EMBA Admissions Team Shares Application Tips

Hello from the Office of Admissions! We can hardly believe that it’s already August—2020 will be here before we know it. This means that we’re entering into our next application cycle, as the application for the MBA for Executives Class of 2022 launched last week. With this in mind, our staff wanted to share some advice on things to consider as you start your application.

Your résumé is a great place to start your application and showcase your skills and work experience to the admissions committee. Keep it succinct: we want history and trajectory, but don’t need every single detail; plan to keep it to a page or two. Proofread: spell-check and look over your résumé before you submit; have a friend or colleague take a look for a fresh perspective, too. Tell us who you are, and feel free to briefly include other experiences (volunteer work, committees, or activities) that shape who you are on a more personal level.
—Liz Fiskio, Assistant Director of Admissions

Identifying recommenders is often a stressful point for applicants. Take time to think about who knows you well and can really speak to both your character and work performance. A current supervisor who knows you professionally makes a great first recommender. The letters of recommendation provide valuable perspective on your application, so make sure your recommenders are people who can highlight aspects of your candidacy and potential that might not show otherwise.
—Wendy Tsung, Assistant Dean of the Executive MBA

Another important part of recommendations is timing. The application process moves pretty quickly once we pass each round deadline; we’ll read complete applications immediately. Be sure to connect with your recommenders as soon as possible and make sure they know the application deadline, so that your application isn’t missing a critical component. One trick is to tell your recommenders that the deadline for the submission of their letters is a few days prior to the actual deadline, so that when the deadline day arrives, you can check and ensure that all of your materials are submitted on time. If you need to send them a gentle reminder, you can do so from your status page.
—Joanne Legler, Director of Admissions

One of the biggest hurdles in terms of timing and focus for most candidates is the standardized exam. Whether you choose to take the GRE, GMAT, or Executive Assessment (our recommendation!), use the study time and preparation as a proxy for what it might be like while you’re a student in the program. How will you manage your time and energy, along with the responsibilities at work, home, and within your community? When do you study best—before or after work, on the weekends, in big chunks of time or small increments? Use this time as both a way to prepare for the application and to serve as a litmus test for reorganizing your day-to-day life to create time for a new and sizeable commitment to your future.
— María Stutsman y Márquez, Associate Director of Admissions

As we’ve mentioned a few times, timing is critical! An MBA is a major investment, and it’s important that you take the time to explore how a program aligns with your personal trajectory, goals, and mission. This research will be invaluable for you both in deciding on where to apply and enabling you to put forth the strongest and most authentic application you can. The good news is that now is a great time to begin that journey! Take the opportunity to submit a résumé for pre-assessment, visit campus for an information session, or attend one of our upcoming webinars.
—David Daniel, Assistant Director of Operations and Marketing

We hope you find these tips helpful, and that you’ll take the time to get to know us this year! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at emba.admissions@yale.edu.