to still be discovered. Quantum computing is a topic that particularly interests me, stemming from my studies and keen interest in physics...

Economics and PPE Personal Statement Example My aspiration to study economics at both advanced and degree level has stemmed from my lasting interest in current affairs and world development. These issues require an application of economics in real-life situations and can be related to many diverse subjects such as politics, philosophy and psychology...

English Literature Personal Statement Example 1 When I saw Gatz, John Collin's eight hour interpretation of The Great Gatsby, I noticed that Fitzgerald changes the colour of Daisy's hair every time he describes it. It is "like a dash of blue paint", "yellowy" like her daughters and then "dark, shining"...

Geography Personal Statement Example 2 In a dynamic world, the study of geography is increasingly important. The diversity of the subject and the interaction between the physical environment and human population is becoming even more evident with climate change and globalisation influencing our everyday lives...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 11 “If she’s smart she will study Medicine.” This is an unwritten rule in my culture - all Nigerian parents want their children to become doctors. What becomes of the aspiring psychologist in the family? I met a junior doctor, at an educational conference, who wanted to specialise in psychiatry...

History Personal Statement Example 13 Until I began my A-levels last September, I had never been to school or followed a formal syllabus. My parents homeschooled me. They guided, encouraged, and fed my interests with books, documentaries and discussions...

Natural and Biological Sciences Personal Statement Example Experiencing first-hand life as a human in the natural world, I have the authority to confirm that regardless of previous knowledge, unexplained phenomena still exist. As a scientist, I adore observing the unknown, analysing the known and making decisions accordingly...

English Personal Statement Example 22 What I enjoy above all else in a piece of literature is the feeling that it has brought about change, either in me or in some wider context. Literature which offers the opportunity for an adapted way of living or thinking, however slight, is I think a thing to be kept and treasured in our intellects...

English Literature and Creative Writing Personal Statement Example 1 I once aspired to be a visual artist, a photographer or painter. However, I later discovered the unique ability of poetry and the written word to maintain its power and resonance in a world saturated with images and messages...

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 45 Advances in computer and information technology over the past few decades have brought about revolution in science, medicine, education, business, and entertainment. I wish to be part of the future revolution and that is why I want to study computer science...

English Literature Personal Statement Example 16 I believe that to read English is to read the human being itself: after all, we are all writers. Even in the very act of choosing our words - thinking them, speaking them, physically writing them down - we create something meaningful...

Human Sciences Personal Statement Example Perhaps what makes me different from other University applicants is that I have ambition to understand multidimensional human life. It is not the appeal of a top qualification or the zesty student lifestyle that attracts me to this course; but it is the long-term knowledge and answers to interdisciplinary human problems, and the enigmas that I will commit a lifetime investigating with perhaps no solution, that inspires me to apply...

Engineering Personal Statement Example 19 Physics is that branch of science without which science is just like a beautiful lamp with no light. For centuries, mathematicians and physicists have made plenty of scientific contributions thus helping the world make a better place to live...

History (Ancient and Modern) Personal Statement Example 1 It is those things we don’t yet know or understand that make history a fascinating, intellectual puzzle. We know a remarkable amount about history and the development of society but new archaeological discoveries, the dedicated efforts of historians, translators and other academics and advancements in areas such as archaeometry mean that the body of historical information is still expanding...

Archaeology and Anthropology Personal Statement Example 2 As an immigrant living in Spain, I am constantly reminded of the importance social and cultural factors have on my daily life, the language I speak, and the difference between the relationships I maintain with people from my own country and those I encounter here on a daily basis...

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 49 My views about computing changed considerably when I heard about Linux. In the late nineties it was a newer operating system and tasks like installing and configuring were considered to be quite challenging in India...

Law Personal Statement Example 70 Law is ever changing, whether parliament is passing new legislation, existing legislation is being rewritten or the courts are interpreting laws in different ways. In the case of Anthony Bland the distinguishing of earlier precedents was vital...

History and English Personal Statement Example Studying history and English concurrently has appealed to me ever since I recognised the inseparability of the two disciplines closest to my heart. Personally, I believe that the literary style of a piece of writing is as important as scholarly research and I try to make my essays as lively as possible whilst still grounded in solid historical or literary method, dulce et utile, following the example of writers such as Richard J Evans...

Economics and Management Personal Statement Example 2 My interest in Economics goes beyond an appreciation of statistics and profit margins. In my mind, economics represents the relationship between people and their money – a relationship that dates back to the history of mankind...

German Personal Statement Example 7 The study of language has always been appealing and is the focus of much of my time and energy, but the study of the German language is what mesmerises me most. Before understanding German I was first intrigued by its sound, and as I began to learn it, I became fascinated by its complexity...

Economics Personal Statement Example 30 The ever-changing nature of the human science intrigues me. Newton’s laws of motion will never change, from wherever ‘the ball is dropped’. However, different strategies and policies have to be framed and implemented for each economic problem...

Mathematics & Computer Science Personal Statement Example I have found mathematics a fascinating subject since my early years. I enjoy it as it is challenging and logical. I am particularly interested in decision mathematics as it is a field that is directly related to real-life applications of mathematics and can be used to solve problems, such as finding the optimal solution for transporting materials from one place to another while minimising the cost...

Physics Personal Statement Example 15 I have always been intrigued by the world of physics. From everyday experiences to the most extreme boundaries of today's knowledge, I have always voraciously searched for answers to my questions. As I grew up, the elegance of mathematical demonstrations and of physical theorems fascinated me, and I have often dreamt of making contributions to the unification theory and of improving and simplifying the Navier-Stokes equations...

Electrical Engineering Personal Statement Example 2 The defining wonder of today’s age is electricity. In just two centuries, we have come from Faraday’s crude but prophetic experiments to devices just a square inch that can calculate in seconds what the most gifted of human minds might take days...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 70 The challenge of spending my working life immersed in the fascinating, ever-evolving world of the medical sciences, and the opportunity to use this knowledge to benefit others, has drawn me to seek a career in medicine...

Politics, Philosophy & Economics (PPE) Personal Statement Example 3 In this day and age virtually every aspect of our lives may be considered political. My passion to study Politics stems from this tenet and a belief that a comprehension of Politics is integral to understanding the current state of humanity...

Chemistry Personal Statement Example 18 Chemistry explores the properties of all matter and energy in our universe, which eventually leads to breakthroughs that benefit mankind, ranging from how to prevent food from decomposing to understanding what chemicals can help or harm you...

Philosophy Personal Statement Example (Mature Student) Since leaving education in 2006 I have always wanted to return; a great love of learning, desire for knowledge and natural curiosity throughout my life resulted in an ambition to teach. It was with this ambition in my heart that I took the plunge and returned to education, beginning my Access course last year with the intention of applying to study for a primary education degree...

Civil Engineering Personal Statement Example 17 My decision to study engineering stems from a desire to contribute to the evolution of society through a process that does not just define our environment but our era. My personal inspiration is the Segovia aqueduct, an 800m long, 30 metre high Roman marvel which still stands today...

Ancient and Modern History Personal Statement Example 1 What makes history engaging and interesting to me is its interdisciplinary nature and its ability to take you on a journey to the discovery of humanity's past. History has been a constant source of captivation for me, from studying the mythology of Ancient Greece in primary school through to the study of the Russian Revolution at A Level...

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TSA Section 2: The Essay

Last Updated: 23rd September 2022

Author: Chloe Hewitt

Admissions Test

Section 2 of the TSA is completely different to the rest of the Admissions Test. It is an essay, so how do you go about writing it?

With just 30 minutes to answer Section 2, it is essential you know how to write your essay.

To ensure you write the best possible essay for the TSA, we have put together this guide which goes over everything you need to know.

Do I need to answer section 2 of the TSA?

Firstly, what is important to know is that not everyone who sits the TSA has to answer Section 2.

Applicants to the following courses will have to answer Section 2:

Experimental Psychology
Human Sciences
Philosophy and Linguistics
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
Psychology and Linguistics
Psychology and Philosophy

This means applicants to History and Economics, and Economics and Management need to ensure you apply for the correct Admissions Test – you need to register for the Thinking Skills Assessment: Section 1 as you are not required to answer Section 2.

Looking to boost your TSA score?

The UniAdmissions TSA Programme will rapidly boost your score and triple your chances of succeeding in your application.

Our expert tutors will guide you through past papers in mock exam scenarios so that you are well-prepared by the time your exam comes around. UniAdmissions helps students refine and hone their abilities so that they’re exam-ready on test day for all aspects of the TSA exam.

What is section 2 of the TSA?

For Section 2 of the TSA, candidates have 30 minutes to answer an essay question.

Candidates are given the choice of four questions and must answer one of them.

Doing this in just half an hour is a demanding task, and it is designed to be that way. From your essay there is a few things that Oxford will be looking for:

Serious attention to the question asked.
Good, well argued content.
Objections to be anticipated, and met or at least acknowledged.
All this to be done on two sides of A4 paper.

The first point is essential, you need to make sure you actually answer the question. The question is not intended as a prompt to recall material you have already learnt at school or college.

Remember, there are no hidden agendas or anything – you really do just need to answer the question.

When reading your essay Oxford is looking to see how well you have understood the question and what it demands. They are looking to see if you can argue with your own voice and whether you have considered what an opponent might say.

This inner dialogue of other viewpoints is really important as so much teaching at Oxford is in the small group tutorials.

Why Can I Only Use Two Sides of A4?

You are purposefully limited to just two sides of A4, and are not allowed additional paper. Applicants have been given continuation sheets in the past and apart from going against instructions, it probably will not work in your favour anyway.

Longer essays usually indicate a tendency to write a lot without serious thought or reflection.

It is recommended that you spend time thinking and planning your essay, and then write it carefully.

Afterall, the instructions are to answer the question and not write as much as you can.

You should be helped and not hindered by a careful decision to limit the length of your essay. The instruction to ‘do as much as you can in the time available’ is not advice to write a lot. It is intended to communicate the recognition that with more time, more could be done, but that with just 30 minutes candidates will need to be selective.

What are the TSA Section 2 Questions Like?

A question for this exercise will give plenty of room for argument. It will not be a question where you can give a simple answer – however obvious it may appear. As already mentioned, it also will not be a question where you can just report on something you have learnt.

Even if the question seems to suggest an obvious answer, you will still need to argue the case, and recognise that something needs to be said for at least one alternative point of view.

For an idea of the types of questions you will be asked, below are the questions from the 2021 TSA Section 2.

Questions like this are discussed in politics and wider society all the time. You do not need to feel limited to past Admissions Tests when it comes to developing skills in thinking and arguing.

The people marking your essay do not have a ‘right answer’ in mind, nor a set list of points to be made. The marker need not have any answer of their own in mind at all, and, even if they do, they might be persuaded otherwise by a good argument.

How is the TSA Section 2 scored?

Unlike Section 1 of the TSA, you will not receive a score for your essay.

Whereas Section 1 is marked by Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing, and you are sent your result in January – Section 2 is marked by the college you have applied to.

The colleges typically use your Section 1 result as a guide on whether to shortlist you for an Interview or not. Your essay could possibly be used as a discussion point during the Interview if selected.

Top Tips for the TSA section 2

Be open-minded.

There are at least two sides to every story. You will not be rewarded for being ‘right’, however eloquently you make your point. Show that you can see an argument from different angles and that you can appreciate the alternative even if you do not agree with it.

Try starting with the opposing argument to the one you agree with, and then argue the case you support.

Make a plan.

Though you will likely feel like you do not have the time, but make a plan. It will help you answer much more efficiently.

Use opposites.

If you are struggling to come up with different sides of a debate, take an argument you have already made and turn it on its head. For example, you could say “it’s better to be loved as a leader because you are trusted to do what is right,” but then you could counter it with “it’s better to be hated as a leader because it shows that people are free to think for themselves.”

Clarity is key.

Do not disguise your argument in flowery language or a complicated structure. Make it easy for the college admissions team to follow your arguments, and they will find it easier to reward you.

Choose Wisely.

The best question to answer is the question that most interests you. If you already have knowledge of a topic, it will be that much easier to get writing about it.

Do not worry about trying to get facts or figures of the topic in, whilst these can be beneficial they should not dictate which question you opt to answer.

Hopefully you should now have a better understanding of what the Section 2 of the TSA is like.

With just 30 minutes, you will be under a time constraint but using your time wisely and effectively will mean you will be able to construct a strong essay.

As long as you also choose your question wisely and write with clarity, you will be on course to a successful Section 2.

Best of luck in the TSA.

Maximise your TSA score through effective TSA preparation.

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Applying to Oxford university?

I know this sub is mostly Americans applying to American schools, but did any of y'all apply to Oxford and if so was it a pain in the ass? I've seen varying stats required, some say a 1400 on the SAT another says 1470 on the SAT. Both say I need 3 5's on AP tests. I currently have a 1240 on my SAT so no matter what it looks like this summer I'll be hitting the books.

Any other information I should know?

The Olin MBA admissions essay: Focusing on what makes your experience and values unique

June 10, 2024
By WashU Olin Business School
3 minute read

Cut off shot of young woman at desk writing on a pad with a book in front of her.

Every student applying to an MBA program wants to be seen as exceptional in some way.

Without appearing as a vain Hercules on paper, there are methods to convey value as a prospective student without resorting to worn clichés or unsubstantiated claims.

Olin Business School places a high value on equity, diversity, and inclusion. They believe a diverse student body is beneficial to all MBA students. A student's life experiences can make them a valuable member of Olin's student body and the way they communicate their experience matters. Here are four MBA application essay tips that have helped prospective students get accepted into Olin Business School.

They don't use AI

It might sound tempting to use AI to make essays sound professional; however, let's discuss how AI operates. AI functions by mining the internet for content, which it then repurposes into (supposedly) new forms. If this seems a lot like plagiarism, that's because it's a legal gray area that has not yet been fully reconciled with existing legal definitions of plagiarism.

Since AI uses existing content as a model, the essay it produces may sound bland and uninspired. A student's voice and personality may not shine through as much. If a student wants to stand out in the MBA admission process, they will need to sound wholly original to themselves.

They show (rather than tell) their story

Besides ensuring the MBA admission essay communicates how a student prevents errors from slipping by undetected, this is an opportunity for them to narrate their life and be creative.

An essay prompt is presented in the online application, giving prospective students an opportunity to share their values, strengths and weaknesses. The essay is their time to provide the committee with a narrative and showcase their creativity and the impact they hope to have on those around them. They should use this opportunity to tell their story, allowing the committee to see the person they are and the person they hope to become. Students should demonstrate how they are living out their values with real-life examples. They must ask themselves, "What can I bring to Olin that no one else can?" and communicate this with confidence.

They demonstrate why they chose Olin

When a prospective student is writing, they should focus on why the MBA program at Olin can help them achieve their goals and how Olin Business School can help them make the impact they're aiming to make on the world. Every student should take time to reflect on what they hope to get out of an MBA degree and determine what factors are most important to the program they intend to pursue.

They don't use generic templates

No matter how many MBA programs a student may wish to apply to, they should write a new essay for each program from scratch. They shouldn't rely on a generic template and simply change a few words.

Students should slow down and spend ample time writing something unique—it makes a big difference. The evaluators of MBA admission essays can easily detect a generic essay, as it often lacks relevance and focus.

It's easy to discern whether prospective students have thoroughly contemplated their MBA admission essay or merely checked it off their to-do list. If they are unsure whether their essay reads well or aligns with the prompt, they should ask someone they trust to read their essay. Then, they should ask this person to tell them what they assumed the prompt was. Their response will help the student determine if their essay is aligned with the prompt or if adjustments are needed.

About the Author

WashU Olin Business School

Firmly established at the Gateway to the West, Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis stands as the gateway to something far grander in scale. The education we deliver prepares our students to thoughtfully make difficult decisions—the kind that can change the world.

For assistance in finding faculty experts, please contact Washington University Public Affairs.

Monday–Friday, 8:30 to 5 p.m.

Sara Savat, Senior News Director, Business and Social Sciences 314-935-9615 [email protected]

Kurt Greenbaum, Communications Director 314-935-7196 [email protected]

Twitter: WUSTLnews

More From Forbes

Harvard business school announces 3 new application essays.

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Harvard Business School.

Harvard Business School announced a surprising departure from its single, open-ended application essay to three short essays with specific prompts. The HBS website sums up the kind of applicant the school is seeking: “We are looking for future leaders who are passionate about business, leadership, and growth.”

The prompts for the class that will begin in fall 2025 instruct applicants to address each topic in turn.

Business-Minded Essay : Please reflect on how your experiences have influenced your career choices and aspirations and the impact you will have on the businesses, organizations, and communities you plan to serve. (up to 300 words)
Leadership-Focused Essay : What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become? (up to 250 words)
Growth-Oriented Essay : Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth. (up to 250 words)

The prompts ask applicants to go beyond simply asserting their allegiance to the ideals of business, leadership and growth. Each of the three questions asks for evidence: “experiences,” “experiences” and “an example,” respectively.

The prompts do not expect a straightforward list of what happened in the past. Rather, they encourage reflection on how these experiences affected present realities and future goals.

Applicants are asked to reflect on past, present and future as an ongoing process of becoming who they are now and who they wish to become. Even the “Business-Minded Essay” is about past choices and future impact; it also assumes you “plan to serve.” The “Leadership-Focused Essay” does not ask applicants to recite a list of titles, but to discuss who they are and how they relate to others; not what title they aspire to, but “what kind of leader you wish to become.”

Perhaps the most surprising essay prompt is No. 3, which asks about curiosity. It opens the door for applicants to discuss a more personal aspect of their candidacies. The prompt asks not about end result, but about the process of change. Once again, the emphasis is on “growth.”

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In short, the prompts ask about person and process.

How The 3 New Prompts Differ From Last Year’s Single Question

This year’s prompts give applicants more direction than the previous open-ended instruction, which was: “As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program?”

Applicants may find it easier to follow these more detailed instructions and to stay on topic. They no longer need to face an open question and a blank page.

Another aid is the shorter word limit. The essay on being business-minded has a limit of 300 words, and the essays on leadership and growth through curiosity are limited to 250 words each.

A third difference is the specific inquiry about business. Last year’s prompt allowed candidates to choose anything they thought would be important for HBS to consider. Some applicants struggled to decide whether to focus on business or something beyond work. While the “Business-Minded Essay” is still personal, it does ask applicants to reflect on their careers.

One might also speculate that the new, more directive prompts makes it easier for the admissions committee to compare essays across applications, while still leaving room for considerable variation in how applicants choose to address the essay prompts.

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Admission requirements for 2025 entry

Below is a summary of each course’s requirements.

● Essential

■ Recommended

▲ Helpful – may be useful on course

Please check the course page for details.


AAA	Combination of arts and science subjects	None	Two pieces
AAA	A language Mastering the ability to handwrite is a mandatory core element for Japanese, Chinese and Korean.	None	Two pieces
AAA including Chemistry and another science or Maths, with the A in Maths, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology (or a very closely related subject)	Chemistry and another science or Maths Maths Biology (beyond GCSE or equivalent)	None	None
AAA (with the A in a science or Maths)	Biology and either Chemistry, Physics or Maths	None	None
A*AA excluding Critical Thinking and Thinking Skills	Two from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics		None
AAA (with both A*s in science subjects and/or Maths)	Chemistry and Maths Another science or Further Maths	None	None
AAA	A classical language, Classical Civilisation or Ancient History		Two pieces
AAA (with As in Latin and Greek if taken)	Latin, Ancient Greek, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History or a modern language		Two pieces
AAA (with As in Latin and Greek if taken)	Latin, Ancient Greek, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History or a modern language		Two pieces
AAA (with As in Latin and Greek if taken)	English Literature or English Language and Literature Latin, Ancient Greek, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History or a modern language		Two pieces
AAA (with As in Latin and Greek if taken)	A modern language (depending on course choice) Latin, Ancient Greek, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History		One/three pieces
AAA including Maths, with the A in Maths, Further Maths or Computer Science	Maths Further Maths		None
AAA, including Maths, with the A in Maths, Further Maths or Computer Science	Maths Further Maths		None
A*AA/AAAA	Maths, plus Chemistry or Physics Chemistry or Physics Biology, Geology, Further Maths	None	None
AAA (with Maths at A or A)	Maths		None
AAA (with the A*s in Maths, Further Maths or Physics)	Maths and Physics Maths Mechanics modules Further Maths		None
AAA	English Literature or English Language and Literature A language, History	None	One piece
AAA	A modern language (depending on course choice) and English Literature or English Language and Literature		One/three pieces
AAA	A modern language (depending on course choice)		Two pieces
AAA or AAB (for post-A-level applicants on an Art Foundation course)	Art	None	(but no written work submission required)
AAB	For Chemistry: Chemistry and Mathematics For Engineering: Physics and Mathematics For Materials Science: Physics and Mathematics. GCSE Chemistry is also required. Chemistry at A Level is highly recommended.	None	None
BBB	B in your most relevant subject	None	One piece
BBB	A subject involving essay writing	None	One piece
BBB	Maths History	None	One piece
A*AA	Geography	None	None
AAA	History		One piece
AAA	History A classical language, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History		One piece
AAA	History, Maths		One piece (History)
AAA	English Literature or English Language and Literature History		Two pieces
AAA	A modern language (depending on course choice) History		One/three pieces
AAA	History Sociology, Politics, Government and Politics		One piece (History)
AAA	A subject involving essay writing History of Art, Fine Art, History, English, a language	None	One piece, one response
AAA	Biology, Maths		None


AAA	A subject involving essay writing		None
AAA	A relevant modern language (not required for European Law) A subject involving essay writing		None
AAA (with the A in Maths, Physics or Chemistry)	Maths and Physics Chemistry Further Maths, Design and Technology (Resistant Materials)		None
AAA with the A*s in Maths and Further Maths if taken	Maths Further Maths		None
AAA (with AA in Maths and Further Maths (FM) or A* in Maths if FM is not taken)	Maths Further Maths		None
AAA with the A*s in Maths and Further Maths if taken	Maths Further Maths		None
AAA with the A*s in Maths and Further Maths if taken	Maths Further Maths		None
A*AA (excluding Critical Thinking and Thinking Skills)	Chemistry with either Maths, Further Maths, Biology or Physics		None
AAA	One or more modern languages (depending on course choice)		Two/three pieces
AAA	A modern language (depending on course choice) English Language, Maths, a science or any other language		One to three pieces
AAA	Music A-level or Music Theory Grade 7 or above ( )		Three pieces (two essays and one piece of harmony or counterpoint)
AAA	One or more modern languages (depending on course choice)	(including Philosophy section)	One/two pieces
AAA	Maths History		None
AAA	A subject involving essay writing		One piece
AAA (with the A in Physics, Maths or Further Maths)	Physics and Maths Maths Mechanics modules Further Maths		None
AAA (with the Ain Physics, Maths or Further Maths)	Physics and Maths Maths Mechanics modules Further Maths		None
A*AA	One or more science subjects (including Psychology) or Maths		None
A*AA	For Psychology: one or more science subjects (including Psychology) or Maths For Linguistics: English Language, Maths, a science or any other language		None
AAA	A subject involving essay writing, a language	None	One piece
AAA	A subject involving essay writing	None	One piece

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COMMENTS

2023-2024 Oxford Saïd MBA Essay Tips and Example Essays
2.4. Short Goal Essays Tips. Inside the application form, Oxford has also "hidden" many small essays about your goals. Though there is no stated word count for these, you want to be sure to be complete yet concise. Something in the range of 100-250 words should be adequate, in our opinion!
Written work
Written work. Many of our courses require applicants to send in a sample of their written work as part of their application. The tabs on this page will give you more details of what you need to send (if anything), how to send it, and the deadlines by which the work must be received. The deadline for submitting written work is 10 November.
Applying to Oxford
Making a competitive application. To make a competitive application by our 15 October deadline, follow the steps on this page: Choose a course and make sure that you have met or are on target to meet the admission requirements. Explore our colleges and decide whether to express a college preference or make an open application on your UCAS form.
Application Guide
This is a guide to making an application in 2023-24, and cannot be used to apply in later years. Guidance for applications in 2024-25 will be available from September 2024. This Application Guide and the Graduate Admissions webpages are definitive, with the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about Oxford's admissions process and ...
Oxford Saïd Essay Examples & Tips, 2023-2024
Oxford Saïd Business School Essay Tips and Examples. August 18, 2023. Jeremy Shinewald. The Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford takes a rather minimalist approach to application essays, asking its candidates to compose only one short, traditional written submission. The essay's prompt gives applicants the leeway to share ...
How to write an Oxford application essay
Okay so onto the essay structuring itself: First paragraph is basically "Why Oxford". Oh and by the way, here's what the essay prompt was. That's kind of important: "A personal statement which provides a brief account of your studies to date in your present university and an account of how a year of study at Mansfield College would ...
Application requirements
When reviewing your essays, the admissions committee will be looking for evidence of the following: good communication skills, leadership potential, analytical skills, fit with the Oxford MBA community, among other characteristics. ... Once you have submitted your application for either the Oxford MBA or Oxford 1+1 MBA you will see a link in ...
Personal Statements for Further Study
US university career services often provide useful advice on writing graduate school admissions essays. See for example: MIT graduate school essay advice, ... Oxford University Careers Service. 56 Banbury Road, OX2 6PA, Oxford +44(0)1865 274646 [email protected].
Tips for your Oxford Saïd Application Essays
Oxford Saïd Application Essay Tips, 2022-2023. Oxford Saïd Business School takes pride in being part of a "world-class university, tackling world-class problems." The school attracts a diverse student body that comes from all areas of life and is motivated to drive change and turn ideas into action. The program's main 250-word essay is ...
How do I prepare for my Oxford admissions test?
We strongly advise that you spend some time exploring our existing test resources and practising using the past papers available from your test page. All these materials will offer you valuable opportunities to prepare. All our tests are designed to stretch you - so don't worry if you find them really hard; most candidates do!
Oxford Saïd MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2022
Oxford Saïd 2022-23 MBA application essay. Tell us something that is not covered in your application which you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you. (Maximum 250 words) While the "something" will be the topic of the essay, the real heart of this essay question lies in the phrase "which you would like the Admissions ...
Tuesday Tips: Oxford MBA Application Essay Tips for 2023-2024
Accordingly, this essay is an opportunity to show these qualities. Once you have chosen a topic for this Oxford MBA application essay, you will want to explain yourself clearly. With only 250 words, you should make sure to use precise language and examples. Specific examples will help the admissions committee understand you better.
Guide for applicants
Guide for applicants. To make sure we consider all applicants thoroughly and fairly, there are several stages to our admissions process. Each one is outlined on this page. It is important you understand your role in each of these stages and are aware of the deadlines. The admissions timeline provides an overview of this process.
Admission Tests: Essay Sections
Admissions Tests: Essay Sections . Most admissions tests are made up of several different components and many will involve essays or an essay-based section. This resource breaks down each Oxford and Cambridge Admission Test that includes an essay element, and gives our Oxbridge graduate tutors' advice on how best to approach it.
Oxford Saïd MBA Essay 2023
Oxford's Saïd Business School requires one essay for its 2022-2023 MBA application. In addition to this essay question, applicants must answer five questions about their career goals. There is one reapplicant essay as well. When reviewing your essays, the admissions committee will be looking for evidence of the following: good … Oxford Saïd MBA Essay 2023 - Tips and Analysis Read More »
Oxford University Personal Statements
Oxford University Personal Statements. We hope our collection of Oxford University personal statements provides inspiration for writing your own. Please do not plagiarise them in any way, or UCAS will penalise your application. Our Personal Statement Editing & Review Services are availble if you feel you need a little extra help.
What to submit for Written Work when applying to Oxford
A guide to submitted work, or written work, a part of the Application Process to the University of Oxford. This video gives advice on what to submit for subj...
TSA Section 2: The Essay
Top Tips for the TSA section 2. 1. Be open-minded! There are at least two sides to every story. You will not be rewarded for being 'right', however eloquently you make your point. Show that you can see an argument from different angles and that you can appreciate the alternative even if you do not agree with it.
Admissions tests
In 2024 there will be no charge for candidates to register for Oxford's own tests. This year's tests will take place as follows: 21 October. History Admissions Test (HAT) 22 October. Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test (AHCAAT) - NEW for 2024. Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMSAT) - NEW for 2024.
Oxford Saïd MBA Essay Analysis 2023-2024
Oxford University Saïd Business School MBA Essay Analysis 2023-2024. The following essay topic analysis examines Oxford Saïd (Oxford) MBA admissions essays for the 2023-2024 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 ...
Applying to Oxford university? : r/ApplyingToCollege
r/ApplyingToCollege is the premier forum for college admissions questions, advice, and discussions, from college essays and scholarships to college list help and application advice, career guidance, and more. ... No, SAT can matter for Oxford Admissions. If you do not meet the requirement, your application will go straight in the trash. No ...
Essay and dissertation writing skills
A PDF providing further guidance on writing science essays for tutorials is available to download.. Short videos to support your essay writing skills. There are many other resources at Oxford that can help support your essay writing skills and if you are short on time, the Oxford Study Skills Centre has produced a number of short (2-minute) videos covering different aspects of essay writing ...
The Olin MBA admissions essay
The evaluators of MBA admission essays can easily detect a generic essay, as it often lacks relevance and focus. It's easy to discern whether prospective students have thoroughly contemplated their MBA admission essay or merely checked it off their to-do list. If they are unsure whether their essay reads well or aligns with the prompt, they ...
Harvard Business School Announces 3 New Application Essays
The essay on being business-minded has a limit of 300 words, and the essays on leadership and growth through curiosity are limited to 250 words each. A third difference is the specific inquiry ...
Admission requirements for 2025 entry
Admission requirements for 2025 entry. Below is a summary of each course's requirements. Please check the course page for details. Mastering the ability to handwrite is a mandatory core element for Japanese, Chinese and Korean. For Materials Science: Physics and Mathematics. GCSE Chemistry is also required.

2023-2024 Oxford Saïd MBA Essay Tips and Example Essays

1. Who is Oxford Saïd looking for?

2. How should I answer the Oxford Saïd MBA essay questions?

2.1. Essay 1 Tips

2.2. 1+1 Essay Tips

2.3. Optional Reapplicant Essay Tips

2.4. Short Goal Essays Tips

2.5. Video Essay Tips

3. Make Your Oxford Essays Shine

4. Oxford Saïd Deadlines

Real MBA Essays That Got People In

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Oxford Saïd Application Essay Tips, 2022-2023

Essay 1: Tell us something that is not covered in your application which you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you. (Maximum 250 words)

1+1 Applicant Essay: Explain why you see this as particularly beneficial for you and how it fits with your career and personal development aims. (Maximum 250 words)

Reapplicant Essay: What improvements have you made in your candidacy since you last applied to the Oxford MBA? (Maximum 250 words)

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Oxford Saïd MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2022 – 2023]

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Tuesday Tips: Oxford MBA Application Essay Tips for 2023-2024

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Explain why you see this as particularly beneficial for you and how it fits with your career and personal development aims. (Maximum 250 words)

What improvements have you made in your candidacy since you last applied to the Oxford MBA? (Maximum 250 words)

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