Why pursue an MBA (or
dual degree) at this point in your life? What actions have you taken to
determine that Stern is the best fit for your MBA experience? What do you see
yourself doing professionally upon graduation?
- Like other 750 word essays, the most challenging part of this essay is the writing – keeping a tight structure, smooth transitions, and content that keeps the reader interested and engaged in your story.
- Keep in mind that you will also be preparing the last question that is supposed to give AdCom broader perspective on who you are – as such, keep this essay limited strictly to professional situations and goals
- When you write about the “why Stern” part, allow the reader to draw natural conclusions about your fit in the community – draw out specific things that will highlight how you will contribute to the areas most important to you
- Keep the "professional career after graduation" piece brief - note the next question where you will be speaking to your career paths in great detail
Essay 2: Choose Option A or Option B (Note: We mostly
recommend candidates pick Option B, because of how creative it can allow you to
be)
Option A: Describe two different and distinct paths you
could see your career taking long term. How do you see your two paths
unfolding? What factors will most determine which path you will take? How do
your paths tie to the mission of NYU Stern?
- This essay is actually liberating for most candidates - so many applicants do in fact have multiple career paths in mind that they could be successful at
- For each path that you discuss, speak to how it ties to the mission of Stern very specifically
- The two paths can be in the same industry, but it's important to highlight clearly the difference between the two if you go down this route
Option B: Please describe
yourself to your MBA classmates. You may use almost any method to convey your
message (e.g. words, illustrations). Feel free to be creative.
Very similar to Booth’s presentation format – here are some
tips:
- Lots of pictures. The whole point of being given the allowance to send in a PDF or PPT is that you can be creative and include pictures of you doing things, instead of writing about it. We strongly recommend including at least 5 - 8 pictures in the deck.
- Creative art / cartoons: Candidates often complain about not having enough pictures that are presentable. Then mock it up! Use a creative illustrator and create some art that can showcase the fun side of you.
- Required: Fun! This essay is supposed to be mostly addressed to your future classmates. Please reserve your professional accomplishments for your written essays, and use this one to show your fun side. If you don't have a fun side (ahem), at least display your personal attributes - pictures of your family, of you growing up, doing silly things, etc. Good way to show that you can laugh at yourself!
- Themes: If you are completely out of ideas, use a theme that defines you for each page. E.g., "Family Man", "Adventurer", "Researcher", "Athlete", etc.
- Tell a story! The easiest thing to understand is a chronological story, from when you grew up to where you are now. An easy format that has been leveraged nicely by many candidates.
Other ideas:
"day in my life", flash card format, letter format, etc.
Good luck!
