Embarking on a journey to further one’s education is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact a career trajectory. When it comes to pursuing an MBA, New York University’s Stern School of Business (NYU Stern) stands out as a prominent choice. In this article, readers will delve into the world of NYU Stern MBA, exploring its offerings and shedding light on the admissions essay analysis.
The NYU Stern MBA is a prestigious graduate program offered by the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University. Known for its rigorous curriculum, illustrious faculty, and vibrant campus culture, the NYU Stern MBA program serves as a launchpad for aspiring business leaders.
Aside from its renowned full-time MBA program, NYU Stern also offers flexible options with part-time and Executive MBA programs. Stern’s distinctive reputation is built on a collaborative student community that places a strong emphasis on nurturing both academic and emotional intelligence. Furthermore, the school prides itself on its extensive menu of elective courses designed to cater to diverse interests and career goals. Located in the iconic city of New York, NYU Stern stands out as a prime destination for aspiring professionals, especially those with ambitions in finance, given the city’s stature as a global cultural and business hub.
NYU MBA
The NYU Stern’s 2-year MBA program is the gateway to a world-class education, situated in the vibrant heart of Manhattan, New York. Notably, it ranks 14th globally in the prestigious Financial Times Global business school rankings. When one becomes a part of NYU Stern, they are not just joining a school; they’re entering a dynamic network of over 110,000 accomplished alumni spread across 130 countries. Remarkably, more than 20% of them hold prestigious positions as company presidents or CEOs. The tuition fee for one year of this exceptional program stands at $78,700, with the comprehensive first-year budget estimated at $121,541, covering various expenses, including boarding.
ADMISSION DEADLINES
CLASS PROFILE
The MBA cohort offers a diverse representation of industries and professional backgrounds, creating a truly global learning experience. The student body brings an impressive range of industry experience to the table, spanning fields such as consulting, banking, financial services, fashion, and performing arts. With approximately 32% of the students hailing from international or non-US backgrounds, the program reflects a rich tapestry of cultures and perspectives.
The full-time MBA students, on average, bring 5.1 years of valuable work experience to the classroom. This wealth of professional background ensures that students not only excel academically but also engage in peer-to-peer learning, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange beyond the classroom setting.
Diversity is one of the core strengths. At Stern, the program maintains a commendable gender diversity ratio of 41%, surpassing many other renowned business schools worldwide. The school believes in the power of diverse voices and experiences to enrich the learning environment.
The incoming class boasts an average GMAT score of 729, indicative of the high-caliber talent the program attracts. To provide readers with a visual overview of the Stern MBA class profile, an infographic is included below. This infographic highlights key statistics, including gender distribution, age, work experience, and the geographical background of the students.
Moreover, the average GPA of the students stands at an impressive 3.59, showcasing the program’s commitment to academic excellence.
Scholarship Opportunities
International candidates of exceptional merit are eligible for generous scholarships at NYU Stern. These scholarships include the Dean’s Scholarship, the Named Faculty Scholarship, and the Fertitta Veterans Scholarship. These financial incentives make pursuing an MBA at NYU Stern an even more attractive prospect, supporting academic and professional journeys.
NYU STERN MBA ESSAY ANALYSIS
Let’s have a look at this year’s NYU Stern MBA essays:
ESSAY TOPICS –
- Short Answer: Professional Aspirations
- Essay 1: Change: _____ it
- Essay 2: Personal Expression (a.k.a. “Pick Six”)
- Essay 3: Additional Information (optional)
- Short Answer: Professional Aspirations
What areyour short-term career goals? (150 word maximum)
To effectively answer the question about short-term career goals in an MBA admissions essay, it’s crucial to be concise and focused. Here’s an analysis and some pointers for a 150-word response:
- Clarity: The response should be crystal clear. Admissions committees appreciate directness.
- Specificity: Clearly state short-term career goals. It could be a job role, industry, or even a particular company or sector.
- Relevance: Ensure that short-term goals align with past experiences and the MBA program they are applying for.
- Impact: Mention how achieving these goals will contribute to personal and professional growth, and potentially bring value to others or their chosen field.
- Realistic: Goals should be achievable within the short term, given their background and the MBA program’s offerings.
- Passion: Express enthusiasm and passion for these career goals, demonstrating commitment.
- Conciseness: Stay within the word limit, avoiding unnecessary details or general statements.
Example:
“In the short term, my primary career goal is to secure a [xyz] position in the renewable energy sector. Having worked in [abc] for the past three years, I’ve gained valuable insights into the industry’s challenges and opportunities. I aim to leverage their analytical skills and industry knowledge to drive [specialized] projects forward. Specifically, I’m looking to join a leading [vertical] firm such as [Company Name] or [Company Name] in a [abc] role. I believe that my background, coupled with the strategic and leadership skills I’ll acquire during the MBA program, will enable me to make a meaningful impact in advancing clean energy solutions.”
This example is clear, specific, and shows alignment between the applicant’s background, the MBA program, and the desired career path in renewable energy. It also conveys enthusiasm for the field.
- Essay 1: Change
Change: _________ it
In today’s global business environment, the only constant is change. Using NYU Stern’s brand call to action, they want to know how the applicants view change.
Change: _____ it. Fill in the blank with a word of their choice. Why does this word resonate with you? How will you embrace your own personal tagline while at Stern?
- The Importance of Change:
Begin your essay by emphasizing the vital role of change in today’s global business landscape. Businesses continually evolve and adapt to market trends, making change an undeniable constant. Technological advancements, shifting consumer behaviors, and economic dynamics underscore the significance of change. In doing so, you set the stage for a discussion on how you perceive and embrace change.
2. The Word Choice:
Selecting the word to complete the prompt is a pivotal decision. This word should not only be personally significant but also reflective of your experiences and aspirations. It should serve as the keystone of your essay, capturing the essence of your view on change. Consider words that resonate with you at a profound level, words that encapsulate your attitude and approach towards change. Whether it’s ‘innovate,’ ‘transform,’ ‘adapt,’ ’embrace,’ or another word entirely, make sure it aligns with your core beliefs and values.
3. Why the Chosen Word:
After introducing your chosen word, delve into why it resonates with you on a personal level. Share relevant experiences, values, or beliefs that make this word a meaningful part of your life. Perhaps you’ve navigated a career shift, initiated transformative projects, or have a deep-seated commitment to societal change. Relate this chosen word to your academic and career goals, illustrating how it has already played a role in shaping your path and will continue to do so in the future.
4. Embracing Change at NYU Stern:
In this section, you should demonstrate how your chosen word and your perspective on change will be integrated into your experience at NYU Stern. Provide insight into how your personal tagline aligns with the school’s culture, resources, and programs. Highlight specific aspects of NYU Stern that you plan to leverage in your journey to ’embrace’ or ‘innovate’—whether it’s the entrepreneurial programs, innovative courses, or the diverse student body. Showcase your readiness to be an active participant in the change-driven environment of NYU Stern.
5. Reflect on Your Unique Qualities:
Consider what unique qualities, experiences, or skills you possess that will contribute to the NYU Stern community and help you succeed in your MBA journey. How do these qualities align with your chosen word and your perspective on change? Are you a catalyst for change, a visionary, a collaborator, or a problem solver? Emphasize what sets you apart and how your presence at NYU Stern will enrich the community.
6. Conclude Strongly:
End your essay on a compelling note. Reiterate the chosen word and its significance in your journey. Express your enthusiasm about the prospect of studying at NYU Stern and how it will further deepen your embrace of change. Make it clear that you are not only seeking to benefit from the MBA experience but also to contribute to the dynamic culture at NYU Stern.
Lastly, remember the importance of clarity, conciseness, and focus in your essay. Avoid generic statements and be specific about your experiences and aspirations. Proofread your essay diligently to ensure it presents a polished and professional image. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to crafting an engaging and insightful response to NYU Stern’s essay prompt on change.
Examples:
- Innovate: This word conveys a commitment to bringing fresh ideas and approaches to challenges, a valuable trait in today’s rapidly changing business environment.
- Adapt: If you have a history of successfully adjusting to new situations and environments, “adapt” could showcase your resilience and flexibility.
- Transform: Use this word if you’ve been a part of transformative experiences or if you have a vision for creating positive change.
- Empower: If your goal is to empower individuals or communities through your work, this word highlights your commitment to making a meaningful impact.
- Catalyze: If you see yourself as a catalyst for change, someone who initiates and accelerates transformation, this word could be a powerful choice.
- Lead: If you aspire to lead initiatives, teams, or organizations toward positive change, this word signifies your ambition.
- Inspire: If you aim to inspire others with your actions and ideas, this word showcases your motivational qualities.
- Dare: For those who are unafraid to take risks and push boundaries, “dare” signifies a fearless approach to change and innovation.
- Create: If your focus is on creating new solutions, products, or services, this word highlights your role in generating change.
- Impact: If your goal is to make a significant impact on your industry or community, this word communicates your dedication to change.
Remember that the word you choose should align with your experiences and future aspirations, and it should be meaningful to you personally. It’s not just about the word itself but how you connect it to your story and your fit with the MBA program you’re applying to.
3. Essay 2: Personal Expression (a.k.a. “Pick Six”)
Introduce yourself to the Admissions Committee and to your future classmates using six images and corresponding captions. The Pick Six is a way to share more about the qualities you will bring to the Stern community, beyond your professional and academic achievements. Your uploaded PDF should contain all of the following elements:
A brief introduction or overview of your “Pick Six” (no more than 3 sentences).
Six images that help illustrate your interests, values, motivations, perspective and/or personality.
A one-sentence caption for each of the six images that helps explain why they were selected and are significant to you.
Note: Your visuals may include photos, infographics, drawings, or any other images. Your document must be uploaded as a single PDF. The essay cannot be sent in physical form or be linked to a website.
ESSAY ANALYSIS
The NYU Stern “Pick Six” essay is a distinctive opportunity for applicants to provide a holistic view of themselves beyond their academic and professional achievements. This visual and textual essay allows you to introduce yourself to the Admissions Committee and your future classmates using six carefully chosen images and captions. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of how to approach and excel in this unique admissions essay:
1. Brief Introduction:
Begin your essay with a succinct introduction or overview of your “Pick Six.” This serves as the initial glimpse into your essay and sets the tone for what follows. It should be engaging and should spark curiosity about the visuals and captions to come.
2. Selecting the Six Images:
Choosing the right images is the crux of this essay. These visuals should collectively paint a vivid picture of who you are, showcasing your interests, values, motivations, perspective, and personality. Consider the following when selecting your images:
Diversity: Ensure that your images represent different facets of your life and character. Balance personal experiences, achievements, hobbies, and values.
Relevance: Each image should be directly related to your life or experiences, making it significant in the context of your personal narrative.
Balance: Aim for a balanced portrayal, avoiding an overemphasis on a single aspect of your life, such as work or hobbies. Show the full spectrum of your personality and interests.
3. Crafting One-Sentence Captions:
The captions accompanying each image are your opportunity to explain why you selected the image and why it is significant to you. Here’s what to consider when crafting these captions:
Clarity: Ensure that your captions are concise and clearly express why the image is important to you.
Personal Significance: Explain how each image is personally meaningful. What values, experiences, or emotions does it represent?
Alignment with NYU Stern: Indirectly reflect how these images and their accompanying captions align with the values and culture of NYU Stern. Consider what qualities you possess that are in line with what the school seeks in its students.
4. Cohesion and Narrative:
While each image should stand alone in significance, there should also be an overarching narrative or theme that ties them together. Think about the story you’re telling collectively through these images. Is it about your journey, your values, your aspirations, or your role in a community?
5. Showcase Uniqueness:
Highlight what sets you apart and makes you a valuable addition to the NYU Stern community. Consider how your personal expression through these images demonstrates your potential to contribute positively to the school.
6. Proofreading and Presentation:
After you’ve selected your images and crafted your captions, ensure that your essay is free from any typographical or grammatical errors. Additionally, pay attention to the overall presentation. The essay should be organized, visually appealing, and easy to follow. Present it as a single PDF, as required.
In conclusion, the “Pick Six” essay is an opportunity to reveal your multi-dimensional personality and your fit with NYU Stern. Take your time to carefully choose images and craft captions that truly reflect who you are and what you can bring to the MBA community. Make it a unique and memorable representation of yourself.
PLACEMENTS
Each year, Stern achieves high employment rates in excess of 95% of each MBA class. The return on investment is huge given a median alumni salary after graduation of USD 155,000 with a sizable variable compensation of USD 30,000.
At NYU Stern, career development is a dynamic journey from day one. The innovative Ignite program, led by the Careers Team, sets the stage for MBA candidates to excel in their chosen fields. This program offers industry panels, résumé reviews, networking workshops, and mock interviews, providing students with invaluable practical insights and skills.
New York City’s status as a global business hub offers a plethora of career opportunities. Whether your aspirations are in tech, finance, consumer goods, or any other industry, NYC’s vibrant job market opens doors to a diverse array of employers. NYU Stern’s extensive network ensures that graduates have access to top companies.
In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, NYU Stern introduced SternWorks. This initiative connects MBA students with small businesses in need of support, allowing them to make a meaningful impact during this critical time.
NYU Stern’s unwavering commitment to student success is evident in its focus on career development. Graduates leave the program not only with a prestigious MBA but also with the skills, confidence, and experience to thrive in their chosen fields.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, pursuing an MBA at NYU Stern School of Business can be a transformative and highly rewarding experience. With its strong commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and global perspectives, NYU Stern offers a dynamic and supportive environment for aspiring business leaders.
As you consider taking this significant step in their academic and professional journey, it’s important to remember that the decision to pursue an MBA is a deeply personal one. NYU Stern, with its unique strengths and vibrant community, is certainly an appealing option for those looking to advance their careers in the business world. However, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research, evaluate their goals, and consider how this program aligns with their aspirations.
