Rotterdam Essay analysis for class of 2025

The Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) offers several essay prompts that aim to assess your potential as a leader and agent of positive change. This analysis delves deeper into each prompt, highlighting key aspects to consider for crafting compelling essays:

Rotterdam Essay Topic 1:

Share how you’ve already been a force for positive change in your world. Your example can be large or small, global or local, but must highlight the positive impact you’ve had through your efforts. Tell us your story. (500 words)

Rotterdam Essay Analysis: This essay prompt goes beyond mere action and requires you to demonstrate your leadership potential and core values. It’s an opportunity to tell a story showcasing a real-world experience where you made a meaningful and measurable impact.

Strengths to focus on:

• Impact, not just action: Don’t just list the activities you undertook. Clearly demonstrate the positive change you created and the positive outcomes of your efforts.
• Quantify your results: Support your claims with data, numbers, or concrete examples. This quantifies the scale and significance of your contribution, making it more impactful.
• Alignment with RSM values: RSM emphasizes entrepreneurship, sustainability, and responsible leadership. Connect your experience to these values by demonstrating how your actions embody them.

Weaknesses to avoid:

• Generic descriptions: Statements like “making a difference” are vague and lack substance. Provide specific details, anecdotes, and evidence to showcase the actual impact you had.
• Focus on personal gain: While you can mention personal development, ensure the emphasis is on the positive impact on others. The story should demonstrate your selflessness and commitment to collective improvement.
• Unrealistic claims: Don’t exaggerate your role or claim sole ownership of the change. Be honest and acknowledge contributions from others, showcasing your ability to work collaboratively.

Rotterdam Essay Topic 2:

Discuss how the RSM MBA will prepare you to become a force for positive change, either in your personal or professional life. (500 words)

Rotterdam Essay Analysis: This essay allows you to articulate your vision for positive change and demonstrate how the RSM MBA program will equip you to achieve it. It’s crucial to showcase both your vision and the ways RSM specifically will empower you to realize it.

Strengths to focus on:

• Defining “positive change”: Clearly define what positive change means to you and how it aligns with RSM’s vision of responsible leadership and sustainability.
• Connecting skills to goals: Don’t just list RSM resources; explain how specific courses, programs, or faculty expertise will directly contribute to your development and equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve your goals.
• Demonstrating self-awareness: Show how the RSM MBA will enhance your skills and address any potential weaknesses you identify in achieving your goals. This portrays a sense of self-awareness and commitment to continuous growth.

Weaknesses to avoid:

• Clichés or generic statements: Phrases like “becoming a leader” or “making a difference” are overused and lack depth. Be specific about your vision and how RSM enables it.
• Unrealistic goals: While ambition is admirable, ensure your goals are achievable and realistic within the context of your background and the program’s resources.
• Lack of connection: Don’t simply list RSM resources. Explain how these resources directly contribute to your vision and equip you with the necessary skills to achieve your goals.

Rotterdam Optional Essay Topic:

Please feel free to supply any additional information that you believe would be helpful to the Admissions Committee in making the final decision on your application. (50 words maximum)

Strengths to focus on:

• Addressing application gaps: Briefly explain any inconsistencies in your application, such as changes in work experience or academic records.
• Highlighting unique qualities: Briefly mention any unique experiences, skills, or awards not mentioned elsewhere. This could include volunteer work, awards, or specific skills relevant to your goals.

Weaknesses to avoid:

• Repeating information: Avoid simply restating information already present in your application. This shows a lack of creativity and undermines the purpose of the optional essay.
• Negative information: Avoid mentioning weaknesses, personal challenges, or failures. Focus on your strengths, positive experiences, and contributions.

By understanding these strengths and weaknesses, you can craft compelling essays that demonstrate your potential to create positive change and your fit with the RSM MBA program. Remember, honesty, clarity, and specific details are key to conveying your vision and potential as a future leader.