Application Tips from Our Admissions Team
We are excited to announce that the 2015-16 Yale SOM MBA application is now available on our website. The Round 1 application deadline is September 16, and we have a full slate of events across the globe before then for those of you looking to learn more about our community. Among these events is an online Application Tips Panel on August 17 that will offer insights and advice from members of our Admissions Committee on preparing your Yale SOM application.
In advance of that panel, we asked members of the committee to share a few tips to consider as you work on your application.
Bruce DelMonico
Assistant Dean and Director of Admissions
Be yourself. This sounds obvious, but there’s a powerful insight here.
The best way to stand out in the applicant pool is to be who you are, not who you think we want you to be—both because we’re not looking for any one profile in particular (even though some people may think we are) and because presenting yourself as someone other than who you are will raise flags in your application.
Rebekah Melville
Director of Financial Aid and Admissions Committee Member
Don’t hide your weaknesses. There’s no such thing as a perfect applicant.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Obviously you will want to highlight your strengths in your application, but don’t ignore your weaknesses. Addressing them on your terms and helping us understand them can be more effective than hoping we don’t notice them.
Kavitha Bindra
Deputy Director for operations and Finance, Admissions
Plan ahead. Choose a GMAT or GRE test date that allows you time to study and apply in Rounds 1 or 2.
Consider leaving enough time for a retake in the event that you don’t feel your first score is reflective of your ability. Also, choose your recommenders early and give them enough time to submit a thoughtful recommendation. Invite them to meet for coffee to discuss your MBA intentions and reflect on your work experience and growth.
Joanne Legler
Senior Associate Director of Admissions
Practice talking to a camera. Are you familiar with the video-question component of the Yale SOM application?
Becoming comfortable using the virtual platform and understanding the response time are both important (two of the questions allow for a 60-second response, and one question allows a 90-second response time). You can practice by Skyping with a friend who asks you typical MBA interview questions while keeping track of the 60- to 90-seond response limit with a stopwatch.
Margie Adler
Associate Director of Admissions
Spend some time with your résumé. It should be a clear and concise snapshot of your professional experience.
It should help to tell your story without filler information. If you’ve worked fewer than 10 years, it should be one page. It’s a good idea to include a parenthetical description next to a company’s name if it is less well-known.