How will you add value to the MBA class?

This question is designed to assess your self-awareness and your understanding of where you fit within the MBA cohort you are applying to.

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The panel wants to see whether you have reflected on your strengths, experiences, and personality, and how they will contribute to the school community.

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It also helps the interviewers evaluate your fit for the program, your clarity of thought, and how collaborative you are as a person.

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There are multiple ways to approach this question. You could talk about:

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The unique perspective you bring to discussions and case competitions based on your professional or personal background.
Any positions of responsibility (PORs) or leadership experiences you’ve held in the past that demonstrate how you contribute to teams or communities and how you can contribute to a similar POR
Your work experience and what makes it distinctive — the industry exposure, scale of problems, or insights you can share with your peers. </aside>

In short, this question is an opportunity to show how you’ll not just gain from the MBA program but also enrich the experiences of others around you.

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Focus on authenticity and collaboration while highlighting the qualities that make you a valuable addition to the class.

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Step 1: Identify What Makes You Unique

Think about your background, career path, or personal experiences that stand out and can add perspective to classroom discussions or group work.

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My unique background or experience
What makes this different or valuable
How this perspective can add value to classroom learning

Step 2: Leadership and Community Contribution

Consider how you’ve contributed to teams or communities before, and how you plan to do that at the school.

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Positions of responsibility or leadership roles I’ve held
How these experiences can translate to contribution at school
Ways I plan to participate in clubs, events, or initiatives

Step 3: Final Synthesis

Combine your points into a concise story that reflects collaboration and authenticity.

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