Berkeley Haas MBA Application Guide

Berkeley Haas is proud of having its own distinctive culture, which is shaped by four Defining Leadership Principles:

Innovation – Question the Status Quo: “We thrive at the epicenter of innovation. We make progress by speaking our minds even when it challenges convention. We lead by championing bold ideas and taking intelligent risks.”

Humility – Confidence Without Attitude: “We make decisions based on evidence and analysis, giving us the confidence to act with humility. We foster collaboration by building a foundation of empathy, inclusion, and trust.”

Curiosity – Students Always: “We are a community designed to support curiosity. We actively seek out diverse perspectives as part of our lifelong pursuit of personal and intellectual growth. There is always more to learn.”

Community – Beyond Yourself: “We shape our world by leading ethically and responsibly. As stewards of our enterprises, we take the longer view in our decisions and actions. This often means putting the collective good above our own interests.”

The Berkeley Haas MBA programs require:

Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate academic programmes that the applicants have attended or are currently attending

• International applicants must have a college or university degree equivalent to a four-year American baccalaureate degree
• Unofficial scans will be accepted as part of the application. Hard copies of official transcripts are only required upon matriculation
• Berkeley Haas does not enforce a minimum GPA requirement; however, it highly encourages applicants to present a GPA of B (3.0) or higher for serious evaluation
• All candidates are expected to have completed at least one college-level mathematics or statistics course, as the Admissions Committee places significant emphasis on quantitative skills

GMAT or GRE test scores

• There is no minimum score required; however, it’s important to highlight that for the Berkeley Haas MBA Class of 2026, the median GMAT score stands at 730 (with a median of 630 for GMAT Focus). Additionally, the median scores for the GRE are 161 in Verbal and 162 in Quant
• The Analytical Writing component is required for both the GMAT and GRE
• Berkeley will consider updated scores as long as they are received no later than two (2) weeks prior to the notification deadline for the round in which the applicant is being considered

English Language Proficiency Requirement – To satisfy this requirement, applicants must fulfil one of the following:

• Received a degree from a recognised institution in a country where the primary official language is English
• Completed at least one year of full-time coursework with a grade of B or better at a university located in the U.S., U.K., Australia, English-speaking Canada or Singapore
• Have taken and met the score requirements for one of the following standardised tests:
  • TOEFL: at least 90 for iBT, 230 for CBT, or 570 for the paper test
  • IELTS: at least band 7

Although there isn’t a formal requirement for work experience, it’s important to highlight that the typical MBA student at Berkeley Haas possesses at least two years of full-time professional experience after earning their undergraduate degree.

Additionally, the program does not mandate a particular resume format, provided that the resume is organised and presented in a professional manner. Berkeley also provides a useful guideline for resume writing.

For the essay section, applicants should keep in mind the four key principles that define Berkeley Haas’s distinctive culture: Question the Status Quo, Confidence Without Attitude, Students Always, and Beyond Yourself. While crafting the essays, applicants should reflect on their own experiences, values, and passions and highlight how they line up with Haas’s principles.

Below are the two required essays for the Fall 2024-2025 application cycle.

Required Essay #1:

What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (300 words max)

• It’s important to tailor this response to the Berkeley MBA essay with the admissions process in mind. The Haas admissions committee is keen to understand the candidate’s genuine passions and how these passions resonate with the school’s core values
• With a wide array of topics to choose from, applicants should strive for a well-rounded approach in their essays, opting for a subject that enhances their overall narrative. For example, if the applicant’s next essay focuses primarily on their professional accomplishments, consider using this chance to explore extracurricular interests or hobbies
• Applicants should take time to reflect on the overarching themes in their life and the motivations behind their decisions. This self-reflection will help applicants pinpoint a topic that authentically represents their passions, enabling them to showcase a distinctive aspect of themselves while linking their aspirations to their past experiences

 Required Essay #2:

What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how will an MBA from Haas help you achieve those goals? Short-term career goals should be achievable within 3-5 years post-MBA, whereas long-term goals may span a decade or more and encompass broader professional aspirations. (300 words max)

• This Haas MBA essay encourages candidates to express their career goals, emphasising both short-term and long-term aspirations, while also explaining their reasons for selecting Berkeley Haas as the next step in their professional development
• Applicants should clearly outline their immediate objectives by detailing a specific role and industry, discussing their interest in this position and how it relates to their previous experiences and future plans
• It is important to identify the skills the candidate wishes to gain from the MBA program, connecting them to their current abilities and demonstrating how Haas can help fill the gaps in their skill set. Showing a strong link between their goals and the resources offered at Haas will indicate the candidate’s comprehensive research and understanding of the program

In addition to the two required essays, Berkeley Haas also requires one supplemental essay, one video essay, and provides spaces for optional essays and supplemental information.

 Supplemental Essay on Experience with Diversity, Equity or Inclusion:

One of our goals at Berkeley Haas is to develop leaders who value diversity and to create an inclusive environment in which people from different ethnicities, genders, lived experiences, and national origins feel welcomed and supported.
Describe any experience or exposure you have in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging whether through community organisations, personal, or in the workplace?
Candidates seeking consideration for mission-aligned fellowships may use this space to reflect on their commitment to the mission of those fellowships. (300 words max)

• When crafting this essay, candidates should think about their life journey—whether in professional settings, personal relationships, or community involvement. Reflect on their role in various situations: Were they leading a diverse team, participating in a varied group, or simply observing? Consider how these experiences shaped their understanding and actions regarding DEI and build this response using the following structure
  • Context: Outline the scenario and the associated challenge at hand
  • Steps: Detail the measures implemented concerning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
  • Results: Provide a brief overview of the outcomes achieved
• If the candidate is looking for a supplemental scholarship, they should use this space to focus on showcasing their engagement with relevant communities and opportunities, along with their passion for those experiences. Take the time to thoroughly research the applicable fellowships to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and to gather insights that will help them craft a compelling narrative

 Video Essay:

The Berkeley MBA program develops leaders who embody our four Defining Leadership Principles. Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee, explain which Defining Leadership Principle resonates most with you, and tell us how you have exemplified the principle in your personal or professional life.
Please review the Defining Leadership Principles in advance and take time to prepare your answer before recording. You will be able to test your audio-visual connection before recording. Video essays should last 1-2 minutes and may not exceed 2 minutes.

• Candidates should take advantage of this opportunity to showcase elements of their personalities and qualifications that resonate with a particular leadership principle. Engaging with current students, alumni, or attending information sessions can provide valuable insights into these principles
• With just two minutes to make an impression, the introduction must be concise. Candidates should greet the admissions committee, introduce themselves, and share their professional background along with a personal detail that often comes up in professional settings. They should then connect their introduction to the relevant leadership principle without starting with phrases like “The key principle I have displayed is [insert principle].” Instead, candidates should allow their experiences to naturally reflect one of Haas’s core values. If the connection isn’t immediately obvious, they should continue to refine their narrative
• As this is a visual presentation, candidates should dress professionally, ensure proper lighting, and maintain clear audio. A tidy and stable background is essential; avoid shaky camera work that could distract the admissions committee. While props might seem tempting, a focused and genuine introduction is likely to leave a stronger impression than a cluttered display

 Optional Essays:

These spaces go beyond conventional essays; they serve as platforms to showcase various facets of a candidate’s personality, skills, and experiences

• Optional Information #1: We invite you to help us better understand the context of your opportunities and achievements.
  • Candidates will be required to respond to five multiple-choice questions regarding their personal experiences and background, along with an opportunity to provide additional details for any of their answers if necessary
  • This space is for Berkeley Haas admissions committee to gain insight into the personal and professional journeys of candidates, focusing on their development and resilience in the face of challenges.
  • The initial five questions serve as a springboard for candidates to share defining personal experiences, emphasising the importance of context and personal growth in their narratives
  • It’s crucial to avoid placing blame and instead highlight the circumstances that shaped the candidate; while also reflecting on their actions and the difficulties faced, as true resilience is born from overcoming struggles
• Optional Information #2: This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate.
  • Applicants are encouraged to be thoughtful in their responses, as submitting an optional essay adds to the workload for the admissions committee
  • This is an excellent opportunity to discuss any unique circumstances that have impacted the applicant’s academic or professional journey, or address any perceived weaknesses in their application
  • If there are significant gaps in their employment history, it’s important to explain what the applicant was doing during that time, whether it involved further education, training, volunteering, or travel. Additionally, re-applicants should highlight any substantial improvements in their profile, like a higher GMAT score or new leadership experiences

 Supplemental Information: 

• If you have not provided a letter of recommendation from your current supervisor, please explain. If not applicable, enter N/A.
• List, in order of importance, significant community and professional organizations and extracurricular activities in which you have been involved during or after university studies. Include the following information for each using the format below:
  • Name of organization or activity
  • Nature of organization or activity
  • Size of organization
  • Dates of involvement
  • Offices held
  • Average number of hours spent per week
• List full-time and part-time jobs held during undergraduate or graduate studies indicating the employer, job title, employment dates, location, and the number of hours worked per week for each position held prior to the completion of your degree.
• If you have ever been subject to academic discipline, placed on probation, suspended, or required to withdraw from any college or university, please explain. If not, please enter N/A. (An affirmative response to this question does not automatically disqualify you from admission.)

Berkeley Haas requires applicants to submit two letters of recommendation, with a strong preference for at least one to come from a current employer. Candidates should choose individuals with whom they have had significant professional interactions, such as a supervisor or a key client.

These recommenders should be able to speak to the candidate’s contributions as an employee, their professional achievements, and their personal attributes and interpersonal skills within a workplace setting. As a result, Haas advises against choosing academic references.

For those who are employed at a family business or operate their own company, a letter from a client or an external party who can provide an impartial assessment of their work is acceptable.

Recommenders will be asked to complete an assessment on the candidate’s competencies and character traits in these five categories:

• Achievement
• Influence
• People
• Personal Qualities
• Cognitive Abilities

In addition to this assessment, recommenders will need to answer the following questions:

1. Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization. (Up to 50 words)
2. How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? (E.g. what are the applicant’s principal strengths?) (Up to 500 words)
3. Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (Up to 500 words)
4. (Optional) Is there anything else we should know?

The Admissions Committee invites applicants to participate in interviews exclusively by invitation. Haas provides a variety of engaging interview formats, such as prerecorded video sessions and live remote discussions with current students or alumni, available on a rolling basis.

Here are some Prep Zone’s insights on Haas interviews:

Focus areas:

• Leadership experiences
• Career goals, both short-term and long-term
• Why you want to attend Haas and how you will contribute to the community
• Examples of demonstrating Haas’s core values
• Your understanding of the program and curriculum

Sample questions you may encounter:

• Tell me about yourself and your current role.
• Why do you want to pursue an MBA at Berkeley Haas?
• Describe a time you demonstrated leadership and how you overcame a challenge.
• How would you promote diversity and inclusion in a classroom setting?
• Share an example of when you “questioned the status quo” in your work.
• What are your post-MBA career aspirations?

How to prepare for a Berkeley Haas interview:

• Research Haas: Thoroughly review the program website, including the core values, curriculum, and student life
• Reflect on your experiences: Prepare specific examples from your work and personal life that demonstrate your leadership, teamwork, and alignment with Haas values
• Practice answering common MBA interview questions: Rehearse your responses to standard questions, including “why MBA,” “why Haas,” and “tell me about yourself”
• Prepare questions for the interviewer: Show your genuine interest in the program by having thoughtful questions ready
• Practice your video presence: Ensure you are well-dressed, have good lighting, and are comfortable speaking in a virtual setting