How to write a statement of purpose for an MBA

Statements of purpose allow you to share your passion and ambitions with MBA admissions committees. Learn to craft a compelling MBA statement of purpose with edX.

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By: Shelby Campbell, Edited by: Valerie Black

Updated: August 6, 2025

If you're applying to a master of business administration (MBA) program, chances are, you have clear reasons for taking this step. Whether you're seeking an MBA to further your career or invest in personal development, the statement of purpos is your opportunity to share these passions and goals with admissions councils.

Learn how to write a compelling statement of purpose, and sign up for an online MBA program today on edX.

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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.

Why statements of purpose matter

Via your statement of purpose, you can:

Communicate your passion with prospective schools.
Demonstrate your commitment to your studies.
Exemplify the unique value that you can bring to the department.
Express your reasons for choosing a particular school.
Convey your principles and beliefs.

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 explain 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 first-year.

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 help me develop these managerial skills.

Quick tips for crafting a strong MBA statement of purpose

Tailor your statement for each MBA program. Reviewers can easily spot generic submissions.
Explain why you're applying to this particular MBA program and how its curriculum, culture, and faculty support your goals.
Illustrate your willingness to improve. Demonstrate to admissions committees that you're open-minded and can accept feedback.
Be authentic. Reflect on your experiences and motivations to demonstrate why an MBA is a natural and necessary next step in your journey.
Don't just list ambitions — bring them to life through concrete examples that tell a compelling story.

Frequently asked questions about an MBA statement of purpose

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 MBA statement of purpose will likely vary depending on the institution. However, schools generally require MBA statements of purpose to be between 500 and 1,000 words or 1–2 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 average starting salary for MBA graduates was $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 sign-off.