How to Get Into NYU Stern School of Business

Introduction

The New York University Stern School of Business is renowned for its diversity, technology, and overall intellect. With such an impressive background and commitment to business, NYU Stern has built themselves a rapport that would make any business applicant fawn at the idea of attending.

But with relatively competitive acceptance rates and intricate application requirements, some students may be at a loss on the best way to get accepted. This article will include all of the information you need to increase your chances of being accepted into NYU Stern School of Business, along with everything you will need to complete your application. 

About NYU Stern School of Business 

The New York University Stern School of Business prides itself on having a vibrant and diverse community like the city in which it resides. The university strives to create leaders who embrace uncertainty and drive change in both society and the business world. They have an unequivocal belief in business’s power to improve the community. 

The belief in this power has been built into the culture and curriculum of NYU Stern School of Business. The goal is to make connections with industries worldwide, yielding experiential learning projects and jobs.

Stern values excellence that may not be traditional, both IQ and EQ, and consider themselves radically responsible. The school is known for being bold, nimble, fearless, hip, edgy, and innovative, and they have emphasized their revere for diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging for all people and ideas.

With many accolades under the schools’ belt, Stern’s research productivity and high job placement rate are best known, with 94 percent of 2-year full-time MBA alumni receiving job offers three months after graduation.

The NYU Stern School of Business offers various programs, including the full-time MBA program, Tech MBA, a part-time MBA, Dual Degrees, Fashion and Luxury MBAs, an EMBA in New York City or Washington D.C, and the Trium Global EMBA. The school prides itself on providing a well-rounded curriculum that is customizable to cater to various students.

The institution’s objective is to provide an education that students can actively apply to the workplace, with student testimonies saying this is true and utilizing their lessons in their employment after graduating. The customizable curriculum allows students to select up to three specializations from more than twenty options.

Students can also take up to 25 percent of their courses at other NYU graduate schools or partner institutions. There are over 200 electives to choose from, taught by various top researchers and industry leaders. These varied program offerings and flexible curriculum tailor your education to your learning style. 

The NYU Stern School of Business has also implemented the LAUNCH Curriculum for full-time MBA students. This teaching method is an introduction to the NYU Stern MBA experience.

It aims to transform MBA students’ mindsets, allowing them to view challenges as opportunities for growth and creation and push students to think broadly about how business can be an asset to society. The LAUNCH Curriculum is requirement-heavy in the first year but is significantly more customizable and flexible in the second.

A financial accounting and reporting course and a statistics and data analysis course are the required core classes in the first year. Students can choose five classes from the eight menu core classes:

• Business Analytics

• Firms, Markets

• Foundations of Finance

• The Global Economy

• Leadership in Organizations

• Marketing

• Operations Management

• Strategy
  

Five core classes are required in this degree plan, and students must establish proficiency in courses through prior degrees, a proficiency exam, or GPA to pass these core classes and move forward in the plan. The curriculum also includes students participating in a campus recruiting program, offering internships around the world.

Additionally, NYU Stern offers a study abroad semester exchange program with 53 exchange partners in 29 countries. Students can travel the globe through one of the DBI programs at NYU Stern School of Business available in over ten worldwide locations.

Students are permitted to select up to three specializations in their second year and choose from over 200 electives. Courses are offered during both the day and evening. Some students choose to take advantage of Stern Solutions experiential learning, which encourages immersion, service, and reflection, teaching students to tackle real-world issues in real-time. 

As mentioned before, NYU Stern School of Business prides itself on the inclusion, diversity, and belonging of all students and ideas, believing these factors are vital for advancing knowledge, sparking innovation, and creating sustainable communities.

This emphasis on diversity guarantees a higher quality of debate with students operating from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a complex academic enterprise. The culture at NYU Stern is welcoming and supports creation and free-thinking.

There are various professional and special interest clubs, along with a student blog and a variety of student profiles posted on the school’s website with the ability to speak directly to Stern alumni. The professional clubs include the business analytics club, emerging markets association, entrepreneurship and startup association, and FinTech Association.

The special interest clubs are diverse, with clubs such as arts, cruising and culture, stern adventures club, stern golf club, and a softball club.

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Requirements and How to Apply to NYU Stern

Basic Requirements 

There are four application deadlines for the NYU Stern School of Business set mid-month in October, November, January, and March. The deadlines are set this way to ensure applicants know the latest date they will receive a notification from Stern. Deadlines can be nerve-racking, but it is still encouraged to send in your application when it is at its utmost potential.

Never compromise the quality of your application. Applicants must select a program of interest and can only apply to one program.

Every entering student must hold a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or an international equivalent along with proof of English mastery. Mastery can be proven by English being your native language, acquiring a degree from a university instructed in English, or taking a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English test. 

Application

The notification process of admission begins with an interview invitation. Following the interview would be a waitlist offer, denial, or acceptance. The post-interview decision can take up to three weeks. Knowing this, we can get into the details of the actual application.

The application requires a resume or CV, work history, essays, and EQ endorsements. The EQ endorsements are essentially letters of recommendation. As for standardized tests, there are no minimum standardized test score requirements.

NYU Stern School of Business accepts GMAT, GRE, EA, LSAT, and DAT exams as long as the test scores are valid upon application submission. No specific test is preferred over the other, and which one you decide to submit with your application is ultimately your decision. There is also no minimum GPA requirement.

The school accounts for variances in grading systems around the world. Applicants must include transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions they previously attended, which can be uploaded with your application or entered manually. There will be a section for personal and professional information on the application.

Applicants for NYU Stern School of Business come from various professional backgrounds, and no industry is favored over another. The admissions committee values work experience in longevity, depth, and breadth. They will be surveying your responsibilities and progression in your roleb to glean some of your character and work ethic. 

In regards to the essay requirements mentioned earlier, there are two required essays and one optional essay. The essays are meant to allow you to present yourself to the admissions committee and provide insights into your goals, experiences, and thought processes. Essay one focuses on your professional aspirations.

As far as structure, this should be 500 words max, double spaced in 12 point font. This essay asks about your career goals and how an NYU Stern MBA will help you achieve them. The first essay is your chance to expand on your professional accomplishments and combine your desire for an MBA with your goals and aspirations.

The second essay focuses on personal expression. The admissions committee calls it the “Pick Six” essay. In this essay, you should pick six images illustrating who you are with a one-sentence caption for each image that explains why you selected them and their significance to you.

This essay should include a brief introduction that is no more than three sentences. The third essay is an optional additional information essay. This essay would be an opportunity to explain any personal, educational or professional discrepancies that may have made your application appear incomplete. 

Along with the essays, your application requires two EQ Endorsements. One of these endorsements must come from a current supervisor, and if you can not provide this, you must explain why.

The second may come from someone who knows you professionally or personally, but because this endorsement should be objective, it can not come from immediate family. These endorsements should objectively judge your potential for success in NYU Stern’s MBA program and your future career while advocating for your strengths as an applicant.

Submitting more than two endorsements is not encouraged but allowed. These endorsements should be concise yet thorough, being an honest reflection of your character. Applicants should submit both EQ endorsements online by uploading a Word or PDF document.

International students must complete the international student supplement with their application. There are two sections to this supplemental document, your visa status, and permanent foreign address. The information provided in this section does not affect your chances of admission.

Under the admissions policies for the NYU Stern School of Business, there is a $250 non-refundable application fee. There are fee waivers available for US military members, veterans, Teach for American/India alumni, and Forte MBA LAUNCH alumnae.

There is also an Application Fee Waiver Request Form that applicants can submit for approval if they want to be considered for fee removal due to economic challenges.

Tips for Success 

The NYU Stern School of Business is transparent about what they want to see in an applicant, and their requirements are remarkably attainable. Like most business schools, it is best to begin the application process early, starting with researching and collecting essential documents.

The following tips will raise your chances of admittance by making your application stand out in the sea of applicants vying for a seat at NYU Stern. 

1. Apply Early 

With four application deadlines throughout the application process, the best method is to apply as early as possible. The first two rounds are the best times to apply, with the other rounds being significantly more competitive.

By the last two rounds, the admissions committee has had the chance to evaluate various applicants and have decided more specifically what they seek in applicants moving forward in the process.

Admissions will most likely be looking for underrepresented applicants and those who display different professional backgrounds and personal experiences than they’ve seen thus far. Applying in the last two rounds will require you to possess something that significantly sets you apart from other applicants.

For example, an impressive professional background or outstanding standardized test scores. Even then, the chances of being admitted are still less than they would be if you were to submit your application in the first two rounds. By applying early, you have more of a chance to set yourself apart from the rest of the applicants and establish your place in the applicant pool.

If you start the application process early by researching what the admissions committee is looking for and the application requirements, applying in the first two rounds will be merely a stepping stone on your journey to being admitted to the NYU Stern School of Business.

2. Emphasize Personal and Professional Achievement

The admissions committee is looking for students exhibiting stellar interpersonal skills, outstanding intellectual ability, and dedication to creating value in both the business arena and society. They want to see “intellectual curiosity, motivation to explore ideas, and impactful engagement with the world.” according to Jonathan Williams, the vice president of undergraduate admissions at NYU.

The admissions committee has a holistic review process, with each section being equally significant. Still, your overall academic profile could be considered most important when compared to other applicants. This profile represents how you challenged yourself academically and provides insight into how academically advanced you are.

If you have an above-average test score or a class you excelled in that would be considered challenging, this would be a significant component in your application. Williams believes that students must demonstrate an understanding of the balance between choosing challenging coursework and the ability to excel.

He also says that extra-curricular activities, community engagement, and volunteering are equally crucial to the admissions committee. Highlighting these points in your application would be easiest to do in your essays and EQ endorsements. Essay one is meant to highlight your professional aspirations.

In this essay, sell yourself to the admissions committee. Discuss your drive and consistent work ethic along with anything else that would allow you to be perceived as an extraordinary applicant. Leaning on your achievements such as volunteering and community work would be most appropriate in essay two, where personal expression is praised.

Your EQ endorsements could showcase both of these subjects, honoring your accomplishments from a personal and professional standpoint. By focusing on your unique personal achievements, you set yourself apart from other applicants and show the admissions committee you have precisely what they are looking for in an applicant.

3. Thoroughly Research the NYU Stern School of Business 

Multiple times throughout the application process, the admissions committee asks what you want from the NYU Stern School of Business. They want to know why you want an MBA and why you want it from their school specifically. This questioning makes researching and personal reflection imperative to the application process.

You have to know what drew you to the school besides NYU Stern being considered a ‘good school.’ You can ask yourself, “What programs do they offer that suit me? Are there esteemed professors whose classes I’d be excited to take in the school year? What is it about the culture that intrigues me?”

This introspection will make the application much easier to complete and make your arguments on why you deserve admittance more persuasive. This reflection can also be incorporated into your essays with ease.

Forming thoughtful responses demonstrates that you have a clear understanding of the school’s educational offerings and a desire to participate in the change the school strives for as part of its mission. 

FAQs‍

1. Does Stern have a preference between which standardized tests are submitted?

No, Stern does not have a preference on which tests you submit. They accept GMAT, GRE, EA, MCAT, LSAT, and DAT. ‍

2. What is Stern looking for in its applicants?

NYU Stern School of Business evaluates each candidate’s academic profile, professional achievements, aspiration, and personal characteristics. They are looking for someone with strong intellectual ability, superior interpersonal skills, and a desire to create value for business and society. ‍

3. Are admissions officers available for appointments?

No, but tours and information sessions are offered during the week. These tours are 60-90 minutes and include a campus tour led by an MBA student or a member of the admissions committee. You must register for these sessions at least one day in advance. ‍

4. Can I speak to an Alum?

You are encouraged to contact a second-year MBA graduate ambassador. You can do so at mbaga@stern.nyu.edu to learn more about the Stern experience. ‍

5. Does NYU Stern School of Business accept transfer credit?

Unfortunately, Stern does not accept transfer credit. ‍

6. What are the requirements of the EQ Endorsements?

In the EQ endorsements, the writer will be asked to rate you on many abilities and qualities and provide a brief description of their interaction with you and your role in their organization. ‍

7. What information should be in essay three?

If you needed to explain gaps in employment, undergrad records, transcripts, plans to retake exams, or any other information you feel would influence how the admissions committee perceives your application, you may benefit from using essay three. ‍

8. What if I was denied admission and want to reapply?

Reapplicants may submit an abbreviated application that consists of an application data form, resume and employment history, one essay, an EQ endorsement from a current supervisor, and an international student supplement if needed. You can apply to the Full-time MBA program, Andre Koo Tech MBA program, or the Fashion and Luxury MBA program. 

Conclusion

It can feel like you are at a complete loss when applying to the NYU Stern School of Business. But by doing thorough research on the university, the application process can be more manageable than you might think.

The NYU Stern School of Business application is all about being familiar with your personal and career aspirations and knowing what you want from receiving an MBA. You can ensure an easy application process by applying in the first two rounds, emphasizing your achievements, and knowing how you plan to utilize Stern’s MBA program in your career.

Doing this will make your application stand out, elevate your MBA essay and make your request for admission more persuasive. By following the tips provided in this article, you can guarantee a smooth application process and improve your chance of admission to the NYU Stern School of Business.