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Posted Feb. 16, 2026

Connecting the dots: telling your story in an MBA application

MBA applications adviceThe term ‘story’ can feel a little confusing in the context of MBA admissions. What do we really mean by this, and why does it matter? At its core, your story is the golden thread that runs throughout your application. It connects your journey to date with your rationale for pursuing an MBA and your goals for the future. It’s the cohesive narrative that ties everything together. 

Many applicants find it challenging to articulate this story and bring it to life. Sometimes that’s because they aren’t yet clear on what their story is. In other cases, it’s because they prioritise writing what they think a business school wants to hear. Often, candidates are so focused on showcasing achievements that they forget to connect the dots between them. 

A strong story clearly articulates your ‘why’. It explores the drivers behind your decisions and achievements, going beyond what happened to explain why it mattered. Rather than simply listing goals, strong applications delve into motivation. Your story doesn’t need to be dramatic, but it should be authentic, shaped through introspection and self-awareness. 

So, why does your story matter in an MBA application? First, it signals readiness and maturity. It demonstrates the level of reflection and self-awareness that schools value in MBA candidates, and shows that you understand how an MBA fits into your broader career trajectory. Second, it makes your application more interesting and memorable. Top schools receive thousands of applications from highly qualified candidates with impressive achievements. A compelling story amplifies those achievements and helps differentiate your application. 

Does this mean you need to have everything figured out before applying for an MBA? Absolutely not. An MBA can be a powerful opportunity to take stock and recalibrate your path forward. But the work of reflection needs to begin well before you arrive on campus. When approached strategically, the application process itself can become a broader career exercise, one that puts you in a far stronger position once you join an MBA program. 

This is also where working with an experienced admissions consultant can add real value. A good consultant doesn’t create a story for you; they help you uncover, clarify and articulate the one that already exists.

Amy Duckworth at Empower MBA AdmissionsAuthor’s bio: Amy Duckworth is the Founder of Empower Admissions Consulting. Empower provides students with expert guidance on all aspects of their MBA application – with essay advice, CV optimisation and interview prep.

If you’re interested in working with someone who has sat on the other side of the admissions table and understands how applications are evaluated in practice, feel free to reach out to explore whether it could be a good fit to work together – email Amy on amy@empoweradmissions.co.uk.

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