MIT Sloan

Sloan MBA Essay – Cover Letter

MIT Sloan seeks students whose personal characteristics demonstrate that they will make the most of the incredible opportunities at MIT, both academic and non-academic. We are on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. We seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities and the drive and determination to put their stamp on the world. We welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative — true doers. We want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems, and strive to preempt unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. We demand integrity and respect passion.

Taking the above into consideration, please submit a cover letter seeking a place in the MIT Sloan MBA program. Your letter should conform to a standard business correspondence, include one or more professional examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria above, and be addressed to the Admissions Committee (300 words or fewer, excluding address and salutation).

Video Prompt #1

Every applicant has a story that can’t be captured in a resume. Take up to 90 seconds to share yours: who you are, where you come from, and what’s shaped the person you are today. Be conversational, be yourself. We can’t wait to meet you.

Videos should adhere to the following guidelines:

• No more than 1.5 minutes (90 seconds) in length
• Single take (no editing)
• Speaking directly to the camera
• Do not include background music or subtitles

Note: While we ask you to introduce yourself to your future classmates in this video, the video will not be shared beyond the admissions committee and is for use in the application process only.

Video Prompt #2

All MBA applicants will be prompted to respond to a randomly generated, open-ended question. We want to hear how you think and communicate in your own words. No prior preparation is required.

Once the video statement question is viewed you will have 5 seconds to prepare, and then 60 seconds to record your answer. This question is designed to capture your authentic response. It is strongly advised that you NOT read your response. Please note that this is ONE TAKE only.

The following are examples of questions that may be asked in the Video Question 2:

• What achievement are you most proud of and why?
• Tell us about a time a classmate or colleague wasn’t contributing to a group project. What did you do?

Optional Information

In MIT Sloan's online application form, the school provides optional spaces where you can include 200 words to explain any concerns about your academic record, 200 words to address gaps in employment, and 200 words to discuss changes to your candidacy if you are a re-applicant. 

Click the videos below to learn more about MIT's full-time MBA program