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August 7, 2024

University of Washington Foster School of Business MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2024 – 2025]

Are you seeking an MBA program with a strong record of job placement in the technology industry? If so, the University of Washington Foster School of Business might be an excellent choice for you.

Almost 40% of Foster’s Class of 2023 joined the tech sector after graduation, while 29% entered consulting. In terms of function, graduates were largely spread across consulting, finance/accounting, marketing/sales, general management, operations/logistics, in addition to human resources and information technology (data taken from Foster’s 2024 employment report ). Overall, career success is strong, with 92% of the class employed within six months of graduation, an average starting salary of more than $151K, and an average signing bonus in excess of $44K. For more information on the school’s career stats and what Foster has to offer, check out the program’s Career Management website . 

With an alumni base of more than 60,000 graduates worldwide, and with a strong representation in the Seattle region, Foster’s MBA program could be the right fit for you. For more information on the school’s full-time, in-person MBA program, along with its other MBA formats, including online, hybrid, executive MBA, evening, and even a technology management–focused program, visit the Foster website . 

Ready to get to work on your Foster application? Read on.

Foster application essay tips

Foster application deadlines, foster class profile.

Post-MBA Plans (750 words maximum) 

Tell us your ideas about what lies ahead in your career. What are the gaps or deficiencies currently preventing you from pursuing these potential career paths? How do you plan to use your time in the Foster MBA program to fill these gaps and advance your career?

We believe that 750 words is a good amount of space in which to explain what you’ve gained so far in your career and what you need to learn to reach your career goals. As with any goals essay , make sure to show the connection between your future goals and the career you have established thus far. Talk about why your goals matter and why they are important to you. 

At least half of this essay should discuss the gaps/deficiencies in your knowledge and skills and how Foster’s curriculum and activities will fill them. This is an opportunity to express how and why the Foster MBA is the key to mitigating those gaps, sharing why you couldn’t fill them without its program. Be specific. Talk about what excites you about the Foster program – perhaps the networking opportunities, career support, specific courses, and/or professors. The admissions committee wants to know how you will use the program to fill the gaps in your skill set to achieve your desired next step in your career – and why Foster is essential in doing so.

Personal Resilience (500 words maximum) Resilience is one of the most important values of a successful Foster student. Tell us about what resilience means to you and share some of the ways that you have demonstrated resilience in overcoming personal or professional challenges. How do you anticipate showing resilience during your time as an MBA candidate?

Foster gives you 500 words with this essay to write about what resilience means to you and to provide examples of when you have been resilient in your personal or professional life. Before you get started, brainstorm about some of the hurdles you have overcome – did you have to work during college to help fund your studies? Were you called to care for a family member while working full-time? Did you experience a challenging situation at work where you had to overcome a problematic situation over time to achieve a common goal? To me, resilience means being calm in the storm, knowing that with time, patience, and hard work, your objectives will be achieved. Think about what resilience means to you and when you have stayed the course, knowing it would be worth the effort in the end. 

Essay #3 (optional)

Include this essay if you have additional information you believe would be helpful to the admissions committee in considering your application. (500 words maximum)

Most people cannot be summarized in two essays. If that is the case for you, then you should consider submitting this additional, optional essay. Obviously, you can use this space to explain a gap and provide context for a GMAT/GPA weakness, but if you do, I recommend sharing some additional information to assuage any of the admissions committee’s concerns. For example, if your Verbal GMAT score is lower than you would like, you might consider sharing an example of your strong communication and presentation skills to counterbalance that weakness. 

Beyond explaining an issue in your application, such as a poor grade in college, a gap in your work experience, or a lower-than-preferred test score, you could also use this essay to write about an experience that affected you as a student, personally, or professionally. For example, perhaps you grew up in a single parent household and worked from the time you were a teenager, including throughout college, and graduated with significant student loans that affected your ability to advance financially. Or maybe you were promoted ahead of your peers, finished college in three years instead of four, were a student-athlete, or a young parent. Don’t expect the admissions committee to simply flesh out anything about your profile without your telling them, whether that’s the explanation for a gap in your skill set or a key aspect of your life experience. 

Essay #4 (optional diversity, equality & inclusion)

At the Foster School of Business, we embrace diversity as one of the foundations of both successful business strategy and a world-class educational experience. We share the University’s dedication to promoting the understanding and appreciation of human differences, and the constructive expression of ideas. We welcome you to share some of the ways you have practiced inclusion, promoted equity or supported the advancement of underrepresented groups. (500 words maximum)

Today, the opportunity to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is often presented across academic and professional environments. Whether in classroom discussions, campus activities, or career experiences via affinity groups at work, recruitment initiatives, or other efforts, we are called regularly to embrace the principles of diversity and inclusion. You might have led a student club or affinity group at work or have been passionate about allyship in community activities or volunteer work. However, if no obvious examples stand out in your mind of how you have promoted diversity or inclusion, then make a list for yourself of times when you did any of the following: 

• Practiced inclusion by making your workplace, club, or group more hospitable to individuals that were underrepresented. When have you gone out of your way either systematically or in everyday practice to create a more inclusive and tolerant environment for classmates or colleagues? 
• Promoted equity by taking steps to reduce disparities for people across groups, whether they’re underrepresented people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ population, women, international students or colleagues, socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, disabled individuals, the elderly, or others. 
• Supported the advancement of underrepresented groups by participating in organizations or your workplace to support members of underrepresented groups, encourage their success, and increase their numbers. 

I believe that upon reflection, even if you aren’t a member of a club or group with clear DEI affinity, you’ll realize times throughout your personal, professional, or academic life when you have championed the cause of the “other.” 

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, do your research! Visit the Foster MBA admissions website , and review it in detail. Sign up for an information session, sit in on a class, connect with a student or member of the alumni network. First, doing so helps you understand whether Foster is the right program for you; you want to understand the culture and “fit.” Second, you want to learn as much as you can about the program, what it offers, and how it can help you achieve your goals so you can use that knowledge to put together the strongest application possible. Doing your due diligence in understanding what makes the program unique is your first and best step toward a successful application. Read : The Diversity Essay: How to Write an Excellent Diversity Essay

Source: University of Washington Foster website

** Final deadline for international applicants

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with Washington Foster directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***

Here’s a look at the Foster MBA Class of 2025 (data taken from the Washington Foster website ):

Class Size: 111

Average age: 29

Mid 80% range of ages: 26-33

U.S. students of color*: 53%

U.S. underrepresented students of color*: 24%

First-Generation college: 19%

U.S. military*: 18%

*As a % of U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

Average years of prior work experience: 6

Middle 80% range of years of prior work experience: 4-9

Median undergraduate GPA: 3.3

Median GMAT: 710

GMAT middle 80% range: 660-740

Median GRE Quant: 164

GRE Quant middle 80% range: 155-170

Median GRE Verbal: 158

GRE Verbal middle 80% range: 155-163

Holding advanced degrees: 21%

Undergraduate Majors

• Engineering: 34%
• Business: 22%
• Economics: 11%
• Mathematics and Computer Sciences: 10%
• Art and Humanities: 5%
• Biological and Agricultural Sciences: 5%
• Social and Behavioral Sciences: 5%
• Health and Medical Sciences: 4%
• Other Fields: 4%

Kara Keenan Sweeney has more than 15 years of experience in MBA admissions, having worked for some of the world’s top business school programs, including Columbia Business School, INSEAD, and The Lauder Institute’s joint degree MA/MBA program with The Wharton School and the MA/JD program with Penn Law at the University of Pennsylvania. Kara has guided, coached, and counseled thousands of MBA and EMBA applicants, reviewed innumerable applications, sat on admissions committees, and interviewed countless applicants, including while running Wharton’s Team Based Discussions both virtually and in person. Want Kara to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! 

Related Resources:

• The Winning Ingredients of a Dynamic MBA Goals Essay , a free guide
• Highlighting Your Leadership Experience in Your Application
• Should I Use AI for My MBA (Grad/College) Applications? 

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UW Foster MBA Essays: Tips for 2024-2025

At Menlo Coaching, we noticed that most MBA essays will fall into one of a number of categories: personal essays, career goals essays, behavioral essays, etc. Read ahead for our expert guide on approaching these essays for Foster School of Business.

Career Goals

• Essay 1: Tell us your ideas about what lies ahead for you in your career. What are the gaps or deficiencies currently preventing you from pursuing these potential career paths? How do you plan to use your time in the Foster Full-time MBA Program to fill these gaps and advance your career? (upload file, 750 words maximum)

Behavioral Essay

• Essay 2: Resilience is one of the most important values of a successful Foster student. Tell us about what resilience means to you and share some of the ways that you have demonstrated resilience in overcoming personal or professional challenges. How do you anticipate showing resilience during your time as an MBA candidate? (upload file, maximum 500 words)

Optional Essay

• Essay 3: Please include this essay if you have additional information you believe would be helpful to the admissions committee in considering your application. (upload file, maximum 500 words)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Essay* (Optional)

• Essay 4: At the Foster School of Business, we embrace diversity as one of the foundations of both successful business strategy and a world-class educational experience. We share the University’s dedication to promoting the understanding and appreciation of human differences, and the constructive expression of ideas. We welcome you to share some of the ways you have practiced inclusion, promoted equity, or supported the advancement of underrepresented groups. (upload file, maximum 500 words) * No separate scholarship application is required to be considered for Full-time MBA merit scholarships. However, we recommend that if you would like to be considered for the ROMBA Fellowship or Forté Fellowship, you may indicate your qualifications and interest in these scholarships through the Optional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion essay question.

Applying to Foster School of Business

The Foster School of Business “blends experience and professionalism” to create a community of peers who are eager to work and enhance their capabilities in the business world. The class sizes are kept purposely small, enabling closer connections and communication between classmates and the students and faculty. Through the story you relate in your essay, the admissions council is looking to see if you reflect the same values that the school does. UW Foster is looking for students who are entrepreneurial, team-players, and pioneering. The best way to represent that you possess those qualities is through the type of essay you choose to write. 

The Career Goals Essay

You’re not the only one hoping you’ll have a job after you’ve graduated with your MBA. Admissions committees are looking for students who are motivated and clear in their intentions so that when they get a job post-grad, they’ll be more willing to speak positively of their experience in the program. And, of course, in the hopes that their alumni will earn enough money to become a donor to the school one day.  

There are three aspects to the career goals essay: 

• What you want your future profession to look like.
• Why an MBA is necessary to advance your career.
• Particularly, why a degree from UW Foster will be most beneficial to you and your job plan. 

Your aspirations need to be convincing, ambitious, and realistic. Foster is looking for applicants who have meaningful goals grounded in their past experiences, and it’s important that you relate that notion in your essay, however it applies to your experience in life. 

The Behavioral Essay

To make it simple: the behavioral essay is meant to show UW Foster that you have developed some sort of leadership skills, what your values are as a leader, and how you are going to most benefit from their development programs. 

The admissions committee is looking for applicants that are self-reflective. Whether it’s through a setback you’ve experienced, or how you dealt with situations that have gone awry, the school is looking for students who are resilient and able to learn from their mistakes. 

Do not overexaggerate (or underexaggerate!) the situations you decide to write about. Be honest about what happened; Foster is looking for genuine people to join their campus community, and they are less likely to admit an applicant who has overinflated their prior experiences. 

Last but not least, make sure to describe what you learned and how you implemented this in a subsequent situation. This is an  expected  element of the behavioral essay, even if it’s not directly written in the prompt. Prompts that deal with these topics can be daunting, especially when they require you to write about a weakness you have or a failure you’ve experienced.

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Optional Essays

In addition to these essay types, UW Foster also offers applicants the opportunity to write optional essays to expand on gaps in your resume or other potential weaknesses in your record. Keep in mind that this essay is meant as an addition, so try to keep it short and concise.

Foster also invites applicants to write an optional diversity, equity and inclusion essay , in which you can demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion, a cornerstone of UW Foster’s mission, as stated on their website:

At the Foster School of Business, we embrace diversity as one of the foundations of both successful business strategy and a world-class educational experience. We share the University’s dedication to promoting the understanding and appreciation of human differences, and the constructive expression of ideas. UW Foster

Writing strong, coherent, genuine stories is an essential part of your MBA application. These essays are meant to help you stand out among many other applicants, so it is worth your time to do the work and write about situations unique to your life and that you truly learned from.

Feeling stuck with Foster MBA admissions essays? Our dedicated application consultants are here to provide personalized guidance and support every step of the way. Connect with us to streamline your admissions journey.

Related Articles

• UW Foster MBA Program Overview
• MBA Essay Tips From 3 Top Admissions Consultants
• How to Get Into MBA Programs at Top Business Schools

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Foster School of Business, University of Washington, USA

Foster School of Business offers a 21-month full-time MBA program in Seattle. For the fall intake, 2021 Foster has kept its essay prompts the same as last year. Following are the deadlines, essay prompts and its debrief:

Essay Debrief

Essay 1: Post-MBA Plans (750 words maximum) Tell us your ideas about what lies ahead for you in your career. What are the gaps or deficiencies currently preventing you from pursuing these potential career paths? How do you plan to use your time in the Foster MBA program to fill these gaps and advance your career? Let’s paraphrase the above question: What are your short-term goals? What are your long-term goals? Why MBA? Why Foster? In the first part of the essay question – Tell us your ideas about what lies ahead for you in your career , Foster is trying to ask you about your short-term and long-term goals. This is a very straightforward question and one you should be adept at answering. In the second part – What are the gaps or deficiencies currently preventing you from pursuing these potential career paths? Foster is cleverly asking you about your decision to pursue an MBA. But instead of asking you directly, Foster wants to know why do you think that pursuing an MBA will help you get your dream job? Do you understand what skill gaps will be filled by an MBA degree that will help you achieve your career goals? And finally – How do you plan to use your time in the Foster MBA program to fill these gaps and advance your career? Foster now would like to understand why have you chosen its MBA program. What makes Foster’s MBA program a good fit for you? How will you involve yourself and make the best of your time at Foster in order to achieve your career goals? Of course, I have oversimplified by paraphrasing the questions here. And you have to be careful to write sentences aligned with the phrasing of the original essay question. Needless to say that all the three parts of the question need to be aligned with one another. You have ample word limit here so make good use of it.

Essay 2: Inspiring Experience Essay (500 words maximum) Tell us about an experience that inspired or confirmed your decision to pursue the MBA. Let us break this question down: Why MBA now? Explain with an example. It is clear what Foster expects from you in this essay question. You will have to quote an experience that has reinforced your decision to pursue an MBA. While they have not clearly mentioned but as usual sticking to a professional experience is always better. You have a good word limit, so explain the scenario properly and then dive into why this particular incident has inspired you to pursue an MBA.

Apart from the letter of motivation above Foster application requires:

• Two References
• Video Essays
• Two Optional Essays

If you’d like to discuss your profile and know whether Foster School of Business is the right school for you or not then fill out  this form  and we can have a FREE call. Check out our tool  MBA Matrix , where you can search and compare more than 300 MBA programs.  MBA Matrix  contains deadlines, essay questions, all rankings, average GMAT scores and a lot more all in one place. You can say nice things to me on  What’s App  or comment below! Happy Writing!

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The Foster MBA Program selects individuals with the highest potential for achievement in the management profession—those who have demonstrated the capacity for high-quality academic work, who possess strong written and verbal communication skills, and who will contribute to the diversity of the student body and the ranks of professional leaders.

Requirements Next Steps Admissions Events International Applicants Consortium Applicants FAQ

2025 Application Deadlines and Notification Dates

The Foster Full-time MBA Program offers one intake per year—each fall. You may apply to any of the below deadlines, however, you may only submit one application per academic year.

**Final Deadline for International Applicants

Application Requirements

Each application requires the following:

Online Application Profile

• Required Essays (2), Optional Essays (2)

Letters of Recommendation (2)

• Official GMAT or GRE score report or completed “Test Optional Summary of Qualifications”
• Transcripts from a completed four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or the equivalent

Proof of English Language Proficiency

• Video Interview Submission (Instructions are emailed to applicants 1-3 days after the application round deadline)

Non-Refundable Application Fee ($90)

Click on each heading to learn more about each requirement.

The Full-time MBA application is now open.

To get started, click the apply now button below, go to the “New Applicants” section, and click the “new admissions system” link. If you submitted an application for Autumn 2024 admissions or later, please go to the “Returning Applicants” and click on the “new admissions system” under for admission to program beginning in Autumn 2024 and beyond.

From here, create your online application profile by selecting the “First-time Users” option or log into your account under “Returning Users”.

Please note that our Autumn 2025 application is on a new application system. If you’ve started an application or applied prior to 2024, you will need to create a new user account and a new application in the new system.

Once in the application system, applicants should follow the prompts to start a new application. After creating an application, ensure that you follow these steps to select the correct program:

• Under “Program Selection” select “Graduate”
• Select search “By Campus”
• Select “Seattle” under filter by campus
• Select “Business Administration – Foster School of Business – Seattle Full-time MBA”

You may save your information and return as often as you’d like until you submit your completed application. All aspects of your application, including the fulfillment of these requirements, are subject to verification.

Required Essays (2), Optional Essay (2)

For all essays, we ask that you add your full name and the title of the essay at the top of each page. We encourage you to select a professional font, use a 10- or 12-point font size, and double-space your text. Please ensure you carefully proofread your essays before submitting them.

Two essays are required and must be uploaded to your online application. The first optional essay allows you to tell us more about yourself, or to explain any areas of concern. The second optional essay allows you to share ways you have been involved with diversity, equity and inclusion in your professional or personal life, or within your community.

Essay 1 : Post-MBA Plans (750 words maximum) Tell us your ideas about what lies ahead in your career. What are the gaps or deficiencies currently preventing you from pursuing these potential career paths? How do you plan to use your time in the Foster MBA program to fill these gaps and advance your career?

Essay 2 : Personal Resilience (500 words maximum) Resilience is one of the most important values of a successful Foster student. Tell us about what resilience means to you and share some of the ways that you have demonstrated resilience in overcoming personal or professional challenges. How do you anticipate showing resilience during your time as an MBA candidate?

Essay 3 : Optional Essay (500 words maximum) Include this essay if you have additional information you believe would be helpful to the admissions committee in considering your application.

Essay 4 : Optional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Essay* (500 words maximum) At the Foster School of Business, we embrace diversity as one of the foundations of both successful business strategy and a world-class educational experience. We share the University’s dedication to promoting the understanding and appreciation of human differences, and the constructive expression of ideas. We welcome you to share some of the ways you have practiced inclusion, promoted equity or supported the advancement of underrepresented groups.

*No separate scholarship application is required to be considered for Full-time MBA merit scholarships. However, we recommend that if you would like to be considered for the ROMBA Fellowship or Forté Fellowship, you may indicate your qualifications and interest in these scholarships through the Optional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion essay question.

Outline your work experience in reverse chronological order. Be sure to include company name, a brief description of the organization (or a web address), your job title, and detailed information about your responsibilities and achievements.

Feel free to use up to three pages for your resume and include all significant work experience since graduating from high school. Include educational background as well as your activities and community involvement.

Letters of recommendation consist of two parts: a set of short-answer questions and a written assessment. In the written assessment your recommender will be asked to write about your strengths, discuss areas where you could improve, discuss your leadership abilities, interpersonal skills, motivation and initiative and comment on your accomplishments, managerial potential, and other personal qualities.

Two recommendation letters are required as part of your application; however, you are permitted to submit up to three. Preferably, recommendations should be provided by professional contacts rather than academic or personal contacts. You may designate your recommenders at any time after starting your application. When you designate your recommenders in your online application profile, recommenders will receive an email directing them to the online recommendation form.

Your recommendations should be submitted by the application deadline for the round you are applying to. When necessary, you can use the online application system to send your recommender a reminder email. When your recommender has submitted the recommendation, you will receive a confirmation email.

Standardized Test Requirements

All MBA applicants are encouraged to take a standardized test of their choice. We accept all Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT); both the GMAT 10th Edition and GMAT Focus Edition. We also accept the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Any exam type is encouraged, and it is the applicant’s choice which to select, we have no preference. Applicants also have the option to apply “Test Optional” to the Full-time MBA Program without a standardized test score.

Applying with a GMAT or GRE Score

For the GMAT and GRE, all sub-scores are evaluated. Scores should indicate a strong aptitude for business studies. You can review score averages on our Class Profile .

GMAT and GRE exams are offered year-round and can be taken multiple times. Tests are available at in-person testing centers as well as online. Scores are valid for five years. There is no departmental preference for the GMAT or GRE exam.

Take the test as early as possible to allow time to re-test if necessary. The GMAT or GRE must be completed by the application deadline, and official scores should be reported by the deadline. If you have taken a test more than once, the admissions committee will use your highest overall total score to evaluate your application. Please note, we do not accept the Executive Assessment test for admission to the Full-time MBA Program.

Applying Test Optional

All applicants who choose to apply Test Optional agree to complete the “Test Optional Summary of Qualifications” in the application questions section of the online application.

• If you select “yes” to applying without test scores, you are required to answer this short answer prompt:Please detail the specific evidence in your academic and/or professional experience that supports your analytical and quantitative preparedness for success in the program. (150 words maximum)

Please review the Test Optional FAQ section for a complete overview of the requirements for applying Test Optional and crafting a competitive application.

Transcripts & GPA Reporting

You must have completed the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university to be considered for admission. Transcripts are required for all undergraduate and graduate-level institutions attended. You are not required to complete academic courses in any particular topics to be eligible for admission. An academic background in business is not required. Consistency in achievement is considered, but more weight is given to the last two years of study and courses within your academic area of focus.

Required Format for All Transcripts Do not send official transcripts to our office via mail. Scan copies of your original transcripts in PDF file format and upload them to the online application. Make sure to include any transcript keys that describe the institution’s grading scale. These are typically found on the back side of most domestic transcripts.

Self-generated online grade reports or versions that have been cut and pasted into a Word document will not be accepted.

The following information must be on all transcripts:

• Full name of applicant (former names are acceptable if indicated on application)
• Name of degree-granting institution
• Title(s) of academic degree(s) awarded
• Dates of enrollment, including date of graduation/degree conferral
• Names of individual courses
• Grades, marks, or ratings of individual courses
• International transcripts must include an official English translations
• Both marks sheets and degree statements are required, if applicable

Please note: Official transcripts sent directly from institutions are required only after an offer of admission is accepted by the applicant.

GPA Requirements Applicants should review our Class Profile for GPA averages for admitted students. Although Foster does not have a minimum requirement, a GPA of 3.0 (B) or better is generally the standard we look for in a competitive candidate. We holistically review all aspects of your application when making an admissions decision. Should your GPA fall below a 3.0 average, we closely evaluate your performance on the GMAT or GRE, as well as other aspects of your application, to assess your ability to succeed academically in our program. If you have specific concerns related to your undergraduate GPA, please contact one of our admissions counselors to discuss.

Reporting your Grade Point Average The Graduate School application asks applicants to report their cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 0.0 – 4.0 scale. Specific instructions are provided on the Graduate School Application for converting and calculating your GPA if your university was not on such a system, and for converting from an international grading system to a 4.0 scale. Please read and follow the instructions carefully for converting your GPA to a 4.0 scale to complete this question. If you’d like to assess your GPA ahead of applying, the application refers applicants to the Foreign Credits website, and to use the GPA calculator for this process.

If you attended a university that does not grade courses or provide a GPA, check the “No” box when asked if your “institution provides letter and/or numeric grades” when entering academic history details.

Proficiency in English is required for admission to a graduate program at the University of Washington. If your native language is not English, you are required to demonstrate English language proficiency in one of the following ways:

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or from an institution in Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, or the United Kingdom.
• Official documentation from the institution verifying that your undergraduate degree is from an institution (in a country other than those listed above) where all instruction is in English. The undergraduate degree must be equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Documentation must be presented to the University of Washington Graduate School. The Graduate School will determine grade equivalency and validate foreign transcripts.
• Complete an English Language Proficiency Exam. Refer to the below table for accepted exams and score requirements.

Most test scores are valid for two years. Applicants with scores below the minimum score requirements are highly encouraged to retake the exam before submitting an application. Official test scores must be sent directly to the University of Washington Graduate School by the application deadline.

Video Interview

All applicants will be asked to submit a video interview, and will receive an email 1-3 business days after the application deadline to which they applied with instructions on recording the video interview. The video interview allows us to get to know you better and to assess your communication skills and your ability to think on your feet as we review your application and consider your candidacy.

Once applicants receive the video interview invitation via e-mail, they will have approximately one week to complete this requirement. Applicants can test their video and sound, answer practice video interview questions, and ask for technical support if needed within the video interview system before recording their video interview. The email instructions will include the deadline to submit the video interview. Applicants must complete this requirement in order for their application to remain under review.

Applicants will be contacted if they are selected for an admissions interview later in the application review process.

A non-refundable application fee of $90 must be paid by credit card through the online application system.

Consortium Applicants

As a partner school of The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, Foster welcomes your application. If you plan to apply through The Consortium, please do not create a UW Online Application profile. Instead, proceed directly to the The Consortium website to start your Consortium application profile.

We look forward to reviewing your application once received from The Consortium and will communicate with all Consortium applicants via email while your application is under review by the Foster admissions committee.

Please review our Consortium Applicants page for information on the application process and timeline, as well as answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from Consortium applicants. If you have any questions regarding your Consortium application, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] .

Here’s what you can expect after you have submitted your application.

Admission Interview

Admission interviews are by invitation only. Invitations are sent by email to select applicants within 3-5 weeks of the application deadline to which you applied. Interviews are conducted by Foster MBA Admissions staff and the interview invitation will provide instructions on how to schedule the interview. Interviews are held virtually via Zoom. If you are invited to interview, you must do so in order to remain under consideration for admission to the program.

Notification

If you submitted a complete application, including all supplementary materials, by one of the application deadlines, an admission decision will be sent to you via email no later than 5 p.m. on the above corresponding decision dates. All communication regarding the status of your application, including admission decisions, will be through email only.

Admitted Student Welcome Weekend

If you have been admitted to the MBA Program, you will be invited to attend our Welcome Weekend—you need not have made the decision to attend Foster to take part! This event is intended to help you gain a deeper understanding of the program, meet potential classmates, connect with faculty and staff, and benefit from the perspectives of current Foster MBA students. Welcome Weekend will be held in early February and late April. Specific dates will be posted soon.

Visiting Graduate Student Applications

On a limited basis, we accept applications from individuals who meet the Visiting Graduate Student (VGS) requirements and are eligible to take MBA courses without being admitted as a degree-seeking student. Before applying, we strongly encourage all prospective applicants to make an appointment with a member of our admissions team to verify eligibility, and to discuss the application process and upcoming deadlines. The application deadline for applicants is approximately 6 weeks before the desired quarter of enrollment. For more information or to schedule an appointment email [email protected] or call (206) 543-4661.

Admissions Events

The Foster Full-time MBA Program aims to achieve a quality match between the students we admit and the programs we deliver. Whether you’re just exploring or ready to apply, connect with us. Take advantage of opportunities here on the UW Seattle campus and Foster recruiting events around the world.

Interested in receiving information about Foster’s Full-time MBA? Complete the request form to receive periodic email updates for prospective MBA students. If you have questions, please call us at 206-543-4661 or send us an email .

Upcoming Admissions Events

View events by location.

• Online events
• Seattle events
• National events
• International events

Connect with Admissions

Information sessions.

Attend an Information Session to learn more about the two-year Full-time MBA Program and meet other prospective Full-time MBA students. The session format allows you to ask your specific questions, and also to learn from the questions asked by other attendees. Please find the registration link for your preferred date in the calendar above. Sessions typically last about one hour.

Informational Interview

Prospective students may call the MBA Programs office at 206-543-4661 to schedule an on-campus or phone informational interview with a Foster MBA admissions counselor to discuss any specific questions about the program and/or admissions process.

Connect with Students

Our student ambassadors love talking about the Foster MBA program! In fact, 75% of our students volunteer their time to be an ambassador and answer your questions. Email our Full Time MBA Student Ambassador Coordinator at [email protected] with your questions. Be sure to include information about your background and career goals. We’ll try to connect you with a student that can speak to your interests. If you’d like to connect with veteran MBAs, please contact our Veteran Outreach Coordinator at [email protected] .

Shadow Days

When classes are in session, we offer a limited number of Shadow Day events. This is your chance to experience a day in the life of a Foster Full-time MBA Student. You will shadow two of our 1st year Full-time MBA students. You’ll also have an opportunity to meet with a member of the Admissions team.

Visit a Class

We encourage you to visit an MBA class and be the guest of an MBA student ambassador. Please register for your preferred date via the event calendar above. (There are no class visits available in the summer, but you should expect to see fall quarter dates available on the above calendar in mid-September.) While we do our best to accommodate each request, please understand that we are limited by classroom seating capacity, student ambassador availability, and the instructing professor’s teaching agenda. You are welcome to email [email protected] with any questions.

COVID-19 Update: To ensure the safety of our prospective and current student community, we are not currently hosting onsite Class Visits. However, we encourage you to sign-up for our Virtual Student Connections under our online admissions events.

Foster Alumni Connections

Are you interested in connecting with a Foster Full-time MBA Alumni? Alumni are working at various companies and cities around the world, including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Deloitte. They are available to meet for coffee, connect by e-mail, or speak on the phone. If you would like to connect with an alumni, please e-mail [email protected] and provide your location, how you would like to connect, and a brief description of what you would like to speak with the alumni about. A Foster Alumni Ambassador Coordinator will be reaching out to you shortly to facilitate a connection.

The Foster community looks forward to connecting with you!

Admissions Faq

We have compiled the most frequently asked questions from applicants that we receive each year and keep this information up to date to be helpful and informative to applicants. If you have any questions after reviewing our recommendations below, you can always reach out to [email protected] so that we may best assist you.

Do I need to calculate my GPA on a U.S. 4.0 scale? Yes. We ask all applicants to calculate their cumulative undergraduate GPA on a U.S. 4.0 scale if your institution’s grading scale is not on a 4.0 scale.

What tools can I use for calculating my GPA on a 4.0 scale? You are welcome to use the Scholaro GPA calculator , Scholaro GPA conversion tool, or WES iGPA Calculator to calculate your GPA on a 4.0 scale.

I attended a school outside of the United States. How do I report my GPA if it is not on a U.S. 4.0 scale? All applicants should calculate their GPA to a U.S. 4.0 scale if the GPA isn’t already on this scale. Please use the Scholaro GPA calculator , Scholaro GPA conversion or WES iGPA Calculator resources provided in the application portal to calculate your GPA to a U.S. 4.0 scale.

I am calculating my GPA on a U.S. 4.0 scale, but my university’s grading scale is not listed in the Scholaro GPA conversion resource. How do I calculate my GPA using this tool? If your university is not listed on the Scholaro GPA conversion tool, you may select the grading scale that most closely matches your university’s grading scale.

My school does not provide grades. How do I report my GPA? Most schools provide some form of letter or number grades, marks, percentages or other form of scoring. Please calculate your institution’s scoring methods to a U.S. 4.0 scale. If your university does not provide grades, or a GPA, check the “No” box when asked if your “ institution provides letter and/or numeric grades” when entering academic history details.

My GPA is below a 3.0. Can I still apply? Yes, you are welcome to apply if your GPA is below a 3.0. Each year we admit applicants with GPA’s that may fall below a preferred 3.0 GPA who have strong MBA qualifications. We recommend that you refer to our Class Profile and consider how you can strengthen your application and demonstrate your academic readiness in other parts of your application. Our admissions counselors would be happy to talk with you more about this if you’d like to make an appointment by emailing us at [email protected] .

Letters of Recommendation

Essays and application materials.

Guidelines for submitting application essays. All essays, required and optional, are submitted in the “Application Materials” section of the application.

• For the required essays, navigate to the section labeled “Statement of Purpose” to upload your Post-MBA Plans Essay and the “Personal Statement” section to upload your Personal Resilience essay.
• To upload the files, select the “Choose File” button, navigate to your essays and then scroll to the bottom and press “Save and Continue.”

The process is similar for the Optional Essays.

• To upload the files, select the “Choose File” button at the bottom of the Additional Materials section, upload your first essays and then scroll to the bottom and press “Save and Continue.”
• If you need to upload the second optional essay, return to the Application Materials tab, go to the Additional Materials section. Click Add Another, then click Choose File, navigate to your essays and then scroll to the bottom and press “Save and Continue.”

Once your essays are submitted, we recommend you return to the Application Materials tab to preview this section and ensure both required essays are submitted. You should also ensure your resume and optional essays are submitted at this time.

Transcripts

Where do I send my official transcript? Please do not send official transcripts to our office by mail or digitally. You may submit your application using copies of your original official transcripts. We will provide further instructions on how to submit your official transcripts to the University of Washington Graduate School should you be admitted to Foster.

Does my transcript need to be translated if it is not in English? Yes, transcripts and degree documents that are in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official English translation (translated by a university, government official/organization, or a certified translation service, example: American Translators Association.)

Can I submit a WES evaluation as part of my application? Applicants may choose to submit a WES ICAP evaluation in addition to a PDF copy of your original transcript. WES ICAP evaluations submitted alone as part of your application, without an accompanying copy of your original transcript and diploma, are not considered complete and we will reach out to you upon review of your application if we do not have a complete transcript. Please note that this is not a requirement, and there is an additional cost associated with the WES ICAP evaluation.

Do I need to submit transcripts for every school I have attended, including schools that I transferred from or where I did not earn a degree? Please submit your transcript from the undergraduate institution where you earned your bachelor’s degree at a minimum. We recommend that you include transcripts for all other coursework that you would like to be considered with your application, including other colleges or universities where you have earned transfer credits or completed other coursework. You should also include transcripts for any graduate degrees earned or additional coursework taken.

Do I need to submit a transcript if I took classes to earn a certificate or pursued continuing education? Please include transcripts for all pertinent coursework and academic history that you would like the admissions committee to consider with your application.

I have a 3-year bachelor’s degree. Can I still apply? The University of Washington Graduate School requires that all graduate students have the equivalent to a 4-year undergraduate degree from the United States for admission. This is typically the equivalent of 8 semesters of academic coursework in a degree-seeking program. In some situations, additional course work, such as one or more full academic years of coursework, a Master’s degree or postgraduate diploma, in addition to a 3-year degree, meets the requirement.

If you have questions about your degree prior to applying, you may inquire at [email protected] . In some situations, we may be able to provide guidance by reviewing your transcripts. If you would like us to review your transcripts, please send a complete PDF copy of your undergraduate transcript and any additional coursework you have completed.

I have been offered admission to the program and am planning to enroll in the Full-time MBA Program. I have already submitted my transcript as part of my application. Do I need to submit another copy of my transcript? Transcripts submitted as part of your application to Foster are considered unofficial. Once an offer of admission is made, the University of Washington Graduate School requires all enrolling graduate students to submit official transcripts for verification. Official transcripts must be sent directly from your university to the UW Graduate School. You will receive an email with steps for submitting your official transcripts once you have accepted your offer of admission. You may also follow the instructions listed on the UW Graduate School website and on your Application Status page for submitting official transcripts.

English Language Proficiency

My transcript is in English. Does this satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement? No, transcripts in English do not satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement for a Medium of Instruction document. Your transcript or an official letter from your college or university must clearly state that the Medium of Instruction was 100% in English to fulfill the requirement.

My university conducts all courses in English, do I still need to take the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo exam? You do not need to take the TOEFL , IELTS or Duolingo exam if the Medium of Instruction of your entire undergraduate degree program was English and your transcript clearly states this. If not explicitly noted on your transcript, you may provide an official letter or documentation from your university stating that the Medium of Instruction was English to meet the English Language Proficiency requirement.

English is not my native language, but I am living and working in the United States. Do I still need to take the TOEFL or IELTS Exam? You must submit documentation of English Language Proficiency as outlined in the UW Graduate School Policy 3.2 if English is not your native language. Living and working in the United States does not satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement.

Do I need to submit my official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores? How do I report my official scores to Foster? Official test scores are required and must be received before our program can make an admission decision. Please use the institution codes below to reports your official scores by the application deadline.

English is not my native language, but I attended university in the United States or another English-speaking country. Do I still need to take the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo exam? You will not be required to take the TOEFL,IELTS, or Duolingo exam if you have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an institution in Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, or the United States, and where English is the Medium of Instruction. Please be sure to submit complete transcripts with your application as documentation.

Does Foster accept the TOEFL My Best Score? Yes, we accept the TOEFL My Best Score.

Work Experience

While applicants are welcome to apply without test scores, admission to the Full-time MBA Program is competitive, and we still strongly encourage applicants to consider submitting GMAT, or GRE scores for a number of reasons, including demonstrating academic preparedness, scholarship consideration, and future career screenings that rely on GMAT, or GRE scores. Please review the Test Optional FAQ section for information on requirements for applying without a GMAT or GRE score.

How do I report my official GMAT or GRE scores to Foster? If you are applying with GMAT or GRE scores for consideration with your application, please be sure to report your official test scores to the University of Washington Graduate School in order to complete your application. We will conduct an initial review of all applications with self-reported scores, but official test scores are required before an admission decision will be made.

Use the program codes below to report your official test scores.

When do I need to report my official GMAT or GRE scores? Please submit your official GMAT or GRE test scores as close to the application deadline as possible. While we can conduct an initial review of your application with your self-reported scores, official scores are required before an admission decision can be made.

How long will it take for my official scores to be received and processed by the University of Washington? It can take the testing company 1-3 business days to deliver your official scores to the University of Washington once you’ve requested they be sent. Once received, it may take 7-14 days for your official scores to be processed and synced with your application. If you sent your official scores ahead of submitting your application, please allow several days for the scores to match to your application. As part of our application review process, our team verifies your official test scores are received. We will reach out to you directly if your scores have not been received or if we have any questions.

I have taken the GMAT or GRE more than once. Which score will Foster consider? We will always consider your highest overall test score. We do not consider the highest combined test section scores from multiple exams.

Can I have the GMAT or GRE requirement waived? While we do not waive application requirements, Foster will provide applicants the option to apply “Test Optional” to the Full-time MBA Program for Autumn 2025 entry without a standardized test score. Please review the Test Optional FAQ section for information on requirements for applying without a GMAT or GRE score and tips from our admissions team on crafting a competitive application.

I plan on re-taking the GMAT or GRE after the application deadline. Will my new scores be considered? You are welcome to report updated test scores. Please indicate in the Optional Essay that you plan to retake the exam and include the date of your scheduled exam. Reach out to us at [email protected] once you have received your initial score report to let us know you have new scores available for review. Please also ensure you update your application with new self-reported test scores and report official scores to the University of Washington. Please keep in mind that, while the admissions committee will do their best to consider updated scores, scores submitted after the application deadline are not guaranteed to be considered with your application.

Does Foster prefer one test over another? There is no preference between the GMAT or GRE. We accept the GMAT 10th Edition, GMAT Focus Edition and the GRE. In our holistic review process, we consider a number of factors to determine your ability to handle the academic rigors of the program, achieve success in the career development process, and contribute actively and positively to our community. Test scores are just one piece of information considered in the review process.

Do you accept the Executive Assessment (EA) for admission to the Full-time MBA Program? No, we do not. Applicants to the Full-time MBA Program may submit GMAT or GRE test scores.

I can’t get an online GMAT or GRE exam date until after the application deadline. Can I apply with no test scores and update my application after the deadline? Applicants should apply to the earliest application deadline to which they can submit their strongest complete application. If you are unable to take the GMAT or GRE before the application deadline, we advise looking ahead to preparing a strong and complete application for the next application round.

Test Optional

Which standardized tests does the Full-Time MBA Program accept? The Full-time MBA Program accepts all forms of the GMAT Exam, both the GMAT 10th Edition and GMAT Focus Edition, and the GRE Exam. For Autumn 2025 admission, Foster will provide candidates the option to apply without a standardized test score.

Should I consider applying without a test score? What factors make an applicant well-suited to submit an application without a test score? All candidates are required to meet the following criteria:

• Have a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university in the U.S. or equivalent international degree.
• Have a 3.0 GPA or higher in the most recent degree earned, per the University of Washington Graduate School’s minimum GPA requirements .

For a candidate to be competitive without a test score, they must demonstrate quantitative and program readiness by meeting several of the following criteria:

• Strong quantitative or analytical ability demonstrated throughout educational records, with a GPA at or above average as listed on the Class Profile .
• An undergraduate, masters, or advanced degree in STEM or a business-related major, with strong performance and multiple quantitative or analytical courses.
• Clearly demonstrated quantitative or analytical professional work experience. Professional certifications in a quantitative-related field, e.g., CPA, CFA, PE, etc.
• Four or more years of progressively responsible professional work experience which demonstrate deep quantitative or analytical aptitude.

These criteria will be considered in holistic review along with other elements of the application including transcripts, resume, essays, recommendations, and admission interviews, in the context of the competitiveness of the overall applicant pool.

Meeting the above criteria does not ensure admittance to a Foster MBA program. If you believe your academic readiness is best demonstrated by an exam, we encourage you to provide an exam score.

Are there circumstances in which it might be helpful to submit test scores? Yes, there are several reasons to submit a test score:

• If you had weaker performance as an undergraduate student with a GPA below the class average , a strong test score can help demonstrate quantitative aptitude or mitigate concerns regarding academic readiness.
• Though recruiting practices vary, a strong GMAT or GRE score can be a consideration in finding employment. Employers in some industries, particularly finance, investment banking, and consulting, could request GMAT or GRE scores in their screening and hiring process.
• A strong standardized test score can strengthen your qualification for fellowships and scholarships.

How do I apply without a test score? To apply test optional, complete the “Test Optional Summary of Qualifications” under the “application questions” section of the online application. You will be asked the following question prompts:

• Are you applying without test scores (meaning test optional)? Upon selecting yes, you will be prompted to answer the following required short answer question.
• Please detail the specific evidence in your academic and/or professional experience that supports your analytical and quantitative preparedness for success in the program. (150 words maximum)

Applicants applying Test Optional are not required to self-report GMAT or GRE scores. Please skip the “Self-Reported Test Scores” section in the application.

Does the admissions team have guidance for completing the short response question? The short answer question asks you to outline your academic and/or professional experience that prepares you for the quantitative and analytical rigor of the program. This response is required, and asks for a short, 150 word response. We encourage you to type your response in a Word Document first to ensure accurate spelling and grammar, and that your responses meets the word limit, and then to copy and paste your responses into your application.

I have reported test scores to the University of Washington, but I do not wish for these to be considered in my Full-time MBA Application. What do I do? If you previously reported a test score to the University of Washington and do not want any test scores considered in your application for Autumn 2025, then select yes to applying test optional and complete the Test Optional Summary of Qualifications. Your test scores will not be used in review of your application.

Can you use an expired score in the evaluation of my application? GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years, but you may point to the results of an expired test score as evidence of quantitative or verbal aptitude in your request to be considered without a standardized test score .

Please self-report the test scores in your application and upload a PDF copy of the GMAT or GRE score report to the “Optional Essay” section of the application along with a note that you would like us to consider your expired test scores.

Can I apply as a test optional applicant if I am applying through The Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management? Yes, applicants applying through The Consortium can also apply test optional. Applicants will be asked to complete the same Test Optional Summary of Qualifications questions as part of the application through The Consortium.

Who do I contact if I have questions that are not addressed here about applying Test Optional? If you have questions about how to submit your strongest application, you can schedule an informational interview with an admissions counselor by emailing [email protected] .

Admissions Review Timeline and Decisions

When will I know if I am invited to an admission interview? Admission interviews are by invitation only and will be sent by email to select applicants 3-5 weeks after the application deadline.

When can I expect a decision on my application? Please refer to the Admissions webpage for application decision notification dates by round.

Can Foster provide me feedback on my application if I am denied admission? Unfortunately, we are unable to provide denied candidates with feedback. There normally is not a single deciding factor that led to a denial, and the decision is usually dependent on the competitiveness of the entire applicant pool. If you are interested in reapplying for the program next year and wish to speak with an admissions counselor about ways to strengthen your application, you may contact [email protected] to schedule an appointment.

What if I want to defer my acceptance and attend the following year? If you are admitted to the program and need to defer for one academic year, you can formally request to defer. The admissions committee considers these requests on a case-by-case basis.

I haven’t received an admission interview invitation yet. Does that mean I am not being invited to interview at all? We continue to review applications and communicate with applicants regarding next steps in the admissions process throughout the application round. All communication in delivered via email, please ensure you are accepting communication from [email protected] and [email protected] .

Merit Scholarships

Each year we award a significant number of merit scholarships, ranging from $10,000 to $70,000 for the duration of the 2-year program. We may also award Tuition Waivers to out-of-state students, which reduces the non-resident tuition obligation to the lower, in-state tuition rate, in addition to merit scholarships. Additionally, Consortium applicants who are awarded Consortium Fellowships receive a full-tuition and fees scholarship for the duration of the 2-year program.

How do I apply for merit scholarships? All applicants are considered for merit-based scholarships upon application to the Full-time MBA Program. Your application for admission is also your application for scholarship consideration, and we consider all aspects of your application when awarding merit-based scholarships. There is no separate or additional application to be considered for Foster scholarships.

How do I apply to be considered for ROMBA or Forté Fellowships? If you are interested in being considered for ROMBA or Forté Fellowships , we encourage you to complete the Optional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion essay as part of your application to indicate how you might be a strong candidate for consideration of these fellowship awards. The Option Diversity, Equity & Inclusion essay states:

“At the Foster School of Business, we embrace diversity as one of the foundations of both successful business strategy and a world-class educational experience. We share the University’s dedication to promoting the understanding and appreciation of human differences, and the constructive expression of ideas. We welcome you to share some of the ways you have practiced inclusion, promoted equity or supported the advancement of underrepresented groups.”

How do I apply for a Consortium Fellowship? To be considered for a Consortium Fellowship, applicants must apply through The Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management. Please visit The Consortium website to learn more about the application process and requirements and the benefits of Consortium membership.

General Application Questions

What is the Post-Application Questions section showing up in the Applicant Checklist after I submit my application? The Post-Application Questions section will appear within a few minutes of submitting your application. We encourage all applicants to submit the Post-Application questionnaire. The questions asked in the Post-Application Questions section are not a part of the review of your application for admission.

What is the application deadline for international students? The Round 2 application deadline is the final deadline for international applicants. This ensures proper time for enrolling students to obtain the necessary visas by the start of the academic year.

Can I apply to multiple Foster MBA programs? Yes, you are welcome to apply to multiple MBA programs at Foster. Each MBA or master’s program has its own application and admissions process. You will need to complete an application to each individual program you wish to apply to.

Do you have rolling admission? We review applications at the deadline to which they were submitted and send out admission decisions in general within 2-3 months after the deadline. Please see the Admission Notification dates for the date to which you can expect to hear a final admission decision.

Can I apply to start in the spring term? Our program starts once a year in the fall. No other admission starts are offered.

I am having technical issues submitting my video interview. What do I do? The video interview is hosted by Kira Talent, and applicants can request technical support 24/7 from Kira Talent in the online video interview platform.

Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you have any issues completing your video interview by the deadline. Our team will work with you to provide options for submitting your video.

The application review section allows me to “Save for Later” but not submit my application. How do I complete my application and submit it? The review section shows a list of any incomplete items in your application. You must complete all items labeled as “Required Field or Error” to submit your application. If an application item is labeled with “Warning” the item may be required but can be updated in the application portal post submission of your application.

Would you like a Free Profile Evaluation?

Foster Kira Video Interview

Interview questions collected from past clients, foster video interview.

The Foster video interview is an online method that a number of business schools, notably Foster Business School, have utilised to evaluate potential students’ communication abilities, thoughtfulness, and overall compatibility with the programme.

Important Points

• Every applicant will be required to record a video interview and will be sent recording instructions via email within three to four business days after the application deadline for the position for which they are applying. 
• During the process of reviewing your application and thinking about whether or not to offer you the position, the video interview gives them the opportunity to get to know you better and evaluate your communication skills as well as your ability to think quickly on your feet.
• Applicants have about four to six days from the time they receive the invitation to participate in a video interview via email to fulfil this prerequisite. Instructions on how to record the video interview are going to be included in the email. 
• Within the video interview system, applicants have the ability to test their video and sound before recording their video interview, answer practise video interview questions, and ask for technical support if it is required. 
• The deadline for submitting the video interview will be included in the instructions that will be emailed to candidates, and in order for their applications to continue to be considered, applicants are required to fulfil this criterion.
• In order for the application to be considered, a video recording of the interview needs to be uploaded. Applicants who are chosen to participate in an admissions interview at a later stage of the application assessment process will be contacted by the admissions office.

Foster MBA Frequently Asked Video Interview Questions

• Describe a time when you were a member of a team rather than the leader of that team. In what ways did the outcome affect you?
• Describe a recent move that you made that was met with widespread opposition. How did you deal with the situation?
• Imagine for a moment that you have been transported back to the year 1900. How would you describe a smartphone to someone who grew up during that time period?
• Describe a period when you had to muster up a lot of courage and determination, and it ultimately paid off for you. What kind of findings did you get?
• Please describe a subject you studied or an extracurricular activity you participated in that assisted you in developing your unique personality. What new knowledge did you obtain?
• Describe a time when you had to defend a choice that you had previously taken, as well as the results of that decision.
• Tell me about a moment when you tried to accomplish something that was out of your reach and what you did instead.
• What do you consider to be the most meaningful praise paid to your professional work?
• Discuss an activity or extracurricular programme and how it altered your perspective on anything.
• Share a story of a challenge you faced, the response you had to it, and the outcome of your efforts.
• What is absolutely necessary for establishing and preserving professional connections? Please Provide Some Examples
• Working experience on a team in which the members did not initially get along very well with one another. What have you been doing, etc.
• How important do you think it is to have integrity, and why do you think it’s necessary to have integrity in the workplace?
• Explain how you came to a choice and what the results of that decision were.
• Give an example of a time when you had to adjust the way you spoke with someone. What were the results of it?
• Please give an example of a moment when you were presented with fresh knowledge that had an effect on a decision that you had previously made. What steps did you take next?
• Discuss a significant accomplishment from your professional life and explain why you believe it was significant in the context of this discussion.
• Tell us about a moment when you had to complete a task despite the fact that you had no prior experience with it. What were the initial actions you took, the tactics you used, and the results you got from those steps?
• Describe some of the qualities that make a strong leader.
• Outside of your responsibilities at school and at work, how would you spend the time you had available to you?
• Give an example of a time when you were forced to adjust your priorities because of an unexpected task, and describe the result of this decision.
• Describe a scenario from your workplace in which you were subjected to a significant amount of retribution. What kind of response did you give them?
• Talk about a challenging period in your professional life. What were the steps you took, and what was the result of those steps?
• What is the most important component in developing and sustaining successful business relationships? Give some examples from your own experience.
• Describe a time when you had unrealistically high expectations for yourself and were unable to accomplish what you had set out to do. What was the result, and how did you respond to it when it occurred?
• What was the most significant risk you took at work, and what was the result of taking that risk?
• Describe the most stressful circumstance you’ve ever encountered on the job and how you overcame it.
• Tell us about a time when you came across a person who was unwilling to change, how you handled the situation, and what the result was.
• Share with us a time when you were forced to adjust your priorities as a result of unexpected circumstances; what actions did you take, and what was the result of those actions?
• How did you deal with a person who was resistant to change? What actions did you take, and what was the result of those actions?
• Share a story of a moment when you made a poor choice, the consequences of which you experienced, and how you overcame them.

How to Prepare for the Kira Video Interview: 5 Tips

You probably already know the fundamentals of interviewing if you’re about to participate in a Kira video interview. But being ready for a video interview can differ greatly from getting ready for a face-to-face one. 

Here are 5 preparation suggestions to help you maximize your interview and leave a positive impression on the interviewer:

• Practice: It’s a good idea to practice your responses before the interview, just like an in-person interview. Consider researching typical Kira video interview questions and working on responses that show your knowledge and enthusiasm for the job.
• Test Your Tech: Make sure your computer is up-to-date and that you have a reliable internet connection. Also, test your webcam, microphone, speakers, and any other equipment you’ll be using so that there are no issues when it comes time for the actual interview.
• Check the Lighting: Ensure that your surrounding is well lit. Moreover, ensure that your environment is professional and free from distractions like pets or children. Avoid background noise and any decorations or furniture that could detract from the interviewer’s attention away from you.
• Dress Appropriately: Even though this isn’t an in-person interview, it’s still important to dress respectfully as if it were an in-person one. Be presentable and wear clothing that reflects positively upon yourself when appearing on camera!
• Speak Clearly: When speaking to an interviewer during a video call, ensure that your speech is clear and concise by paying attention to how you enunciate each word and how quickly (or slowly) you speak each sentence aloud. 

Mistakes To Avoid In Kira Interview

Not acquainting yourself with the platform .

To avoid technical difficulties, you must acquaint yourself with the Kira Talent platform before the video interview. Practice using the platform beforehand and ensure your microphone, camera, and internet connection are working properly. 

Bad time management

Kira video interviews are timed, so it’s crucial to administer your time effectively. Ensure to read and understand the instructions and questions before answering and try to stick to the recommended time limit.

Not dressing professionally

Although Kira video interviews are conducted online, it is necessary to dress professionally to make an excellent first impression. Dress formally like you would for an in-person interview, and avoid wearing anything too distracting or flashy.

Not preparing ahead of time

Just like any other video interview, preparing for a Kira video interview is important. Research thoroughly for the discussion and prepare answers to common interview questions. Refrain from trying to memorize but understand the subject. Memorizing may sometimes backfire if the questions are different from the expected format.

Understand and write

Understand your question and give the best possible response. Never use possible responses given by a computer to answer your questions. You might sound fake, and the reviewers would very well be able to tell the difference.

Not paying attention to body language and non-verbal cues

Pay attention to your body language and non-verbal cues during a Kira Talent interview. Make sure to maintain eye contact, sit up straight, and avoid fidgeting or making distracting movements.

Not being concise and clear 

Kira video interviews are timed, so it’s important to be concise and clear in your answers. Avoid being confused or going off on tangents, and make sure to answer the question directly and succinctly.

To know more about Kira video assessments, tips and tricks,  click here .

What Our Clients Say

Faqs about kira interview.

During a Kira video assessment, you may be required to submit timed video and/or textual responses to questions that have been pre-recorded by the school. You will be able to record your responses from the convenience of your own home, and you will have complete control over the timing of these recordings. This interview is only one-way.

Once you begin your practise or asynchronous assessment questions, you will be able to view the number of questions you have, the format of your questions (whether they are video or written), as well as the amount of time you have to prepare and respond to each question.

You will watch a single instance of a pre-recorded video when you are presented with a video question. During both the time allotted for preparation and the time allotted for responses, the text of the related question will be shown on the screen for your perusal. You will respond to a video question in a format that is timed and recorded video. Using the countdown timer and bar that is located at the very top of your screen, you will be able to keep track of the remaining time you have for preparation and response.

You can become more comfortable with the platform by answering the practise questions in Kira, and you can also use them to verify that your device is configured correctly. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of the following main variations between the practise questions and the actual assessment questions:

During the period of practise, you are free to finish answering your questions an unlimited number of times. During the actual test, you will only have one opportunity to answer each question. During the practise, you will have the opportunity to playback your responses and gain an understanding of how you come across to others. During the actual test, you will not be able to review your previous responses. Only your answers to the authentic evaluation questions will be taken into consideration. Nobody, not even you, other than you, has access to anything you filmed while you were practising. The similarities between the practise questions and the actual questions on the test are not guaranteed to exist. The amount of time allotted for preparation and response between each question is also subject to change.

To know more about types of questions in Kira,  click here .

You will not be able to repeat your questions once your responses to your asynchronous assessment have been submitted (or until your interview is over, whichever comes first). The school to which you are applying has the authority to decide whether or not to allow you to retake an examination in certain circumstances.

Please get in touch with the institution to which you have applied directly if you have solid evidence supporting the conclusion that you need to repeat the exam. Your responses are going to be analysed, and if a new attempt is necessary, you will be given one.

To know more about redo, retake and deadline extension for your Kira video interview,  click here .

In order to successfully finish any kind of test in Kira, you will need the following things:

• Laptop or a desktop
• Whether internal or external, a camera
• Microphone, either internal or external (use of headphones is also acceptable!)
• Stable connection to the internet

If this is your first time using Kira, it is highly recommended that you schedule aside fifteen to thirty minutes in order to finish the Check-In process.

Please click on the “Learn More” button that is located on your landing page in order to access to the “Details” page. This will provide you with more precise information regarding the scheduling of your asynchronous assessment or live interview.

To find some tips about Kira Talent Video interview,  click here.

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83 Foster Care Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best foster care topic ideas & essay examples, 🎓 good research topics about foster care, ⭐ simple & easy foster care essay titles, ❓ research questions about the foster care system.

• Foster Care System in the “Antwone Fisher” Film What could be done to improve the foster care system today? The foster system failed Antwone because they shifted him from a foster home he had innocently believed and enjoyed to be his birth family […]
• Youths Transitioning Foster Care System These problems have led to the necessity of occupational therapy in the foster care systems where they enable the young people aging out of foster care to deal with these issues.
• Non-Relative Care Placements for Children in Foster Care Here, the main issues to be addressed are the problems of children who are placed in foster care, the social impact of foster care centers, whether these centers are run as they are supposed, the […]
• New York’s Homeless Children and Foster Care System Foster homes have to also face the challenge of developing the mentalities of the children are their clients, and care should be provided on that basis.
• Foster Care Crisis in Georgia: Children in Substitute Families It decides whether a child is to be placed in foster care or to remain in the home of their caregiver.
• Foster Care of Children With a Different Background The ethical dilemma here was detected later when the social worker was able to contact the child’s mother, who insisted that such behavior was not a sign of anxiety but rather of respect and proper […]
• Healthcare, Human Services and Foster Care in the US Particularly, it is essential to enhance the importance of the caretakers’ role in both the provision of the necessary healthcare assistance to their foster children after the people in question become legal guardians of the […]
• Foster-Care Centers and Public Health Over the past ten years, California spent over $200 million on psychotropic drugs, which is about 70 percent of total foster care drug spending in the US.
• Group Home and Foster Care Forensic Settings The residents of the group home often access treatment through the treatment centers located within the homes. The foster cares are located in areas accessible to the amenities and other resources.
• Attachment Disorder Among Young Children in Foster Care Attachment refers to a deep connection between a child and a primary caregiver that plays an important role in the optimal growth and development of the child with regard to expression of emotions and creation […]
• Foster Care and Adoption Service The role of the human services professional is to understand the behavior and the expectations of each party in the adoption agreement and offer appropriate information to avoid misunderstanding in the future.
• Foster Care in the Criminal Justice System Throughout the history of the United States, the children welfare system has evolved according to shifting values and attitudes about what responsibilities governmental agencies should take in the defence and care of abandoned and abused […]
• African American Extended Families and Kinship Care: How Relevant Is the Foster Care Model for Kinship Care
• Childhood: Foster Care and Young Mothers
• Adoption Subsidies and Placement Outcomes for Children in Foster Care
• Leaving Foster Care: The Influence of Child and Case Characteristics on Foster Care Exit Rates
• Health Outcomes for Adults in Family Foster Care as Children: An Analysis by Ethnicity
• Adopting Children Through the Foster Care System
• Child Protection and Adult Crime: Using Investigator Assignment to Estimate Causal Effects of Foster Care
• Need for Change: The Harmful Effects of the Foster Care System
• Natural Mentoring and Psychosocial Outcomes Among Older Youth Transitioning From Foster Care
• Mental and Emotional Health of Children When Leaving Foster Care
• Cognitive, Educational, and Self-Support Outcomes of Long-Term Foster Care Versus Adoption
• Educational and Employment Outcomes of Adults Formerly Placed in Foster Care
• Trauma Treatments for Among Culturally Diverse Foster Care Youth: Treatment Retention and Outcomes
• Minority Children and Adolescents in Transracial Foster Care
• Balancing Permanency and Stability for Youth in Foster Care
• Risk and Protective Factors for Residential Foster Care Adolescents
• Attachment Theory and Change Processes in Foster Care
• Economics Incentives and Foster Care Placement
• Improved Intelligence, Literacy and Mathematic Skills Following School-Based Intervention for Children in Foster Care
• Foster Care: Protecting Bodies but Killing Minds
• Outcomes for Young Adults Who Experienced Foster Care
• Stability for the Children Leaving the Foster Care System
• Kinship Foster Care: Placement, Service, and Outcome Issues
• Adoption and Family Safety and Foster Care Plan
• New Policy for Getting Therapeutic Foster Care For Children With Mental Illnesses
• Evaluating Housing Programs for Youth Who Age Out of Foster Care
• Adolescent Resilience, Gender, and Foster Care
• Competencies and Problem Behaviors of Children in Family Foster Care: Variations by Kinship Placement Status and Race
• After Parental Rights Are Terminated: Factors Associated With Exiting Foster Care
• Increasing College Access for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
• Career Readiness Programming for Youth in Foster Care
• Kinship Family Foster Care: A Methodological and Substantive Synthesis of Research
• Child Abuse Prevention and Foster Care
• Foster Care and Adoption as a Tool of Superior Care
• Granting Gay Couples to Adopt Children From Foster Care
• Factors Associated With Reunification: A Longitudinal Analysis of Long-Term Foster Care
• Behavioral Health Needs and Service Use Among Those Who’ve Aged Out of Foster Care
• Differences Between Foster Care and Adoption
• Context Matters: Experimental Evaluation of Home-Based Tutoring for Youth in Foster Care
• Natural Mentoring Among Older Youth in and Aging Out of Foster Care
• What Factors Are Considered for a Child to Be a Candidate for Foster Care?
• Should the Foster Care System Be Reformed?
• What Measures Are Put in Place to Ensure a Child’s Wellbeing in the Foster Care System?
• How Does Foster Care Affect Children?
• Should Race and Culture Matter for Children in Foster Care Place With Adoptive Families?
• What Factors Impact the Educational Outcomes of Children in Foster Care?
• Why Do Children Run Away From Foster Care?
• What Is the Importance of Foster Care on a Child?
• How Long Does It Take for One to Register and to Be Able to Foster a Child?
• Is There Any Support Given to Foster Parents?
• What Is Required for One to Be a Foster Child?
• How Long Can Foster the Same Child?
• What Disqualifies a Person From Fostering?
• In What State Should a Foster Home Be In Before a Minor Comes in to Live There?
• How Is the Safety of a Child Ensured in the Foster Homes?
• What Are the Measures Taken in Cases of Child Abuse in Foster Homes?
• Does One Make Money From Fostering?
• What Are the Risks of Becoming a Foster Parent?
• How Should One Respond to the Problematic Stories Surrounding Struggling Foster Families?
• What Is the Goal of a Foster Care System?
• How Are Kids Impacted by the Trauma They Experienced?
• At What Age Is a Child Involved in Foster Care?
• Can Children With Special Needs Be Involved in Foster Care?
• What Are the Rules and Regulations for Foster Care Parents?
• How Does Foster Care Affect the Child’s Life Stability?
• In What Way Does the System Affect Foster Children?
• What Are the Effects of Foster Children Interacting With Biological Parents?
• How Much Support Should Foster Parents Have?
• What Measures Should Be in Place for Drug Addicts?
• How Fast Is the Foster Care Adoption Process?
• Pedagogy Topics
• Social Development Essay Topics
• Family Titles
• Suffering Essay Topics
• Children’s Rights Research Ideas
• Charity Ideas
• Parenting Styles Titles
• Childcare Research Topics
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IvyPanda. (2023, January 21). 83 Foster Care Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/foster-care-essay-topics/

"83 Foster Care Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." IvyPanda , 21 Jan. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/foster-care-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda . (2023) '83 Foster Care Essay Topic Ideas & Examples'. 21 January.

IvyPanda . 2023. "83 Foster Care Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." January 21, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/foster-care-essay-topics/.

1. IvyPanda . "83 Foster Care Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." January 21, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/foster-care-essay-topics/.

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IvyPanda . "83 Foster Care Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." January 21, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/foster-care-essay-topics/.

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Encore: Why YouTube Loves Video Essays

How longform, academic-leaning rants are finding success in a shortform digital landscape

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Episode Notes

Today, we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes from this January about longform video essays.

In this episode, Candice Lim is joined by Anisa Khalifa, a podcast producer and host of The Broadside from WUNC. They dissect the phenomenon surrounding video essays, which are not exactly new to YouTube, but finding a captivated audience in Gen-Z and millennial culture. From deep dives into  The Hobbit  to retellings of  Greek mythology , the ability to analyze pop culture, cite sources and listen to spoken essays uninterrupted is creating the hunger for more longform content.

This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario and Candice Lim.

• Internet Culture

About the Show

Candice Lim is the co-host of ICYMI, Slate’s podcast about internet culture. She comes to Slate from NPR, where she was an assistant producer at Pop Culture Happy Hour . Prior to that, she was an intern at NPR’s How I Built This , the Hollywood Reporter, WBUR, and the Orange County Register. She graduated from Boston University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and grew up in Orange County, California.

IESE Video Essay Prep

Sep 13, 2023

Why does IESE require a video essay?

How does the iese video essay work, which types of questions are asked, the difference between a good and great video essay.

• Get expert help

With its focus on diversity and ethical leadership, IESE 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. 

Despite this fact, many applicants dedicate countless hours to writing essays and then rush through the video essay component. 

This is a huge mistake. 

In addition to giving the admissions committee the chance to “put a face with a name,” the video essay is an essential part of the IESE application, as it allows committee members to determine if your communication style and values are a good fit with the IESE community. 

In fact, in our experience helping our IESE applicants secure a place at the school, we have noticed that the video essay can be as influential in an applicant’s admissions decision as the admissions interview . 

That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you understand how the IESE video essay works and have shared a list of IESE video essay questions to ensure you put your best foot forward! 

The IESE video essay is an essential part of the application process because it gives the admissions committee the chance to truly “meet” candidates — as well as identify red flags in potential members of the IESE community. 

With that in mind, it’s extremely important to make sure you fully understand this component of the application. 

The way the video essay works is very simple. 

After submitting your application, you will receive an email from a company called Kira Talent within 24 hours of submission . This email will contain a link that allows you to access the video essay platform. 

After signing in and starting the session, you will get three IESE video essay questions in total, one at a time. After receiving the questions, you will have 15 seconds to think and then 20 seconds to answer the first question. For the second and third questions, you will have 1 minute to prepare and 1.5 minutes to answer. There are no opportunities to redo the question, and you only get one chance to speak and provide your answer.

If you’ve taken the TOEFL exam , you’ve already practiced for the type of format you can expect in the IESE video essay! 

After signing in and “starting” the session, a video will appear on the screen. The video will present the questions to you one by one. Once the question has been read, a clock showing your preparation time will start counting down. 

After the preparation time runs out, the clock to answer will start, and you will need to give your answer during this period of time. Remember: you cannot redo any of the questions. 

After you answer the question, the system will upload your answer to the server (depending on your connection this can take a while) and will present you with the next question. 

DO NOT leave your computer during the upload time , even if it’s taking a while. You cannot pause the process, and you may end up missing questions!

Technical requirements

Given past applicants’ issues with iPad and mobile versions of the application, we strongly suggest you record your answer on a computer . 

If you do end up experiencing technical issues, access the support page here . 

Find IESE’s current application deadlines here . 

If you submit your application early, you can submit your responses to IESE’s video essay questions at any time, as long as you make the final deadline.  

The IESE video essay questions are grouped into three different categories, each with a different focus. 

Question 1: Your Name

“Please tell us how we should pronounce your name.”

The first question IESE will ask you is how to pronounce your name. You will have 15 seconds to prepare and 20 seconds to answer. 

Since this is a very straightforward question, don’t overthink it. Instead, make sure you clearly articulate the pronunciation of your name. If you find you have a little extra time and want to share the meaning behind your name, you can. But only if you can keep it super short! 

Question 2: Introduce Yourself

The second question IESE asks gives you the chance to share who you are beyond your CV and admissions essays. 

“ Please introduce yourself to the IESE MBA Admissions Team.” Consider this your opportunity to highlight your unique attributes and capabilities and show the IESE admissions team what makes you YOU! 

Despite the innocent-seeming question, be careful about what you choose to show here . 

Keep in mind that IESE prefers community-focused, globally-minded leaders, so don’t miss an opportunity to reinforce your personal brand and your fit with the school’s values. You should also focus on reinforcing elements of your profile that you might not have had a chance to explain elsewhere, such as volunteer work or a special skill you possess. 

You do not need to speak about your goals or why you want to attend IESE. You’ve already written an essay on this topic, so there is no need to cover it again here. 

Instead, make sure you focus on sharing an introduction that really helps you stand out! 

Question 3: Randomized Question

For this question, there won’t be a specific prompt you can answer in advance. Instead, you’re going to receive a random behavioral-based question. This question may be focused on your characteristics, or it may allow you to share a professional example that highlights your personality traits. 

The best advice for this section is to think about what it’s asking you and what you can show about yourself, your achievements, and your values.

If the question asks about your favorite book, the admissions committee will get a certain impression of you based on what you choose. If you choose a book that’s all about adventure, we’ll assume that’s important to you. If you choose a book about economics, we’ll assume that’s a key part of your life. 

So think about how you want the admissions committee to learn about you beyond what you’ve already shared in your application. 

If you get a question that’s more like a traditional behavioral interview question, try to draw on examples. Furthermore, make sure to show your human side and demonstrate that you genuinely care for others and want teams you join to succeed. 

It can be easy to answer in a very conversational way, but doing so can often lead to an answer without a point, so make sure you use your planning time to structure the key elements of your answer. 

Regardless, be careful about what you choose to show here. Keep in mind that IESE prefers globally-minded leaders who embrace diversity, so don’t miss an opportunity to reinforce your personal brand and your fit with the school’s values. 

Here is a list of the types of questions you can expect.

• Tell us about a time you took a risk. What did you learn?
• If you were a team leader and you had a member who constantly under-delivered, what would you do?
• Tell us about a time you experienced a professional failure. What did you learn from it?
• Tell me about a time you worked with a dysfunctional team. How did you manage the situation?
• Tell us about a conflict you have had with your boss/with a team at work. How did you manage to resolve it?
• What accomplishment are you proudest of?
• Tell us about an organization or activity to which you have devoted a significant amount of time. Why was it meaningful to you?
• Tell us about a situation in which you were part of a dysfunctional team. What steps did you take to improve the situation?
• What will your classmates be most surprised to learn about you?
• What is the most challenging aspect of working in an internationally diverse environment?
• What, in your opinion, is most challenging about studying in a diverse study group?
• What do you like to do in your free time?
• Tell us about a time a team member did not “pull his weight” in the team.
• Who do you respect the most and why?
• What is your favorite motto or quote, and why?
• When you have a problem, who do you approach for advice and why?
• What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
• If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?
• Tell us about a time you were introduced to a new culture. What did you gain from this experience?
• How would your teammates describe you?
• If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?
• Why do you think you would excel working in a global environment?
• What is the importance of diversity in the workplace?
• What do you believe it takes to be a good leader? 

Given the importance of the video essay in your IESE application , it’s crucial to make sure you don’t just have a good video essay, but that you have a great video essay. 

Now that you’ve learned how the video essay will work, we’ve gathered our top 4 tips to ensure your video essay performance brings you one step closer to reaching your goal of attending IESE. 

Tip 1: Be personable on camera

This is quite a specific skill to master, but with a bit of practice will get much easier. 

My best tip for you is to practice recording yourself and time yourself as well. Go through the questions you have, take the allotted time to think and plan, and then record yourself for one minute. 

If you mess up, keep going. You can’t stop and try again in the real thing, so don’t do it now. Continue your answer and fake confidence if necessary!

Then watch yourself back. Were you making eye contact with the camera? Did you smile? Did you look friendly? Bored? Annoyed? Scared?

Chances are the first few you do won’t be great but keep going.

You might also like to pretend you’re something of a TV presenter. This can help you to bring your personality forward and be more engaging. You don’t want to seem flat in the recording, so be a little bit brighter and friendlier than you think you need to be, and see how big of a difference it makes to your recordings.

Furthermore, be extremely careful with your tone of voice and body language. If you’re slumped over or look bored, the admissions committee will get the impression you’re not engaged with the task or, worse, that you’re not passionate about IESE! 

This also goes for your tone of voice. Passion is contagious , but the last thing we think of when imagining a passionate person is a monotone, bored voice. So vary your tone of voice and make sure to project your passion for your interests and for IESE. If you’re not naturally good at this, you may want to seek out help from friends or record yourself multiple times until you’ve nailed the brief. 

Tip 2: Be prepared to think on your feet

With the timer counting down and no option to check your interviewer’s body language for subtle clues about how well your answer is being received, video essays can be incredibly challenging. 

Even more so when you receive a question you weren’t prepared for!

Yet receiving a curveball question is no reason to panic, since the best way to handle this situation is through a mix of preparation and being spontaneous. 

A good way to avoid completely drawing a blank is to have a few solid examples you’re ready to speak about and adapt.

For example, let’s say you recently worked on a project in a foreign country. You experienced culture shock while trying to adapt to the new city, faced linguistic challenges both in the office and in your daily life, and also had to mix up your work style to align with local expectations. This experience would be a fantastic “stock” answer to have ready since it brings in so many different topics that you can adapt the focus based on what the question asks. 

  So, in addition to preparing your answers to the list of questions we’ve prepared for you below, think back on your life and career and write a list of defining moments that are broad enough to be adapted to various questions and that show your fit with the IESE community and its values. 

Then, during your thinking time, take a deep breath and plan out your answer. 

While delivering your answer, don’t let the admissions committee in on the little secret that you got caught off guard! Answer confidently, using your tone of voice and body language to show off your winning personality and you’ll have successfully overcome the challenge!

TOP TIP : The admissions committee knows you’ll be a little nervous during the video essay, so don’t beat yourself up if you feel you portrayed this in your video essay. However, if you tend to get extremely nervous or freeze up, make sure to practice extra hard to make sure this doesn’t happen during your official recording. 

Here at Ellin Lolis Consulting, we also offer video essay training sessions with our team of interview experts who focus on helping you adjust your body language and tone. Work with our MBA experts to get personalized help with your video essay!

Tip 3: Make sure you’re the protagonist 

Another common mistake we see our clients make while drafting their video responses: maintaining too much focus on colleagues and teamwork rather than their own efforts. Especially because you have such limited time, you want to make sure that your response maximizes the number of insights that the viewer can learn about you, not your team members.

So, make sure you’re the protagonist of your answer. Of course, you can absolutely include stories involving teamwork and collaboration. However, when detailing your results and actions, don’t talk about what your team did, talk about your specific role within the team’s achievements. What did you contribute to the success, and how did this impact the overall results? What approaches and ideas did you come up with that might set you apart from other candidates? Answering these questions will ensure that you leave a memorable impression in the adcom’s minds. 

Tip 4: Choose examples that add value to your application 

Throughout the MBA application process , you’ve most likely brainstormed plenty of examples that illustrate your strengths, skills, and values . 

Of course, you have probably used some of your proudest stories in your written essays already. And while these examples are surely impressive, it’s best to diversify your stories rather than let them overlap. In this context, that means using new examples for your video essay that don’t overlap with ones that you’ve used in other parts of your application.

Try to think of what you have already illustrated about yourself — what strengths, characteristics, skills, and values have you already shown in your written essays? Are you missing anything, or is there anything else that you think needs emphasized, especially when thinking about what the particular school is looking for? 

Ultimately, you want to choose examples for your video essay that add additional value to your application. Use this as a strategic opportunity to show another aspect of yourself and your achievements that you haven’t been able to show in other parts of your application! 

Record a video essay that gets you admitted

You have stressed about every aspect of your MBA application , and now you are ready to record your video essay! With the right preparation, this can be your chance to shine and get a highly-coveted spot at a prestigious business school. 

However, maybe you don’t know where to start in preparing, or maybe you ramble and lose your focus while answering.

Our video essay prep focuses on helping you determine how to present yourself to the admissions committee while using appropriate, impact-driven language without being artificial, or worse, robotic.

Want to put the Ellin Lolis advantage to work for you? Schedule your preparation session with our team of interview experts today! 

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19 Facts About Tim Walz, Harris’s Pick for Vice President

Mr. Walz, the governor of Minnesota, worked as a high school social studies teacher and football coach, served in the Army National Guard and chooses Diet Mountain Dew over alcohol.

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By Simon J. Levien and Maggie Astor

• Published Aug. 6, 2024 Updated Aug. 9, 2024

Until recently, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota was a virtual unknown outside of the Midwest, even among Democrats. But his stock rose fast in the days after President Biden withdrew from the race, clearing a path for Ms. Harris to replace him and pick Mr. Walz as her No. 2.

Here’s a closer look at the Democrats’ new choice for vice president.

1. He is a (very recent) social media darling . Mr. Walz has enjoyed a groundswell of support online from users commenting on his Midwestern “dad vibes” and appealing ordinariness.

2. He started the whole “weird” thing. It was Mr. Walz who labeled former President Donald J. Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, “weird” on cable television just a couple of weeks ago. The description soon became a Democratic talking point.

3. He named a highway after Prince and signed the bill in purple ink. “I think we can lay to rest that this is the coolest bill signing we’ll ever do,” he said as he put his name on legislation declaring a stretch of Highway 5 the “Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway” after the musician who had lived in Minnesota.

4. He reminds you of your high school history teacher for a reason. Mr. Walz taught high school social studies and geography — first in Alliance, Neb., and then in Mankato, Minn. — before entering politics.

5. He taught in China in 1989 and speaks some Mandarin. He went to China for a year after graduating from college and taught English there through a program affiliated with Harvard University.

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