MBA Admissions: Essay Topic Analyses 2024-2025

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?