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You’ve dotted every i and crossed every t of your MBA application - essays polished, CV refined, references secured. Then you notice a space labelled “additional information” or “optional essay.” Should you leave it blank? Or is this one more opportunity to strengthen your candidacy?
In European MBA applications, this question crops up in many forms. Whether labelled optional or supporting statement, the purpose is the same: to clarify potential red flags or add a material new dimension to your profile, not to tell your life story or repeat your achievements.
This week’s edition decodes the additional information essay so you can decide whether to write it and, if you do, how to craft a concise, compelling note that actually helps your application. Let’s dive in!
Why does the additional information essay exist?
Admission committees designed this section to fill information gaps - not to trick you. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), most schools use optional essays in two ways: (1) to explain extenuating circumstances such as a low GPA, GMAT glitch, gaps in education or employment, or unusual choice of recommender, and (2) to provide additional information that paints a fuller picture of who you are.
Use this space only if:
➡ You need to explain a weakness or inconsistency - poor academic performance, low test scores, gaps in employment or education, or choosing a recommender who isn’t your current supervisor.
➡ You have a material new angle that cannot fit anywhere else - a unique accomplishment, personal challenge or insight that significantly strengthens your candidacy.
➡️ The school explicitly asks for more context - some programs, like Oxford Saïd and HEC Paris, encourage you to round out your profile with a personal story or new project/initiative.
If none of these apply, don’t force it.
When to use the additional information essay (and when to skip it)
✅ Situations that warrant an optional essay
✏ Academic or testing issues: a C grade or low GPA should be acknowledged, along with evidence of improvement or supplementary coursework.
✏ Low GMAT/GRE score: briefly explain circumstances (illness, personal difficulty) and point to quant‑heavy successes or certifications that demonstrate competence.
✏ Employment or education gaps / career shifts: clarifying a gap prevents speculation; highlight what you did during the break (courses, volunteering, upskilling) and explain career pivots as intentional.
✏ Choice of recommender: if you’re not using your direct supervisor, give a two‑sentence explanation to avert doubts.
✏ Unique personal circumstances: e.g., first‑generation college student, socio‑economic challenges, or cultural experiences that shaped your perspective.
✏ Preparing for the MBA: if you’re coming from a non‑business background or are applying later in your career, explain relevant coursework, leadership roles or initiatives undertaken to demonstrate readiness .
🚫 When you should skip it
🟡 Nothing to explain or add: admissions officers have limited time; filling this space without a substantive purpose wastes their attention and may reflect poorly.
🟡 Repeating achievements or goals: LBS cautions that its one required essay and application forms already provide enough information; only share material details not captured elsewhere.
🟡 Gushing about the school – this isn’t a second “Why MBA” essay; focus on clarifying facts or adding new insight.
2 Frameworks to Use
1️⃣ Clarify a weakness or inconsistency: This format helps you address low grades, test scores, gaps or unusual recommenders.
Step | What to include |
|---|---|
Purpose statement (Sets expectations) | Begin with a clear line explaining why you’re writing: “I would like to address the X on my transcript…” |
Brief context (Provides context) | Describe the circumstances factually - illness, family emergency, heavy work load - without blaming others. |
Evidence of improvement (demonstrates resilience/preparedness) | Highlight subsequent strong grades, additional coursework or professional achievements showing you’ve overcome the issue. |
Positive actions & growth (shows self-awareness) | Explain what you’ve learned or how you’ve grown (time management, quant skills, resilience) and, if relevant, outline steps taken to prepare for the MBA (e.g., CFA, statistics course). |
Closing with future focus (future-oriented) | End on a forward‑looking note that ties back to your goals or program fit. |
2️⃣ Highlight a new dimension: For applicants who have no red flags but want to showcase a unique facet that doesn’t fit elsewhere.
Step | What to include | Example |
|---|---|---|
Choose one theme | Identify a single, under‑represented aspect (e.g., social impact project, entrepreneurial venture, cultural experience) and state it concisely . | “During the pandemic I launched a virtual mentoring programme for girls in rural India…” |
Provide specific details | Tell a short story with concrete actions and outcomes: who you helped, what you achieved, lessons learned. | “…pairing 50 students with mentors, leading to 85 % of participants securing internships.” |
Connect to the school | Explain why this experience matters for your goals and how it aligns with the program’s values and community. | “This experience fuels my passion for impact investing, which I hope to pursue through LBS’s Social Impact Club.” |
Keep it concise | Aim for 2–3 short paragraphs; bullet points are acceptable for multiple topics . | Brevity respects the adcom’s time and keeps your message focused. |
Quick tips & tricks
Write it last. Finish all other components before deciding if you need an optional essay; only then can you assess remaining gaps.
Follow each school’s instructions. Word limits and expectations vary; tailor your response accordingly.
Stay objective and concise. Bullet points are fine if you need to address several topics.
Highlight what you’ve done since. Whether explaining a low GPA or career gap, emphasise actions taken (additional coursework, promotions, certifications or volunteer projects).
Link back to your goals and the programme. Even when clarifying issues, end with how your growth aligns with the school’s offerings.
Show maturity and self‑awareness. For personal stories, illustrate introspection and how the experience shaped your worldview.
Final checklist
Before you hit submit, ask yourself:
⏹ Have I provided a clear purpose for writing this essay?
⏹ Did I explain circumstances factually and without excuses?
⏹ Did I show evidence of improvement or actions taken?
⏹ Is my essay concise (usually 250–500 words or less)?
⏹ Have I avoided repeating information from other essays or my résumé?
⏹ Does my essay align with the school’s values or demonstrate cultural fit?
If you answered yes to each, you’re ready to upload.
👀 Coming Next Week
After all the prep that goes into your applications, what do the adcoms really look for in your profile? Cutting through the noise so that you can focus on what really matters in your prep.
💬 Let’s Talk
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