Part time Stern MBA

[pinkhaze]

Hi,

I'm applying to the Langone part-time program at Stern.

I have questions about essay 2 which basically asks why you want to do an mba on a part-time basis.

1. Is it ok to say something to the effect of my employers love me and they're sponsoring me? That is part of why I want to do an MBA, but do ad coms frown on such mercenary motivations? The point I want to make by including this information is, my employers must really see potential in me to make such a big investment - which means I must be really good.

2. Is it ok to say that with the part-time MBA, I don't forego my salary, so it is much easier financially? I'm wary for 2 reasons - it's obvious and it's honest, but not in the best way.

Please let me know your opinions.

Thanks very much!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear pinkhaze,

I always think honesty is the best policy when it comes to admissions essays. There is something to how you present the information though and that is the key to writing this essay. You are correct that your employer sponsoring you will reflect positively on you, so that is something important to include in the essay. To your second point, the financial aspect is the reason the majority of folks are in the part-time program and thus that will not be a surprise or a negative. I don't know that it needs to be included if you are being sponsored though--think about that. I also encourage you to think beyond the immediate things that come to mind to be more broad about why you want an MBA in general.

Good luck,
Lisa

[dp63083]

Jumping right into it - do you think I have any shot at Langone p/t?

Big 10 undergrad with a 3.4 GPA (liberal arts major). Graduate degree in Real Estate Finance from NYU with a 3.65 GPA. 2 years work experience as a senior financial analyst at a real estate shop. 1260 GRE. What do you think my chances would be as is? Would you recommend taking my GMAT in an effort to secure a higher test score? Thank you for your help.

[pinkhaze]

Lisa, thanks very much for your helpful response!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear dp63083,

I think you have a shot at the Langone program if you put together a great application package. That means you need a set of well-written, compelling essays, great recommendations and a good interview. Your numbers (GPA and test scores) are solid. While your GRE is a little low, it might be enough with your GPA and an otherwise strong application package. If you feel you can do well on the GMAT (670+), then it might be worth taking also as long as you do not sacrifice the quality of the rest of your application. Finally, I strongly encourage you to visit the campus and establish a rapport with the admissions office if you haven't done so already. They would be the best folks to give you some insight on your GRE score.

Good luck,
Lisa