How do you end a statement of purpose for an MBA?

The conclusion to your statement of purpose should briefly restate the main points of your letter and express excitement about the program. You may also include a sentence that shows how confident you are that this is the right program to accomplish your dreams.

How long should an MBA statement of purpose be?

The length of your statement of purpose for your MBA program can vary depending on the institution. However, schools generally require MBA statements of purpose to be between 500 and 1000 words or one to two double-spaced pages.

Is getting an online MBA degree worth it?

Many students who earn an MBA degree online find that it’s a worthwhile investment. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the 2024 estimated median starting salary for MBA graduates is $120,000 — around 1.75 times the median starting salary of those with only a bachelor’s degree.

Should you say thank you at the end of a personal statement?

No, you should avoid saying thank you at the end of a personal statement as it may impact your statement’s confident tone. Because a statement of purpose is an essay rather than a letter of recommendation, you don’t need a formal signoff.

How to write a statement of purpose for an MBA

By: Shelby Campbell, Edited by: Valerie Black

Published: January 10, 2025

In your master of business administration (MBA) program applications, you may provide ample materials demonstrating your technical skills and academic prowess. But admissions committees are also interested in learning how your goals and characteristics might benefit their specific graduate cohort and align with institutional values. Therefore, you may have to submit a statement of purpose in your application package to demonstrate these qualities.

A statement of purpose for MBA programs should establish a narrative about your background and motivations for graduate study. Explore how to write a creative statement of purpose and read an example statement in this guide.

What is a statement of purpose?

A statement of purpose is an essay that business schools usually require for admission into an MBA program. Universities often provide an open-ended prompt to guide your statement of purpose.

These 500-1000-word essays are an opportunity to express why you're applying for an MBA program, advocate for your candidacy, and show your commitment to education.

Components of a statement of purpose

A statement of purpose typically includes the following sections:

Introduction: The first section should help the admissions committee get to know you. Get personal, and avoid repeating points from your résumé. Who are you, what is your personal background, and why will you thrive in this particular MBA program?
Body: The body paragraphs should include engaging stories or anecdotes that reflect your goals, integrity, and passion. Be creative with the narrative in this section — how have your experiences inspired your decision to pursue an MBA, and what are your ambitions after earning it?
Conclusion: In the conclusion, you should leave the reader with a lasting impression of why you're interested in this specific MBA program and what you aim to do with the degree. Briefly summarize your statement's main points. What do you want the reader to remember most about you?

Sample statement of purpose

I grew up believing that school wasn't for me. Education never came easy, and I struggled through my classes from grade school to high school graduation. I entered the workforce, freshly 18, without any lifelong passions that translated to jobs.

Then, I met my mentor. I started working in his garage as a mechanic because I was always good with my hands. As my experience grew and I gained social, operational, and technical skills, my mentor trusted me to manage clients and supervise employees. I spent four years with the company before my mentor announced that he planned to retire when he found someone to continue the business's legacy. He then offered to pay for my tuition so I could eventually take over the business. I enrolled in college within the month as a 22-year-old freshman.

As it turns out, school is actually for me when I care about what I'm learning. Not only did I complete my undergraduate degree in business management in three and a half years, I graduated summa cum laude. Now, I hope to join your graduate school cohort to make sure the garage serves my community for another generation.

With an MBA from [insert prospective school here], I aim to use the skills I learn to grow our team and, ultimately, our business. While we don't currently offer tire services, my main goal is to expand the business to include a tire department. To do this, I need skills that can help me hire a trustworthy team, maintain our stock, and continue providing excellent service to our clients. I believe earning my MBA from [insert prospective school here] can give me these managerial skills.

Quick tips for a statement of purpose

Tailor your statement for each MBA program. Many reviewers can tell when you submit a generic statement, so be sure to include program-specific details.
Explain why you're applying to this particular MBA program and how its curriculum and faculty support your goals.
Illustrate your willingness to improve. This shows admissions committees that you're open-minded and can accept feedback.
Be specific and direct when describing your goals. You may demonstrate your drive with a plan that details how you'll achieve these goals.
Avoid simply telling the reader about your ambitions. Instead, use concrete examples that create a narrative to show how earning an MBA is the next best step for you.

Frequently asked questions about an MBA statement of purpose

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