Berkeley Haas MBA Essays & Video Essay Question: Strategy & Tips

Success on the 2025-26 Berkeley Haas MBA essays requires introspection, clarity, and a deep understanding of how your experiences and goals align with the Haas MBA experience. From the uniquely personal video essay on what makes you feel alive, to the classic career goals question, to the powerful “distance traveled” prompt, each component is designed to uncover the real you – beyond your resume or test scores. In this guide, I draw on my experience as the former Associate Director of Admissions at Berkeley Haas to share expert strategies and insights to help you approach each essay with confidence, authenticity, and purpose.

Context Matters

Before we dive into each essay, it’s important to keep in mind the context of the school’s defining leadership principles, which shape the culture at Haas: “Question the Status Quo”, “Confidence Without Attitude”, Student Always” and “Beyond Yourself”. You’ll do well to keep these in mind in your storytelling.

How to Answer Berkeley Haas Video Essay 1 – What Makes You Feel Alive? 

Prompt: “What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? You will be able to test your audio-visual connection before recording. Video essays should last 1-2 minutes and may not exceed 2 minutes. You have two (2) attempts to record your video essay.”

This is one of the most evocative and revealing prompts in the MBA landscape – and now, Haas is inviting you to bring it to life on camera. In just 1-2 minutes, you have a rare opportunity to speak directly to the admissions team and share what truly lights you up.

This question is deeply personal – akin to Stanford GSB’s iconic “What matters most to you, and why?” – and it calls for real reflection. Haas isn’t just looking for your intellect or resume here. They want to see your spark. What excites you at a visceral level? What pulls you in so deeply that you lose track of time? What is something unique about you that differentiates you from other candidates? 

Your answer should reveal something essential about your values, passions, or sense of purpose – not just what you do, but why it matters to you. And because this is a video, how you communicate is just as important as what you say. That doesn’t mean being slick or overly rehearsed – in fact, the best videos often feel natural, sincere, and human. Speak from the heart. Let your energy show.

A great response might:

• Share a specific and personal story that illustrates your aliveness

• Bring us into the moment – help us feel it with you

• Connect that passion to who you are and the kind of impact you want to make

Avoid generic examples or ones that feel performative and designed to make you look worthy. Unless it’s authentic and deeply meaningful to you, community service or mentoring stories might not land. Haas wants to know what drives you as a person, not what you think they want to hear.

And yes, you only get two takes. Don’t wing it, and don’t memorize a script. Jot down your key points, and then practice aloud with a coach, to refine your message, pacing and delivery. And then hit record when you’re ready to speak with genuine enthusiasm and presence. If you’re enjoying yourself, chances are the admissions team will too. And don’t worry if your final take isn’t 100% perfect. The admissions team isn’t looking for an Oscar-worthy performance – they’re looking for you. Real, authentic, human.

Key Takeaways for Berkeley Haas Video Essay 1

• Choose a story that shows your spark. Haas wants to understand what energizes and defines you – so reflect deeply and share a specific experience that reveals your values, passions, or sense of purpose.
• Go beyond the “what” – explain the “why.” Make the emotional connection clear so the viewer understands what drives you and how this passion shapes who you are – and who you’ll be at Haas.
• Be real, not overly scripted. This is a chance to speak directly to the admissions team — let your voice, energy, and sincerity shine through.

How to Answer the Berkeley Haas Career Goals Essay? 

Prompt: What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how will an MBA from Haas help you achieve those goals?

Short-term career goals should be achievable within 3-5 years post-MBA, whereas long-term goals may span a decade or more and encompass broader professional aspirations.  (300 words maximum)

This is a classic goals essay – but with a distinctly Haas lens. The admissions committee is looking for more than a strong career plan. They want to understand how Berkeley Haas, specifically, fits into your vision.

Your short-term goals should be clearly defined and achievable within 3-5 years post-MBA. These goals serve as the springboard for your longer-term aspirations, which can be more ambitious – a decade or more out – and ideally reflect a broader sense of purpose or impact. The key is to present a coherent trajectory that builds logically from your past experience, through Haas, into your future.

Don’t just state your goals. Show how Haas will help you achieve them. The prompt explicitly asks how the MBA will support your journey, so your response should go beyond the degree itself. Be specific: Which courses, experiential programs, clubs, or faculty will give you the skills, exposure, and network to succeed? Do you know which companies recruit heavily from Haas in your target industry?

If you’re pursuing an entrepreneurial path or an unconventional pivot, clarity and credibility are especially important. Mentioning relevant Haas alumni, incubators, or industry connections can underscore your fit with the program and your awareness of how the school supports bold, nontraditional paths.

Ultimately, Haas wants to see that your goals are authentic, well-researched, and attainable – and that you understand what makes the Berkeley MBA uniquely valuable in helping you get there.

Key Takeaways for the Haas Career Goals Essay:

• Outline a clear, credible trajectory. Define short-term goals and long-term aspirations that build logically from your experience and reflect broader impact.
• Make it unmistakably Haas. Highlight specific aspects of the Berkeley MBA – courses, clubs, faculty, alumni, or career resources – that will support your path.
• Show depth and alignment. Demonstrate that your goals are well-researched, realistic, and aligned with Haas’s culture and values.

How to Answer the Berkeley Haas “Distance Traveled” Essay? 

Prompt: At Berkeley Haas, we consider “distance traveled” as the contextual information that helps us understand the unique circumstances, challenges, or influences that have shaped your personal and professional journey.

We invite you to share aspects of your background, personal circumstances, or significant experiences that have meaningfully impacted who you are today and how you’ve reached this point. Please tell us how these experiences have influenced your perspectives, decisions, and aspirations, and how they contribute to the person you are becoming. (300 words max)

This prompt invites deep reflection on the personal and contextual factors that have shaped your journey – and how they’ve influenced who you are today. “Distance traveled” is Haas’s way of acknowledging that not all paths are linear or privileged. They want to understand the context behind your achievements, the challenges you’ve faced, and the perspective you bring.

This isn’t just a space to recount hardship. It’s a chance to share your growth, resilience, values, and the forces that have guided your decisions and aspirations. Whether it’s family circumstances, cultural background, financial hardship, immigration, first-gen college status, or formative life events (which could be, for example, a move across the country or training for a marathon), the admissions team is looking to understand the lens through which you see the world.

Strong responses will:

• Share something personal. This is your opportunity to go beyond the resume. What shaped you? What did you have to overcome or adapt to?
• Show impact on your mindset and actions. Don’t just describe the circumstance – explain how it influenced your perspective, your choices, and the person you’re becoming.
• Connect to your future. Briefly tie your experience to your goals or values. How does your “distance traveled” inform the contributions you’ll make to the Haas community and beyond?

Above all, be sincere. This essay is not about being impressive, it’s about being authentic. The most compelling essays offer a window into your humanity and help the reader understand the real person behind the application.

Key Takeaways for the Haas “Distance Traveled” Essay:

• Share meaningful context. Reflect on the personal circumstances, identities, or challenges that have shaped your path – academic, professional, or personal.
• Show growth and perspective. Go beyond describing what happened to explain how these experiences shaped your mindset, decisions, and values.
• Connect to who you are becoming. Demonstrate how your journey informs your future goals and the perspective you’ll bring to the Haas community.

How to Answer the Berkeley Haas Optional Statement? 

Prompt: This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate. (300 words max)

The optional statement is not an invitation to elaborate on your goals, restate your interest in Haas, or include additional achievements. It is specifically intended to clarify areas of your application that may raise questions — and should only be used if there’s relevant information that hasn’t been addressed elsewhere.

Appropriate topics for this section include gaps in employment, academic challenges such as a semester with lower grades, a lack of quantitative coursework, unusual grading systems, or extenuating circumstances due to personal or medical issues. If you’ve taken steps to strengthen a potential weakness – for example, by completing supplemental coursework or gaining relevant experience – this is a good place to note that briefly.

The key is to be direct, factual, and professional in your tone. The admissions committee values clarity and transparency over detailed explanations or excuses. This is not the place for storytelling – keep it concise and to the point. If you’re addressing a misstep, take ownership and, when appropriate, describe how you’ve addressed or overcome the issue.

Key Takeaways for the Haas Optional Statement:

• Use only if necessary. This section is for clarifying potential concerns about your candidacy – not for expanding on goals, achievements, or your interest in Haas.
• Stick to relevant facts. Address issues like employment gaps, academic dips, or missing coursework with a clear, professional explanation.
• Be concise and take ownership. Avoid storytelling or defensiveness. State the facts, take responsibility if needed, and briefly highlight any steps you’ve taken to strengthen your profile.

How to Get Into Berkeley Haas – Expert Advice from a Former Admissions Insider

In this video interview with Poets&Quants, I share insights from my time as Associate Director of Admissions at Berkeley Haas – including what sets the program apart, how to approach the essays, and what Haas is really looking for in applicants.

Let’s Get You In

Applying to business school is a big step, and the essays are just one component of the Berkeley Haas MBA application. As former senior admissions officials from the best business schools, we know that every detail matters if you’re aiming for a top MBA program.

Ready to take the next step in your MBA journey? At Fortuna we excel at helping candidates like you secure a spot at your dream school. Contact us today for a free consultation and expert guidance.

FAQs

What are the key qualities Haas looks for in applicants?

While there’s no single formula for admission, Berkeley Haas consistently looks for candidates who show strong leadership potential, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine drive to make an impact. The school values authenticity, humility, and a collaborative mindset – all qualities that align with its distinctive culture. Evidence of resilience, self-awareness, and a willingness to challenge the status quo will stand out, especially when supported by clear goals and thoughtful reflection. Above all, Haas is looking for individuals who bring diverse perspectives and who will contribute meaningfully to the community – both inside and outside the classroom.

How do the Haas Defining Leadership Principles influence the application?
While not referenced directly in the essays, the Haas Defining Leadership Principles – Question the Status Quo, Confidence Without Attitude, Student Always, and Beyond Yourself – still shape the culture and evaluation process. Keep them in mind as you craft your responses to align with the school’s ethos.

What are your top Haas essay tips for a strong application?
Some essential Haas essay tips include: be personal and specific, avoid generic responses, and connect your experiences and goals directly to the Haas community and resources. The most compelling essays are those that reflect your authentic voice and demonstrate thoughtful self-reflection. Don’t try to fit a mold, but do show how your unique story and aspirations align with what Haas values.

What is the Berkeley Haas video essay question, and how should I prepare for it?
The Berkeley Haas video essay question asks, “What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why?” You have up to two minutes to respond, with two recording attempts. This is your chance to show your personality and passion – speak from the heart, be authentic, and don’t try to memorize a script. Practicing with a coach can help you strike the right balance between preparation and spontaneity.

How should I structure the Berkeley Haas career goals essay?
For the Berkeley Haas career goals essay, outline a clear and realistic short-term path post-MBA (within 3–5 years) and a long-term vision that demonstrates purpose and ambition. Tie your goals to specific Haas resources — courses, clubs, alumni, and recruiters — to show strong school fit. 

Should I answer the Haas optional essay?
Only use the Haas optional essay if you have something truly relevant that hasn’t been addressed elsewhere – such as employment gaps, academic issues, or other extenuating circumstances. For more Haas optional essay advice, see the article above.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in the Berkeley Haas essays?
Common pitfalls with the Berkeley Haas MBA essays include vague goals, overly scripted or generic responses, and failing to tie your story to Haas specifically. Avoid listing accomplishments without reflection, and don’t ignore the emotional or personal side of your journey – it’s often the latter that will make your application memorable.

Where can I find Haas MBA essay examples or additional guidance?
As a Fortuna client you’ll have access to Haas MBA essay examples and the expert insights of our collective team of over 40 admissions insiders. Sign up for a free consultation to find out more. 

What is the best strategy for the UC Berkeley MBA application overall?
A strong Berkeley Haas application strategy emphasizes authenticity, clarity of purpose, and demonstrated alignment with Haas’s offerings and values. Reflect on your past experiences, articulate your goals clearly, and show why Haas is the right place to help you grow as a leader.

Fortuna Admissions expert coach Sharon Joyce is former Berkeley Haas Associate Director of Admissions. For a candid assessment of your chances of admission success at a top MBA program, sign up for a free consultation.