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Introducing the Application for the MBA for Executives Class of 2027

Keith Gallinelli, director of admissions for the MBA for Executives program, breaks down this year’s application and shares tips for prospective students.

I am pleased to announce that the application for the Yale MBA for Executives Class of 2027 is now open. The MBA for Executives (EMBA) is a distinctive and rigorous program for mid-career professionals seeking to elevate their leadership skills through an innovative curriculum delivered by a world-class faculty. As we seek the next cohort of socially conscious leaders with the ambition to effect change in their organizations and communities, I would like to share a few thoughts about this year’s EMBA application.

While much of the application is similar to previous ones, there are a few important changes. This year, we have reduced the number of written essay questions from three to two, and have added an optional video response section.

The first essay asks applicants, “Why are you interested in pursuing an Executive MBA at this point in your life and career, and how does it align with your goals?” We know that for many applicants, the decision to pursue an executive MBA is a major life consideration. The timing to embark on a rigorous academic program must be right—both professionally and personally. This essay provides an opportunity to guide us through your journey to apply now and illustrate how the degree will impact your life and career.

The second essay is simply, “Why Yale?” We have purposely left this question open-ended, and I encourage you to frame your response in a way that is meaningful to you as an individual and a professional.

For the first time this year, we have added an optional video response section that will allow you to tell us more about your background, your experiences, and yourself in your own voice. My colleagues and I will ask several questions that require short verbal responses. It is important to note that there are no wrong answers. Imperfectly worded but genuinely delivered responses won’t harm your candidacy, as we seek to gain a multi-dimensional view of individuals we hope to welcome into our community.

The EMBA program is a major investment of time, effort, energy, and money. This year we are thrilled to partner with the Forté Foundation to offer Forté Fellowships for candidates who demonstrate a commitment to advancing women in business. The Class of 2027 will also mark the seventh year of our Pozen-Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in Health Equity Leadership. The fellowship is open to healthcare professionals and leaders who are committed to improving healthcare access and outcomes for medically underserved populations, and covers the cost of the EMBA program. SOM offers several scholarships for veterans and provides application fee waivers for members and veterans of the U.S. military. I encourage you to learn more about other financial resources for EMBA students.

As you explore your MBA options and begin to work on your application, I invite you to get to know the EMBA program. You can see who our students are, read our blog, attend one of our upcoming events, or request a pre-assessment to determine your fit for our program. We have also compiled a number of frequently asked questions that you may find helpful. If you have questions, please reach out to us directly at emba.admissions@yale.edu.

My team and I look forward to working with you this year and wish you the best of luck as you begin your MBA journey.