nyu mba essay questions

Essay 1 – In today’s global business environment, the only constant is change. Using NYU Stern’s brand call to action, we want to know how you view change. Change: _____ it. Fill in the blank with a word of your choice. Why does this word resonate with you? How will you embrace your own personal tagline while at Stern? Examples: Change: Dare it. Change: Dream it. Change: Drive it. Change: Empower it. Change: Manifest it. Change: [Any word of your choice.]

Ahhhh, the “blank-it!” essay! How perfect! Stern shows its willingness to innovate yet again this year, and this is perfectly timed for the era we all are living in. This one should be fun! (And how tempting is it to use a swear word in this prompt!!)

Essay 2 – Personal Expression aka Pick Six: Describe yourself to the Admissions Committee and to your future classmates using six images and corresponding captions. 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 who you are. 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 that best describe you. Your document must be uploaded as a single PDF. The essay cannot be sent in physical form or be linked to a website. These directions could not be more clear. The best part is that this is your chance to share who you are. Time to sort through your social media feeds and find some good representations of that!! We recommend making this a 7-page PDF, create it in PowerPoint, write your caption in a large font, make it succinct, and use lots of white space so that the reader can skim through and see at a glance how you’re representing yourself. And have we mentioned The Strategy of Authenticity lately? Well, that applies to a visual essay too!

They’ve also got an optional essay of up to 250 words, which is quite short, but it’s only to be used if necessary to lay out specific circumstance from your profile or explain something from your past that could not otherwise be captured within the application.

We cover it all in the Stern guide which has been refreshed for 2022.

Fashion / Luxury and Tech MBAs at Stern

If you’re in a hurry to get your MBA done, and you’re looking to take full advantage of the known strengths in specific sectors that Stern offers, one of these could be the perfect match for you.

The Tech MBA and the Fashion & Luxury MBA are both one year long, matriculating in May, so you can minimize your time out of the workforce in these fast-changing industries.

We’ve been coaching BSers to jump on the Stern advantage for these sectors for years, and now there’s an even more attractive opportunity to do so. We expect admissions to be somewhat more flexible for these two programs at least during this first year of inception, as the school builds momentum and app volumes. There are no other comparable programs to the Fashion MBA; Cornell has the Tech MBA which is the only other of its kind after this one at NYU.

Make the most of your chance and pick up our NYU Stern application guide for insights and strategies!

NYU Stern EQ Endorsements

(called Letters of Recommendation at other schools!) Stern uses semi-standardized requirements for recommendations, but to mix things up, they call their recommendation an “EQ Endorsement” which is a way to emphasize the value of EQ in their candidates.

In the two EQ Endorsements, Stern is asking the same questions that many other schools are asking and they have a unique Stern-specific one focusing on emotional intelligence. The questions are reasonably straightforward but you still may want to pick up our Recommender’s Instruction Sets for your recommenders to use, based on this difference.

Here’s the unique additional question that recommenders must answer for Stern ( full requirements available at the Stern site here )

IQ+EQ is a core value of NYU Stern, and we seek exceptional individuals who possess both intellectual and interpersonal strengths. Emotional intelligence (EQ) skills such as self-awareness, empathy, communication and self-management are at the core of our community of leaders. Please provide one specific and compelling example to demonstrate the applicant’s emotional intelligence.

If you’re stuck on who to choose, you can plan out your options and ask for input from EssaySnark with our Letters of Recommendation App Accelerator .

NYU Stern Deadlines 2022-2023

We don’t list last-round deadlines on the blahg because of the lower odds of acceptance. Even though Stern has been more viable in landing an admit than some other schools lately, this is proving to be a very competitive season. Hitting NYU F/T in one of their first three rounds offers your best chances. If you are coming in late in the season and want to try, submit as soon as you can – don’t wait for the deadline!

The NYU Stern SnarkStrategies Guide includes a discussion of these options.

EssaySnark Commentary

EssaySnark has reviewed a fair number of NYU essays on the blahg over the years. Here’s a couple from past seasons. Even if the questions are different today, the gist of your pitch will need to be similar:

Part-time MBA | Admissions

Transcripts

Resume & Recommendation

International Students

Video: Part-time MBA Admissions Overview

Application deadlines.

Eligibility to Apply

NYU Stern requires either the GMAT, GRE, or EA (Executive Assessment), unless you qualify for one of the test waivers.

More info on Tests

Test Waivers

Business major test waiver.

NYU Undergraduate Test Waiver

Video: Student Voices

Class profile highlights, professional achievements, recommendation.

Stern Chats: Amanda Villarreal

Please note:.

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September 19, 2022

NYU Stern Executive MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2022 – 2023]

Reflecting the character of the university at large, NYU Stern has always sought applicants who bring not just requisite accomplishment, but also intellectual energy and engagement with the world – people who have a point of view and are willing to express it. Stern’s EMBA essay questions are consistent with these values. While they cover the standard concerns, they also draw out your ability to self-reflect and to understand yourself in relation to others and to the world. The key to acing these essays is to present a point of view, a message, a distinctive perspective that will enrich the EMBA community at NYU Stern.

NYU Stern Executive MBA application essays

Applicants are required to respond to essay prompts 1 and 2. The 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. There is an optional essay if you wish to provide additional information.

All essays have a 500 word limit, double spaced. Word limits apply to the total essay question. For example, your response to Essay 2 should answer all parts.

NYU Stern EMBA essay #1

Describe your short- and long-term career goals and how the NYU Stern Executive MBA program will help you accomplish them.

One simple, straightforward, and effective way to structure this essay is to start with a recent achievement that reflects where you are in your career now. This opening sets the context and conveys a bit about your current situation, emphasizing what is impressive and/or distinctive about it. Then discuss how the EMBA education will enable you to achieve your immediate goals in your current role and later your intermediate and longer-term goals, which should logically build on this present role.

In describing your goals , clarify why you want to take that step or assume that role. Add more detail for your short-term and intermediate goals. In discussing how the program will benefit you, describe the skills and knowledge you need to acquire and how the program provides them. Also refer to the structure, curriculum, and/or special features of the program, noting how you will benefit from them. Finally, resist the temptation to detail your career progress — limit yourself to points relevant to your goals.

Applying to EMBA programs? Schedule a free discovery call to find out how Accepted can help you!

NYU Stern EMBA essay #2

NYU Stern is committed to helping students develop a deeper set of professional skills, and a broader perspective of the role of business in the world. a . What is a significant contemporary issue on which you, as a business leader, would like to have an impact? b . Why is it important to you? c . How could you leverage your skills and resources to address the issue?

The most important advice here: select an issue that you truly care about (and are knowledgeable about). You may research some fine points, but responses to this question that are entirely constructed of research on a topic will seem like an academic exercise rather than an expression of engagement.

A simple and effective strategy for this essay is to follow the a-b-c structure set out in the question. First talk about the issue in personal as well as objective terms, i.e., how you came to learn and/or care about it, perhaps what experience you’ve had with it if relevant – make it anecdotal if possible . Take a stand; avoid being bland or abstract. Then describe how as a business leader you can address this issue in concrete terms. This last part will vary greatly from person to person – for some your work will directly address this issue; for others work will be divorced from it, and you will indirectly use your business leadership role as a bully pulpit, as a prominent and influential community leader/volunteer, etc. However, don’t make the mistake of just talking about your ideas and plans. Take this opportunity to weave in some actual experiences here to make or substantiate your points.

NYU Stern EMBA essay #3 (optional)

Provide any additional information for the Admissions Committee. This may include additional details on your academic/quantitative preparation for MBA coursework through educational or professional experience, further explanation of academic history, current or past gaps in employment, or any other information relevant to your application.

This question’s wording indicates that you can use it not just to explain a problem but also to present new material that you think will enhance your application. However, if you are making the adcom read more than is required, there should be a darn good reason – not just a nice-to-know.

First, succinctly explain any points that need explaining. Then, if there is something you feel is important that you haven’t had a chance to discuss elsewhere, write about it, noting why it’s essential to a full understanding of your candidacy.

For expert guidance with your NYU Stern Executive MBA application, check out Accepted’s MBA Application Packages , which include comprehensive guidance from an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to NYU Stern’s Executive MBA program and look forward to helping you too!

NYU Stern Executive MBA application deadlines for 2022 – 2023

Rolling admissions:

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis once they are complete. Candidates should ensure that the Admissions Committee has received all parts of their application by the earliest possible deadline.

Source: NYU Stern website

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***

Cindy Tokumitsu has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 20 years with Accepted. She would love to help you too. Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!

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NYU Stern EMBA Essay Analysis & Tips

NYU Stern EMBA Essay 1:

Describe your short and long-term career goals and how the nyu stern executive mba program will help you accomplish them. (approx 500 words, double-spaced).

This is a fairly straightforward goal essay question. But how can you be creative and add a little twist? You can start the essay with one of your recent accomplishments or by narrating a challenge that you have handled in your job, and then go on to explain to the admissions committee where you are in your career right now. Against the backdrop of this opening, explain your future career trajectory and show how an EMBA education from NYU will boost your chances of accomplishing your objectives way faster.

Your career goals should be rooted in the ground realities of your current job. Hence, explain in detail about your future job positions, industry, location and what do you aspire to do/achieve in those roles. Also, please mention what motivates you in the first place to achieve these goals instead of doing something else.

Finally, you should know about the NYU Stern program inside out. It offers a basket of opportunities to its students. It’s pretty easy to choose the areas such as electives, clubs, treks, conferences and so on in which you aspire to participate and hone your leadership skills. But the important thing is to do the appropriate research on the program to know about its various aspects rather than just browse the NYU website and pick some random activities.

NYU Stern EMBA Essay 2:

Nyu stern is committed to helping students develop a deeper set of professional skills, and a broader perspective of the role of business in the world. (approx 500 words, double-spaced).

a. What is a significant contemporary issue on which you, as a business leader, would like to have an impact?

b. Why is it important to you?

c. How could you leverage your skills and resources to address the issue?

The secret of writing a great essay is to select a subject which is truly close to your heart. Don’t try to pick a subject after searching some burning contemporary issues in Google. Your passion for a subject will not be as strong as it will be for one that you really care about. So please don’t try to impress the admissions committee by selecting global issues on which you have very little to say.

The best is to choose a subject that you have dealt with. For instance, do you work in a healthcare company in the US? If yes, do you have some fresh ideas on how the cost of healthcare in the US can be slashed using either emerging technologies or some process reengineering? In that case, you can certainly select this subject and craft a persuasive essay. This approach will help you to give a proper answer for Question B – why it is important for you.

Think carefully about what the basic problem that you have encountered and then give your opinion on how it can be solved or at least reduced. Write in detail about all the skills that you currently have or are going to have after your EMBA from NYU and how these will help you address it, perhaps not globally but within your sphere of influence.

Please don’t repeat content from Essay # 1.

NYU Stern EMBA Optional Essay:

Please provide any additional information of which you would like the admissions committee to be aware. this may include additional details on your academic/quantitative preparation for mba coursework through educational or professional experience, further explanation of academic history, current or past gaps in employment, or any other information relevant to your application. (500 word limit, double-spaced).

Please review my tips on optional application essays in the following blog post:

Tackling the Optional MBA Essay

NYU Stern EMBA Application Deadlines & Class Profiles

Class Profile : Click here

Deadlines : Click here

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Private Equity Outlook – 2023 (Post-MBA Jobs)

Private equity industry outlook 2023 - slowdown in the industry after 2 years of growth.

On a wave of enthusiasm following the industry's record-breaking performance in 2021, private equity scored its second-best year ever in 2022. But throughout the year's second half, dramatic declines in deals, departures, and fund-raising were brought on by rising interest rates, which probably indicates a flip in trend.

The second half of 2022 saw a significant slowdown in private equity (PE) activity due to uncertainty and disruption brought on by inflation, rising interest rates, closed debt markets, and geopolitical unrest.

Notwithstanding ongoing inflation, the invasion of Ukraine, and escalating tensions with China, the industry maintained a record-breaking burst of deal activity from 2021 to the first half of 2022. Then, in June, when US central bankers announced the first of a series of three-quarter-point interest rate increases, their counterparts elsewhere did the same. Banks withdrew their funding for leveraged transactions. Deal making fell off a cliff, and exit and fund-raising totals fell along with it.

The first half of the year witnessed an environment of deals that carried over much momentum after PE firms announced transactions valued at US$515b. This was a tale of two markets. However, as the war in Ukraine's macroeconomic effects became apparent, the widening valuation gap and widespread dislocation in the financing markets also became evident. The limited access to PE's traditional sources of financing came to light in the second half of the year. PE firms began to exercise greater caution.

Current valuations will be under pressure due to weak economic growth, challenging political contexts, and constrained credit markets, which will also slow investment and realization activity.

Private markets responded more slowly, but public equities in 2022 immediately reflected these worries.

PE Growth Opportunities - 2023 to 2028

Between 2023 and 2028, the projection period, the global private equity market is predicted to grow significantly.

More generally, businesses will likely use additional inventive funding methods over the next months. Firms can continue operating using levers like seller financing, deferred equity, and over-equitizing transactions with an eye on future balance sheet reorganizations.

Opportunities have risen in the middle market, where deals are much simpler to put together, valuations are typically lower, and companies can write larger equity checks for transactions.

Increased activity in add-on deals was observed in 2022, and this trend is anticipated to last through the first half of 2023. For instance, add-ons have increased from an average of 48% of all PE activity during the past ten years to 60% of all PE activity in 2022.

Note: What is an Add on Deal?

Add on Deals are deals involving small companies with little to no infrastructure or a large company with a robust infrastructure – both with the goal of reaching more customers and geographies.