Yale School of Management MBA Essay 2026-2027: Prompts and Word Limit

Essay Overview

Yale SOM's 2026-2027 application asks for one essay. Applicants choose one of three prompts, and the word limit is 500 words. The Optional Information section is for additional explanation only. Reapplicants also provide a reapplicant essay.

2026-2027 Essay Prompts (choose one, 500 words)

• 1) Describe the biggest commitment you have ever made. Why is this commitment meaningful to you and what actions have you taken to support it?
• 2) Describe the community that has been most meaningful to you. What is the most valuable thing you have gained from being a part of this community and what is the most important thing you have contributed to this community?
• 3) Describe the most significant challenge you have faced. How have you confronted this challenge and how has it shaped you as a person?

Video Questions and Behavioral Assessment

After submitting the application and paying the fee, applicants answer two previously recorded video questions, with 60 seconds to respond to each. They also complete the Behavioral Assessment, an online exercise administered by ETS that takes about 25 minutes and presents 130 pairs of statements.

Sources

1. 1. Yale School of Management, 2026-2027 Application Guide
2. 2. Yale School of Management, MBA Admissions FAQ