Oxford Saïd MBA 2023/2024 - Detailed Essay analysis
Why an Oxford MBA?
The Oxford MBA is a one-year program offered by Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, one of the world's most prestigious and ancient universities. Known for its comprehensive and rigorous curriculum, the Oxford MBA combines intellectual depth with a strong practical focus, aiming to equip leaders to address global challenges. The program is distinctive for its "Global Opportunities and Threats: Oxford" (GOTO) project, an integrative module where students are tasked with tackling complex, global issues. Networking opportunities, close connections with the broader university, and a global alumni network also significantly enrich the Oxford MBA experience.
Typical Student Profile
"We are interested in ambitious professionals who can demonstrate impact and potential. We seek applicants who are aware of their strengths and development needs, and who possess the drive and determination to make a significant contribution to their chosen field and to society."
- Director of Admissions, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
As a high-level overview, a typical Oxford MBA applicant can be characterized by the following aspects:
Years of Work Experience: The typical Oxford MBA student brings to the table between 5 and 7 years of work experience, although the program does consider applicants with a minimum of two years of professional experience.
Number of Applicants per Year: Approximately 1,000 to 1,200 applications are received by the school each year, making for a highly competitive selection process.
Median GMAT Score: The average GMAT score of admitted students hovers around 690. That said, Oxford Saïd, similar to many top-tier business schools, adopts a holistic approach to admissions, evaluating each candidate's overall potential alongside their test scores.
Typical GPA: Though the school does not officially publish the average GPA of admitted students, given the highly competitive nature of the Oxford MBA, a GPA of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale is generally deemed competitive.
Job Prospects and Results: Oxford Saïd has a strong record for post-MBA employment. Around 92% of Oxford MBA graduates secure employment within three months of graduation. Top sectors for post-MBA roles include consulting, finance, tech, and entrepreneurship.
Essay Questions for 2023/2024
Is there anything not covered in the application form that you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you? (Maximum 250 words)
Reapplicant Essay: What improvements have you made in your candidacy since you last applied to the Oxford MBA? (Maximum 250 words)
Real life example
Question: Is there anything not covered in the application form that you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you? (Maximum 250 words)
Applicant first draft:
In my application, I want to draw attention to an important aspect of my background that has had a big impact on me. I co-founded and managed a small-medium enterprise called 'Entertainment Agency.' Our vision was to provide corporate events with magicians while raising funds for cancer research through charities. We started with $1,000 in funding and had our first volunteer performances for charities, raising $2,000 for cancer research. Over time, we grew and got stage shows for big corporations like Samsung and Chanel. Our team expanded from two to seven members.
The most important thing I learned from this experience was how much of a positive impact a business can have on people's lives. Our performances brought smiles to kids going through chemotherapy, and we managed to raise $100,000 for cancer research. Also, we offered employment to street performers, giving them a better option than just street busking.
This experience made me realize that businesses, even small ones like ours, can make a real difference in society. It has motivated me to do more and make a positive impact on a larger scale. That's why I'm keen to pursue an MBA to develop my entrepreneurial skills, leadership abilities, and social responsibility, so I can make a lasting impact in the business world and beyond.
Initial feedback from admissions consultant:
The first draft is always the most unrefined, however the applicant did well in getting their thoughts onto the page. The answer at the moment lacks depth and critical analysis. Here are a few areas that the applicant falls short of providing a strong response.
Lack of Specificity: The first weakness of this answer lies in its lack of specificity. The applicant briefly mentions their co-founded SME, 'Entertainment Agency,' but fails to delve into the specific challenges they encountered, strategies they implemented, or the market dynamics they navigated. Admissions committees seek candidates who can articulate their experiences in detail, demonstrating their ability to analyze situations and learn from them.
Limited Impact Description: Although the achievement is impressive, the applicant could have done a better job at selling their achievements. Providing concrete metrics and quantifiable results would strengthen their case and demonstrate a deeper understanding of business impact.
Storytelling through a story arc: The first draft can be forgiven as providing a high level overview of events that happened. One way to to improve this in later revisions is the use of a story arc and walking the reader through at a high level of the challenges and triumphs in detail. Details and specificity can be the difference between a good answer and a brilliant answer.
We then worked with the applicant to go through a few more iterations which ultimately led to this final essay:
Applicant final essay:
I would like to mention how my experience with running a small-medium enterprise (SME) myself developed me as a person and greatly impacted my view of how SME can change the lives of people.
I started ‘Entertainment Agency’ with my co-founder in September of 2016, a start-up with the vision of providing a team of magicians to corporate events across Australia while raising funds for cancer research through charities.
With initial funding of $1,000 we had our first meeting, set up our first website and raised our first $2,000 for cancer research. As the year went by, volunteer performances for charities became stage shows for large corporations such as Samsung and Chanel, and our team of 2 quickly grew to a team of 7. After we blew the candle to celebrate the first year of the company we closed our 382th show, hit our target of $250k annual revenue and received a surprise invitation to perform on Channel 7 that aired across Australia.
To me, the most important lesson I learned on the journey was the positive impact a business could have on people’s lives. We brought smiles to kids suffering from chemotherapy, raised $100k for cancer research and employed street performers which made busking on the street no longer their only option for survival. To me, there was nothing more rewarding than improving the lives of people I interacted with.
Final Tips from an admissions consultant:
Remember, this essay is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression, so ensure the information you share is compelling and helps differentiate you from other candidates. The purpose of this question is to cover any areas that hasn’t been covered in the prior essay questions. Once again, here are a few suggestions on what could be potentially covered.
Personal or Professional Achievements: Highlight unique accomplishments not covered in previous prompts. This could be awards, recognitions, or significant successes that demonstrate your potential. It can also extend to personal areas such as voluntary work, unique hobbies, or personal triumphs.
Personality and Character Traits: Showcase your unique traits that make you a compelling candidate. This could include demonstrating resilience, adaptability, empathy, or other qualities that add to your value as a potential MBA student and future leader.
Diversity and Unique Perspective: Oxford values a diverse student body. If there are unique aspects of your background, culture, or perspective that would contribute to the diversity of thought in the class, this is the place to highlight it.
Alignment with Oxford MBA Values: Highlight your alignment with the values of the Oxford MBA program, such as commitment to global issues, sustainability, or social entrepreneurship. Show how you've demonstrated these values in your personal or professional life.
Aspects Enhancing Your Academic Contribution: Indicate any aspects that could enhance your contribution in an academic environment, such as your passion for a certain subject, unique experiences that will enrich class discussions, or a strong commitment to collaborative learning.
Personal Growth: Mention any significant personal growth or self-awareness experiences you've had, and how these experiences have prepared you for an MBA and future leadership roles.
Further Explanation of Your Profile: If there are any inconsistencies or gaps in your profile that need clarification (e.g., gap in employment, low GPA), this is your opportunity to provide context
Remember, the most compelling essays are those that tell a real story about growth and resilience. Good luck with your writing!
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