How to Write the Babson College Essays 2025-2026
Babson College prepares and empowers entrepreneurial leaders who create, grow, and steward sustainable economic and social value—everywhere. As the founder and steward of entrepreneurship education, Babson College is a premier institution for business education taught through an entrepreneurial lens. Babson’s locations in Wellesley, Boston, and Miami attract more than 2,500 undergraduate and over 1,000 graduate students, representing over 100 countries. Additionally, each year more than 2,000 leaders from around the world attend executive education courses, certificate programs, and custom training.
Babson College has two essay prompts. The first is a Why this school question; however, you are allowed to submit it as a video if you wish. The second is a classic diversity question. There is a required essay prompt for applicants interested in January Enrollment or Babson Begin: London.
Babson College Supplemental Essay Prompts
All Applicants
Prompt 1: The Babson education prepares students for all types of careers across business, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and more. Tell us about your interest in this area of study and Babson specifically.
We invite you to submit your answer in either essay OR video format. If you choose to submit a video, please limit your response to a 1-minute video, which can be submitted via a shared link to YouTube or another video hosting website. Please ensure your video is set to public and is accessible to the Admission Committee. (500 words or 1 minute)
Prompt 2: A defining element of the Babson experience is learning and thriving in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives and interests. Please share something about your background, lived experiences, or viewpoint(s) that speak to: (1) your commitment to promoting access, connection, or understanding across differences; and/or (2) how you will contribute to and learn from Babson’s collaborative community. (250 words)
January Enrollment Applicants
Prompt: If you have indicated interest in the January Enrollment option, please address why you would like to be a candidate for this option and what you might choose to do in the fall. Please note if you would prefer to enroll at Babson through January Enrollment over Fall Enrollment. (200 words)
Babson Begin: London Applicants
Prompt: If you have indicated interest in Babson Begin: London, please address why you would like to be a candidate for this unique first-semester abroad program. Please note if you would prefer to enroll at Babson through Babson Begin: London over January Enrollment or Fall Enrollment. (200 words)
All Applicants, Prompt 1
The Babson education prepares students for all types of careers across business, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and more. Tell us about your interest in this area of study and Babson specifically.
We invite you to submit your answer in either essay OR video format. If you choose to submit a video, please limit your response to a 1-minute video, which can be submitted via a shared link to YouTube or another video hosting website. Please ensure your video is set to public and is accessible to the Admission Committee. (500 words or 1 minute)
The Babson College prompt is a combination Why This Major/Why This College essay, asking you to explain why you are drawn to Babson’s specific academic offerings and how the school aligns with your career aspirations. Whether you choose to respond in essay form or through a one-minute video, the goal is to connect your interests with Babson’s unique approach to business, entrepreneurship, and social innovation.
Babson is known for its strong focus on entrepreneurship and its commitment to preparing students for leadership roles across various sectors. To answer this prompt, you need to show:
- Why are you passionate about business, entrepreneurship, or social innovation?
- How Babson’s curriculum, resources, and community align with your goals.
- What you hope to gain from a Babson education and how it will help you achieve your career aspirations.
You should be specific about Babson’s offerings and connect them to your ambitions.
Brainstorming Your Essay
To craft your response, reflect on these questions:
- Why are you interested in studying business, entrepreneurship, or social innovation? Have you had experiences (such as internships, projects, or clubs) that sparked this interest?
- What specific Babson programs, initiatives, or classes attract you? How do they relate to your career goals?
- What kind of entrepreneur, innovator, or business leader do you aspire to be? How does Babson’s approach help you get there?
- How do you hope to contribute to Babson’s community?
What Makes a Good Response
A strong response will:
- Show passion for business or entrepreneurship: Share where your interest comes from and why you’re excited about this field.
- Connect to Babson’s unique strengths: Mention specific Babson programs or resources (like its Entrepreneurial Thought & Action methodology or its student-run businesses) that align with your goals.
- Explain what you bring to Babson: Demonstrate how you’ll contribute to Babson’s entrepreneurial community or how your values align with the school’s mission.
- Reflect your personal goals: Clearly explain how Babson will help you grow as an entrepreneur or business leader.
Hypothetical Student Examples
- Olivia, aspiring social entrepreneur: Olivia has been passionate about creating social change since she started a nonprofit in high school that provides school supplies to underfunded schools. She could write about how Babson’s Social Innovation Lab and its emphasis on blending entrepreneurship with social impact will help her grow her nonprofit, as well as provide the knowledge and tools she needs to scale it globally.
- Max, tech startup enthusiast: Max has been coding and developing apps since middle school. He could discuss how Babson’s focus on entrepreneurship will provide the resources and mentorship he needs to take his tech startup idea from concept to market. He might highlight the Entrepreneurship Tower and mention wanting to be part of Babson’s student-run tech incubators.
- Grace, a student interested in family business: Grace grew up helping with her family’s restaurant business and wants to learn how to scale it. She could describe how Babson’s Family Entrepreneurship classes and the STEP (Successful Transgenerational Entrepreneurship Practices) Project would help her understand the dynamics of managing and growing a multigenerational family business.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too vague: Don’t just say you like Babson’s reputation or that you love business. Be specific about why Babson’s approach to entrepreneurship is the perfect fit for you.
- Listing generic resources: Avoid mentioning resources or programs that could apply to many schools, like “small class sizes” or “entrepreneurial spirit.” Focus on what makes Babson truly unique.
- Not showing personal connection: You need to make it clear why Babson is the right school for your personal and professional journey. Avoid making this essay sound like you could be writing it for any business school.
Good and Bad Examples
Good Example
“I first realized the power of entrepreneurship when I launched my own small business selling eco-friendly jewelry in high school. What began as a project to raise money for my local animal shelter grew into a full-fledged online store, with over 200 orders in its first year. I became captivated by the idea that business could be a force for good, blending profit with purpose. That’s when I knew I wanted to study entrepreneurship in college.
Babson’s Entrepreneurial Thought & Action® approach immediately stood out to me. I love how Babson encourages students to learn by doing, which aligns with my belief that the best way to learn business is through real-world experience. I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to participate in Babson’s student-run businesses, where I can test my ideas and refine my business skills in a hands-on environment. The Blank Center for Entrepreneurship, with its resources for student startups, is also a huge draw for me. I envision developing a new line of sustainable fashion products while gaining invaluable feedback and mentorship from Babson’s thriving entrepreneurial community.
But what truly excites me about Babson is its commitment to social innovation. I’ve always believed that business has the potential to create positive change, and Babson’s emphasis on blending entrepreneurship with social impact aligns perfectly with my vision. I’m eager to explore the Social Innovation Lab, where I can collaborate with like-minded students to create solutions for global challenges. I plan to take advantage of Babson’s Social Impact Programs to expand my knowledge of ethical business practices and grow my brand into a company that champions sustainability.
Ultimately, Babson is the perfect place for me to push the boundaries of what business can achieve. I’m excited to immerse myself in a community that nurtures big ideas, where I can combine my entrepreneurial passion with a desire to make a positive difference.”
Why this works: This essay excerpt is specific, shows genuine enthusiasm for Babson’s unique offerings, and connects the student’s personal goals with what Babson provides. It shows how Babson will help them grow and highlights both academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Bad Example
“Ever since I was a child, I have dreamed of becoming a CEO. I remember sitting at my family’s dining room table, setting up “board meetings” with my siblings, complete with charts drawn on printer paper and my father’s old leather briefcase sitting proudly beside me. Even then, I knew I wanted to lead, inspire, and, most importantly, succeed.
As I grew older, that dream only sharpened. At my high school, I ran for every leadership position possible. Student Council President? Check. Debate Team Captain? Check. Model UN chair? Of course. These titles weren’t just extracurriculars—they were stepping stones on my path toward becoming someone whose name will be remembered in boardrooms across the world.
That’s why Babson is the perfect place for me. Everyone knows Babson is ranked the #1 school for entrepreneurship, and I want to be part of that elite environment. Being surrounded by the “best of the best” is what will push me to reach my full potential. After all, networking with other ambitious students will allow me to start a business that makes headlines, perhaps even landing me on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.”
Why it’s bad: This example excerpt shows no specific or unique connection to Babson and its offerings. It’s vivid, personal, and polished, but the author also comes across as overconfident and even arrogant, which will turn off admissions officers. The writing also focuses on status, which can make both the author and the essay seem shallow.
Tips for Video:
If you feel like you would be better in person or like you are particularly suited to public speaking, feel free to use the video option. Make sure you have good lighting, you are in focus, and the background is clear. Also, since this would be on your YouTube or another site, be aware that the admissions team might see other videos you have posted.
In either essay or video format, your response should show a clear connection between your personal goals and Babson’s unique resources. Be specific, passionate, and thoughtful about how Babson will help you grow as an entrepreneur or business leader!
All Applicants, Prompt 2
A defining element of the Babson experience is learning and thriving in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives and interests. Please share something about your background, lived experiences, or viewpoint(s) that speak to: (1) your commitment to promoting access, connection, or understanding across differences; and/or (2) how you will contribute to and learn from Babson’s collaborative community. (250 words)
This prompt falls under the Diversity essay archetype. Babson wants to know what aspects of your identity, culture, values, or life experiences have shaped your perspective. It also asks you to reflect on how you will learn from and contribute to Babson’s collaborative, diverse environment. This essay is not just about where you come from, but how your experiences will influence your role in the Babson community.
Babson is asking you to show two things: (1) Who you are and what aspect of your identity, background, or perspective has shaped how you see the world. This doesn’t need to be race/ethnicity (though it can be); it could also be geography, family circumstances, a passion, religious background, language, socioeconomic class, immigration history, unique hobbies, or challenges you’ve faced. (2) How you engage with others, more specifically, how you promote inclusivity, empathy, and collaboration across different perspectives. Ultimately, Babson wants to see that you will bring something unique to their community. Also, they want to see that you will be the kind of student who learns from peers while also helping them feel included.
Brainstorming Your Essay
Think about:
- What part of your background (culture, language, upbringing, community, family values, hobbies, personal struggles) has shaped how you relate to others?
- Have you ever built bridges across differences? (e.g., mentoring younger students, supporting ESL peers, leading a diverse club, working with people from different cultures)
- How do you approach situations where people disagree or have different experiences?
- What “lens” do you bring to group projects, class discussions, or friendships that might enrich Babson’s collaborative environment?
- What do you hope to learn from being around people with very different perspectives at Babson?
What Makes a Good Response
A strong essay will tell a story or give a snapshot: Anchor your essay in a concrete experience or reflection that shows your values. Highlight your contribution:.Show how your unique background/perspective will add to Babson’s culture. Mention not just how you’ll contribute, but also how you hope to learn from Babson peers. Demonstrate how your experiences have shaped you into someone who values inclusivity.
Hypothetical Student Examples
- Lina, bilingual entrepreneur: Grew up translating for her immigrant parents’ small business. She’s passionate about supporting non-native English speakers and hopes to use her perspective to foster more inclusive entrepreneurship at Babson.
- Ethan, first-gen student: As the first in his family to go to college, he learned to navigate applications and financial aid largely on his own. He hopes to mentor and support others from similar backgrounds at Babson.
- Priya, global upbringing: Moved between India, Singapore, and the U.S., constantly adapting to new cultural contexts. She values listening first, then building connections across cultural differences — and hopes to bring that skill into Babson’s global community.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too generic: Saying “I value diversity and want to learn from others” without examples or stories.
- Over-focusing on hardship without reflection: Sharing a challenge is fine, but make sure to connect it to how you grew and how it shapes your contributions.
- Only talking about Babson’s diversity without connecting to your own: The prompt is about you and Babson, not just one or the other.
- Making it résumé-like: Don’t just list positions like “I was in DECA and National Honor Society.” Show what those experiences taught you about inclusivity.
Good and Bad Examples
Good Example
“On Saturdays, I help my grandmother run a food stand at our local market. Our offerings are American as the apple hand-pies that are our top seller, but we’re surrounded by the delicious, varied smells of curries cooking, dumplings steaming, and kabobs searing. Many of our customers are recent immigrants who struggle with English, and I often step in to translate — Spanish to English, my few words of Cantonese to English, or just playing charades back and forth. Over time, I realized this wasn’t just about language. It was about building trust, making sure customers felt welcome, and helping them feel they belonged.
This experience taught me that connection often starts with small gestures of inclusion. At Babson, I hope to carry that same mindset — whether it’s listening to a classmate explain an unfamiliar cultural practice or making sure quieter voices are heard in group projects. I’m especially excited by Babson’s global entrepreneurial spirit, where students from all over the world come together to create. I know my background will push me to build bridges across differences, and I look forward to learning how others approach challenges, celebrate traditions, and define success.”
Why it’s good: Rooted in a vivid personal story, shows growth, connects to inclusivity, ties back to Babson’s collaborative mission.
Bad Example
“When I moved to the United States from another country at age ten, I spoke almost no English. I remember sitting in class, staring blankly at the board as my classmates answered questions with ease. At lunch, I sat alone, wishing desperately that I could join their conversations. It was one of the hardest times of my life, and I often felt invisible.
At Babson, I know I will bring this informed perspective to the community. I understand what it feels like to be excluded, and I will make sure others never feel that way. Whether by joining clubs, welcoming international students, or just being someone others can talk to, I will promote connection and inclusivity. My journey taught me the value of perseverance and kindness, and I can’t wait to share that with Babson.”
Why it’s bad: While this is a story about a painful time in the author’s life, the truth is that many immigrants share this experience, and the author doesn’t share enough to make it unique. It also focuses on the pain of that experience without demonstrating how the author grew, learned, or changed. They don’t show how they developed the perseverance or kindness they plan to bring to Babson, nor are they specific about how they’ll fit into Babson.
January Enrollment Prompt
If you have indicated interest in the January Enrollment option, please address why you would like to be a candidate for this option and what you might choose to do in the fall. Please note if you would prefer to enroll at Babson through January Enrollment over Fall Enrollment. (200 words)
This is a Why This College (special enrollment option) essay, but it’s also a chance to demonstrate maturity, planning, and creativity. Babson wants to see why the January Enrollment option specifically appeals to you, and that you’ve thought carefully about how you would use the fall semester productively before starting.
Babson is asking why January Enrollment? What makes this timeline appealing to you personally? How will you spend the fall? They want to know you’ll use the extra semester intentionally (work, travel, personal projects, volunteering, classes, internships, family responsibilities, etc.). Be honest, if you’d prefer January over Fall. This shows clarity in your priorities. The key is to present yourself as someone who sees opportunity in the delayed start, not as someone who would waste the time.
Brainstorming Your Essay
- Why does January Enrollment fit my goals better than Fall? (More time to work, travel, grow personally, pursue a project, or save money.)
- What concrete plan do I have for the fall? (Internship, family business, service program, research, language study, part-time classes, entrepreneurship project, etc.)
- How will this fall plan tie into my interests in business, entrepreneurship, or Babson specifically?
What Makes a Good Response
A strong essay will show intention. Outline a clear and meaningful plan for the fall, not just vague “exploring my interests.” If you want to study entrepreneurship, maybe you’d spend the fall working on a start-up idea. If you’re global-minded, maybe language immersion or travel fits. Show that you’ve thought about how to make the most of your time. Don’t dodge the “Fall vs. January” question — honesty matters here.
Hypothetical Student Examples
- Julia, an aspiring entrepreneur, would use the fall to work full-time at her family’s bakery, testing social media marketing strategies before enrolling in January. She’d explain how this hands-on business experience will prepare her for Babson’s Entrepreneurial Thought & Action model.
- Diego, a globally minded student, would spend the fall doing a Spanish immersion program abroad, explaining how cross-cultural communication will help him collaborate in Babson’s diverse community.
- Maya, a socially conscious leader, would volunteer with a local nonprofit supporting small businesses in underserved communities, gaining real-world insight into entrepreneurship and access.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being vague: “I’ll explore my interests” or “I’ll work and travel” without details sounds unplanned.
- Sounding disappointed: Don’t frame January as a backup option — show excitement for how you’d use the extra time.
- Skipping the preference question: Be clear if you’d choose January over Fall (and why).
Good and Bad Examples
Good Example
“I am excited about the January Enrollment option because it would give me time to grow personally and professionally before diving into Babson’s collaborative environment. In the fall, I plan to continue working at my uncle’s landscaping business, where I’ve been experimenting with digital marketing campaigns. My goal is to design a data-driven strategy for customer outreach and track the results, then bring those insights with me to Babson’s Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship course.
This timeline appeals to me because it bridges real-world practice with classroom learning, letting me enter Babson already with fresh entrepreneurial questions. While I would be happy to enroll in Fall, the January start would provide a unique runway for me to test ideas, reflect, and arrive on campus even more prepared to contribute.”
Why it’s good: Concrete plan, ties experience to Babson’s curriculum, shows excitement for January start without rejecting Fall.
Bad Example
“I think the January Enrollment option at Babson would be a good fit for me because I am open to different opportunities and like to try new things. While starting college in the fall is the traditional path, I am not afraid to be different, and I think Babson’s flexibility shows how innovative the school is. Whether I start in September or January, I know I will make the most of my time at Babson.
If I were to take the January Enrollment option, I would spend the fall working in retail to hone my customer service skills, fulfilling my dream of traveling to Greece, and volunteering at my local animal shelter. It would be a great opportunity to develop my business acumen, as well as experience new cultures in Europe, and give back to the place where my family adopted our beloved dog, Kendall. No matter what I’m doing, I know it will help prepare me to succeed at Babson.”
Why it’s bad: Does a poor job of answering the questions and is personal and earnest but scattered and unfocused.
Babson Begin: London Applicants Prompt
If you have indicated interest in Babson Begin: London, please address why you would like to be a candidate for this unique first-semester abroad program. Please note if you would prefer to enroll at Babson through Babson Begin: London over January Enrollment or Fall Enrollment. (200 words)
This is another Why This College (special program) archetype essay, but with a global spin. Babson wants to see why you’re drawn to Babson Begin: London as your first semester abroad, and how it connects to your academic goals, personal growth, and entrepreneurial mindset. They also want you to compare your preference honestly (London vs. January vs. Fall).
Babson is asking you to explain why London appeals to you specifically. Why start your Babson journey abroad instead of on campus? What academic, personal, or cultural growth will this experience give you that connects to Babson’s values (entrepreneurship, collaboration, global mindset)? Would you prefer London over January or Fall Enrollment, and why? This isn’t just about loving travel. It’s about showing that you’re intentional, adaptable, and eager to thrive in an international, entrepreneurial environment.
Brainstorming Your Essay
- Why London? Does the city’s global business, history, or culture excite you?
- How does starting abroad fit your academic or professional goals? (e.g., entrepreneurship, finance, global markets, innovation, marketing)
- What personal growth do you hope for? (independence, cross-cultural skills, adaptability)
- How will you contribute to the Babson Begin: London cohort (a tight-knit community of students starting together abroad)?
- Do you see yourself preferring this path over Fall or January? Why?
What Makes a Good Response
A strong essay will show global curiosity. Highlight why you’re drawn to international perspectives. Tie your reasons to business/entrepreneurship. Make a clear connection between London’s global opportunities and Babson’s entrepreneurial education. Acknowledge how this will challenge and grow you (independence, cultural adaptability, etc.). Be direct and thoughtful about why you’d choose this over Fall or January.
Hypothetical Student Examples
- Elias, aspiring finance major: London appeals because of its role as a global financial hub. He’d describe wanting to immerse himself in global markets while also navigating daily life in a new city to build independence.
- Hannah, child of immigrants: She’s fascinated by cross-cultural connections and wants to study how entrepreneurship looks different in London compared to Boston. She’d highlight how this perspective will enrich her contributions at Babson.
- Mateo, creative entrepreneur: He hopes to spend free time visiting London’s startup incubators and design museums, connecting creative industries to entrepreneurial ventures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too generic: “London is exciting and historic.” → True, but not unique to you.
- Over-focusing on tourism: This isn’t about sightseeing — it’s about growth and academics.
- Ignoring Babson: Don’t forget to tie London back to Babson’s entrepreneurial, collaborative values.
- Skipping the preference question: Make sure you clearly say whether you’d prefer London, Fall, or January.
Good and Bad Examples
Good Example
“When I visited the London Stock Exchange on a family trip, I was struck by how a single city could be the heartbeat of global markets. That moment convinced me I wanted to study business through an international lens. Beginning my Babson journey in London would immerse me in that energy from day one, while also challenging me to adapt to living abroad independently.
I see Babson Begin: London not just as a semester overseas, but as a way to ground my entrepreneurial education in a global context. I look forward to collaborating closely with my cohort, exploring how different cultural perspectives shape problem-solving, and returning to Babson’s main campus with both business insights and a stronger sense of self.
While I would thrive in any entry path, I prefer the London program because it combines my academic interest in international business with my personal goal of growing as a globally minded entrepreneur.”
Why it’s good: Anchored in a personal story, ties London to business goals, shows growth, and states a preference.
Bad Example
“Standing on the Tower Bridge, looking out over the river, I see myself more confident and capable than I’ve ever been before. Living in another country has given me the chance to develop skills in communicating and connecting across cultures. I would love to be a candidate for Babson Begin: London because starting college in such an exciting city would be the adventure of a lifetime. I can’t imagine a better way to begin college than exploring places like the London Eye, the British Museum, and Buckingham Palace with new friends. The chance to walk along the Thames, eat at famous markets, and maybe even take a weekend trip to Paris or Rome makes this program especially appealing to me. Because of this, I would prefer Babson Begin: London over January or Fall Enrollment.”
Why it’s bad: Could be written by anyone, focused on “fun” and tourism instead of growth and academics.
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