This NYU Stern 2012 MBA Application tip post is one of a series of posts providing MBA application and essay advice for applicants to top MBA programs around the world. Check out the entire 2012 MBA Application Tips series for more valuable MBA essay advice.
NYU Stern 2012 MBA Essay Questions
Please note the following details when completing the Essays section of the Fall 2012 online application.
The following essay questions give you the opportunity to more fully present yourself to the Admissions Committee and to provide insight into your experiences, goals and thought processes. Your essays should be written entirely by you. An offer of admission will be revoked if you did not write your essays. Please note the following:
- Essays 1, 2 and 4 must be typed and submitted using the standard U.S. 8 1/2” x 11” format, double-spaced, in 12-point font.
- Please adhere to the essay word limits provided for each question.
- Word limits apply to the total question. For example, your response to Essay 1 should answer part (a), part (b) and part (c) with a total maximum of 750 words.
- Label the top of each essay with the following: Name, Date of Birth (month, day, year), Essay Number and Page Number (e.g.: Joe Applicant, January 1, 1983, Essay 1, Page 1)
Essay 1. Professional Aspirations
(750 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)
Think about the decisions you have made in your life. Answer the following:
(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 NYU Stern? What is your long-term career goal?
Stern wants to know about your past career decisions, your reasons for an MBA now, and your plans for the future. Like most MBA goals question, this question asks you to show the logic behind your career development and the pursuit of an MBA at this point in time, which should be tied to achievement of your short- and long-term goals.
The part of the question asking about your "career goal upon graduation" is critical . Are you realistic about where your past experience plus a Stern MBA can take you? Stern doesn't want people in la-la-land who will be impossible to place.
Finally make sure you answer all elements of the question while staying within the word limits (not guidelines). No adcom member sits there and counts words, but the readers can tell when you are significantly over. "Significantly" in my book is more than 10%. Write succinctly.
Admissions Tips:
- Listen to our podcast: Essays.
- Proofread your essays carefully.
- Make sure you have fully answered the essay questions.
- Be genuine in your essays - tell us about the real you.
- Follow the essay instructions, including word limits and font size.
Essay 2. Your Stern Experience
(500 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)
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:
(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.
Have you attended MBA fairs? Stern receptions? Have you visited Stern , communicated with students and recent alumni? Scoured Stern's web site and printed material? Talked to possible employers? Read blogs of current NYU students? If you take any of those steps, let Stern know.
For parts b and c, based on your research, what do you find most appealing? What would motivate you to attend Stern if you have multiple acceptances? And again based on your research and your past commitments, how do you intend to participate in the rich communal life at Stern? Stern has many avenues for involvement: experiential learning opportunities, clubs, events, community service. What's your niche? Show that you have done your homework on NYU Stern.
Admissions Tip:
To see if Stern is a fit for you, come visit us in New York City or at one of our events around the world.
Essay 3. 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.
If you submit a non-written piece for Essay 3 (i.e., artwork or multimedia) or if you submit Essay 3 via mail, please upload a brief description of your submission with your online application.
Please note the following guidelines and restrictions:
- Your submission becomes the property of NYU Stern and cannot be returned for any reason.
- If you submit a written essay, it should be 500 words maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font. If you submit a video or audio file, it should be five minutes maximum.
- If you prepare a multimedia submission, you may mail a CD, DVD or USB flash drive to the Admissions Office. These are the only acceptable methods of submission. Please do not submit an internet link to any websites or to a video hosting service such as YouTube.
- The Admissions Committee reserves the right to request an alternate Essay 3 if we are unable to view your submission
- Do not submit anything perishable (e.g. food) or any item that has been worn (e.g. clothing).
- Mailed materials must be postmarked by the deadline date. To submit Essay 3 by mail, please follow the mail and labeling instructions.
Essay 3 packages are subject to size restrictions. Essays that exceed the stated size restrictions will not be accepted for review by the Admissions Committee. Please see the table below for the maximum package size guidelines:
Bribes don't work either. Candidates can get very creative with this essay and use different media (other than edibles and worn attire), but many of you will convey your ideas in words. Think of how you describe yourself in a social setting when meeting people for the first time.
If it's the first day of class or a mixer early in the pre-term, how would you break the ice? Would you try to set up a tennis game or golf match? Would you find someone to explore NYC's museums? Or do you hate museums and prefer hiking through the woods? What would you say if you were in the campus coffee shop and sat down with some new classmates? Could you create a dialog? A short skit?
NYU Stern also permits the use of multimedia in response to this question. While the medium may vary, the point again is to introduce yourself to friends. Given the other questions, this can be a great venue for hobbies, extra-curricular interests, and community service.
Admissions Tip:
- Listen to Isser Gallogly, Executive Director of MBA Admissions, discuss Essay 3 on Public Radio's "Marketplace". (Please note that we have updated Essay 3 size restrictions and accept multimedia submissions on CDs, DVDs and USB flash drives.)
Essay 4. Additional Information (optional)
Please provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee. This may include current or past gaps in employment, further explanation of your undergraduate record or self-reported academic transcript(s), plans to retake the GMAT, GRE and/or TOEFL or any other relevant information.
If you are unable to submit a recommendation from your current supervisor, you must explain your reason in Essay 4.
If you are a re-applicant from last year, please explain how your candidacy has improved since your last application.
If you are applying to a dual degree program, please explain your decision to pursue a dual degree.
Obviously if you fit into one of the categories described in the 3 points above, you need to write this essay. If you don't fit into the above categories and have something you want the admissions committee to know that isn't part of the required essays, then you still should write this optional essay.
Uploading Formats
You may upload documents into the online application in the following formats: word, excel, PDF, .txt, .rft and .wpd.
Application Deadlines for the Full-time MBA program:
1st Deadline 2nd Deadline 3rd Deadline
Application Due: Nov. 15, 2011 Jan. 15, 2012 March 15, 2012
Initial Notification*: Feb. 15, 2012 April 1, 2012 June 1, 2012
*You will receive one of three initial notifications: invitation to interview, waitlist offer or denial of admission.
International applicants:
You are encouraged to apply by the November 15 deadline to facilitate visa arrangements and to have priority consideration for off-site interviews, if desired. You may also apply for the January 15 and March 15 deadlines.
Incomplete Applications:
If your application is not complete (for example, missing test scores, illegible scanned transcript, no essays or other items) you will be informed via email. If you do not provide a completed application by the deadline, we cannot guarantee notification by the initial notification date.
