NYU Stern Admissions Essays for 2010-2011

Recently we wrote about NYU Stern's MBA application deadlines for 2010-2011. Today, we take a close look at Stern's admissions essays for the year.

You will see that Stern's essays are virtually unchanged since last year. Still, our advice has evolved slightly, so read closely. Stern looks extra hard for applicants who can prove that they really are passionate about the program.

Our comments follow each question in italics:

NYU Stern Application Essays

1. Think about the decisions you have made in your life. Describe the following (750 words):
   
   (a) What choices have you made that led you to your current position?
   (b) Why pursue an MBA at this point in your life?
   (c) What is your career goal upon graduation from the NYU Stern? What is your long-term career goal?
   
   This question carries over unchanged from last year. What we think makes this question unique vs. other school's "Why an MBA?" questions is Stern's emphasis on the choices you've made up until now. Be sure to answer that part of the question -- don't simply write about what you've done up until now, but also explain why you did those things and made those choices. Stern provides some useful admissions tips on its essay page, including podcasts to help you clarify your story. These are great resources for any Stern applicant.


2. We take great care to shape the Stern community with individuals who possess both intellectual and interpersonal strengths. We seek individuals who are highly intelligent, collaborative, and committed to flourishing as Stern leaders. Please answer the following questions (500 words):
   
   (a) What is your personal experience with the Stern community? Tell us what actions you have taken to learn about us.
   (b) Describe what most excites you about Stern from both an academic and extracurricular perspective.
   (c) How do you anticipate making your mark on the Stern community? Be specific about the roles you will take on and the impact you hope to achieve.
   
   This question is also unchanged. Stern has removed the part of last year's question that asked about the toughest piece of feedback you've ever received, and as a result this question has evolved to hit the question of "Convince us that you're passionate about Stern" more directly. Note the emphasis on specifics -- don't speak in generalities or just copy language from the school's web site. What do you know about NYU Stern that convinces you that it's right right school for you, and that you're the ideal Stern student? And how will you convince the admissions committee? Looking at this kind of essay question early in the process will hopefully provide the impetus you need to really do your homework.


3. Please describe yourself to your MBA classmates. You may use almost any method to convey your message (e.g. words, illustrations). Feel free to be creative.
   
   This question is also unchanged. Like Booth and Anderson, Stern seeks new ways to learn about what makes you unique. The admissions office really does want to get to know the real you. Stern's admissions officers are almost begging you to stand out here, which is a reminder about how you can make their job easier by helping them remember the real you. One other note: Just because this question allows you to use any medium, that doesn't mean that you need to submit something other than the written word. If that's your best medium, use it. "Being memorable" means more than just sending them something outrageous; the most effective submissions really are the ones that leave admissions officers feeling like they know you better.

Applying to NYU Stern this year? Download our NYU Stern Annual Report, one of 15 completely free guides to the world's top business schools. And, as always, be sure to find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

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Three Things that NYU Stern Looks for in MBA Applicants

Continuing our series of admissions insights clipped from Veritas Prep's Annual Reports, our in-depth insider's guides to 15 of the world's top MBA programs, this week we look at three important characteristics that NYU Stern looks for in its applicants. (Our Annual reports are absolutely free with registration, but we thought we'd share some snippets here to help get you started in your Stern research.)

The Stern School's admissions committee claims to evaluate each candidate "holistically," paying careful attention to three clearly defined factors:

• Academic Potential. Students should be "confident in their ability to master the required material and excel in the classroom," and are assessed based on past academic performance (as well as the institutions they attended) and general aptitude as measured by the GMAT. Successful candidates come from a wide range of academic backgrounds, and Stern has no minimum GMAT score or GPA required of applicants, and will only consider an applicant’s highest GMAT score.


• Professional Achievements and Aspirations. Students who will "share their experiences with classmates and perform as future business leaders" are valued at Stern. Therefore, students who have interesting and significant work experiences and who have progressed in their jobs are attractive candidates. The Stern admissions committee also feels strongly that the time spent at Stern should be used to pursue specific, defined short- and long-term goals, not to first identify them. Accordingly, it seeks candidates whose past experiences (and personal passions) have led them to future goals, and who have a clear understanding of how an MBA will assist them in achieving those goals, by assessing candidates’ essay content, resumés, work histories, professional recommendations, and through their ability to express themselves in the interview setting (for 20-to-30 percent of candidates, see below). Although work experience is not required to apply to Stern, most applicants have "material" work experience (between one and 10 years). No one type of professional experience is prized over others, and diversity of backgrounds is sought for each incoming class of MBAs.


• Personal Characteristics. Stern has long had a reputation with outsiders as a meritocratic institution, rich with "scrappy," self-made individuals, rather than entitled, legacy students (who might be perceived as having an edge at other top schools). The way that Stern puts it is that it values "participants and leaders" who will "contribute to the supportive and diverse Stern community." The admissions committee looks for candidates who demonstrate leadership ability, maturity, character, and strong communication skills, and will develop into truly engaged and passionate "Sternies," with enduring pride in and commitment to the school. They look to assess candidates versus these criteria by reviewing essay content, professional recommendations, past activities and achievements, and through the interview process.

Today's installment was clipped from our NYU Stern Annual Report, one of 15 completely free guides to the world's top business schools, available on our site. If you're ready to start building your own application for Stern or other top MBA programs, call us at 1-800-925-7737 and speak with an MBA admissions expert today!

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