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The Stern 2013-2014 Application
NYU’s Stern School of Business has released its admissions essays and deadlines for the 2013-2014 application cycle with a couple of notable changes, including a newly added round of applications and a cut in essays.
Application Deadlines
This year Stern has added a whole new admissions round! The Stern application deadlines will be as follows:
Round 1: October 15, 2013
Round 2: November 15, 2013
Round 3: January 15, 2014
Round 4: March 15, 2013
Admissions Essays
The Stern admissions essays are identical to last year’s admissions essays. But, the big change is that instead of requiring applicants to answer all three admissions essays, Stern is giving students the option of answer Question 2 in either Part A or Part B. The admissions essays will appear on the Stern full-time MBA application as they do below.
Essay 1: Professional Aspirations
(750 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)
Why pursue an MBA (or dual degree) at this point in your life?
What actions have you taken to determine that Stern is the best fit for your MBA experience?
What do you see yourself doing professionally upon graduation?
Essay 2: Choose Option A or Option B
Option A: Your Two Paths
(500 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)
Describe two different and distinct paths you could see your career taking long term. How do you see your two paths unfolding?
How do your paths tie to the mission of NYU Stern?
What factors will most determine which path you will take?
Option B: Personal Expression
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.
Essay 1 is very similar to writing a personal statement. The admissions committee wants to know: How will a Stern MBA help you achieve your goals? Why now? Why Stern? This essay was also required for the Stern full-time MBA Class of 2015.
The Essay 2 requirement, as stated earlier, shows the exact same questions that were required last year, but this year students get to choose between options A and B. Essay 2 is Stern’s opportunity to move past the resume and the rehearsed answers to get a glimpse into students’ creativity, ingenuity, and personality. Additionally, Stern has used the “personal expression” method for years in its applications, meaning that the admissions committee feels that it is an effective way to get to know applicants. But just because the prompt allows you to use any medium to express yourself, that does not mean that a medium other than that which displays the written word will gain greater favor my the committee. The content – not the presentation – will be the most important factor.
Lastly, Stern has an optional essay for students to explain any extenuating circumstances. While answering this question may be appropriate for some, it is certainly not necessary for all applicants.
GRE/GMAT and TOEFL Scores
A GRE or GMAT score is required of all applicants. Stern will only look at the highest score received from a test taken in the past five years, so there is no need to report any scores other than the highest. Students who received degrees from universities where English is not the official language of the country must also submit a valid TOEFL score.
Resume and Work History
Applicants are required to submit two separate documents: one of a current and updated resume, and another separate document detailing the applicant’s work history, including positions held, promotions, employer, start and end date, salary and bonuses, and reason for leaving. Any gaps in employment should be explicitly stated and explained in the optional essay.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required, one of which should be from a current manager or supervisor. If you cannot obtain a letter from a current manager or supervisor, the reason should be explained in the optional essay. Academic letters of recommendation are strongly discouraged, and all recommendations must be submitted electronically.
Additional Application Information
In addition to the above material, all Stern applicants are required to submit university transcripts, a full summary of extracurricular activities, and a $225 application fee.