When I wrote my own MBA admissions essay, I remember feeling lost, rambling without a clear direction. Crafting a standout essay requires self-awareness, authenticity, and alignment with the program.

Twenty-two years ago this month, I was working at a multinational advertising firm in Taiwan, plotting my way out of there, and planning how to get into the doors of the business school of my dreams.

A compelling MBA application essay can help set you apart from hundreds of other candidates and boost your chances of admission to your preferred business school, experts say. "We use the essay here ...