UCB MFE Essay Question

[mr_spectre]

I am applying for the 2025 Spring program and have a query for this question.

Do you feel that your academic record is an accurate reflection of your ability and potential? In comparison to your college friends and classmates, do you feel that you were particularly advantaged or disadvantaged? Please explain.

This is a part of the supplemental questions. I am not sure if we have to compulsorily answer this. I am also not sure how this will be perceived by the admissions committee. Whatever I write, they might perceive it in a way that I did not intend to and my application could be negatively affected.

Please comment if anyone has any input.
Thanks

 

[Daniel Duffy]

The second question is ambiguous. It can be interpreted in different ways.

edit: you could ask them to please clarify.

 

[MichaelLewis]

I am applying for the 2025 Spring program and have a query for this question.

Do you feel that your academic record is an accurate reflection of your ability and potential? In comparison to your college friends and classmates, do you feel that you were particularly advantaged or disadvantaged? Please explain.

This is a part of the supplemental questions. I am not sure if we have to compulsorily answer this. I am also not sure how this will be perceived by the admissions committee. Whatever I write, they might perceive it in a way that I did not intend to and my application could be negatively affected.

Please comment if anyone has any input.
Thanks

They’ve been using this question forever. I’d see it as optional and would only answer it if I needed to justify poor performance in undergrad.

For example, maybe you had financial constraints and had to work throughout college and, as a result, your grades suffered relative to peers because you didn’t spend as much time studying as those who didn’t have the constraint.

 

[mr_spectre]

Thank you @Daniel Duffy sir and @MichaelLewis

 

[WSBquant]

Hi @mr_spectre did you answer the question?

 

[mr_spectre]

I didn't

 

[WSBquant]

Thanks @mr_spectre