Re: Calling Simon (Rochester) MBA Applicants: 2022 Intake [Class of 2024]
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12 Mar 2022, 18:27
Hi all! I saw some frustration in here and thought I'd try to tell you some stuff I've heard from current/admitted students, as well as learning from getting admitted. I applied Jan 5, got interviewed Jan 14, got accepted (100% tuition) Jan 21. I had lots of connections with students already admitted/graduated from Simon so they helped me a lot. keep in mind it's all through the grapevine so I could be wrong!
Simon's brand is being the #1 diverse top 50 MBA program so they put heavy emphasis on diversity. It's not just the diversity of the students, but ALSO how much diversity experience they have. I know a lot of you are from India, but you also should try to emphasize your experience of learning about/experiencing/promoting diversity different than yours. Have you led or participated in diversity-based clubs/organizations that are non-Indian (like French clubs, Latin American clubs, African clubs, LGBTQ+, charity/volunteering for low-income people, etc)?
B school applications are all about making yourself sound more unique than your peers. If you're a male from India, how can you distinguish yourself diversity/experience-wise from all the other male Indian applicants? You are not competing against EVERYONE applying, you are competing against other people with similar backgrounds as you, so making yourself the most unique as possible gives you a better chance at admission. This is true at all schools. Every school "allocates" spaces for people with different backgrounds (tech, education, non-profit, finance, etc) so just because you're not from a common background doesn't mean you can't get in. You just have to show that you are a marketable candidate that will bring value to the school, and, ultimately, be able to get a job once you graduate. If they don't see how you plan on using b school to get a job afterwards, then that's a ding.
Also, they truly did receive a LOT more applications this year. the fact is, with the pandemic, ALL MBA schools have received a HUGE rise in applicants. Due to lots of people losing jobs, changing jobs, etc, many people are looking for career changes. It will take more time this year for all schools than last year.
Hope this helps!