Tag: Admissions

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Navigating the Waitlist

Author: Tania Arciniega was a full-time MBA student (Class of 2025) at NYU Stern, where she was VP of Knowledge Management for the Entertainment Media and Sports Association, VP of Blocks for Stern Student Government, a Fellow of the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management and a Leadership Accelerator Scholar. With five years at Microsoft as a Product Marketing Manager, Tania has led global AI thought leadership and digital marketing campaigns, developed impactful brand strategies, and streamlined processes across various teams. Post-graduation she is going into Fintech, driven by her passion for innovation.

Tania Arciniega headshot

There has been an update to the status of your application. I read those words for far longer than I’d care to admit before finally working up the courage to log in and see what the update was. But let me take you back a little further before I get back to that.

When I was evaluating MBA programs, a mentor of mine told me to apply to programs that would be a good fit for me, not just the ones that looked good on paper. It just so happened that that piece of advice had me doubling back to Stern. A year before I started applying I talked to current students, got their opinions of the program and their favorite parts. After three of those conversations, I knew Stern was going to be my MBA program. I just needed to get in. 

I loved the focus on experiential learning, the various international opportunities, and of course the rankings didn’t hurt. Once I decided that Stern was my top choice, I worked tirelessly for a year prepping for the GMAT, getting my transcripts in order, brushing up my resume, lining up my recommenders so when Round 1 applications opened, I had everything ready to submit immediately. 

Months went by and despite receiving acceptance into other great MBA programs, I was still waiting to hear from the program I was most excited about. Then I finally got the email: There has been an update to the status of your application. I took a deep breath, and clicked the link taking me to my application portal. As I opened the update, my heart stopped: “Waitlist”. I was expecting to either be crushed or elated…not in a state of limbo. Then my brain reengaged and I said to myself, “The waitlist is not a no.” 

This was the moment I decided to treat the waitlist as an opportunity. Stern may not have been sure about me just yet, but I was. Now it was my time to prove it. The first thing I did was accept my spot on the waitlist and then I read through the document the Admissions team provided with tips for waitlisted applicants and I completed every item that I could. Stern gave me an opportunity to show them that I wanted this, and I took it. I wrote another essay, I took yet another exam, I got another recommendation.

You might be wondering, weren’t you exhausted? How did you have the time/energy to go through these items? The answer is yes, I was exhausted. I was working full time, and studying for the GMAT. Again. I felt guilty for asking yet another colleague for a recommendation. I attended one Stern admissions event a month after receiving my waitlist decision. It would have been so easy for me to do nothing and just wait and hope the Admissions Committee would review my application again and decide I was deserving of admission. But instead I thought, ”how many people on this waitlist are willing to do everything on that list to get in?” If the admissions committee gave me a list of recommendations to help my application, well then that just became my to do list. 

I saw the waitlist as a mental game, much like tennis. I grew up playing tennis and my coaches told me time and time again your mindset on the court determines the game. I approached the waitlist the same. Each person on the waitlist decides how much energy they want to put in. This was a game I did not want to lose because Stern was my top choice for my MBA. I wanted to prove my resilience, my commitment and my passion to attend Stern. 

Now that I’m graduating in May, you could say that my persistence paid off. I got off the waitlist! I showed up at admitted students weekend bright eyed, and enthusiastic. I made lifelong friends that weekend, who are also graduating from Stern with me this year. Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t simply sit back and wait. I’m grateful to the admissions committee for seeing the effort and energy I put into my application and giving me a chance. But I will say, if things hadn’t gone my way, at least I would have been able to tell myself that I did everything I could to get in. 

Since attending Stern, I’ve talked to a lot of students who have been on the waitlist about my experience. I give them all the same advice I gave myself back then: although it may not be the news you want to hear, remember, the waitlist is not a no. 

The waitlist is an opportunity for you to see what you truly want. I went above and beyond for this program and I’m glad I did.

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MBA Recruiting With a Non-Traditional Background: My Playbook

Author: Doreen Wang is a former journalist turned product manager, currently completing her Full-Time MBA at NYU Stern. After years covering crypto and emerging markets, she used business school to pivot into tech. At Stern, she served as Co-President of the Social Impact and Sustainability Association (SISA), VP of Admissions for the Stern Technology Association (STA), and Graduate Fellow in the Experiential Learning Office. Outside the classroom, Doreen recently began a content creation journey, sharing MBA insights and career advice with a broader audience.

Doreen Wang's Headshot

What I Wish I Knew Before MBA Recruiting

✉️ Dear past me,
The best thing you ever did for yourself was quitting that job.

In three years, you’ll leave that newsroom, move across the country and back, and land a PM job at a big tech company that you love. Don’t believe me? Let me spoil it for you.

2020 — The Seed of Doubt 

You’ve just inherited a secondhand GMAT book from your parents’ friend—a McKinsey consultant-turned-entrepreneur. You try to study, but you never get past the first page.

The world is on pause, and for the first time, you can hear yourself think. You’re not unhappy—just quietly wondering: Is this it? No finance background, no five-year plan. Just a feeling you could be doing more.

2021 — The Plateau 

Crypto booms, and so do you. You’re working 12-hour days, publishing constantly, and getting name-dropped by your company president at happy hour.

You’re thriving—but stuck. You’ve skill-stacked yourself into being too valuable to promote.

“It’ll take four people to replace you,” they say. “We can’t lose you.” And they won’t—because you don’t even have time to study for the GMAT.

Doreen hosting CoinDesk’s new TV program
Doreen hosting CoinDesk’s new TV program

2022 — The Knowing 

Crypto winter arrived, and while chaos reigned in the headlines—FTX, Celsius, Terra crumbling—you finally had space to think.

You realized: I’m not stuck. I’ve just stopped choosing.

This was the year you applied to Stern. Not because you knew exactly what you wanted—but because you were ready to find out what more you could do.

Doreen in Plattsburgh, NY, reporting a story on bitcoin mining
Doreen in Plattsburgh, NY, reporting a story on bitcoin mining—in negative 20 degrees

2023 — The Leap 

You got in! You quit. You start over.

Doreen Wang at LAUNCH 2023
LAUNCH 2023

MBA LAUNCH came and went. Recruiting followed fast. The people you clicked with early on vanished into consulting and banking. You remembered your application essay—“I want to gain expertise in the industry I cover.” And that broad industry was tech.

But here’s the catch: you didn’t have an engineering background. Everyone else recruiting for PM roles did. You? You wrote stories. Made videos. Hosted interviews with crypto bros. What did you know about tech?

Doreen interviewing crypto founders, investors, and programmers
Doreen interviewing crypto founders, investors, and programmers—just another day on the beat

2024 — The Confirmation 

Somehow, you landed interviews at Adobe—four, actually. Cue the spiral: What do I say for ‘Tell me about yourself’? Do I admit I’m ‘just a journalist’?

By then, you’d already learned the power of framing through a core marketing class. 

No, you didn’t have a CS degree but you’d edited video content for a living, so you knew their products inside and out.

No, you didn’t code but you’d interviewed hundreds of people. You could talk to users.

No, you hadn’t built products but you knew how to get buy-in and communicate clearly.

No, you hadn’t written a PRD but you’d synthesized chaotic stories into 200-word hits for live TV.

You passed the interview. Then the harder part: the internship.

They flew you to the West Coast. Gave you real projects. Pushed you out of your comfort zone. Twelve weeks later, you realized something:

You loved the role. You were finally doing something that used every part of you and still stretched you.

Doreen representing her team at Adobe’s summer case competition
Doreen representing her team at Adobe’s summer case competition — they won first place, no big deal

2025 — The Proof 

You’re graduating now. But the real arrival happened long before the ceremony—when you stopped trying to become someone else, and started learning how to explain who you already were.

Doreen representing the Experiential Learning Team and Board Fellows Program at a multi-school symposium hosted by Kellogg
Doreen representing the Experiential Learning Team and Board Fellows Program at a multi-school symposium hosted by Kellogg

The Career Pivot: How to Survive MBA Recruiting With Non-Traditional Backgrounds

If you’re coming from a non-technical, non-consulting, non-pipeline background—welcome. I was you. I didn’t have a CS degree. I wasn’t a banker. I was a journalist who covered crypto, edited videos, and ran on caffeine and chaos. Here’s what I wish someone had told me before I tried to recruit for tech.

  1. You need to know yourself to sell yourself.

Before you even touch your resume, you need to figure out what you actually want. Not what sounds good on paper—not what everyone else is doing. You.

When I started my MBA, I thought I had to become someone else to land a PM role. Everyone around me had technical experience. I had interviews. Deadlines. Google Docs of half-written stories. But once I got honest about what I brought to the table—communication, clarity, intuition for users—it changed everything. Clarity is magnetic. If you’re unsure of your story, a recruiter will be too.

  1. Learn to translate your skills.

You don’t need to tick every box on a job description. (Spoiler: even the hiring manager doesn’t expect you to.) The secret? Translation.

Recruiters won’t do that work for you. Connect the dots: your “nontraditional” experience probably taught you how to manage stakeholders, talk to users, or communicate across teams. That’s product management.

Your non-traditional background isn’t baggage. It’s context. Use it to your advantage.

Key stakeholders in Doreen’s Experiential Learning project: her client, faculty advisor, and program administrator
Key stakeholders in Doreen’s Experiential Learning project: her client, faculty advisor, and program administrator
  1. Learn to filter advice.

In business school, everyone has opinions. Most of it comes from a good place but it’s shaped by their path, not yours. 

I had to learn to tune some of it out. Just because someone else’s recruiting strategy worked for a consulting internship doesn’t mean it’ll work for someone pivoting from media into tech. What helped me the most? Talking to alumni and mentors who actually understood my transition and ignoring the rest. Listen to advice. But trust your pattern recognition more.

  1. Recruiters don’t need perfect candidates—they need clear ones.

I used to think I had to convince recruiters I could do everything. Instead, I learned to show them I could do a few things well and I could learn the rest.

At Adobe, I didn’t pretend to be technical. I focused on what I did know: the product, the user pain points, the creative workflow. That got me in the door and once I was there, I proved I could learn fast.

Doreen on-site at Adobe’s Seattle office during her Summer 2024 internship
Doreen on-site at Adobe’s Seattle office during her Summer 2024 internship
  1. Practice your pitch—but mean it.

Yes, you should practice your “Tell me about yourself.” But it shouldn’t sound like a monologue. Recruiters know when you’re performing. You’re better off sounding human.

I practiced mine like a conversation. I kept the big arc (journalist → covering tech → want to build it) and made sure every line could flex depending on the audience. Your pitch should sound like you on your best day not like someone else entirely.

  1. Rejection isn’t the end. It’s rehearsal.

I got rejected plenty. Ghosted, too. That doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path. It means you’re on a path.

Every time I refined my framing, reworded a response, or adjusted how I positioned my story—it wasn’t a failure. It was reps. You don’t need every door to open. Just one. The right one.

Final words to the Doreen of early 2020: 

Your difference is your edge. You don’t need to code. You don’t need to “catch up.” You just needed to own your story. 

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My Waitlist Journey – Experience & Tips on What to Do.

Author: I’m a current second-year student and graduate ambassador for the Full-time MBA program! Before joining the Stern community, I started at a defense contractor working on nuclear submarine design and maintenance/repair in various roles. I’m a part of several clubs at Stern, including the Management Consulting Association (MCA), Stern Hoops and Softball, and the Adventures Club. In my free time, I enjoy reading (sci-fi, non-fiction), trying new coffee shops/restaurants, and exploring the city!

Scott Liguori Headshot

Like many others, earning an MBA from a top program has been both a dream and a powerful step toward achieving my goals:

  • Moving to a major city
  • Growing from a personal standpoint
  • Pivoting into a career in management consulting

When researching schools, NYU Stern was a clear top choice for me. Located in the heart of New York, Stern sits at the center of one of the most dynamic and influential cities in the world. Being close to home (Rhode Island), New York City offers an unmatched energy and endless opportunities for personal and professional growth. Stern’s small class size and diverse student body foster strong networks and friendships, allowing me to connect with people from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, religions, and experiences. Finally, Stern’s outstanding alumni network and professional relationships with top firms across industries (i.e., tech, finance, consulting, CPG, marketing and more) made it clear that a Stern MBA could provide the opportunities and resources to transform my career and life.

With high hopes of where the MBA could propel me, I applied in Round 1 but was waitlisted. The decision was difficult to process as I initially felt like a failure and I would never achieve my goals. I accepted the waitlist decision and took some time to reflect on where I was in my journey and I realized that a waitlist or rejection does not define you on a personal or professional level.  

While waiting to hear back, I began exploring backup options and preparing for the opportunity in case I did receive an invite to interview. There is no exact method to getting off the waitlist since the admissions committee evaluates applicants holistically. After being waitlisted, I continued to grow in my role at that time but did not send any updates to my application, but I’m sharing some tips if you do want to provide updates to the admissions committee. 

Tips for Updating your Application While Waitlisted:

Apply when you have the strongest application, not for a specific round.
I rushed my application, which I believe was a major factor in being waitlisted. Taking more time to strengthen my materials and essays could have improved my outcome.

Review your application for areas to improve.
Before applying or after receiving a waitlist decision, take a close look at your application to identify where you could provide stronger support or additional detail.

Provide the admissions committee with relevant updates.
This can include:

  • Improved test scores or new professional credentials
  • A new work position or leadership responsibilities
  • Supplemental letters of recommendation or endorsements (personal or professional).
    Additional information provides more data points for the admissions committee to consider.

Show your commitment to Stern.
Engage with the Stern community by attending events that will be helpful to you. Submitting an updated essay that further clarifies your career goals and fit with Stern can also help reinforce your interest.

Although being waitlisted can be disappointing, don’t let it discourage you. Remember to keep working hard in your current role and remain open to reapplying in the future!

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The Fertitta Veterans Program

Benjamin Davies is a current Full-time MBA student, specializing in Investment Banking and Strategy. Prior to Stern, Ben was a Captain in the US Army. Post-MBA, he hopes to pivot into an Investment Banking role. At Stern, he is a Consortium Fellow, Fertitta Scholarship recipient, and is active within the Military Veterans Club.

The Decision to Pivot

When I graduated from West Point in 2016, I had one objective I wanted to accomplish during my time in the military. I wanted to deploy to a combat zone as a junior leader to gain experience leading Soldiers in a challenging environment. I was fortunate enough to accomplish this goal twice over and faced the option of getting out of the Army in 2021. When presented with this decision, I realized that I was ready for a new challenge and needed new goals to align with my passions.

I took several months to self-reflect and understand what I wanted from the next chapter in my life. I wanted to continue solving complex problems based on comprehensive research and learning new skills in a short period of time. I decided that investment banking would allow me to continue working in this fast-paced environment that required teamwork to succeed. In order to make this pivot, I realized I needed to grow my business acumen and professional network to be able to secure a job at a leading financial institution. In order to pivot from the Army to corporate America and investment banking, business school was the obvious answer.

Why NYU and Why Fertitta?

NYU Stern immediately stood out amongst other business schools due to its location in the heart of the banking capital of the world and its veteran initiative – the Fertitta program. After speaking to veterans who were current Stern students, I quickly realized that they lived the values of IQ + EQ. Every student and faculty member I interacted with spoke about the incredible people they were surrounded by. It was inspiring to find a school where I could grow my network and learn from some of the best professors in the world.

From the outside looking in, I thought the Fertitta program was too good to be true. NYU Stern truly stood out in the way that it supported its veterans in such meaningful ways. The program deliberately bridged the gaps that most veterans inherently have when transitioning to corporate America. The Fertitta program allows veterans to take Financial Accounting and Statistics – requisite 3.0-credit core classes— over the summer, which reduces the course load during the fall, and ultimately enables us to focus more on recruiting and securing a summer internship. During the summer semester, the veteran cohort also had the opportunity to participate in company treks to tour offices and meet Stern veteran graduates who were working in top-level companies. The final piece of the Fertitta program is the financial aspect which greatly assists the change in lifestyle that all full-time students undertake. Looking back on the experience, I was also able to build incredible bonds with my veteran cohort from an early stage and give me a close circle of friends that I can always rely on.

Education Benefits

At 29 years old, I had not been in an academic classroom in over seven years. I was nervous and apprehensive about contributing to a classroom filled with brilliant classmates who had recently graduated from top-tier institutions. Being able to attend the summer semester surrounded by other veterans made the transition from the military to the classroom much more manageable. Both of my summer professors presented challenging material in ways we could digest and establish academic proficiency. Because of my summer classroom experience, I now have a much stronger foundational knowledge of accounting principles, which will pay dividends during fall recruiting.

Company Treks

The most beneficial part of the summer semester was the opportunity to participate in company treks to firms like McKinsey, Morgan Stanley, Mastercard, and Pfizer. Our cohort was able to network with other veterans at these companies and gain a firsthand look at their day-to-day operations. We were able to ask candid questions to veterans—many of whom were Stern alumni—and had been in our shoes several years ago. I found the experience incredibly beneficial, and I now have a roadmap for success for the upcoming semester and a much deeper understanding of what type of job I will be recruiting for.

Looking Back on the Experience

As I look back upon my summer semester, the moments that stand out occurred because I was surrounded by fellow veterans whom I am now lucky enough to call friends. When I left the military, I was saddened by the realization that I might never find the same closeness and trust with the people around me. When I nervously arrived for my first day of class at Stern, that thought was immediately erased. Through the Fertitta program, I found 29 remarkable veterans who will be some of my closest friends during my time here and beyond.

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Mastering the Art of the Coffee Chat

Isabelle is a recent MBA graduate, specializing in Global Business, Strategy and Product Management. Prior to Stern, Isabelle was a consultant at Accenture specializing in the life science industry. Post-MBA, she is about to start working for Samsung Electronics as a Global Consultant . At Stern, she was involved in the leadership of Asian Business Society, Student government, Stern Technology association, European Business association and as a member of the Latin American Business Association, Stern Women in business  and the admissions office as a Graduate assistant. 

I came into Stern knowing I wanted to work directly with a product in an innovative field, but like many people who join as first years, I was also looking to learn and explore. While I was secretly hoping someone would be able to tell me my dream job, real life is not that simple – it never really is! But Stern gave me every opportunity to explore. 

Even before you start school, you begin hearing about the importance of recruiting. You receive the Ignite prep and begin chugging away. A lot of information is thrown your way but you keep hearing the same two words: Coffee chats. 

As someone allergic to caffeine, I was less than enthused by the idea of chatting with someone over coffee. My nerves continued to grow as I pictured a potentially  awkward conversation with an industry leader, while I sat there with a cup full of coffee, easing my nerves by pretending to sip every so often to have something to do with my hands. Beyond the awkwardness, coffee chats or informational interviews invoked an image of small talk and desperation. To say the least, these “chats” were not something I was looking forward to.

Now however, I now easily have a coffee chat a day, even after the end of formal recruiting. This change is completely thanks to Stern and the students I recruited with. Almost every alum, student, professor, or professional I reached out to has replied eagerly to share advice, experiences and sometimes (when I was really lucky), even an interview or job opportunity. In an effort to ease your nerves, I thought I would share my learnings about coffee chats!

Rarely any coffee 

This may be silly to say or obvious to some, but coffee chats often don’t involve any coffee. Today,  many coffee chats today are virtual, and if they aren’t, you are always welcome to get another beverage!

Networking is not a dirty word

Often people feel like networking is superfluous because it conveys that you want something (in this case, a job), but that’s not all networking is. Yes, when you set up a coffee chat, you should be the best version of yourself so that the person on the other side will help you, but the aim of the conversation should be to learn about the person you are talking to- whether that is about the company they work for, their interests, or what they did before. In the end, you should aim for the conversation to be as fruitful for them as it was for you. It is a give and take. My best coffee chats were those in which I was able to share my experience with the industry professionals to help them with their own questions or problems. 

As an example, when I was networking with a large bank, I met someone who had the exact position I was interested in. We spoke about the job and the company, but even more so we spoke about what we liked to do, I talked about my community and non profit interests, and they asked me to help them find a way to give back. This person became more than just someone who helped me get an interview, they became someone who I still connect with for advice. 

Coffee chats are not always just a one time thing

The goal of a coffee chat should not just be a one-time conversation to learn about the company, it should be about you growing your network. If you are able to form a more lasting relationship with that person, it makes a big difference – not only in recruiting, but in many areas of your life. 

Remember, industry professionals are just people 

We all often walk into coffee chats nervous and lost. “What do I tell this stranger about myself?” But often, the other person is feeling exactly the same way. They may have just come out of a long meeting or were just concentrating on a task at work. In the end, they have given up their time because they want to be of help, so make sure you come in with questions that will help you most.  

I have been and still am on both sides of the coffee chat, and what always goes through my mind is the airport test. Throughout this conversation with this person, have they given me a sense that I would like to spend 5-10 hours with them in an airport if we were to get caught in delays? So remember that the person is human, have empathy, and build a human connection.

Coffee chats are not always conducted one on one 

Sometimes, coffee chats during recruiting include multiple people with one industry professional. When this happens, make sure that you stand out in some way. Have a list of questions you want to ask and do your research on the person. Always ask for their contact information and follow up to see if you can get a solo chat. 

Lastly, Stern is always there to support us 

Every office at Stern comes together to make sure that you are prepared for recruiting. Stern Career services constantly provides you the opportunity for you to make connections, bringing in hundreds of companies to speak with students. The professional clubs like Stern Tech Association and Management Consulting Association lead knowledge transfer sessions and study groups to prepare you. Other students and professors give up their time to practice with you and give you advice. So take advantage of it!

Key Takeaways

Keeping these things in mind really helped me reform how I looked at coffee chats. Now, everyone is going to have different advice for coffee chats – a former Sternie wrote her advice in 2021 –  but mastering the coffee chat is really about understanding yourself and how to present that to the person standing in front of you. These are some tips that helped me feel comfortable  while growing my network. 

1.  Always ask for the coffee chat host’s contact information 

Make sure to get their information before the end of the coffee chat and send a thank you note afterward. Often, it is good to ask near the beginning or middle of a group coffee chat, but if you are alone, leave it for the last question. 

2. Be genuinely curious

People like to talk about what they are doing – so ask them about it! Make sure to do your research and prepare questions ahead of time. While the conversation can go in any direction, preparation will help you stand out and make the most of the conversation.

3. Look at each coffee chat as a first step

You will rarely only speak to one person at a company. So use each coffee chat as a chance to research for your next one. Ask questions like “what is the biggest challenge your team is facing” or “where do you see the company going in the next year” or “what is the most exciting thing your company is doing?” This way, you hear real-world problems companies face today and will be ready for your next chat and, eventually, interview! 

4. Not all coffee chats are evaluative, but you should prepare as if they are 

Always research before a coffee chat and show your commitment. You never know how the conversation will impact your future career.

5. Be direct 

When you ask for time, be direct in what you hope to speak about so that the person knows exactly why they are meeting with you. You don’t want to use their time asking questions you could have learned on the website!

6. If you have the choice, choose a place in which you are comfortable 

Many coffee chats are done virtually now, so make sure you pick a place that you feel most comfortable. If the person gives you the option of an in person chat, take that option because it often leads to better connections. Choose to meet in a place you like that is quiet and also not too expensive, often they will pay out of their own pocket for you. 

7. Never leave a conversation without having at least one other person to reach out to

You can not build your network unless you ask for more contacts. I like to ask every person I talk to for 2 other people who I should contact based on the interests I have expressed during our conversation. 

8. Be you

As someone who has been on both sides of the coffee chat, it is so easy to see when someone is not being genuine. Remember the airport test-  I want to be able to tell if I would like to spend time with you. The more I want to spend time with you, the more helpful I can be. 

Just be yourself. I promise you, the other person will appreciate it.

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Updates to the 2024 Application from our Executive Director

Lindsay Loyd is the Executive Director for MBA Admissions at NYU Stern. She joined NYU Stern in January 2023 after a 20-year career in financial services.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Hi, I’m Lindsay Loyd, and I’m excited to announce some key information for the upcoming admissions cycle, and also take this opportunity to introduce myself.

I joined Stern in January 2023 as the Executive Director of MBA Admissions after a 20+ year career in financial services. I’m thrilled to be a champion for the Stern Full Time MBA programs and lead the admissions team as we meet future Sternies each year. I was energized to become part of this community after working with several Stern alumni during my tenure at American Express. This will be my first full admissions cycle, and I’m delighted to share some updates as we gear up for the application launch.

Important Things to Know for the 2023-2024 Cycle

While our applications for the next cycle are not yet open, we’ve announced some key information you should know as you are preparing your candidacy. This spring, we took a comprehensive look at our application process and worked to find ways to make applying easier for prospective students.

New Deadlines

For the upcoming cycle, we’ve expanded our deadlines to give you greater flexibility so that you can apply when it makes sense for you. It’s important to note that our process is a bit different than the more structured “rounds” used by other programs. Our admissions committee reviews applications on an ongoing basis. We don’t wait for a deadline to pass to begin reviewing applications, and most applicants will receive an initial decision notification (e.g., invitation to interview, waitlist offer, or denial of admission) within 8 weeks of applying.

More Standardized Test Optionality

We continue to be test agnostic and accept a wide range of tests. There are no minimum score requirements to apply and we do not have a preference for which test you take. I want to highlight four key points to keep in mind on tests:

  • A standardized test score is required for the Full-Time program and the Fashion & Luxury Focused 1-Year program. 
  • The Andre Koo Tech Focused 1-Year program will be test optional this cycle.
  • We offer a separate test waiver application for anyone who is unable to prepare for or take a standardized test, but can demonstrate academic readiness through prior academic and/or work experience. 
  • Your test options include the GMAT (both current and Focus Edition), GRE (both current and new), EA, MCAT, LSAT, and DAT.  

One EQ Endorsement

To further streamline the application process, we’ve also reduced the number of EQ endorsements required from 2 to 1. This EQ endorsement should come from your current supervisor. You have the option of submitting additional EQ endorsements, but I encourage you to be judicious and consider whether additional endorsement(s) add significant value and/or a different perspective to your candidacy. A tip on EQ endorsements – start thinking about who you want to write in support of your application and set up a meeting with this person. Do this early so your endorser has time to prepare. 

Continued Commitment to a Holistic Review Process

What hasn’t changed for this cycle is our interest in getting to know you through the application. We have a chance to learn about you academically, professionally, and personally during this holistic review process. Our essay questions remain largely unchanged from last year, so you can start thinking through those now. We find that your answers to these essay questions provide incredible depth and insight into your experiences, goals, and motivations. We look forward to meeting the whole ‘you.’

Why Now is a Great Time to Get an MBA

It’s been almost 20 years (!) since I was in your shoes: studying for the GMAT, researching MBA programs, lining up endorsements from current and former supervisors, and starting to write application essays. It feels like not nearly that long ago, yet I appreciate the big picture view that time span affords. No matter when you decide to apply, the Stern MBA will have value long after graduation.

Investment in Yourself 

Pursuing an MBA full-time is a big investment of time and money, and I firmly believe it’s one of the smartest long-term investments you can make in yourself. I’ve seen first-hand how it can significantly change the trajectory of your career, help you weather economic storms, and create career optionality, not just in the short-term, but throughout the course of your life. This is still true today. Take a look at our employment report to see the ROI of the Stern MBA. 

Versatility for Your Entire Career Journey 

My MBA experience allowed me to try an industry and functional career switch with my summer internship. It then helped facilitate a move back to the financial services industry, but at a higher level, in a new geography, at my dream company, and in my preferred functional area. It set me on a course to grow laterally and rise up the ranks at that company.  And when it was time to make a midlife pivot for a “second act” career, my MBA experience and network helped me navigate my way to Stern to lead the Full-Time MBA Admissions team.

At Stern, you’ll take core business classes that will help you build foundational skills that are broadly applicable across various industries and functions. You’ll also be able to customize your MBA experience with over 200 electives and seemingly endless opportunities for experiential learning. You’ll be part of the vibrant NYU community in the heart of NYC. You’ll be just a short subway ride from many prospective employers, a wide array of industry resources, and a vast network of Stern alumni ready to pay it forward. As a Stern alumnus, you’ll continue to have access to the support of the Careers team and have the ability to audit classes, so you can stay at the top of your game as your interests and the job market evolve.

Meet Your Future Forevers

I also made some great friends during my MBA, and in fact, met my best-friend-now-husband while setting up a fantasy football league for our b-school classmates. During your MBA experience at Stern, you will create friendships and a professional network that will be with you long after you graduate. I cannot promise that you will find your life-partner, but your MBA experience will last a lifetime. 

My husband and I during business school!

If this all sounds good to you, I hope you’ll consider applying to Stern. If you feel you are ready, don’t wait. If you aren’t sure, know that we’ll be here to help you along the way.

Be the First to Know When the Application Goes Live

Sign up here to receive more information about Stern direct to your email inbox, including notification of when our applications for the 2023-2024 cycle are live.

We also offer many virtual and in person opportunities to learn more about Stern. Join us in person on campus for a information session and tour, or at one of our many stops around the world this summer. We also offer virtual “Ask A Sternie” coffee chats with current students, virtual information sessions.

Best wishes as you begin the first steps of your MBA journey!

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The Value of EQ

Matthew Moll is a Director of MBA Admissions on the digital marketing team. Outside of Admissions, Matthew and his partner are usually trying to convince their rescue dog Lentil to make new friends.

IQ + EQ is one of the core values that defines the NYU Stern community experience. Sternies join the MBA to hone their knowledge and IQ. Similarly, Sternies are committed to looking honestly at their EQ – their emotional quotient or emotional intelligence. How do we improve as leaders? When do we step back and support? What can we do to address challenges differently? These are only a few of the questions our students consider as part of their MBA journey.  

Much like how there isn’t one ‘type’ of candidate who is admitted to the program,  there is not a single set of EQ traits we see thrive at NYU Stern. What is common is that students who challenge themselves and self-reflect are able to benefit from and contribute to the NYU Stern ecosystem. 

Let’s explore the value of EQ and how EQ is part of our admissions process.

The value of EQ

Building community – EQ is foundational to our evaluation process during our assessment of candidates. The many ways candidates express EQ become part of what makes each class its own special unit. If the community is a tree, EQ is like nutrient rich topsoil that provides the needed fuel for a sapling to flourish. EQ is part of what drives and sustains a strong community. The students, faculty, and administrators are all invested in the people around them which is crucial to building community.

Employers see the value of EQ – Our focus on EQ is not only to level-up the student experience and foster people-first and team oriented values. We regularly hear from employers that they emphasize EQ during the hiring process and NYU Stern students have the tools needed to excel in the modern, evolving workplace. The numbers support this. We continue to see record compensation and employment by Sternies.

Sternies pay it forward – The ROI of the Stern MBA goes beyond your first pivot into your new career, in part because the need for EQ does not end at graduation. The collaborative student experience is woven into the Sternie DNA, which then translates into a ‘pay it forward’ mentality for both students and alums.  

Where you have a chance to express your EQ during the application process

Below are some of the places where you can highlight your EQ as a candidate.

Pick 6 Essay – Each essay gives you the space to showcase your EQ, but the Pick Six is the most obvious. We can literally see your personality outside of your academic and professional achievements. This is a blank canvas for you to show the Admissions Committee some of the ways you will interact with your peers. Read our blog post for more on the Pick 6.

EQ Endorsements – This is our first opportunity to learn more about you from another source. Recommendations are like a quasi-omniscient narrator’s voiceover that gives us insight into the storyline of your career; how you performed under pressure, showed up for your teammates, or navigated the everyday challenges of professional life. 

 We encourage you to reflect on how you express EQ by reviewing the IQ+EQ specific question (below). 

IQ+EQ is a core value of NYU Stern, and we seek exceptional individuals who possess both intellectual and interpersonal strengths. Emotional intelligence (EQ) skills such as self-awareness, empathy, communication and self-management are at the core of our community of leaders. Please provide one specific and compelling example to demonstrate the applicant’s emotional intelligence.

You can review all the questions we ask endorsers on our website. Get tips on the EQ Endorsements on our blog.

Interview – This is how we see your EQ in action! If you are invited to interview with us you will meet with someone who has reviewed your entire application. We want to have a conversation and get a sense for how you will spend your time on campus as a Sternie. Take a look at our interview tips.

EQ for you

These are some of the ways EQ is part of the application and where you can highlight your EQ to our team. However, the process of applying is also an opportunity for you to think deeply about how you will engage at NYU and be a lifelong learner of both IQ and EQ.

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Applying to Stern with a Nontraditional Background

Gisselle Lankenau is an Assistant Director on the MBA Admissions team at NYU Stern. She joined the team last March, previously working with NYU Stern’s Leadership Accelerator. Hailing originally from Miami, Gisselle enjoys museums, cooking, and coffee shops.

Prospective students typically pursue an MBA to advance within their current industry or to make a career change. Applicants looking to make a career pivot often ask about resources at Stern that facilitate this transition and how they can showcase their current experience, particularly if they are coming from a non-traditional background. 

What is a non-traditional background? Typically, a non-traditional MBA student is someone who has experience other than the standard business to MBA career route, although many of our students do not come from a ‘traditional’ business background. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, from technology to education to military experience. We view the wide range of backgrounds of our students as an asset, with each individual bringing their own unique perspective to the classroom and enhancing the overall Stern community.

At Stern, there are a number of ways to get involved, contribute, and gain hands-on experience. For those coming from a non-business background, Stern offers several options for career support. 

  • Office of Career Development: One of the best resources for career support is the Office of Career Development. During the summer before the MBA program begins, our Careers team offers the IGNITE program, which consists of resume reviews, mock interviews, networking workshops and industry panels to put you in the best position to meet with recruiters from day one of the program. Career coaches will work with you to align career goals, set up a game plan to tackle the recruiting process, and they will continue to provide support throughout your time at Stern and when you are an alum. 
  • Lean on your peers: Your classmates will be joining the MBA program from a variety of industries. They will become your network and will support you during the recruiting process. Your peers might have worked at a company or industry that you are interested in, so you can lean on their expertise and connections. At Stern, your peers want to see you succeed.
  • Experiential learning: Through Stern Solutions courses, you will be able to learn about your industry of interest, immerse yourself in an environment where you can tackle a real business issue, and reflect on the experience. These experiential learning opportunities allow you to gain real world experience, build your skill set and more broadly provide the space to be curious. You will be able to test out different roles, leadership styles, and to feel free to fail and learn from your mistakes and triumphs through reflection. 
  • Student Clubs: Professional clubs play a vital role in preparing students for the recruiting process and their next career step. At Stern, collaboration is key with MBA 2 students mentoring MBA 1s and guiding them through the recruiting cycle, providing interview prep, working through skills together and organizing events on campus and off-site at companies. So whether you are interested in pivoting to consulting, marketing, finance or technology, our student clubs are ready to help guide you through the process and share their insights.

The Stern community is committed to supporting your future success with several options to build on your current experience, regardless of your professional background. Prospective students often ask us how they can speak to their unique experience in the application and highlight their experience through their resume.

When crafting your resume, put your best foot forward and lean into your experience. As you are looking to make a career change, it is important to take a step back and access your transferable skills while identifying any potential gaps you may need to fill. In your resume, highlight your strengths and quantify your impact in previous roles. If there are potential knowledge gaps, look into resources to leverage at Stern to fill those gaps and highlight these in your essays. The MBA is an opportunity to grow and develop your skill set regardless of previous experience; highlighting these interests in your application indicates you’ve gone the extra step to look into how Stern will help you achieve your future goals. 

Ultimately, the biggest piece of advice for candidates with a non-traditional background is to spend some time reflecting on your career so far. What energizes you at work, what strengths are you bringing to the table, what are areas for growth and what changes would you like to see moving forward? Answering these questions will not only help you craft your story during the application process, but will help guide your overall career transition and help to hold yourself accountable. At Stern there are numerous resources available to support your career change. Plan ahead, determine your strategy, and take advantage of every opportunity. 

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Moving Beyond ‘Fit’

Caroline Murphy was an Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Stern. Caroline worked at Stern for four years and completed the Langone Part-time MBA program. Outside of work, Caroline loves watching Texas Longhorn football and playing with her nieces and nephews.

Often, candidates ask our team what would make them the right “fit” for Stern. They are trying to learn what the typical Stern student looks like in terms of career background, passions, or post-MBA goals. But the answer is, there is no “typical Stern student,” and applicants should focus instead on what makes them unique. Rather than thinking about how you can ‘fit’ at Stern, reframe your process to think about if the qualities of NYU Stern’s programs align with you and your goals.

The Ideal Candidate

If you’ve sat in one of our mock application sessions, you have seen a small snippet of how the admissions process works. At Stern, we look at each applicant individually and holistically. There is no specific quality that each student must possess, rather, we want to see how an applicant’s entire story comes together to show who they are individually. There is no one-size fits all when it comes to our student body – each of our students has a different background and their own story to tell. We value all work experiences and paths that have led people to apply for an MBA.

When you are crafting your application, I encourage you to reflect on what makes you you and how that will help you develop into a strong business leader. Are you inclusive in your leadership? Are you able to bring out the best in difficult colleagues with your light hearted humor? Are you efficient and willing to go the extra mile? Are you reserved and thoughtful about your choices? All of these are individual strengths that contribute to who you are and can be leveraged in business school and beyond. It’s up to you to determine how you’ll convey these strengths in your application.

Communicating Your Authentic Self

The Stern application provides many opportunities for you to share your story and showcase your unique qualities and interests. For instance, the “activities and achievements” section on the application communicates how you spend your time and what you choose to be involved in. The “Change” and Pick Six essays  give you the freedom to be creative and share personal experiences or show what makes you tick. All of this helps us understand your story and get to know you better. Through our conversation in the interview stage, we’ll get to see this person come to life as we learn more about what you shared in your application. We want to get to know you as an individual,  rather than assessing  how you might be similar to current Stern students. 

Finding Your Fit at Stern

Rather than focusing on how you fit, focus on how Stern fits for you. There are a lot of ways to determine if the culture at Stern aligns with what you’re looking for in a network and to see if our programs align with your goals. The first step is to attend events – we have a range of events from virtual to in-person, admissions focused to student-led. Events can highlight specific areas of interest (like club office hours) and help you identify what recruiting paths are available, as well as help you get to know students and what they love most about Stern. On that note, you can also chat candidly with current students through coffee chats or by emailing mbaga@stern.nyu.edu to set up a time to chat. They can help you with any concerns that you have and tell you about their experience. Lastly, explore our website! There is a ton of information on our site about the curriculum, post-MBA outcomes, school news, and more. Becoming familiar with the program will help you to envision yourself at Stern and recognize if it’s the right program for you. Don’t be shy in communicating the aspects of Stern that you’re most excited about on your application or in your interview – this helps us learn more about you and why you’re excited to go on this journey at Stern.

As you apply, I hope you’ll remember that the only type of candidate we want to see at Stern is an authentic one. Lean into what makes you YOU and it will shine through in your application. We can’t wait to meet you!

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Communicating your Work Experience

Matt Bird is a Coordinator on the MBA Admissions team. He joined the team last April after graduating from the NYU Steinhardt Higher Education and Student Affairs Masters program. He enjoys baking, coffee, and helping students. 

 

 

Hi! My name is Matt Bird and I am a member of the Admissions Committee at NYU Stern MBA Admissions. I previously worked in college career centers for years as a resume reviewer, which makes me very passionate about helping people sell their work experience effectively. Your resume is an opportunity to brag about yourself. What amazing internship did you land? What innovative project did you collaborate on? How many deals did you close? Your resume should be a highlight sheet of your professional story. As application readers, we rely on the Resume and Work Experience sections to describe who you are as a working professional. This post should give you some ideas on making the most of your work experience on your MBA application.

Keep it Snappy.

Many times we see sprawling 2-3 page resumes that contain a laundry list of all job responsibilities. Oftentimes people find it hard to narrow down their role to 3-5 bullets. And we get it. Everything we do is important to us. But a resume is not the place for your autobiography. It is a document to communicate your best of the best. Instead of including 10 bullets on your role, pick 2-3 experiences where you made the most impact. Save the memoir for when you’re a successful business leader. 

It is smart to have multiple versions of your resume in order to mix and match experiences tailored to the opportunity. Your resume for Deloitte’s summer internship program may look very different from your resume for a Brand Manager role with L’Oreal. It may even be helpful to have a catch-all resume from which you pick the best experiences to include on the final version. It is important to have the most relevant experiences prominently highlighted. My rule of thumb is if you see yourself talking about an experience in the interview, then include it on the page.

Formatting, formatting, formatting.

In addition to narrowing down your bullet points, formatting can be a very effective way to keep your resume brief. Below are a few tricks to trim the empty space on your page:

  • Reduce your margins.
  • Identify lines taken up by one word. Simplify the language to get that bullet to one line.
  • Play around with format. See if a two column approach eliminates or creates space.
  • Job Title, Name of Organization, Date can be one line.
  • Slightly reduce your font size. A good range is 10-12 point font. 
  • Reduce space between section breaks. Just ensure the page doesn’t look too cramped.

Specificity is key.

It is difficult to imagine a person’s impact when reading:  “Responsible for day-to-day operations of the company.”

Numbers are helpful here. How many team members did you work with? What was your budget? What did this project result in? Quantitative bullet points paint a clear picture of your role and impact. 

It is a bit vague to read a Skills section with words like: Teamwork, Communication, or Management. Anyone can list these as skills. Only you have your specific experiences to showcase them. 

Tell your story.

It may be intimidating to compare resumes with your peers. No matter how much experience we have, insecurities may creep in. Regardless of your job titles, your resume is an opportunity to show your trajectory. Your case becomes much more compelling when you clearly demonstrate your professional journey. Don’t get bogged down in worries about not having the perfect portfolio. Instead, highlight your experiences in their best light. 

Many applicants worry they will be out of the running if they have less than the average years of work experience. NYU Stern does not have a minimum work experience requirement to apply to the MBA program. We evaluate and accept applicants from many stages of their career. Your Resume and Work Experience section is an opportunity to show the Admissions Committee not only who you are as a working professional, but also who you want to become.