MS in Business Analytics Personal Statements Online Advising

The MSBA personal statement can seem like the most daunting and difficult part of your application.

Silver lining, though: a well-written essay can:

  1. Wake up a bored admissions committee (most essays they'll read are extremely similar)
  2. Convey your real personality and make you come alive to your readers
  3. Depict your experiences in movie-like clarity and detail
  4. Show your best qualities and values
  5. Help the reader see why you and their program are such a great fit

Simply put, the essay is not a to-do; it's a powerful tool to help you get accepted!

Lauren Hammond is our MSBA application essay expert and has been helping people write their MS in Business Analytics personal statements for several years. Whether you just want some feedback on a draft, or you're staring at a blank Word doc and don't know where to begin, she is happy to help!

Contact Lauren directly at 951-395-4646 (phone or text), or send us an email.

She works with people online via Zoom and via email / Google Docs.

P.S. We also offer GRE prep!

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1. MSBA personal statement tips

2. MSBA personal statement examples

3. Learn more about Lauren, our MSBA personal statement expert.

 

 

3 TIPS FOR COMPELLING MSBA PERSONAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Explain Your Interest in Business Analytics

  • Share a specific experience that sparked your interest: Highlight a moment when you realized the power of data-driven decision-making—whether in a job, a project, or through coursework.
  • Show your curiosity for solving business challenges with data: Emphasize your excitement for uncovering insights, improving efficiency, or driving strategic decision-making.
  • Connect business and analytics: Explain how you see business analytics as the perfect blend of data science, problem-solving, and business strategy.

Example:
"While working as a marketing coordinator, I noticed that campaign decisions were often made based on intuition rather than data. After independently analyzing customer engagement patterns and presenting data-backed recommendations, I saw firsthand how analytics could refine strategy and boost efficiency. This experience solidified my desire to develop expertise in business analytics and apply data-driven solutions at a larger scale."

 

2. Highlight Relevant Experiences and Skills

  • Showcase academic and professional preparation: Mention coursework in statistics, programming, economics, or business, as well as hands-on experience with data analysis, visualization, or decision modeling.
  • Demonstrate technical and analytical skills: Highlight proficiency in tools like SQL, Python, R, Tableau, or Excel, and discuss projects where you applied these skills.
  • Emphasize business problem-solving ability: Explain how you have used data to drive business decisions, optimize processes, or identify trends in past roles.

Example:
"In my role as a financial analyst, I built an interactive dashboard using Tableau that visualized customer spending trends across different demographics. This tool provided executives with real-time insights, allowing them to adjust marketing strategies and increase conversion rates by 15%. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of business analytics to drive impactful decision-making."

 

3. Align Your Goals with the Program’s Strengths

  • Research the program’s offerings: Highlight specific courses, faculty, capstone projects, or industry partnerships that align with your career interests.
  • Explain how the program fits your career trajectory: Whether you aim to work in consulting, finance, tech, or operations, describe how the program’s curriculum and resources will help you reach your goals.
  • Demonstrate long-term vision: Show how an MS in Business Analytics will help you become a leader in data-driven decision-making.

Example:
"I am particularly drawn to [Program Name]’s strong emphasis on real-world applications through its industry collaborations and hands-on capstone projects. The opportunity to work with leading companies on data-driven challenges will provide the practical experience I need to achieve my goal of becoming a business intelligence analyst in the tech sector, where I can leverage data to enhance operational efficiency and strategic planning."

 

Masters of Science in Business Analytics Personal Statement Example

 

Here's an example of a strong statement, followed by a brief analysis of what makes it work well.

 

I have always been fascinated by the power of data to tell stories and drive decision-making. This interest first took shape during my undergraduate studies in economics, where I saw how statistical models could explain market trends and consumer behavior. But it wasn’t until I worked on a project analyzing customer purchasing patterns at my first job that I realized the true impact of data-driven insights in the business world. That experience sparked my desire to pursue a Master’s in Business Analytics (MSBA), equipping me with the technical skills and strategic mindset needed to turn raw data into actionable solutions.

In college, I focused on quantitative analysis, taking courses in econometrics, programming, and database management. One of my most rewarding academic experiences was a predictive modeling project, where my team developed a machine learning algorithm to forecast retail sales. We worked with real-world data, refining our models to improve accuracy, and it was exhilarating to see how minor tweaks in parameters could significantly change outcomes. This project reinforced my excitement for analytics and my desire to apply these skills to real business challenges.

After graduation, I worked as a data analyst for a mid-sized e-commerce company, where I deepened my understanding of business intelligence tools and data visualization techniques. I was responsible for tracking customer engagement metrics and optimizing marketing campaigns based on data insights. One of my most impactful contributions was identifying a segment of high-value customers who responded best to targeted email promotions, leading to a 15% increase in sales. Seeing my analysis translate into measurable business success solidified my passion for analytics and its role in strategic decision-making.

To further expand my skills, I took online courses in Python, SQL, and machine learning. These experiences not only enhanced my technical proficiency but also showed me the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly evolving field. I also sought out mentorship from senior data scientists, gaining valuable insights into best practices for data engineering and model deployment in business settings.

Pursuing an MSBA at [University Name] is the next logical step in my journey. I am particularly drawn to the program’s focus on hands-on learning, industry collaborations, and its integration of business strategy with advanced analytics. The opportunity to work on real-world consulting projects excites me, as it aligns with my goal of bridging the gap between technical expertise and business impact.

In the future, I aim to work as a business intelligence analyst or data consultant, helping organizations make informed, data-driven decisions. I am especially interested in applying analytics to optimize operations and customer experiences in the retail and technology sectors. Long-term, I aspire to take on leadership roles where I can drive data strategy and mentor future analysts in leveraging data for innovation.

Reflecting on my journey, each step—from studying economics to applying analytics in the workplace—has reinforced my commitment to this field. I am eager to bring my analytical mindset, curiosity, and business acumen to your MSBA program and to continue developing as a data-driven problem solver who can create meaningful impact in the business world.

 

What we liked about this statement:

 

  • Engaging Introduction: The applicant starts with a clear interest in data and business, making the motivation personal and compelling.

  • Strong Academic Background: The essay highlights relevant coursework, such as econometrics, programming, and database management, demonstrating preparedness for advanced study.

  • Practical Experience: The applicant discusses work experience in e-commerce, emphasizing hands-on data analysis and the direct impact of their insights on business performance.

  • Commitment to Skill Development: Mentioning self-initiated learning in Python, SQL, and machine learning shows dedication to continuous improvement, which is crucial in analytics.

  • Alignment with Program: The applicant connects their goals to the MSBA program’s hands-on learning and industry collaborations, showing they have researched the program.

  • Clear Career Goals: The essay outlines short-term aspirations in business intelligence and long-term leadership ambitions, providing a clear trajectory.

  • Logical Flow: The structure follows a natural progression from interest to education, experience, and future plans, making it easy to follow.

 

Lauren Hammond

Lauren Hammond Lauren Hammond Lauren Hammond

Lauren: I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Literature and Writing, with a concentration in Writing, at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) and my Master’s Degree in English and Comparative Literature at San Diego State University (SDSU). I recently completed my PhD in English at the University of California Riverside (UCR) in September 2023. Upon graduating, I began my current position as UCR's Graduate Writing Center Specialist and Fulbright Program Advisor last summer. 

I have been a writing consultant for nearly 10 years now, and I've helped people with research writing, thesis/dissertation projects, rhetorical and literary analyses, writing in the humanities, grammar/sentence mechanics, and more. My focus for VKTP centers on graduate school application materials– including personal statements, diversity statements, and research statements– as well as job market materials for academic and alt-academic positions– resumes, CVs, cover letters, etc. 

During my downtime, I love hanging out with my husband, 2-year-old daughter, and our two dogs, Link and Leia! My favorite activities are going on the boat, cruising on the golf cart, and making our way through all of the local eateries. When we aren’t out and about, I typically enjoy reading and watching movies.

Working with Lauren is $225 per hour or $995 for a package purchase of 5 hours. You can reach her at 951-395-4646 (phone or text), or by sending us an email.

 

Love For Lauren

 

"I had about 6 sessions with Lauren Hammond to go over my personal statements for PhD/PsyD Clinical Psychology applications. I had different goals for each of my statements (e.g., trim, content development, brainstorm ideas), and she tailored each session to meet my needs. An hour might seem short, but she was very productive and sometimes went over two short statements in one session. She was also available via text for any brief questions or concerns. I am very happy with her service and recommend it to anyone who wants to craft a stand-out personal statement. I thought my writing skills were already good, but the final product, including her revisions, turned out even better than I expected."

- Fiona Wang (see review on Google Maps)

 

Lily Annino

Lauren helped me out SO much with my MFT graduate school essays. I've already gotten an interview from two schools, and I was incredibly happy with the essay results. 110% would recommend her! Thank you so much Lauren.

 

"Very happy to have worked with Vince on my GRE prep and Lauren on my personal essay writing. Both were integral to my success in getting accepted to my ideal grad school. Vince had a very straightforward and understandable approach toward taking the test which helped remove the test anxiety I definitely would have otherwise felt. I knew exactly what was coming weeks before I sat down to take it and managed to score about 10-15 points higher than I would have without his help. Lauren was equally helpful in editing my essay - both on the finer details as well as big picture ideas and concepts. I wholeheartedly believe their assistance throughout the GRE and grad school application process is what pushed me over the edge and got me accepted into my ideal program at my ideal school. 5 stars, no question."

- Clifford Grant (see review on Google Maps)

 

"I worked with Lauren Hammond on my personal statement and she was amazing!! I spent a couple months working with her and it was one of the best decisions that I feel elevated my grad school applications. I came into the first meeting with a draft essay that was basically my resume and was all over the place. Lauren helped me nail down my story and what I am passionate about. I ended up writing an amazing personal statement with great feedback from Lauren that I felt really showed readers who I am. She was super flexible with the times we met and I ended up getting into my TOP choice schools (Johns Hopkins, Brown, etc). I would definitely work with her again!"

- Aster M. (see review on Google Maps)

 

"Lauren Hammond was so incredibly helpful with my personal statements for grad school. I really needed help with organization, staying focused on a coherent narrative and content-building, which she was phenomenal with. She's also a really sweet person and a pleasure to work with! Can't recommend her enough."

- Mira Park (see review on Google Maps)

 

"As I was applying to PhD programs, I was struggling to write my personal statements. I searched online for hours to try and find something or someone that looked worth spending the money on and I came across Lauren Hammond at Vince Kotchian Test Prep. I was only planning on doing maybe one session to help get me started but Lauren was SO good that I continued working with her for weeks. She gave such valuable feedback and felt like she truly cared about making my work the best it can be. I even recommended her to my other colleagues who were applying to grad school and they felt the same way. I currently have 3 interviews for grad school and I couldn't have gotten those without her help!"

- Mikayla Haas (see review on Google Maps)

 

"Lauren Hammond was amazing. She provided me with thoughtful feedback that structured and strengthened my graduate school application essays. She was great at asking questions to push me to be a better writer. You can tell she genuinely cares about her students and wants to see you succeed. Additionally she is flexible in scheduling and will make deadlines work with your timeline. I was accepted into my top school choice and appreciate Lauren for her help in the process. If you or someone you know is looking for an essay tutor for graduate applications, Lauren is definitely the best!"

- Renee Begin (see review on Google Maps)

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How long should I spend writing my MSBA personal statement?

We generally recommend about 4-8 weeks - 6 weeks is a good sweet spot. It takes time to come up with ideas and get those ideas onto paper in a compelling form.

 

Where can I find some good examples of personal statements?

Other than Google, I really like the sample admissions essays in Graduate Admissions Essays by Donald Asher. If you're a DIY kind of person, Asher's advice for the entire graduate admissions process is very good.

Note: The above links are Amazon affiliate links and I earn a commission if you purchase things through them. However, any commission I earn comes at no additional cost to you, and you pay nothing extra. My recommendation is based on extensive experience using this book's advice with dozens of people over the years, and I recommend it because it's helpful and useful, not because of the small commission I receive if you choose to buy it.

 

How can I make my personal statement stand out?

MOST personal statements are BORING! Not because the person writing them is boring, but perhaps because:

  1. Their focus is too broad. They try to cover everything they've done, and nothing ends up standing out.
  2. They're impersonal. It's a personal statement - the reader needs to get a sense of who you are and what you're actually like - not some sanitized "professional" version of you.
  3. They're too safe. Ironically, a statement that takes no risks can be the riskiest thing you can do. We're not applying to a program with the intent of blending in with all the other applicants!

Granted, the above things can be overdone, or done wrong. But most statements make no impact, so it's worth thinking about how yours actually can.

For more personal statement tips, check out Vince's video: 7 Ways to Write a Crappy Graduate School Personal Statement.

 

How to Apply to a Competitive Master’s in Business Analytics (MSBA) Program

 

Applying to a Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program requires a well-planned strategy, as top programs attract a highly competitive pool of applicants. These programs seek candidates with strong quantitative skills, technical proficiency, and the ability to translate data into business insights. Below are the key components of a successful MSBA application.

1. Academic Background and Prerequisites

Most MSBA programs prefer applicants with a strong quantitative background, but they accept students from diverse fields, including economics, engineering, finance, mathematics, and even social sciences. Key coursework that can strengthen an application includes:

  • Statistics and Probability
  • Linear Algebra and Calculus
  • Programming (Python, R, SQL, or SAS)
  • Machine Learning or Data Science Fundamentals
  • Business or Economics Principles

Applicants lacking some of these courses may still be admitted, but remedial coursework or an online certification in data analytics can strengthen their case.

2. Standardized Test Scores (Optional but Beneficial)

Many top programs (e.g., MIT Sloan, USC, and Northwestern) still accept GRE or GMAT scores, though some have adopted test-optional policies. Submitting strong test scores (GRE Quantitative: 165+, GMAT Quant: 48+) can demonstrate mathematical ability, especially for those with weaker academic transcripts.

3. Work Experience and Internships

Unlike MBA programs, MSBA programs do not require work experience, but having relevant internships or full-time work in data analytics, consulting, finance, or technology can set an applicant apart. Competitive applicants often have experience in:

  • Data analysis roles using Python, R, or SQL
  • Business intelligence and reporting
  • Predictive modeling or machine learning
  • Data-driven decision-making in a corporate environment

Applicants without direct experience can bolster their application by completing personal projects (on platforms like Kaggle) or online certifications (Coursera, DataCamp).

4. Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP)

A compelling SOP should clearly articulate:

  • Why Business Analytics? Explain how your background, skills, and interests align with the field.
  • Why this program? Tailor your response to each school, mentioning faculty, courses, or capstone projects that excite you.
  • Career goals—both short-term and long-term aspirations.
  • Your unique value—what you bring to the cohort (technical skills, leadership, domain expertise).

Avoid generic essays and instead highlight specific experiences and achievements that demonstrate problem-solving skills and analytical thinking.

5. Letters of Recommendation

Most programs require two or three recommendation letters from professors or managers. Strong letters should highlight:

  • Technical proficiency in analytics
  • Problem-solving skills and creativity
  • Teamwork and communication abilities
  • Potential for success in the program

Choosing recommenders who can provide specific anecdotes rather than generic praise is crucial.

6. Resume and Portfolio

An MSBA resume should emphasize technical and analytical skills, including:

  • Programming languages (Python, R, SQL, etc.)
  • Data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI)
  • Statistical modeling, machine learning, and AI applications
  • Academic and professional projects with measurable impact

Some programs allow submission of a data science portfolio, showcasing projects on GitHub or personal websites.

7. Interview Process

Top programs may require an interview to assess communication skills, problem-solving approach, and motivation. Questions may include:

  • “Why do you want to pursue an MSBA?”
  • “Describe a time you used data to solve a problem.”
  • “What are your career goals after graduation?”

Some schools also include a technical interview or case study, requiring applicants to analyze a dataset or solve a business problem.

 

Final Thoughts

A strong MSBA application combines academic excellence, technical expertise, relevant experience, and a clear career vision. Candidates who demonstrate proficiency in analytics and a passion for solving business problems with data will have a competitive edge.