Get the Scoop on the NYU Stern MBA Admissions Process
Understanding the NYU Stern MBA admissions process is crucial to crafting a compelling application for prospective MBA students. In a recent episode of the Stern Chats podcast, hosts and current MBA students Mridula Rajagopal and Radhini Sridhara sat down with Matthew Moll, Director of MBA Admissions, to discuss what makes a successful Stern applicant and how candidates can best showcase their strengths.
We’re sharing an overview of their illuminating conversation here. For those who want to dive deeper, listening to the full Stern Chats episode provides an even richer perspective on the admissions process and what it means to be part of the Stern community.
Are you curious about your chances of getting into a top B-school like NYU Stern? Contact us to talk strategy with a free 15-minute advising session with an SBC Principal Consultant.
A Holistic Approach: No One-Size-Fits-All Candidate
One of the most reassuring takeaways from the conversation was Stern’s holistic admissions philosophy. Unlike some schools that may prioritize specific backgrounds or industries, Stern values diversity in experience and perspective.
“There isn’t a person we’re looking for to make up the class. So for the individual, that should be somewhat of a relief. You can let go of all these preconceived notions of what you need to do to convince the admissions committee to admit you because ultimately, we want to get to know you as an individual,” Moll explained.
This emphasis on individuality means applicants should focus on authenticity rather than attempting to fit a perceived mold. Stern values candidates who bring unique insights, leadership potential, and a collaborative spirit to the program.
B-Schooled Podcast Episode #235: Authenticity in Your MBA Applications
Balancing IQ and EQ: Stern’s Unique Admissions Philosophy
Stern’s admissions process emphasizes IQ (intellectual intelligence) and EQ (emotional intelligence). While every MBA program focuses on building analytical and technical skills, Stern places equal importance on leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
“We want to bring in folks who know they have this opportunity to improve on those interpersonal skills—leadership, empathy, being a really good teammate. Because not only are you going to be a leader when you leave business school, but you are going to be somebody who’s not the expert. And being able to be comfortable in that and be supportive in that is really valuable,” Moll shared.
This balance between IQ and EQ is a defining characteristic of Stern’s community, and applicants who demonstrate strong interpersonal skills alongside academic and professional excellence will stand out in the admissions process.
NYU Stern MBA Admissions Process: Crafting a Strong Application
Understanding what Stern looks for is just the beginning. Moll walked through the key components of the application and provided insight into what makes a compelling submission.
Academic Readiness and Test Waivers
Stern requires an undergraduate degree and a TOEFL score for non-native English speakers. Standardized test scores are part of the evaluation, though candidates can apply for a test waiver if they demonstrate academic preparedness through other means.
“We do have an application for test waivers. If you show that capacity, that competency, we have the ability to waive your test. Ultimately, it’s whatever is best for you,” Moll advised.
Candidates should review Stern’s class profile to understand the typical range of test scores, but there are no strict minimums or cutoffs.
Professional Experience and the EQ Endorser
Stern does not require a minimum of work experience, though the average admitted student has around five years of post-undergraduate experience. Moll encouraged applicants to focus on demonstrating professional growth and impact rather than simply listing job responsibilities.
“When you are considering how to show that off, a tip when you’re thinking about your resume—this is an opportunity for us to learn about you, and this is a chance for you to quantify your experience,” Moll explained.
The EQ Endorser is a unique aspect of the NYU Stern MBA admissions process and application. That’s a recommendation focused on a candidate’s emotional intelligence in the workplace. While a direct supervisor is preferred, Moll reassured applicants that they could choose someone else who knows them well if needed.
“Ultimately, choose a person who can champion you and really be somebody who says amazing things about you,” he said.
Essays: Showcasing Personality and Fit
Stern’s essays provide a valuable opportunity for candidates to highlight their personal and professional values. The Change Essay asks applicants to choose a word that represents change and discuss its significance. Meanwhile, the Pick Six allows applicants to submit six photos illustrating their personality and interests.
“The Pick Six is supposed to be fun. It’s supposed to show the fun side of you. You are applying to business school, and this is a professional school, so we expect folks to come here in a straightforward way. But you don’t need to become something you’re not in the application,” Moll emphasized.
Beyond the Classroom: Experiential Learning at Stern
A key component of the Stern MBA experience is its emphasis on hands-on learning. In programs like Stern Signature Projects (SSP) and Doing Business In (DBi), students apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
SSPs give students the chance to collaborate with organizations on pressing business challenges. Moll highlighted a recent project with Dow Climate, where students worked on sustainable business solutions. “You may not come in as an expert, but you become one and then you can lend your expertise that you’ve gained,” he noted.
DBi courses offer short-term immersive experiences in international markets such as South Africa, New Zealand, and Mexico for students seeking global exposure. “Doing Business In is a way for you to globalize your experience while you’re in the heart of New York City. Two years is short, and this is a way for you to get that experience,” Moll added.
Connect with the Stern Community
Moll’s most significant piece of advice for prospective students is to engage with the Stern community before applying. “Talk to students! Understand what the community experience will be like and how you’ll fit into that. The best way is to talk to our students,” he emphasized.
For those preparing their applications, Moll also shared a few do’s and don’ts:
- Do highlight past challenges and how you’ve grown from them.
- Do research and reference Stern’s collaborative culture in your essays.
- Do mention personal passions, even if they’re not strictly business-related.
- Don’t copy and paste another school’s essay without tailoring it.
- Don’t check your application status daily—updates will come within the expected timeline.
The NYU Stern MBA admissions process aims to find intellectually curious, emotionally intelligent candidates who are eager to contribute to the community. Whether through the Pick Six, the Change Essay, or experiential learning opportunities, applicants have multiple ways to showcase their individuality.
As Moll put it best, “There is no need to become something you’re not in the application. We want to meet you.”
For those applying, take the time to reflect on your story, leverage Stern’s resources, and, most importantly—be yourself.
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Here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team.
Ashley
Ashley is a former MBA Admissions Board Member for Harvard Business School (HBS), where she interviewed and evaluated thousands of business school applicants for over a six year tenure. Ashley holds an MBA from HBS. During her HBS years, Ashley was the Sports Editor for the Harbus and a member of the B-School Blades Ice Hockey Team. After HBS, she worked in Marketing at the Gillette Company on Male and Female shaving ...
×Pauline
A former associate director of admissions at Harvard Business School, Pauline served on the HBS MBA Admissions Board full-time for four years. She evaluated and interviewed HBS applicants, both on-campus and globally. Pauline's career has included sales and marketing management roles with Coca-Cola, Gillette, Procter & Gamble, and IBM. For over 10 years, Pauline has expertly guided MBA applicants, and her clients h ...
×Laura
Laura comes from the MBA Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS) and is an HBS MBA alumnus. In her HBS Admissions role, she evaluated and interviewed hundreds of business school candidates, including internationals, women, military and other applicant pools, for five years. Prior to her time as a student at HBS, Laura began her career in advertising and marketing in Chicago at Leo Burnett where she worked on th ...
×Andrea
Andrea served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Harvard Business School (HBS) for over five years. In this role, she provided strategic direction for student yield-management activities and also served as a full member of the admissions committee. In 2007, Andrea launched the new 2+2 Program at Harvard Business School – a program targeted at college junior applicants to Harvard Business School. Andrea has also served as a Career Coach for Harvard Business School for both cu ...
×Jennifer
Jennifer served as Admissions Officer at the Stanford (GSB) for five years. She holds an MBA from Stanford (GSB) and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jennifer has over 15 years experience in guiding applicants through the increasingly competitive admissions process into top MBA programs. Having read thousands and thousands of essays and applications while at Stanford (GSB) Admiss ...
×Erin K.
Erin served in key roles in MBA Admissions--as Director at Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and Assistant Director at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB). Erin served on the admissions committee at each school and has read thousands of applications in her career. At Haas, she served for seven years in roles that encompassed evaluation, outreach, and diversity and inclusion. During her tenure in Admissions at GSB, she was responsible for candidate evaluation, applicant outreach, ...
×Susie
Susie comes from the Admissions Office of the Stanford Graduate School of Business where she reviewed and evaluated hundreds of prospective students’ applications. She holds an MBA from Stanford’s GSB and a BA from Stanford in Economics. Prior to advising MBA applicants, Susie held a variety of roles over a 15-year period in capital markets, finance, and real estate, including as partner in one of the nation’s most innovative finance and real estate investment organizations. In that r ...
×Dione
Dione holds an MBA degree from Stanford Business School (GSB) and a BA degree from Stanford University, where she double majored in Economics and Communication with concentrations in journalism and sociology. Dione has served as an Admissions reader and member of the Minority Admissions Advisory Committee at Stanford. Dione is an accomplished and respected advocate and thought leader on education and diversity. She is ...
×Anthony
Anthony served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he dedicated over 10 years of expertise. During his time as a Wharton Admissions Officer, he read and reviewed thousands of applications and helped bring in a class of 800+ students a year. Anthony has traveled both domestically and internationally to recruit a ...
×Meghan
Meghan served as the Associate Director of Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute, a joint degree program combining the Wharton MBA with an MA in International Studies. In her role on the Wharton MBA admissions committee, Meghan advised domestic and international applicants; conducted interviews and information sessions domestically and overseas in Asia, Central and South America, and Europe; and evaluated applicants for admission to the program. Meghan also managed ...
×Amy
Amy comes from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where she was Associate Director. Amy devoted 12 years at the Wharton School, working closely with MBA students and supporting the admissions team. During her tenure at Wharton, Amy served as a trusted adviser to prospective applicants as well as admitted and matriculated students. She conducted admissions chats with applicants early in the admissions ...
×Ally
Ally brings six years of admissions experience to the SBC team, most recently as an Assistant Director of Admission for the full-time MBA program at Columbia Business School (CBS). During her time at Columbia, Ally was responsible for reviewing applications, planning recruitment events, and interviewing candidates for both the full-time MBA program and the Executive MBA program. She traveled both internationally and dome ...
×Erin B.
Erin has over seven years of experience working across major institutions, including University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, and NYU's Stern School of Business. At Columbia Business School, Erin was an Assistant Director of Admissions where she evaluated applications for both the full time and executive MBA programs, sat on the admissions and merit scholarship committees and advised applicants on which program might be the best fit for them based on their work experience and pro ...
×Emma
Emma comes from the MBA Admissions Office at Columbia Business School (CBS), where she was Associate Director. Emma conducted dozens of interviews each cycle for the MBA and EMBA programs, as well as coordinating the alumni ambassador interview program. She read and evaluated hundreds of applications each cycle, delivered information sessions to audiences across the globe, and advised countless waitlisted applicants. ×
Kate
Kate served in the MBA Admissions Office at Columbia Business School for over five years. In her capacity as an Associate Director, Kate advised applicants daily and reviewed hundreds of applications per cycle. She was also an applicant interviewer, a liaison to other offices within the School, and a CBS representative at events around the world. Kate managed several recruiting and operational projects for the Admissions Committee. After Columbia Business School, Kate transitioned into cam ...
×Holly
Holly worked as a member of the NYU Stern MBA Admissions team for seven years and holds an MBA from NYU Stern. In her tenure as Director of NYU MBA Admissions, Holly worked closely with admissions teams from Columbia, Michigan Ross, UVA Darden, Cornell Johnson, Berkeley Haas, Yale SOM, and Duke Fuqua on recruiting events domestically and internationally. On the NYU Stern admissions committee, Holly conducted interviews, planned and hosted events, and trained staff on reading and interviewi ...
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