MBA Application Form Best Practices

Originally published on December 21, 2023. Updated on December 23, 2025.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” In psychology, this is known as the primacy effect, the idea that the first thing someone sees tends to shape how they view everything that follows. For MBA applicants, the application form is that first impression. A thoughtful, well-organized response can set the tone for your entire application, so you’ll want to approach each section thoughtfully.

As you complete your MBA application forms (yes, those questions about yourself that you may have left for last!), keep this in mind. When the admissions committee (adcom) sits down to review your submission, the application form is typically the first thing they’ll see. This means it’s essential to ensure that your responses are not only accurate and error-free but also strategic.

While many of the questions are cut and dry, a number of them allow for text-based answers and should be used to reinforce or even supplement the other components of your application. MBA application forms vary by school, of course, but here are some best practices that tend to apply to most programs.

Personal & Family Background

Most MBA applications include a section to share more about your personal or family background. This could be as simple as a few checkboxes (for example, indicating if you were raised in a single-parent home or are a first-generation college student) or a short open-text response.

So, what should you include?

If your upbringing feels fairly typical and free of major hardships, it might be tempting to leave this blank. Don’t. Everyone has a story, and your background likely shaped how you show up today.

For example:

• Did you grow up in a military family and move frequently?
• Are you one of six siblings?

Whatever you choose to highlight, the key is to describe the context and then explain how it influenced your mindset, choices, or strengths. If you moved around a lot, maybe you became someone who easily builds community and brings people together. That is exactly the kind of contribution that adds value on an business school campus.

Employer & Role Descriptions

The work history section is a key part of any MBA application. It typically includes your titles, responsibilities, and salary details. Some applicants assume this section simply repeats what’s in their resume, but that’s missing a strategic opportunity.

A well-written MBA resume usually sticks to one or two bullets on your day-to-day responsibilities. In the application form, however, you can go further:

1. Elaborate on your role: How does your position fit into your team? How does your team contribute to the organization as a whole?
2. Simplify for a broad audience: Write your answers so someone unfamiliar with your industry or function can understand.

This is your chance to demonstrate not just what you do but how you think. Clear and concise writing here helps the admissions committee understand your role and shows strong communication skills, a vital trait for business leaders.

Other Work History Questions

Most MBA applications forms will also ask why you left each prior job. And as we’ve said before, do not badmouth a previous employer. It’s not a good look.

Instead, use this as a moment to show that your career moves have been thoughtful and intentional. Rather than focusing on why you left a job, talk about what drew you to your next role.

For example:

• Why you accepted the next role, not why you left the previous one.
• What skills or experiences you were seeking in the new position.

Even if you haven’t left your current job yet, avoid writing “N/A.” Use the space to say that you plan to leave in order to attend business school and briefly explain what you hope gain to support your long-term goals.

Post-MBA Goals (and a Broadly Applicable Note About Character Limits)

It’s safe to assume that all MBA applications will ask about your post-MBA career goals. This is undoubtedly a crucial answer to get right. However, your responses become even more critical in applications where the essay questions don’t explicitly ask about your goals.

For instance, did you know that the HBS adcom has repeatedly stated that they don’t want you using valuable word count in your essays to talk about ‘why MBA’ or ‘why HBS’? MIT Sloan is another program where the essay focuses way more heavily on past experiences than future goals.   

Pro Tip: Maximize the character count you’re given. Avoid wasting space by restating the question. Instead, treat the response as a fill-in-the-blank exercise. For example:

Question: “What is your immediate post-MBA career goal?”

• Option A: After business school, I will obtain a role at a healthcare startup in strategy and business development, where I can gain experience to eventually found my own company.

• Option B: To work in strategy at a healthcare technology startup like Nourish or PatientPoint, where I can apply my healthcare background and learn to scale a business, enabling my long-term entrepreneurial goals.

Both options are roughly 200 characters, but option B comes across as a lot more thoughtful and informative.

Additional Tips:

• Demonstrate a logical progression between your short-term and long-term goals.
• Include specific companies or sectors, as well as the roles you aim to target.

One Last Tip for When You Think You Are Done

Once your application form is complete, proofread everything. Yes, everything.

It is easy to miss typos or formatting issues when writing directly into the application fields. Spell check might not catch them, and a small error can stand out in an otherwise polished application.

Copy and paste your written answers into Word or Google Docs before submitting to check for mistakes. A few extra minutes of editing can go a long way.

The application form might seem straightforward, but it is a real opportunity to add depth and clarity to your story. Admissions committees truly want a holistic understanding of who you are and what you would bring to their class – don’t miss any opportunity to tell them!

Need help making the most of this opportunity? Let us guide you in crafting a strong, compelling application that truly reflects who you are.