NYU Stern MBA – Essays Tips and Deadlines for 2024-25 

NYU Stern MBA – Essay Writing Tips 

Navigating the MBA application process for NYU Stern requires crafting essays that showcase your unique story, aspirations, and fit with the school’s culture. Stern values leadership, innovation, and a diverse perspective. Here are essential tips to help you create standout essays for your NYU Stern MBA application.

From showcasing your personal and professional journey to highlighting your fit with Stern’s unique culture, these insights will guide you in creating essays that resonate with the admissions committee. Dive in to discover how to effectively convey your experiences, goals, and the impact you aim to make, ensuring your application stands out in the competitive field.

Short Answer: Professional Aspirations

1. Clearly Define Your Goals:

• Clearly articulate your short-term career goals.
• Explain why these goals are important to you and how they align with your passions and values.

Example: In the short term, I aim to transition into a management consulting role at a top-tier firm, where I can leverage my analytical skills and industry knowledge to help clients solve complex business challenges. This goal aligns with my passion for strategic problem-solving and my desire to make a tangible impact on organizations.

2. Highlight Stern’s Fit:

• Briefly explain how an MBA from NYU Stern will help you achieve these goals.
• Mention specific programs, courses, or resources at Stern that will be instrumental in your career development.

Example: An MBA from NYU Stern will provide me with the strategic and leadership skills necessary to excel in management consulting. The school’s focus on experiential learning, through initiatives like the Stern Consulting Corps, will give me hands-on experience in solving real-world business problems. Additionally, Stern’s strong alumni network in the consulting industry will offer valuable insights and mentorship opportunities.

Essay 1: Change: _________ it

1. Choose a Meaningful Word:

• Select a word that reflects your perspective on change.
• Explain why this word resonates with you personally and professionally.

Example: Change: Embrace it. This word resonates with me because I believe that embracing change is essential for personal and professional growth. Throughout my career, I have learned that adapting to new circumstances and being open to change can lead to innovative solutions and new opportunities.

2. Provide a Personal Example:

• Share a personal story or experience that illustrates your connection to this word.
• Highlight how you have embraced change in your life and the impact it has had.

Example: One significant example of embracing change in my life was when I decided to switch careers from finance to technology. This decision required me to step out of my comfort zone, learn new skills, and adapt to a rapidly changing industry. By embracing this change, I was able to successfully transition into a tech role and contribute to the development of innovative financial products.

3. Discuss Embracing the Tagline at Stern:

• Explain how you will embrace your personal tagline while at Stern.
• Mention specific opportunities, clubs, or initiatives at Stern that align with your chosen word.

Example: At Stern, I will embrace change by actively participating in the Tech and Entrepreneurship Club, where I can collaborate with like-minded peers to explore new technologies and business models. Additionally, I plan to take advantage of Stern’s unique location in New York City to engage with the vibrant tech ecosystem and seek out opportunities to drive innovation.

Essay 2: Personal Expression (a.k.a. “Pick Six”)

1. Introduce Your Theme:

• Provide a brief introduction to the theme or message of your “Pick Six.”
• Explain how the selected images reflect your interests, values, motivations, perspective, and/or personality.

Example Introduction: Through my “Pick Six,” I aim to showcase my passion for innovation, my commitment to community service, and the personal experiences that have shaped my perspective on leadership and collaboration.

2. Select Meaningful Images:

• Choose six images that illustrate key aspects of your life and personality.
• Provide a one-sentence caption for each image explaining its significance.

Example Images and Captions:

1. Image of a Hackathon Event – “Participating in hackathons has fueled my passion for technology and innovation.”
2. Image of a Community Service Project – “Volunteering at local shelters has deepened my commitment to giving back and supporting my community.”
3. Image of a Family Gathering – “Family is my foundation and their unwavering support motivates me to pursue my goals.”
4. Image of a Travel Adventure – “Traveling to different countries has broadened my perspective and appreciation for diverse cultures.”
5. Image of a Leadership Workshop – “Leading workshops on leadership and teamwork has honed my skills and inspired me to mentor others.”
6. Image of a Marathon Finish Line – “Completing marathons has taught me the value of perseverance and setting ambitious goals.”

Essay 3: Additional Information (optional)

1. Address Any Gaps or Weaknesses:

• Use this space to explain any gaps in employment, low grades, or other inconsistencies in your application.
• Focus on how you have grown or learned from these experiences.

Example: During my undergraduate studies, I faced a challenging semester due to a family health crisis, resulting in a temporary dip in my GPA. This experience taught me valuable lessons in time management and resilience. I developed better study habits and sought help from professors and peers, which led to significant improvements in my academic performance in subsequent semesters.

2. Highlight Unique Achievements:

• Discuss any significant accomplishments or experiences not covered in other parts of your application.
• Highlight extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or personal projects.

Example: Beyond my professional accomplishments, I have been actively involved in community service. As a volunteer at a local non-profit organization, I led fundraising initiatives that raised over $50,000 for community development projects. These experiences have honed my leadership and project management skills and reinforced my commitment to social impact.

3. Share Personal Insights:

• Provide any additional information that you believe will strengthen your application.
• Ensure that the information adds value to your candidacy and aligns with Stern’s values and culture.

Example: I would also like to share my passion for promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at my current company, I have led several initiatives to create a more inclusive environment, including organizing workshops on unconscious bias and developing mentorship programs for underrepresented groups. These efforts have not only fostered a more inclusive culture but also contributed to improved team performance and employee satisfaction. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my commitment to diversity and inclusion to the Stern community and to contribute to the school’s efforts in this area.

General Tips for NYU Stern Essays:

1. Be Authentic:

• Write in your own voice and be genuine in sharing your story.
• Avoid using overly technical jargon or industry-specific language that may be off-putting to a broad audience.

2. Show Impact:

• Emphasize the impact of your experiences and achievements.
• Use specific examples to illustrate your points and demonstrate your potential for success at Stern.

3. Tailor Your Essays:

• Customize each essay to highlight why Stern is the perfect fit for your aspirations.
• Mention specific programs, professors, or aspects of the Stern culture that resonate with you.

Things to avoid in your NYU Stern Essays

• Avoid Overly Technical Jargon: While Stern appreciates analytical and technical skills, filling your essays with too much industry-specific jargon can be off-putting. Ensure your essays are accessible to a broad audience, including those without your specific technical background.

• Don’t Underestimate the Personal Touch: Stern values unique personal stories. Avoid focusing solely on professional achievements. Share personal anecdotes that illustrate your character, resilience, and passion. Personal stories can often be more memorable and impactful.

• Steer Clear of a One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Using the same essays for multiple schools can lead to a lack of specificity. Tailor each essay to highlight why Stern is the perfect fit for your aspirations. Mention specific programs, professors, or aspects of the Stern culture that resonate with you.

• Avoid Lack of Evidence for Leadership and Collaboration: Stern places a high value on leadership and teamwork. Don’t just claim you have these qualities; provide concrete examples. Avoid vague statements and show real instances where you led a team, collaborated on a project, or contributed to a community.

• Don’t Ignore the Global Focus: Stern has a strong global focus. Avoid essays that don’t touch on your global experiences or perspectives. If you lack international experience, discuss how you plan to gain global insights at Stern or why this global perspective is important to you.