The Berkeley Haas "What Makes You Feel Alive, and Why?" MBA Video Essay 2025 -2026

Malvika Patil
Sep 5
4 min read

For the 2025 - 2026 admissions cycle, Berkeley Haas has made a bold shift: the long-standing written essay “What makes you feel alive, and why?” has now become a video essay. This move reflects a broader change happening across the MBA landscape: more and more schools are introducing video prompts to weed out AI-generated essay responses.

Let’s face it: with LLMs becoming normalized, AdComs know that it’s inevitable that applicants will use these to write their essays. Like one Reddit comment delicately puts it: “Schools are trying to get rid of weirdos upfront instead of having to screen them during in-person interviews.” Video essays are harder to “game,” offering schools a more genuine window into who you really are.

Haas wants to see your energy, your personality, and your communication style: things that don’t always come across in a text document. Your body language and communication style can say a lot more about something you really love than a written essay.

And then there’s the clear benefit of video essays simulating real-world skills. In business, you’ll often need to communicate ideas clearly on the spot in interviews, client meetings, and presentations. A video essay is a small test of your ability to do that under pressure.

This format also makes perfect sense when you look at Haas’s values and community. The school prizes authenticity, humility, and collaboration, and the video essay is a great way to see if you fit in with them.

The Question

What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why?

You will be able to test your audio-visual connection before recording. Video essays should last 1-2 minutes and may not exceed 2 minutes. You have two (2) attempts to record your video essay.

What Topics to Write About

This question is as open-ended as it gets. Haas isn’t looking for a “correct” answer here. The best way to approach it is to think about moments when you feel energized, completely absorbed, or most connected to yourself and others.

While working with clients, we’re focusing on topics including:

Personal passions that show another side of you. Do you dedicate your time to writing poetry, training for triathlons, or cooking elaborate meals? These interests reveal creativity, discipline, or joy that balance the professional side of your application.

Professional sparks that go beyond achievements. Maybe you thrive on brainstorming disruptive solutions, mentoring junior colleagues, or leading cross-border projects. If work is what makes you feel alive, frame it in a way that shows your values. Don't just parrot what's on your resume.

Growth experiences that pushed you out of your comfort zone. Learning a new language, moving abroad, or tackling a fear of public speaking are all moments that show courage, curiosity, and resilience.

Impact-driven stories. If you feel most alive when helping others, whether it’s through volunteering, social entrepreneurship, or community projects, tie this to Haas’s “Beyond Yourself” principle.

Whichever topic you choose, connect it to Haas’s Four Leadership Principles:

Question the Status Quo: Highlight times when you challenged convention or sought a better way forward.

Confidence Without Attitude: Show how you blend self-assurance with humility and empathy.

Students Always: Share examples of your love for continuous learning.

Beyond Yourself: Illustrate your commitment to leaving a positive mark on others or your community.

How to Structure Your Video Essay Script

Because you only have 1-2 minutes to speak, clarity and flow are everything. Instead of winging it, outline a short script using the SCAR framework (Situation, Challenge, Action, Reflection):

Situation: Briefly introduce what makes you feel alive. Set the stage with one or two vivid sentences.

Challenge: Add depth by mentioning a moment that tested you or made this passion especially meaningful.

Action: Describe what you did, how you engaged, or what role you played. Keep it animated so your enthusiasm shines through.

Reflection: This is the heart of your response. Why does this experience light you up? What has it taught you about yourself, leadership, or the way you engage with the world?

Best Video Essay Practices

A video essay is part performance, part storytelling. Check out our detailed guide to the Kira Talent Video Essay here, where we break down every element of the video essay. Here’s a short recap:

Keep it conversational: Imagine you’re sharing your story with a friend (but don't get too easy with it, this is still a business school essay!). Avoid memorizing a script word-for-word; instead, practice enough to be fluent without sounding robotic.

Show your energy: Smile, use natural gestures, and let your voice rise and fall with enthusiasm. Admissions officers want to feel your passion, not just hear it.

Mind the delivery basics: Good lighting, clear sound, and a tidy background make a stronger impression. You don’t need fancy equipment. A laptop and a quiet room are enough if you set them up well.

Balance authenticity and relevance: Skydiving stories are fun, but unless they connect to your values or Haas principles, they may not land as strongly. The sweet spot is something personal and meaningful for your leadership journey.

Practice under timed conditions: Since you won’t have unlimited takes, rehearse giving your response within the time limit. This builds confidence and smooths out pacing.

Embrace imperfection: You don’t need to sound like a TED Talk speaker. Haas values sincerity, so if you stumble slightly but show genuine passion, that’s far more compelling than being flawless and detached.

This prompt is Haas’s way of asking: What really drives you, and how do you share that energy with the world? When done well, this short video can be a powerful differentiator in your application.

Book a free chat with one of our expert consultants to get started with your Berkeley Haas applications.