UC Berkeley (Haas)
Below are application deadlines and essay questions for the UC Berkeley (Haas) MBA Program.
UC Berkeley (Haas) - Application Deadlines for 2025-2026 / Class of 2028
Round 1
Application due: September 11, 2025
Decision released: December 11, 2025
Round 2
Application due: January 8, 2026
Decision released: March 26, 2026
Round 3
Application due: March 31, 2026
Decision released: May 7, 2026
We cannot guarantee that we will review information sent to the MBA Admissions Office after the deadline of the round in which you apply.
The following are the main essay questions on the 2025-2026 / Class of 2028 UC Berkeley (Haas) MBA application:
Berkeley MBA Essay 1 - Video
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.
Berkeley MBA Essay 2
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.
Berkeley MBA Essay 3
Distance Traveled
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)
Berkeley MBA Essay 4 - Video
The Berkeley MBA program develops leaders who embody our four Defining Leadership Principles. Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee, explain which Defining Leadership Principle resonates most with you, and tell us how you have exemplified the principle in your personal or professional life.
Please review the Defining Leadership Principles in advance and take time to prepare your answer before recording. 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.
OPTIONAL ESSAY
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)
Visit the Haas admissions website for more application information.
Disclaimer: the information provided on this page is for reference only. Applicants are strongly advised to visit the admissions website link provided above to confirm essay prompts, deadlines, and other application information. Photo by Kazuhiza Otsubo.