School guides · 2026-27

Berkeley Haas

The essay prompts, word limits and deadlines for 2026-27, and what Berkeley Haas says it looks for. Always check the official site before you submit.

What Berkeley Haas looks for

  • Question the Status Quo
  • Confidence Without Attitude
  • Students Always
  • Beyond Yourself

Essays

Video essay

Video

Briefly introduce yourself, then tell us what makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? Please share something about yourself that may not be evident in other parts of your application. We are looking for an authentic and introspective response that demonstrates how you will contribute to the MBA class and culture at UC Berkeley Haas. The video should last 1-2 minutes and may not exceed 2 minutes. You have two attempts to record it.

Career goals

300 words

What are your post-MBA career goals, and how will the resources at UC Berkeley Haas help you achieve them? How do you plan to remain adaptable as your career evolves?

Distance traveled

300 words · optional

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.

Optional statement

300 words · optional

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

Deadlines

R1September 10, 2026
R2January 7, 2027
R3April 1, 2027

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Sources

Last checked November 7, 2026. Storylode is not affiliated with Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley.