Persuasive Writing Structures for Application Essays

Crafting compelling MBA essays and Letters of Recommendation (LORs) requires more than just listing achievements or experiences.While writing them can be tedious, adopting a structured approach can help streamline your thoughts, enhance clarity, and make your narrative more persuasive.

Consider these two examples from an MBA goals essay

Example 1

I have always been passionate about problem-solving and driving efficiency. My experiences in supply chain management have taught me a lot about operations. However, I want to expand my impact and explore strategy. That’s why I want to transition into management consulting after my MBA.

Example 2

Post-MBA, I aim to transition into management consulting and leverage my expertise in operations to drive strategic transformation for Fortune 500 companies. My current role in supply chain optimization has given me technical expertise, but I intend to gain further exposure to high-level strategy. An MBA at Kellogg will provide me exposure to case-based learning to refine problem-solving skills. Additionally, becoming part of the consulting club will help me develop structured thinking. 

In the second example, the writer gets right to the point, directly starting with their long-term goals post MBA. In the subsequent paragraphs, the writer goes about explaining the reasoning behind this aspiration and how an MBA will help them realize this goal. However, the first example lacks clarity and impact because it builds up to the goal rather than stating it upfront. The reader must go through multiple sentences before understanding the main objective.

The second example is where the writer applies the Pyramid Principle, a widely recognized framework for clear and structured communication.  While the Pyramid Principle is commonly used in consulting, its structured approach to communication is just as powerful in MBA applications. 

What is the Pyramid Principle?

Barbara Minto, a McKinsey consultant, developed the Pyramid Principle in the 1970s to help professionals present ideas in a structured, persuasive manner. The primary motive for developing this principle was to quickly and clearly communicate complex business ideas to busy business executives, who are short on time. 

According to this framework, the core statement or the thesis statement should be provided in the very first sentence.The following sections should then present supporting arguments and concrete evidence to reinforce the central claim.

Let’s break down the Pyramid Principle!

1. Start with the Key Message/Answer/Argument: State your key message/ argument upfront. If you are writing the career goals essay, then you should directly start with your long-term goal. 

   
   

2. Provide Supporting Arguments (the 'Why?'): Break down your argument into 2-3 logical points and provide rationale behind your argument. If your goal is to transition into management consulting, don’t just state it—explain why this goal excites you and how your past experiences have built a foundation for it.

   
   

3. Support arguments with evidence and examples (the 'How?'):- After providing rationale, then, reinforce your argument with specific examples and evidence. In the context of a goals essay, you should provide specific information from the MBA program including courses, professors, clubs, etc. to explain how that MBA program in particular is the ideal fit for you. 

   
   

Let’s look at another example from an MBA personal identity essay 

Example 1

Growing up in a large family, I learned the importance of responsibility and caring for others. Whether helping my siblings with their studies or supporting friends in tough times, I have always been someone people rely on. 

Example 2

Caregiving has defined my life. As the eldest of four siblings, I took on the role of a second parent, balancing my own studies while tutoring them late into the night. When my mother fell ill, I became her primary caregiver, navigating hospital visits and household responsibilities. These experiences instilled in me deep empathy and resilience—traits I bring to every relationship.

The first example lacks depth because it speaks about responsibility in broad terms without grounding it in specific experiences. While it mentions helping siblings and friends, it doesn’t provide vivid moments that truly define the writer’s identity as a caregiver. As a result, it feels more like a general personality trait. 

In contrast, the second example immediately establishes caregiving as a defining aspect of the writer’s identity. By describing real-life challenges, it adds emotional weight and makes the experience tangible. 

Beyond essays, Pyramid Principle can also help you write stellar LORs. By applying the same structured approach to LOR writing, you can make a stronger impact.