How to Write the Bentley University Essays 2025-2026
Bentley University is a private university in Waltham, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1917 as a school of accounting and finance in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. Bentley has one undergraduate school that offers 17 business majors and 14 arts and sciences majors, as well as 39 minors. Its graduate school offers five master’s degrees, an MBA with eight disciplines, and three PhD programs.
Bentley University has two essay prompts for those applying to the Global Women Scholars Program. The second two prompts are for those applying to the Women’s Leadership Program. All four prompts are required for those applying to the special programs.
Bentley University Essay Prompts
Global Women Scholars Program Applicants
Prompt 1: Choose one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and describe how it connects to your personal experiences, values, or community. How do you hope to address this goal through your college education? You can find a list of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals here: https://sdgs.un.org/goals (250-500 words)
Prompt 2: Describe a moment when you became aware of a global issue (such as poverty, climate change, inequality, or health disparities). If you could develop a new product, service, or initiative to help address this global issue, what would it be? Why is it needed, and how would it make an impact? (250-500 words)
Women’s Leadership Program Applicants
Prompt 1: Write about a situation outside of academic classes in which you had to collaborate with others to create an outcome. What role did you play? What did you recognize about yourself in this process? What did you recognize about your peers? If you could do it over, what would you do differently? (250-500 words)
Prompt 2: Comment on two to three elements of the Women’s Leadership Program that you are excited to learn or gain skills from, and how those elements complement your current leadership abilities. How would this program specifically enhance your personal and professional goals, both during your time at Bentley as well as in your future career? (250-500 words)
Global Women Scholars Program Prompt 1
Choose one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and describe how it connects to your personal experiences, values, or community. How do you hope to address this goal through your college education? You can find a list of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals here: https://sdgs.un.org/goals (250-500 words)
This is an Impact on Community archetype essay, with some overlap with Academic Interest. The prompt asks you to show how your lived experience and values connect to one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and then explain how your college education will prepare you to contribute to that global challenge.
This essay is asking you to answer two big questions: (1) Why this SDG? What personal connection do you have to this goal? It can be through lived experience, community, identity, or values. (2) What will you do about it? How will your college education (classes, majors, clubs, research, internships, global opportunities) give you the tools to make progress toward this goal?
The admissions committee is looking for authenticity. Why does this goal matter specifically to you, not just because it’s important? How do you see your education as part of a larger journey to contribute to the world? How have your experiences shaped your awareness of this issue?
Brainstorming Your Essay
Ask yourself:
- Which SDG jumps out at me when I read the list? (e.g., Climate Action, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Reduced Inequalities, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-Being, Affordable and Clean Energy, etc.)
- Do I have personal experiences related to this goal? (e.g., growing up in a food desert → Zero Hunger; volunteering at a tutoring program → Quality Education; family affected by flooding → Climate Action.)
- What values of mine align with this goal? (justice, sustainability, empathy, equity, innovation, resilience, etc.)
- What have I already done (big or small) that connects to this issue? (volunteering, school projects, activism, research, lived experience.)
- Looking forward: what part of college life could help me address it? (specific majors, research opportunities, study abroad, service-learning, clubs, entrepreneurship programs, cross-disciplinary projects).
What Makes a Good Response
A strong essay will pick one SDG and stick with it (don’t try to tie in multiple goals). Start with a personal statement. Show why this goal matters to you through a story, anecdote, or observation. Reflect on what this experience taught you. Connect the SDG to specific aspects of your intended college education. Balance passion + practicality. Show both emotional connection and a plan for action.
Hypothetical Student Examples
- Amira, aspiring public health major: Chooses Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3). Growing up in a rural area with limited healthcare access, she watched her grandmother struggle with preventable illnesses. She plans to study public health and statistics in college, using research and advocacy to expand healthcare access in underserved communities.
- Diego, future environmental engineer: Chooses Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6). His hometown faced water contamination issues, and he remembers his family boiling water for safety. He wants to pursue environmental engineering and work on sustainable water infrastructure projects.
- Sophie, entrepreneurially minded student: Chooses Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8). She grew up in a family that ran a small business and saw firsthand how entrepreneurship can lift communities. She hopes to study business innovation and help develop sustainable start-ups in emerging economies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a random SDG because it sounds good: If you don’t have a personal connection, your essay will sound generic.
- Being too broad: Saying “I want to solve climate change” without narrowing it down (e.g., renewable energy, environmental justice, ocean health) feels unrealistic.
- Not mentioning college: The prompt specifically asks how you’ll use your education to address this issue. Don’t skip this part.
- Generic “helping others” language: Avoid clichés like “I just want to make the world a better place.” Instead, tell a story.
- Turning it into a résumé list: Admissions doesn’t want bullet points of your activities — they want reflection and vision.
Good and Bad Examples
Bad Example
“The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal that resonates most with me is Goal 13: Climate Action. My approach to addressing this issue is to advocate for scalable, systemic solutions rather than piecemeal efforts. For example, investing in clean energy infrastructure, supporting carbon pricing initiatives, and encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles are all critical pathways forward.
During college, I hope to explore the intersections of business and environmental policy to identify strategies that both reduce emissions and promote economic growth. My goal is to eventually work with multinational corporations to embed sustainable practices across industries, ensuring that climate-conscious decisions are integrated into every level of operations.
Through education and research, I plan to contribute to innovative climate solutions that will create a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.”
Why it’s bad: Sophisticated analysis of the problem and potential solution, but very impersonal and disconnected from Bentley and this specific program.
Good Example
“The summer my town’s river flooded, my family spent three weeks clearing debris from our basement. I remember the smell of mildew, the frustration of neighbors who lost their businesses, and my own confusion as a twelve-year-old: how could water, usually so life-giving, become so destructive? That experience made Climate Action (SDG 13) personal to me.
Since then, I’ve joined my school’s environmental science club and worked on a local rain garden project that reduces stormwater runoff. These small actions deepened my understanding that climate resilience starts locally.
In college, I hope to pursue environmental engineering and work with faculty on research into sustainable urban infrastructure. Study abroad opportunities could let me learn from countries already leading in flood mitigation, like the Netherlands. My goal is to bring those lessons back to vulnerable communities like mine, turning personal loss into collective resilience.
For me, climate action isn’t just about the planet — it’s about protecting the people and places we call home.”
Why it’s good: Anchored in a vivid memory, connects personal to global, explains how college fits into the bigger plan.
Global Women’s Scholars Prompt 2
Describe a moment when you became aware of a global issue (such as poverty, climate change, inequality, or health disparities). If you could develop a new product, service, or initiative to help address this global issue, what would it be? Why is it needed, and how would it make an impact? (250-500 words)
This essay is a clear Political/Global Issues archetype. It wants to see both your awareness of the world and your creative, problem-solving mindset. The admissions team is asking, What global issue matters to you? (And why through a personal story or experience.) What would you create to address it? (Product, service, initiative, policy — something innovative but realistic.) Why does it matter? (Why is your solution necessary, and what difference could it make?)
This essay has two halves:
- Part 1: Awareness — Show a moment of realization when a global issue became real to you. It should feel personal and vivid (not abstract).
- Part 2: Innovation — Share your proposed idea. It doesn’t need to be a fully fleshed-out business plan, but it should reflect thoughtfulness, creativity, and impact.
The admissions committee wants to see global consciousness and be sure that you understand issues beyond yourself. You’ll need to express a problem-solving mindset, and you think proactively, not just passively. You will also want to show a personal connection. You aren’t just picking a random issue; it resonates with your values or experiences.
Brainstorming Your Essay
To spark ideas:
Moments of awareness:
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Have you traveled, volunteered, or lived somewhere that exposed you to inequality or environmental harm?
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Was there a news story, documentary, or book that hit you differently because of your background?
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Did you or your family ever experience a challenge that made you notice the issue firsthand (e.g., healthcare, education, climate, food insecurity)?
Innovation ideas:
- If you had unlimited resources, what tool, service, or initiative would you build?
- Could you apply something you love (coding, design, storytelling, science, art, entrepreneurship) to solve this issue?
- What’s missing from current solutions? Where’s the gap?
Impact reflection:
- Who would benefit from your solution?
- How would it make life measurably better?
- Why is it urgent to act now?
What Makes a Good Response
A strong essay will start with a specific moment (scene, anecdote, memory) instead of general statements like “Poverty is a big problem.” Choose an idea that feels authentic to your skills and interests. If you’re into tech, propose a tech solution; if you’re into art, propose an awareness campaign. Show creativity, but also feasibility. Even if it’s visionary, it should have a clear “why” and “how.” End with optimism and ownership. Show that you’re serious about wanting to make a change, not just admiring the problem.
Hypothetical Student Examples
- Elena, aspiring data scientist: While visiting family in rural Mexico, she noticed how many kids missed school because of unsafe water. She proposes a low-cost, AI-powered app that predicts contamination risks and alerts villages — combining her love of data with global health.
- Rahul, budding entrepreneur: After seeing how his grandparents struggled to afford insulin, he wants to develop a nonprofit initiative that subsidizes critical medications in developing nations using revenue from socially responsible businesses.
- Maya, climate activist + artist: Witnessing wildfires near her home made climate change personal. She proposes an immersive VR art project that lets people “step into” a future city affected by climate disasters, sparking empathy and action.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Staying too broad: Just writing about “poverty” or “inequality” without narrowing it down to a story or moment.
- Making it all about the idea, not the awareness: If you skip the personal story, the essay will feel shallow.
- Suggesting something unrealistic with no explanation: Saying “I’ll invent a cure for cancer” without reflection or reasoning.
- Being overly negative: Focus on solutions and hope, not just describing the problem’s hopelessness.
Good and Bad Examples
Bad Example
“I first became aware of world hunger when I was in middle school and saw a documentary showing children in Africa with very little to eat. The images of empty bowls and thin faces stuck with me, and I remember crying that night, wondering why such suffering existed when I could open my refrigerator and have so many options. It felt unfair, and I promised myself I would one day do something to fix it.
If I could create a new initiative, it would be a global food-sharing network where any restaurant, supermarket, and household could upload their extra food to an app, and hungry families anywhere could claim it. Drones would fly across countries delivering food, so no one would have to go to bed hungry.
The initiative would change lives instantly by ensuring food is never wasted and everyone has enough. World hunger is such a massive issue, but I believe that with enough determination and creativity, we can solve it—and my app would make sure every person, in every country, always has food on their table.”
Why it’s bad: There’s little personal connection, the solution is extremely unrealistic, and the problem is large and poorly defined.
Good Example
“The first time I understood inequality wasn’t in a classroom — it was on a Skype call with my cousin in rural India. We were both 14, but while I was complaining about a tricky algebra problem, she told me she’d had to skip school to fetch water for her family. That moment hit me harder than any statistic: we were the same age, but our opportunities looked completely different.
Since then, I’ve been thinking about how technology can close that gap. If I could create a service, it would be a micro-learning platform designed for students in rural areas with limited internet. Lessons could be downloaded once and accessed offline, and community volunteers could upload short video explainers in local languages. Unlike existing platforms that assume constant connectivity, this would adapt to real-world constraints.
Education has always been the key to opportunity in my family — my parents’ college degrees opened doors for me in the U.S. I want to pass on that gift. My initiative wouldn’t solve inequality alone, but it could put algebra back in my cousin’s hands, and thousands of others like her.”
Why it’s good: Anchored in a vivid moment, connects personal to global, proposes a thoughtful and realistic solution, and reflects the student’s values and interests.
Women’s Leadership Program Prompt 1
Write about a situation outside of academic classes in which you had to collaborate with others to create an outcome. What role did you play? What did you recognize about yourself in this process? What did you recognize about your peers? If you could do it over, what would you do differently? (250-500 words)
This Women’s Leadership Program prompt is a Collaboration + Overcoming Challenges style essay. It’s really about leadership through teamwork, reflection, and growth. Admissions isn’t looking for perfection here; they want to see your self-awareness, how you work with others, and how you’d grow as a leader in the program.
This essay has four parts:
- Describe a collaboration outside of class. (Club, work, sports, community service, family, personal project, etc.)
- What role did you play? (Leader, mediator, creative contributor, organizer, motivator, etc.)
- What did you recognize about yourself and your peers? (Your strengths, weaknesses, surprises about team dynamics, or how others contribute.)
- What would you do differently? (Show growth, humility, and forward-looking leadership potential.)
The program is testing whether you value collaboration and different perspectives. Whether or not you can balance initiative with listening. Can you reflect deeply on your leadership style?
Brainstorming Your Essay
To spark ideas:
- When have I worked with others on something meaningful (sports, work, family responsibility, activism, artistic performance, fundraising, business project)?
- Did I lead formally, or contribute in a supporting but critical role?
- What challenges did we face (conflict, limited resources, clashing personalities, pressure)?
- How did I handle it — and what did I learn about my leadership style?
- Looking back, what would I do differently — communicate more, delegate better, speak up sooner, or step back to listen more?
What Makes a Good Response
A strong essay will use a specific story, not just traits. Show the collaboration in action — what happened, who was involved, what obstacles you faced. Highlight your role authentically. You don’t need to be “the leader.” Supporting roles (like mediator or organizer) are equally valuable if you show impact. Balance self-awareness with praise for peers. Recognize both your strengths and your peers’ contributions. Show growth and humility. Admitting what you’d do differently shows maturity and potential for leadership development.
Hypothetical Student Examples
- Nadia, robotics team member: She coordinated logistics when her robotics team couldn’t agree on a design. She realized she’s skilled at mediation, but also learned that listening to quieter voices often brings the best ideas. Next time, she’d create structured time for everyone to share input.
- Marisol, local nonprofit volunteer: She helped organize a food drive but initially tried to control too many details. She recognized her strength in motivating volunteers but learned that delegating builds stronger teams. Next time, she’d trust her peers earlier.
- Ava, soccer team captain: She rallied teammates after a series of losses, organizing team dinners to boost morale. She recognized her ability to inspire, but also realized she leaned too heavily on humor instead of addressing frustrations directly. Next time, she’d balance positivity with constructive accountability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing an academic example: The prompt explicitly says outside of academic classes.
- Making yourself the “perfect” leader: Don’t present yourself as flawless — growth comes from challenge.
- Ignoring peers’ contributions: If it’s all about you, the essay misses the collaboration piece.
- Being vague: Don’t just say “we worked together well.” Show what that looked like in practice.
Good and Bad Examples
Bad Example
“If we’d done this democratically, we never would have finished on time.” That’s what I thought after my group and I completed our school’s charity bake sale project. While the others were confused about how to organize the logistics, I immediately stepped in and created a plan. I assigned everyone their roles, from baking to selling to advertising, and kept them on track with consistent reminders.
We had gotten off to a shaky start with miscommunications about who was responsible for what, but having one person take charge streamlined our efficiency. In the end, the event was a huge success, raising more money than any bake sale before ours. My peers were grateful for my leadership, and I realized that instead of worrying about being bossy, I should take advantage of my natural ability to take charge and guide people to results. What I learned about myself is that I’m excellent at organizing and motivating others.
Why it’s bad: Very little vivid story-telling, overly self-praising, no challenges or growth, ignores peers’ contributions.
Good Example
“When my youth theater troupe decided to host a charity performance, I volunteered to coordinate outreach. I quickly learned that my enthusiasm sometimes translated into overstepping — I drafted emails, made posters, and even tried to direct rehearsals. It wasn’t until one of my peers gently told me, ‘We’ve got this part covered,’ that I realized leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself.
As we moved forward, I began to focus on amplifying others’ strengths — letting our artistic director handle the visuals, our most outgoing member manage social media, and our quieter peers brainstorm creative fundraising ideas. The event ultimately raised over $2,000, but more importantly, I recognized that my strengths lie in organization and motivation, not control.
Looking back, I would have slowed down at the start to ask more questions instead of rushing ahead with my vision. My peers taught me that collaboration isn’t dividing tasks — it’s listening deeply, sharing trust, and creating space for every voice. That’s the kind of leader I aspire to be.”
Why it’s good: Tells a story, includes conflict/growth, highlights peers’ contributions, and shows reflection and humility.
Women’s Leadership Program Prompt 2
Comment on two to three elements of the Women’s Leadership Program that you are excited to learn or gain skills from, and how those elements complement your current leadership abilities. How would this program specifically enhance your personal and professional goals, both during your time at Bentley as well as in your future career? (250-500 words)
This Women’s Leadership Program (WLP) prompt is a Why This Program + Leadership Development essay. The admissions committee wants to see that you have researched the WLP and understand its offerings. You will want to show that you can connect those offerings to your current leadership style. Lastly, you will want to show that you have a clear vision for how the program will impact both your college experience and future career.
The question has three clear pieces:
- Identify 2–3 elements of WLP and be specific: mentorship, leadership seminars, speaker series, networking, workshops, project-based learning, global experiences, etc.
- Explain how they complement your current abilities and reflect on where you already shine as a leader (organization, public speaking, empathy, vision, collaboration).
- Show how WLP connects to your future goals by tying them directly to your Bentley journey (clubs, internships, academics) and long-term career (entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, nonprofit work, etc.).
Brainstorming Your Essay
Ask yourself:
- What kind of leader am I right now? Am I strongest in motivating, organizing, innovating, mentoring, or something else?
- Where do I want to grow? Do I need to practice delegation, risk-taking, negotiation, or strategic vision?
- Looking at the WLP website, which elements stand out to me? (Mentorship? Professional networking? Skill-building workshops?)
- How will these elements help me at Bentley? (Ex: Leading a business club, excelling in group projects, and building confidence to present to executives in internships.)
- How will they prepare me for the future? (Ex: Becoming a team manager, starting my own business, advocating for women in finance, etc.)
What Makes a Good Response
Show you know what the program offers and use specific terminology from WLP materials. Connect those elements to your real experiences and leadership style. Show how WLP isn’t just about college, but a stepping stone to your future. Highlight both strengths and areas for growth — show humility and ambition.
Hypothetical Student Examples
- Samantha, aspiring entrepreneur: She’s already led her high school business club but often struggles with delegating. She’s drawn to WLP’s mentorship program and negotiation workshops, which she hopes will help her build confidence leading her startup.
- Layla, future finance leader: She’s confident in data analysis but nervous about public speaking. She’s excited about WLP’s leadership speaker series and presentation training to help her gain communication skills, which she’ll use in investment banking and later in mentoring women in finance.
- Carmen, community-focused leader: She’s led volunteer initiatives in her town but wants to expand her impact globally. She’s drawn to WLP’s networking and global opportunities, which align with her goal of working in international development consulting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too vague: Don’t just say “I want to improve my leadership.” Instead, specify which skills and how WLP helps.
- Listing without connecting: Don’t simply list 3 elements of WLP; tie each one to your leadership strengths and growth areas.
- Ignoring the future: Don’t stop at Bentley — show how this program helps long-term.
- Generic goals: Avoid saying you just want to “become a better leader” without explaining what kind of leader you want to be.
Good and Bad Examples
Bad Example
“What excites me most about the Women’s Leadership Program is the opportunity to gain confidence, improve public speaking, build networking skills, strengthen collaboration, and enhance problem-solving abilities. I have always been someone who values leadership, and this program seems like a perfect chance to grow in multiple areas at once. Leading DECA has given me confidence in my leadership abilities, but I can also recognize that I have so much more to learn, and WLP is the place to do that.
The mentorship aspect also stands out to me, because having a mentor would give me guidance, motivation, and advice that could shape me into a more well-rounded leader. Additionally, the focus on developing communication, critical thinking, and global awareness would help me become more adaptable and effective.”
Why it’s bad: No specific WLP elements, could apply to any program, and no personal reflection.
Good Example
“One of my proudest accomplishments in high school was leading a fundraising campaign for local STEM education. While I was able to organize events and motivate peers, I often found myself overwhelmed because I hesitated to delegate tasks. This is why I am drawn to the Women’s Leadership Program’s mentorship opportunities and workshops on collaborative leadership. Learning directly from accomplished women leaders will challenge me to trust others with responsibility, while refining my ability to guide projects strategically rather than controlling every detail.
I am equally excited about WLP’s professional development seminars, particularly those focused on communication and networking. As someone who feels comfortable with data but less confident speaking to executives, I know these opportunities will push me out of my comfort zone. At Bentley, I hope to lead a business club and secure internships where I can apply these skills in real-world settings.
In the future, I envision starting a social enterprise that expands access to financial literacy for underserved communities. The confidence, mentorship, and peer network I gain through the Women’s Leadership Program will not only help me succeed at Bentley but also shape me into a leader who empowers others. That, to me, is the true value of leadership.”
Why it’s good: Tells a story, connects specific WLP elements to personal strengths/weaknesses, ties short-term (Bentley clubs/internships) to long-term (career in social enterprise).
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