UMD Smith MBA Essay Topic Analysis 2024-2025

The following essay topic analysis examines the University of Maryland R.H. Smith School of Business (UMD / Smith) MBA admissions essays for the 2024-2025 admissions season. You can also review essay topic analyses for other leading MBA programs as well as general Essay Tips to further aid you in developing your admissions essays.
UMD Smith MBA Essay Topic Analysis 2024-2025
Let’s take a closer look at each prompt.
Essay 1
The application essay allows the admissions committee to get to know you better both professionally and personally. Additionally, the essay is used to assess writing skills, which are critical in the program.
How will this program help you achieve your professional endeavors? (300 words)
This Smith MBA essay question is a fairly straightforward career goals essay, asking applicants to explain their career goals, why they’re interested in pursuing an MBA at UMD Smith in particular.
Given the tight word limit, applicants will need to address these elements directly and concisely. For your career goals, be as grounded and direct as possible—identify a position and target industry, and explain what draws you to this role. Remember to include your long-term goals as well. If you have space after drafting your response, you may also want to highlight the impact you hope to have through your work.
Then, consider what skills you need from an MBA; this can inform what you need from Smith and how this program will help you accomplish the growth you’re seeking. The final phase of your discussion should establish the skills and knowledge you hope to gain from a Smith MBA while integrating details about the program. Forging specific connections between the skills you hope to gain (whether in the classroom or through involvement in student clubs or other outlets) and your future plans will show the adcom that you’ve researched the program and have a sound understanding of how a Smith MBA will prepare you for success.
Optional Essay
Please use this optional essay only to discuss anything additional about your candidacy that you have not yet addressed elsewhere in your application. Examples of reasons to submit an optional essay include low undergraduate GPA and/or gaps in your resume.
The admissions committee provides some clear examples for this essay, indicating that it will be best used to address liabilities in one’s application. It’s possible that there are other elements of one’s background that would be appropriate and not covered elsewhere in one’s application—for example an anticipated promotion or an element of one’s identity not covered in the program’s data forms—though the wording of this prompt suggests that it should be used sparingly (i.e. that applicants should make an effort to fully represent their candidacies within the required elements of the application).
Clear Admit Resources
Thanks for reading our analysis of this year’s UMD Smith MBA essay topics. As you work on your UMD Smith MBA essays and application, we encourage you to consider all of Clear Admit’s University of Maryland offerings:
- UMD / Smith Profile on the Clear Admit website: up-to-date advice and admissions information
- Clear Admit LiveWire: admissions updates submitted in real time by applicants to Smith
- Clear Admit DecisionWire: school selections in real-time by admits to Smith
MBA Applywire
I am a deferred MBA applicant with a strong international background, having studied and worked across India, the UK, and the USA. Currently, I am completing a full-time Co-op at Master Electronics, where I focus on business analytics, strategy, and supply chain optimization. Additionally, I have completed three internships in strategy consulting, supply chain, and business intelligence, which have helped me develop a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making, global supply chains, and strategic problem-solving.
Academically, I hold a 3.60 GPA and a 327 GRE score (164V, 163Q, 5.0 AWA). Beyond academics, I have demonstrated leadership and teamwork through winning 11 intramural soccer trophies at Arizona State University. A defining moment of resilience in my journey was recovering from a trimalleolar ankle fracture, during which I successfully managed my internship, academics, and physiotherapy without falling behind.
My global business interests are reflected in projects such as the Nestlé class project, where I explored strategic solutions for market expansion, and the Vibrant Smile Joint Venture project, a simulated strategy project in my MGT 459 class, where my team and I developed a market entry strategy for an electric toothbrush company. These experiences have further fueled my passion for strategy, consulting, and business transformation.
Post-MBA, I am looking to work in strategy consulting, corporate strategy, or analytics-driven leadership roles, ideally in the USA, Europe (France/Spain), or UAE. I am drawn to an MBA for its ability to sharpen my strategic thinking, leadership skills, and global career opportunities. Given my background, I would love feedback on how to best position my profile for top Deferred MBA programs like Kellogg, Wharton, Darden, Haas, and Yale.
- Econ undergrad @ a T20 MBA School
- 4 years military experience @ application
- Three Different roles in the military, ranked top 5% in all three
- Family business is pharma (mid-cap) would like to pursue IB/Consulting or Pharma LDP
- LT goal: Pharma PE family office
Retiring military officer, coming from operations and strategic planner roles. Previous led teams of 80+ people, and looking to grow into a leadership role in a large company in the Pacific Northwest. Undergraduate in Arabic Language and Culture from lesser known school, and a Masters in Theology from Seminary (3.8 GPA in both programs). Will be a practice GRE and GMAT to see which is a better fit.
Questions I am considering:
Will it be better to go to an M7 program or a local MBA program if I want to find a position in Seattle?
Will the GRE or GMAT be a better fit for my application?
Should I be looking into EMBA programs instead, based on the average age of MBA programs?
Should a maintain a federal job while attending a hybrid MBA or EMBA program?
MBA LiveWire
email to schedule zoom, then accepted during zoom call, accepted a few days ago, posting late
call @ 4:30pm
Got a call from the admissions officer that I interviewed with the news. $$$$+ scholarship. I am thrilled!