NYU MBA Insider's admissions Q&A

Q: When is the best time to submit an application? The last deadline is Mar 15, 2005...
A: As soon as you feel ready. But submit as early as [possible] so that you can get in when we have more spaces. That gives you more time to visit and to interview. International students should apply by our first deadline in December, [giving] them time to secure financing and a visa.

Q: In addition to its 400 full-time MBAs, Stern enrolls about 1,735 part-time MBAs. What interaction can full-timers expect with part-timers?
A: [Full-time students can] take classes at night in their second year, which gives them [access to] our adjunct professors, who are often business professionals who choose to work at night. It's an excellent opportunity [for full-timers] to network with people in an industry they're interested in.

Q: What other perks do Stern MBAs enjoy?
A: Our unique engagement with New York City. It's more than where you live, it's where you learn. A friend of mine was [teaching] a case on the Ford Cobra, and she invited four marketing professionals to evaluate [students' presentations about] the case. For an MBA who wants to go into marketing, simulating the experience of presenting ideas to senior marketing professionals is important.

We're also a medium-sized school, so it's more intimate. People are supportive of one another and down to earth. Students are driven, but never at the expense of one another.

Q: What tips can you give applicants who are struggling to make their career goals fit with their previous experiences?
A: Talk to people in your desired field. Research it. Speak with alumni from your undergraduate institution [working] in that field. I need clear goals upfront to make sure we can get [new students] where they want to go.

Focus on your skills. When you look at skills required in your intended career, look for skills that are transferable. An IT engineer who wants to go into finance [may have] always read The Wall Street Journal or was a member of investment clubs in college. When [such] applicants talk about their side interests, you can see what's leading them in a trajectory. If [a career] comes out of the blue, we'll ask why.

Q: Who are the 80% of applicants who don't make the cut at Stern?
A: Probably someone who gives us concern about their academic or professional ability, or something in their personal or professional characteristics. It can be someone who hasn't demonstrated that research and passion for their career and for Stern. They haven't proven themselves to be a good fit or they don't know why they're a good fit.

Q: What if an applicant's GMAT score falls below Stern's middle 80% range of 650 to 750?
A: Don't give us a reason to say no. The transcript can help alleviate the concern. Retake the GMAT. Demonstrate that you've done your research, that you have a focus and a passion both for Stern and for your career. Know where you want to go and have a solid plan to get there.

Q: Who should never write one of an applicant's two required recommendations?
A: Your mother, old college professors, or someone with great name recognition who doesn't know you at all. We got a letter from [a top Hollywood actor], and while it was great to have [him] recommend someone, he had nothing to say about the candidate aside from "I've met him, and he seems nice."

The references should talk about your ability to be a business professional and a leader. I much prefer someone who has insights into your performance.

Q: Does it help if an alumnus writes a recommendation?
A: We love recommendations from alumni. We [also] welcome...casual e-mails in support of applicants from our alumni and current students.

Q: What questions can applicants expect to field during a Stern interview?
A: If you have good judgment and are a good self-assessor, you should be able to figure out the questions. Interviewers have read your application ahead of time, so ask, "What things might the [admissions committee] have more questions about?" We want to understand your story. How will you be a fit? How will you work in groups?

Q: What interview tips can you offer?
A: Relax. Be genuine. Be passionate. A lot of people go into the interview saying what they think we want to hear. We want people who are excited about themselves, their future, and who are going to make good things happen.

Q: How should a B-school admissions résumé differ from a professional résumé?
A: Write an admissions résumé in plain English for someone who might not have [your specific] industry expertise. Focus on the skills you want to demonstrate in your next career, [especially if you're] making a transition.

Q: Which courses are must-haves on a transcript?
A: There are no must-haves.

Q: What's a competitive undergraduate transcript look like?
A: It's always good to see an upward trend in grades. We're looking for people who are going to be well-rounded leaders so it's important to perform well overall.

Q: Most of your MBAs average between three and six years of professional work experience. What specific advice can you offer older candidates?
A: In our first essay, we ask, "Why is an MBA essential to your goals, and why now?" Explain your story. Why is it essential to go full-time now for an MBA? Why at Stern? Understand the kind of work experience required by recruiters for your intended career path.

Q: What else are you looking to learn from the essays?
A: Essay two is about constructive criticism you've gotten and what you've done in response. We want to see people who respond well to adversity, who work through it and grow from it. Essay three gets into who the [applicant] is outside of work. We want cool, unique, diverse people. We receive essays, crossword puzzles, works of art, sculpture, and things that are personal to [the applicant].

Q: Any words of wisdom for reapplicants?
A: On average, 10% of applications are from reapplicants. Ask, "What can I do to make myself more competitive?" Address the issues. Be proactive. Take control of your life and career. We do not offer individual feedback sessions.

Q: What tips do you offer people on Stern's wait-list?
A: If we see merit in your application, there's still a chance. Continue to be in contact. Tell us about developments in your career. Send in additional essays or recommendations. Keep expressing your interest. Stay positive. Be patient.

Q: Stern awarded nearly 50 full-tuition scholarships in 2003. What's the best strategy for applicants who want a piece of the scholarship pie?
A: Scholarship priority goes to people who apply [before] the Dec. 1 deadline. Explain why you're meritorious. In the optional essay, let us know why the scholarship would be helpful and why you're deserving of it.

Q: Tuition continues to rise. How do you suggest international applicants -- especially those from developing nations -- pay for the degree?
A: In addition to consideration for merit-based scholarships, international students are eligible to apply for our three-tiered international loan program. This program provides $35,000 per year. International students can cover the full cost of attendance if they have a U.S. co-signer or if they have at least three years of credit history in the U.S. We also [offer] graduate assistantships and teaching fellowships to second-year students.

Some people have sticker shock when they look at an MBA...but the return on investment on an MBA is very favorable. It's anywhere from three to five years. And approximately 80% of our student body receives some form of financial aid. The average debt load for the Class of 2003 was approximately $66,000.