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Introducing the Application for the MBA for Executives Class of 2028

Keith Gallinelli, director of admissions for the EMBA program, discusses changes in this year’s application format and shares tips for potential candidates.

A bearded person wearing a suit

I am pleased to announce that the application for the Yale MBA for Executives Class of 2028 is now open. The Yale MBA for Executives is a rigorous program designed 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 experienced 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 to help you prepare your candidacy.

While much of the application is similar to those of years past, there are a few important changes. This year we have two new essay questions; we have reduced the required number of reference letters to one; and we continue to offer optional video response questions.

The essay questions are:

  1. Imagine that you have just completed your EMBA program. Write a letter to yourself reflecting on your experience and the legacy you hope to leave behind.
  2. Tell us a story about a defining moment in your life and how that has shaped who you are today.

We know that for our EMBA 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. These questions give you the opportunity to reflect on what you hope to achieve as a member of the Yale SOM community, and how your lived experiences have brought you to this point in your life and career.

Last year, we introduced optional video response questions. In every case, we found candidates’ responses beneficial to their overall application. I encourage you to complete the video response section, which 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 more multi-dimensional view of individuals we hope to welcome into our community.

The MBA for Executives is a major investment of time, effort, energy, and money. This year we are continuing to partner with the Forté Foundation to offer Forté Fellowships for candidates who demonstrate a commitment to advancing women in business. I encourage you to learn more about other financial resources for EMBA students, including our Fellowships in Business & Society, Sustainability, and Inclusive Finance, as well as scholarships designated for veterans. We also provide application-fee waivers for active-duty U.S. military members and veterans.

The Class of 2028 will mark the eighth year of the Pozen-Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in Health Equity Leadership. The fellowship is open 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.

As you explore your MBA options and begin to work on your application, I invite you to get to know the MBA for Executives program: 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 additional 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.

Keith Gallinelli
Director of Admissions
MBA for Executives