UCD Smurfit Business School Application

Q1. Please state your reason for wishing to undertake this program? Ideally, how would you like to see your career develop over the next 5 years?
(Word Limit: 300 Words)
A: Through this question, Adcom wants to know whether you would be a good fit for their program. The first part of the question demands you to reveal relevant knowledge and why you wish to enhance your skillset further. A well-informed answer is demanded as to why you chose this school and what you particularly liked about the program. The second part of the question aims not only on your career goals but also in determining if you know what and why you are doing. The Adcom is interested to know whether your future plans are in sync with the values of the programs or not. Your answer will help them filter through thousands of applicants and shortlist you on the basis of your passion and determination.

Q2. We receive a large number of applications for limited places; please state why you should be selected above other applicants?
(Word Limit: 300 Words)
A: This question aims to determine what makes you stand out in the crowd. The Adcom has gone through your resume and is well aware of your achievements, so tackling this essay requires high precision. When answering this question, be careful in picking up instances where you showcased extraordinary soft or hard skills and talk about them in detail. The key to answering this question is to convince Adcom why you would be a perfect fit for the school without making the mistake of bragging about yourself. Describe your strengths and how they will help contribute to the school. Also, talk about the extra-curricular you have done and how your experience and capabilities will help the school to grow. Ensure that you are selling yourself to the Adcom and don’t let them judge you as being too high-headed.

An academic Letter of recommendation is an essential document in your application since it proves your credibility and suitability as a student at the university. Most importantly, the Admissions Committee wants to know how you were as an undergraduate student and what your professor has to say about you. So, make sure that you choose the professor with whom you have had a close relationship so that he can elucidate the best qualities of your personality. As a part of the UCD Smurfit application, the LORs are required to be precise and accurate.

In addition, an excellent academic LOR should have factual information about your critical strengths, for example- Were you a great leader besides academics? or maybe you were a great team player? However, don’t just go for what everybody else is also writing; you should personalize each document of your application at the optimum capacity. Over and above, your academic LOR should also justify the significant strengths that you are highlighting to convince the reader of the same. Moreover, an outstanding academic LOR should add prodigious value to your application and be impactful to enhance your credibility for the program. 

Q1: Tell me about yourself. (Expect follow-up questions)

Q2: What are your key strengths? Can you give some examples, please?

Q3: What is your biggest weakness? Can you give some examples, please?

Q4: Tell me about a time when you were pushed to your limits at work.

Q5: Give me an example of a time you faced a conflict while working on a team. How did you handle that?

Q6: Give me an example of a time when you did not meet a client’s expectations. What happened, and how did you attempt to rectify the situation?

Q7: Why should we take you?

Q8: How can you add value to the class?

Q9: Tell me about your interests and hobbies.

Q10: What would you describe as your most outstanding achievement to date?