The HEC Paris MBA application essays – which are many in comparison to most MBA applications these days – provide the admissions committee with a comprehensive picture of you. They go beyond what you've done to understand how you think, act, and even imagine. They also need you to explain complicated thoughts and experiences in a concise manner. Don't spend words on traditional introduction and conclusion paragraphs, especially for the four shorter articles. Use simple phrases that avoid wordy constructs (e.g. "had the opportunity to") and don't be afraid to use direct, declarative statements to make your point or tell your tale. This kind of writing has another advantage: it expresses confidence.
Because there are several essays, we recommend first sketching out ideas for all of them, then taking a step back to see how all of these facets fit together as a whole, and adjusting topics as needed to avoid redundancy and ensure a well-rounded presentation that will compel the admissions committee to invite you for an interview.
HEC Paris MBA application essays
HEC MBA essay #1
Why are you applying to the HEC MBA Program now? What is the professional objective that will guide your career choice after your MBA, and how will the HEC MBA contribute to the achievement of this objective? (500 words maximum)
This is a classic goal-setting question with a few twists.
First, even if it appears clear, the "why now" component should be addressed explicitly. Briefly is good; the essay as a whole should finally establish this argument.
Second, the "professional objective" is essentially your long-term professional goals. Because the question indicates that this vision or goal will drive your preceding steps, explain how your shorter-term goals help you seek and attain your ultimate professional goal.
When addressing the HEC MBA, be succinct but precise; link the program's content to your objectives, and highlight the 2-3 aspects of the program that are most important to you.
Finally, make the connections. This well-written essay will demonstrate how your objectives emerge organically from your experiences and are attainable given your prior experience and HEC MBA.
HEC MBA essay #2
What do you consider your most significant life achievement? (250 words maximum)
Yes, a tremendous life achievement. It most likely did not occur yesterday. And it didn't happen at work for many individuals... Few work achievements may be classified as MOST SIGNIFICANT LIFE ACHIEVEMENTS. Consider this: if you say that increasing your company's bottom line (by whatever amount) is your greatest life success, the adcom could question your values or if you actually have a life. However, if you can state that you saved employment at work, reduced bad environmental consequences, or helped produce a new medical breakthrough, it would be more meaningful and may meet the bill.
This narrative will be personal for many individuals — we have clients who have persevered through, managed, and overcame big family difficulties. Others will be affected by their effect on communal, religious, and/or social organizations or groups; yet others will be affected by a big milestone such as a national sports ranking, feature film, or music performance.
Simply describe the tale and include the consequences or impact in only 250 words, regardless of the topic. It's acceptable to include a phrase or two of thought on why it's so important to you, but don't go into detail. From the material, the rationale should be obvious.
HEC MBA essay #3
Leadership and ethics are inevitably intertwined in the business world. Describe a situation in which you have dealt with these issues and how they have influenced you. (250 words maximum)
Maintain a simple structure: relate the narrative and conclude with a quick comment of how the event has changed you. Don't feel compelled to tell a dramatic narrative; many situations such as these are gray, not black and white. It may appear difficult to find an experience that combines both leadership and ethics. However, dealing with an ethics issue nearly always necessitates leadership (even if it's informal), whether it's yours or someone else's. Don't just mention generalities when explaining how it affected you; offer a concrete example.
HEC MBA essay #4
Imagine a life entirely different from the one you now lead, what would it be? (250 words maximum)
This essay allows you to showcase a distinct part of yourself. Describe a fictional existence that represents something important to you. Make it vibrant and passionate. It's important to note that the question does not ask what you would do if you weren't in your current life or job; rather, it asks you to picture a life. Make the most of your openness by expressing your creativity. However, avoid being abstract in the process. Incorporate and use your actual knowledge and experience, for example, if you enjoy ballet and attend it frequently, you may construct your imagined life in a way that reflects your understanding and passion for dance. The reader would learn something new about you – and your potential contribution to the program's social environment.
HEC MBA essay #5
Please choose from one of the following essays: (250 words maximum)
a) What monument or site would you advise a first-time visitor to your country or city to discover, and why?
b) Certain books, movies or plays have had an international success that you believe to be undeserved. Choose an example and analyze it.
c) What figure do you most admire and why? You may choose from any field (arts, literature, politics, business, etc.).
All of these possibilities are excellent; select the one that speaks to you the most and you'd like to respond to. It's another chance to show off your passions and interests. Avoid clichés, be explicit, and give concentrated, new ideas in the "why" section.
HEC MBA essay #6
Is there any additional information you would like to share with us?(900 words max)
This question encourages you to clarify anything that needs to be explained (e.g., a hiatus in employment, a poor grade, etc.) as well as to offer new material that can strengthen your application. If you go with the latter option, make sure it's a point that adds to a complete picture of your campaign. They provide you with a large number of words; don't feel obligated to use all 900!