CMU Tepper MBA Essays 2025: Tips, Analysis and Frameworks

Crafting compelling essays is a crucial part of your CMU Tepper MBA application. 

For the 2025 admissions cycle, Tepper asks you to share your leadership philosophy, career goals, and any additional personal context that could strengthen your candidacy. These essays offer you the opportunity to reflect on your past, envision your future, and demonstrate how you’ll contribute to the Tepper community. 

In this article, we break down each Tepper MBA essay prompt, provide a winning framework for your responses, and offer expert tips to help you stand out.

Tepper MBA Essay 1

There is one required essay (maximum 500 words) for all Tepper MBA applicants (except college seniors):

The Tepper School community is committed to helping students reach their full potential. Explain your philosophy on helping others achieve their full potential. How have you implemented this philosophy in your professional life, and what impact has it had on those around you? How will this philosophy influence your approach to leadership at the Tepper School and beyond?

What the Tepper MBA Admissions Committee Seeks

Tepper looks for leaders who not only excel in their own right but are also invested in elevating those around them. This prompt is a window into your leadership philosophy, how you mentor or support others, and your capacity for empathy and collaboration—qualities that Tepper highly values.

Tepper’s analytical approach to leadership is combined with a people-centered perspective, so the admissions committee is looking for candidates who can demonstrate both strategic thinking and a genuine desire to help others succeed. They want to see evidence of this through real-world examples, both in your past experiences and in how you envision applying these qualities at Tepper and beyond.

Framework for Writing a Winning Essay

• Start with your philosophy on helping others achieve their full potential. This might be rooted in a personal experience where someone helped you or in values you’ve cultivated over time. Consider this your leadership “mantra”—something that shapes your interactions with colleagues, team members, and peers.
• Next, transition into specific examples from your professional life where you have implemented this philosophy. This could be about mentoring junior colleagues, leading a team through a challenging project, or even fostering an inclusive work environment. Be as concrete as possible: mention who you helped, what specific actions you took, and what the outcomes were. Highlight the measurable impact on individuals or teams—whether it’s improved performance, greater team cohesion, or personal development.
• Lastly, tie your approach to leadership at Tepper. Explain how you plan to bring this philosophy into the Tepper School community. Think about how this mindset will help you engage with classmates, lead student initiatives, and prepare for your post-MBA career. Don’t just think about Tepper as a stepping stone for your own success, but as an ecosystem where you can contribute to the growth of others. Conclude with a vision of how this philosophy will continue to shape your leadership style in the future, whether it’s in your chosen industry or broader societal impact.

Tips for Writing

1. Be genuine: Admissions committees can sense when you’re writing what you think they want to hear. Let your personal values and real experiences shine through.
2. Use concrete examples: Tepper values data-driven, measurable outcomes, so show how your actions led to specific results, whether in terms of team growth, performance improvements, or career advancements for others.
3. Connect past to future: Make a clear link between how you’ve acted in the past and how you will lead at Tepper and beyond. Show foresight and vision.
4. Stay focused: With only 500 words, be concise and purposeful in your storytelling. Each example should illustrate your commitment to helping others reach their potential.

Video Essay

The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon asks applicants to share their career goals in a video format, emphasizing clarity and authenticity. 

Here’s the prompt:
We know this is an important component of your decision to attend business school. We take it seriously as well. Please describe your post-MBA career goals.

It would be helpful to consider the following information in your response:

• You have up to 2 minutes to respond to this question.
• Please be as specific as possible. If you have not yet identified specific companies, that is okay. Just tell us what interests you for your next role or company. What about the industry, company, or functional role is appealing to you?
• If you have any criteria you are using to evaluate career opportunities, please share those as well. We may have great opportunities to add to your list.
• How does this post-MBA career goal relate to your long-term career plan?

Let’s break down the prompt and explore how to craft a compelling response.

What the Tepper MBA Admissions Committee Seeks

Tepper’s admissions committee looks for candidates with clear, actionable career goals that align with their personal interests and aspirations. The school values candidates who demonstrate both self-awareness and ambition. Tepper seeks future business leaders who not only have a vision for where they want to go but also understand the practical steps to get there.

In your video essay, Tepper wants to assess your fit with the program and whether the MBA can realistically help you achieve your goals. They look for:

1. Clarity of Purpose: A well-defined, specific post-MBA career goal, whether it’s a role in consulting, product management, finance, or entrepreneurship.
2. Industry and Functional Insight: A grasp of the industry and functional role you’re targeting, showing that you’ve researched and are prepared for your next steps.
3. Long-Term Vision: Tepper is interested in how your short-term post-MBA goals connect to a larger career trajectory. Do you have a broader professional vision? This tells the committee that you think strategically.
4. Adaptability and Flexibility: Tepper values students who can navigate a changing business landscape. If you include criteria for evaluating opportunities, it demonstrates that you are flexible while still focused on achieving your goals.

Ultimately, the committee wants to see that you’ve thought deeply about how Tepper fits into your journey and how the MBA will be instrumental in your success.

Framework to Write a Winning Video Essay

Approaching the video essay with structure is key to delivering a coherent and compelling response. Here’s a framework to guide you:

• Start with Your Post-MBA Goal: Open your response by directly stating your immediate career goal. Be specific about the role, the industry, and any functional area you are targeting. For example, you could say, “Post-MBA, I aim to join a global consulting firm like McKinsey or BCG as a strategy consultant, specializing in digital transformation for the healthcare industry.” By being this clear, you help the committee immediately understand your ambitions.
• Explain Why This Path Appeals to You: Follow up by explaining what draws you to this career path. Is it your passion for problem-solving, a desire to influence large-scale organizational change, or an affinity for innovation in your chosen industry? Tepper wants to know what excites you about your next role and how it aligns with your interests and values.
• Connect Your Short-Term Goal to Your Long-Term Vision: After discussing your immediate goal, pivot to the bigger picture. How will this short-term role serve as a stepping stone to your long-term career ambitions? For example, you might say, “In the long term, I aim to transition into a leadership role, driving strategy at the intersection of healthcare and technology.” This helps Tepper see that you are thinking strategically and have a long-term plan.
• Mention Any Career Criteria You’re Using: If you are evaluating opportunities based on certain criteria—such as company culture, growth potential, or alignment with your personal values—briefly mention them. This shows that you have a thoughtful, flexible approach to career planning, which is a trait Tepper values.
• Conclude with Tepper’s Role in Your Journey: End your video by articulating why Tepper is the perfect place for you to pursue your MBA. Reference specific resources, such as Tepper’s strength in analytics, leadership development, or its collaborative community. This demonstrates that you’ve done your homework and know how Tepper fits into your professional growth.

Tips for Writing and Recording the Video Essay

1. Be Concise and Stay Focused: You have just two minutes, so clarity is key. Avoid rambling and stick to the most essential points. Practice in front of a timer to ensure you’re within the time limit.
2. Don’t Read From a Script: Tepper prefers a natural, conversational tone. While it’s tempting to write a script and read it, this can come across as stiff. Instead, outline your key points and speak as if you’re answering a live interview question.
3. Show Enthusiasm: Tepper wants to hear your excitement about your future. Let your passion for your career goals shine through in your tone and delivery. Enthusiasm can make your response stand out, as it demonstrates genuine interest and commitment.
4. Mind Your Body Language: Since this is a video essay, your body language matters. Maintain good eye contact with the camera, sit up straight, and project confidence. A calm and composed demeanor will make a strong impression.
5. Practice Multiple Takes: Record yourself several times and review the recordings. Look for areas where you can improve your delivery, whether it’s clarity, pacing, or engagement. The goal is to sound confident and polished without being over-rehearsed.
6. Choose a Simple, Professional Setting: Record in a quiet, well-lit space with minimal distractions. Ensure the background is simple and professional to keep the focus on you.
7. Be Yourself: Finally, the most important tip is to be authentic. Tepper values individuality, so make sure your personality and genuine motivations come through in your response.

Tepper MBA Optional Essay

Optional essay for additional information about your candidacy that you may wish to share with the admissions committee. Use this essay to convey important information that you may not have otherwise been able to convey. This may include unexplained resume gaps, context for recommender selection, etc. However, do not feel obligated to complete the optional essay.

What the Tepper MBA Admissions Committee Seeks

The optional essay is your opportunity to address any gaps or concerns that may arise in your application—whether it’s a gap in your resume, an unusual recommender choice, or another aspect of your candidacy that requires additional context. 

While it’s not required, it can help clarify potential issues or highlight unique personal circumstances. Tepper values transparency and context, so if there’s something that could raise questions in your application, use this space to address it proactively.

Framework for Writing a Winning Essay

• Begin by clearly identifying the issue or aspect of your application you wish to address. Be direct and factual—this isn’t the place for elaborate storytelling. If it’s a resume gap, explain what happened and, if relevant, share what you did during that time (whether it was upskilling, volunteering, or dealing with a personal issue). If it’s about your recommenders, clarify your choice and offer insight into why you chose them over someone else.
• Next, focus on how you’ve addressed or learned from the situation. For example, if you had a career break, mention how you stayed current with industry trends or took online courses to upskill. If your academic record is less than stellar in certain areas, explain what steps you’ve taken to strengthen those skills, whether through work experience, certifications, or additional coursework.
• Conclude by emphasizing your readiness for the rigor of the Tepper MBA program. Show that whatever challenges you’ve faced, you’ve grown from them and are now in a stronger position to succeed at Tepper.

Tips for Writing:

1. Be honest and straightforward: Don’t try to cover up or gloss over potential red flags in your application. Admissions committees appreciate candor.
2. Provide context but don’t over-explain: Be concise. Provide just enough information to clarify the situation, but don’t feel the need to write an essay-length explanation unless absolutely necessary.
3. Focus on growth: If you’re addressing a challenge or shortcoming, always frame it in terms of what you’ve learned or how you’ve grown from the experience.

Reapplicant Essay

What the Tepper MBA Admissions Committee Seeks:

For re-applicants, Tepper wants to know how you’ve improved since your previous application. This essay is your chance to demonstrate that you’ve made meaningful progress—whether professionally, academically, or personally—since your last attempt. 

The admissions committee is looking for evidence that you’ve taken their feedback seriously and have worked to strengthen your candidacy.

Framework for Writing a Winning Essay

• Start by briefly acknowledging your previous application and, if you received any feedback, mention how you’ve addressed it. This shows that you’re reflective and responsive to constructive criticism.
• Then, delve into the specific ways in which you’ve improved. If you’ve taken on new responsibilities at work, detail how this has strengthened your leadership skills or expanded your industry knowledge. If you’ve pursued additional coursework or certifications, explain how these have prepared you for the academic rigor of Tepper. Be sure to mention any new achievements, whether it’s a promotion, a successful project, or an impact you’ve had on your company or community.
• Conclude by expressing your renewed interest in Tepper and how you’re now even more prepared to contribute to and thrive in the program.

Tips for Writing:

1. Be positive: Frame your growth in a forward-looking way. You’re not just addressing past weaknesses but showcasing how you’re now an even stronger candidate.
2. Highlight concrete improvements: Whether it’s new professional accomplishments, improved test scores, or enhanced skills, be specific about how you’ve strengthened your candidacy.
3. Reaffirm your commitment to Tepper: Show that you’ve continued to research the program and that Tepper is still your top choice.

Final Thoughts

Your Tepper MBA essays are more than just application requirements—they’re your chance to showcase who you are, what drives you, and how you’ll contribute to the school’s collaborative community. 

By thoughtfully reflecting on your leadership experiences, clearly outlining your career goals, and addressing any gaps or reapplication details, you can present a well-rounded and authentic narrative. 

Follow the frameworks and tips in this article to create responses that not only meet Tepper’s expectations but also leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee.