- NYU Stern School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
June 2, 2023
Jeremy Shinewald
NYU Stern 2023–2024 Essay Tips
Short Answer: Professional Aspirations
What are your short-term career goals (150 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font).
With this rather no-nonsense query about your motivation to earn an MBA and expectations as to where you will go with it after graduation, NYU Stern simply wants you to spell out what you have in mind as you approach this phase of your life and career. With just 150 words, you do not have any space to waste here, so focus on presenting your answer as directly and thoroughly as possible. Keep in mind that the rest of your application needs to provide evidence that your stated goals align with your existing skills and interests, especially once they have been augmented by an MBA education. This will show that your professed objectives are achievable and thereby lend credibility to your statement. The school does not ask specifically about past experiences or what about its program in particular makes it the best one for you, though brief mentions of either would be acceptable if they are particularly important to conveying your main points.
Essay 1: Change: _________ it
In today’s global business environment, the only constant is change. using nyu stern’s brand call to action, we want to know how you view change. change: _____ it. fill in the blank with a word of your choice. why does this word resonate with you how will you embrace your own personal tagline while at stern (350 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font), change: dare it. change: dream it. change: drive it. change: empower it. change: manifest it. change: [any word of your choice] it..
If your first instinct when you read this prompt is to immediately start brainstorming catchy, cool-sounding slogans and trying to find something that will “wow” the admissions committee, you need to pump the brakes. To craft the most effective response to this unique essay prompt, you will most likely need to work backward. The slogan is obviously the centerpiece of this essay, but you must be able to persuade the school that it is truly meaningful for you personally and is the basis of something you expect to do at the school and/or how you anticipate engaging with the NYU Stern community. So if you do not choose an authentic idea (word) that will position you to write compellingly and convincingly on these two points, you will have probably wasted your time, not to mention this interesting opportunity to share more about yourself with the admissions committee.
Start by thinking at length about what change really means to you personally and professionally. How has it played a role in your life and career to date? What is your reaction to change? How do you tend to navigate it? Do you enjoy creating change, or do you resist it? Why? Let your mind really roll with these kinds of questions so that you uncover as many options as possible, and rest assured that there is no “right” answer that the admissions committee is expecting you to guess. Choosing a word that is genuinely important to you and reflective of your attitude with respect to change is what will make your essay powerful and memorable—not a word you are hoping no one else will use or that forces the admission reader to reach for the dictionary because it is so obscure. And keep in mind that you do not necessarily have to frame change as something that should always be indiscriminately pursued merely for change’s sake. For example, something like “regulate change” could be an appropriate and even compelling choice if the candidate has strong personal reasons for this mind-set and can clearly express how it could be an additive or useful one at Stern.
Again, in asking how you expect to “embrace your . . . tagline while at Stern,” the admissions committee wants to know how you envision yourself participating in, and perhaps influencing or contributing to, the school’s greater community. For you to offer your strongest possible ideas on this point, you really need to know the school well, because if what you describe or propose is just not possible at Stern or does not align with its values and culture, this will definitely not be a point in your favor. As you do your research, look for specific niches and opportunities that correspond not only with your proposed slogan but also with your personality, strengths, knowledge, and/or experience. Read student blogs, peruse discussion boards, catch up on the past year or more of press releases from the school, spend some time on Stern’s YouTube channel —these are all good places to start (or better, continue!) educating yourself about what life at the school is really like, beyond the course work.
Also, for a thorough exploration of NYU Stern’s academic offerings, defining characteristics, crucial statistics, social life, community/environment, and other key facets of the program, consider downloading your free copy of the mbaMission Insider’s Guide to the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University .
Essay 2: Personal Expression (a.k.a. “Pick Six”)
Describe yourself to the admissions committee and to your future classmates using six images and corresponding captions. your uploaded pdf should contain all of the following elements:, a brief introduction or overview of your “pick six” (no more than 3 sentences). six images that help illustrate who you are. a one-sentence caption for each of the six images that helps explain why they were selected and are significant to you., note: your visuals may include photos, infographics, drawings, or any other images that best describe you. your document must be uploaded as a single pdf. the essay cannot be sent in physical form or be linked to a website..
We imagine that the initial reaction most candidates have to pretty much any prompt that does not request a traditional essay is momentary panic (though, to be fair, that is likely many applicants’ reaction to traditional essays as well), but let us reassure you a bit before we delve more deeply into how best to approach this one. One could argue that in many ways, this essay prompt is merely asking you to do something we assume you are already doing every day and have possibly been doing for years—curate an impression of yourself for others by sharing certain images and other media that resonate with you. Is that not what people regularly do via Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and any number of other social media venues by posting photos, memes, infographics, cartoons, and the like, typically along with a related comment? When you think of the task NYU Stern has presented you with this framework in mind, do you feel a little more confident about mastering it? We hope so.
In this case, rather than passing along just anything you think is funny or interesting or documenting your latest adventure or meal, you are communicating directly with a very singular audience, within a certain context, and with a very specific goal in mind. So start by carefully considering what you want the admissions committee to know about you—with the goal of sharing as many different aspects of your life and personality as possible—and what it will already be able to learn through your other essays and the rest of your application (resume, recommendations/EQ endorsement, transcript, etc.). You want the admissions “reader” to take away something new from each image they see.
Your images do not need to be sequential, nor do they need to always include you. Consider photos of meaningful locations and people (or animals, even) in your life as well as inanimate objects, such as a musical instrument, a pair of running shoes, a home-cooked meal, or a blooming flower. As long as the subject of the image is reflective of who you are as an individual—and remember that you will have the accompanying sentence for each image to clarify this connection, as needed—then you will be on the right track. Keep in mind also that not all of your images need to be actual photos, either. They can include drawings, paintings, charts, tables, emojis, and so on. And finally, although getting accepted to your target business school and earning an MBA are serious goals and undertakings, this does not mean that all your images for this essay submission need to be serious in nature, especially if your personality is naturally more lighthearted and humorous. Costumes and comical arrangements, if used judiciously, can be valid options if, again, the resulting final image is truly reflective of your character and/or life.
Your one-sentence captions are clearly an opportunity to enhance the meaning of each image you are submitting. In some cases, you might use the caption to provide a direct explanation of who or what is depicted in the image, chart, artistic expression, etc. You could also use the sentences to create a narrative link between multiple images, perhaps as a way of profoundly illustrating a particularly meaningful aspect of your life or personality. Another option would be to use the caption sentence to explain your state of mind in relation to the image or to express an associated viewpoint, value, or philosophy. As you write your short explanations, keep in mind that these statements must adhere to the school’s one-sentence rule, and be sure to not simply reiterate whatever is already obvious in/from the photo but to use the additional content to enhance the admissions reader’s understanding of you.
This prompt from NYU Stern offers a lot of leeway, but take care not to get carried away with overly elaborate or complicated images. This is not an art contest or a battle of wits but an opportunity to express and portray yourself to the admissions committee. Each time you consider an image to include, come back to the central question of Does this truly capture who I am? If so, then proceed, but if not, stop and reconsider your options. An increasingly complex series of images that lacks the proper heart and meaning will not elicit the response you want!
Essay 3: Additional Information (optional)
Please provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the admissions committee. this may include current or past gaps in employment, further explanation of your undergraduate record or self-reported academic transcript(s), plans to retake the gmat, gre, executive assessment, ielts or toefl, or any other relevant information. (500 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font).
NYU Stern’s optional essay prompt is broader than most in that it does not demand that you discuss only problem areas in your candidacy, though the examples it offers within the prompt seem to imply a preference for these topics. Ultimately, this is your opportunity to address any lingering questions that an admissions officer might have about your profile— if you feel you need to . We caution you against simply trying to fill this space because you fear that not doing so would somehow count against you. And of course, however tempted you might be, this is not the place to reuse a strong essay you wrote for another school or to offer a few anecdotes you were unable to use in your other submissions. But if you are inclined to use this essay to emphasize or explain something that if omitted would render your application incomplete, write a very brief piece on this key aspect of your profile. For more guidance, download our free mbaMission Optional Essays Guide , in which we offer detailed advice on when and how to take advantage of the optional essay, with multiple examples, to help you mitigate any problem areas in your application.
The Next Step: Mastering Your NYU Stern Interview
Many MBA candidates find admissions interviews stressful and intimidating, but mastering this important element of the application process is definitely possible—the key is informed preparation. To help you reach this high level of preparation, we offer our free Interview Guides . Claim your complimentary copy of the NYU Stern Interview Guide today!
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It’s My Stern: My Take On NYU Stern’s ‘Pick Six’ Essay
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A food and travel-themed Pick Six Essay photo collage
NYU Stern’s “Pick Six,” or as I like to call it, Six Pix, was one of the most enjoyable and creative essay prompts I did during my MBA application journey. I felt like it was a great opportunity for the MBA Admissions team to get to know me beyond just my resume, EQ Endorsements, essays, and application. Those four parts essentially paint a picture of the things you’ve done in the past, but without too much depth. You could argue that the essays are a way to do that, but you are limited by a word count.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so with six pictures I could express 6,000. I’m a little embarrassed to share this, as I assumed no one other than the admissions team and my friends who gave me feedback would ever see my Pick Six again. From all of the coffee chats I do with potential applicants, I’ve find the most commonly-asked questions revolve around unraveling this essay, defining EQ, and incorporating them into their application and interviews.
I’m going to talk about my Pick Six and show you some pictures from it (I’ve left some out that feature other people for privacy purposes) and the thought process that went behind it. Please take all of this with a grain of salt. Just because it worked for me doesn’t mean it will work for you. Also, don’t force a narrative that doesn’t exist; it’s much better to be authentic and genuine than try to adapt your essays to what you think the admissions officers or program is looking for.
So without further ado, here are the essay prompts and how I tackled them:
“A brief introduction or overview of your “Pick Six” (no more than 3 sentences)”
I do not have any artistic talent whatsoever. I just used a basic template. Although a missed opportunity to use NYU’s Violet, I figured that might be forcing it too much. Instead, I focused on making it clean and following the instructions.
“Six images that help illustrate who you are. A one-sentence caption for each of the six images that helps explain why they were selected and are significant to you.”
FIRST PICTURE:
A couple of key notes. The first is the restriction to having just one sentence. If you recall all of your grammar rules from studying for the GMAT — specifically sentence correction and the use of punctuation — I leveraged every rule to help me stretch these sentences to tell a story. I think that shows a little bit of creativity on my part. However, if you can tell the story using just one short sentence, then I think that’s creative as well!
In my resume, there’s a bullet point at the bottom in the additional info section that said “world traveler.” There’s so much more story to it than just those two words. I chose the picture above because I know how diverse and international NYC and NYU are. I would naturally fit right in. I love traveling, but who doesn’t? Having traveled to so many countries and doing it by myself has been one of the most illuminating and self-reflective experiences of my life. The person you’re spending the most time with in your life is yourself, so you better make sure that person is fun and interesting to be around. This picture ended up being a major topic of discussion during my interview.
SECOND PICTURE:
This was a photo of me and some friends while we were in military uniform after we had accomplished a major humanitarian mission. It was the beginning of my teamwork, leadership, and perseverance journey while serving in the United States Air Force. My resume was already heavy with military accomplishments, leadership achievements, and robust international teamwork. I felt that I only needed to include one photo from this major chapter of my life.
THIRD PICTURE:
I can share this one as they are just stock photos. Plus, it’s hard to take photos of myself while dancing! I love dancing. I wanted to talk about this to demonstrate that I like to break out of my comfort zone, but I am also not a very traditional applicant. The looks of surprise I get when I’m in Latin America doing their social dances so well were highlights of my nights. At Stern, I hosted Salsa and Bachata nights and was able to introduce my classmates to these fun and amazing dancing styles.
FOURTH PICTURE:
This one was a class photo of my students whom I taught in Honduras. Teaching was something I was very passionate about after separating from the military. I wanted to continue giving back to the world and try to make a difference. At the time, Honduras was one of the most dangerous countries in the world and they were in desperate need of teachers. I talked about why I went there and showcased making an impact on my students. I grew up very poor; my parents were immigrants from Vietnam. I know how important education is to get ahead in life and I wanted to try to give back. This has been a major theme in my life and I wanted to touch upon that.
FIFTH PICTURE:
NYU Stern’s brand call to action is built on the principles to dare, dream, drive, empower, and manifest change. I think this picture perfectly encompasses that. I took cooking classes in many of the countries I traveled to, which gave me a good understanding of the culture, history, and social aspects of the locale. These experiences also added to my own personal cookbook, where I was able to create fusions from what I learned. However, in many places, I was the only male in those classes. In this picture, I was the only male in a room with 40 women. People gave me questioning looks, but some of the best chefs in the world are men, so it’s a bit confusing why this stigma even exists. It was even worse when I tried to teach my students how to cook, which I believe is an important life skill. I wore that colorful apron with pride and didn’t care what people thought. I wanted to change this negative stereotype and it starts from de-stigmatizing it early on!
SIXTH PICTURE:
The final photo was essentially funny, goofy, and creative pictures I took with my students before summer break but in a different part of the world. I wanted to demonstrate my entertaining side. The MBA program is intense, especially during finals and recruiting. It’s important that I can let loose and enjoy my short time here. It has been completely true for the 1.5 years that I’ve been in this program thus far. It also showed that I can help others break out of their own shells and let loose as the country I was teaching in was very traditional and conservative.
Overall, I had a story to tell, and through these pictures I was able to add more depth and breadth about myself and demonstrate why Stern would be the right fit for me. It was a pleasant project as I was able to finally share different aspects of my life outside of just my resume, GPA, and test scores. We all have a story to tell. Make sure you tell yours!
Bio : Phan Hoang, a first-generation Bostonian, is a second-year MBA candidate at NYU Stern School of Business. Prior to business school, he was an enlisted in the United States Air Force serving in humanitarian and peacekeeping missions worldwide. He has also taught internationally in countries such as Honduras and China. He worked in Product Management during the summer.
DON’T MISS:
It’s My Stern: The ROI Of Building Relationships
It’s My Stern: New York Isn’t A City, It’s A World
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Advice, tips and insights from the admissions dream team., table of contents, nyu stern essays: strategy & tips for success.
- By Trisha Nussbaum
NYU Stern stands out from the crowd with unique essay prompts that require reflection and creativity.
As a Fortuna MBA Admissions Coach, tech consultant and NYU Stern MBA alum, I’ve worked with countless candidates to deliver a narrative that’s persuasive, coherent, concise and authentic to you. The MBA essays are primary vehicle for distinguishing your uniqueness in a sea of excellence (especially if you’re from an overrepresented pool like finance, engineering or consulting.)
Stern now asks candidates to define themselves in the context of the school’s brand tagline —a clever way of asking about alignment with the Stern culture and values. Then they ask you to define yourself in meaningful pictures. Together, these pose a formidable exercise in self-awareness. So let’s talk strategy.
Tips for Tackling the NYU Stern MBA Essays
Who are you, what do you want do, and who do you want to be? Taken together, the sum of Stern relies less on extended essays probing your career goals, but together, your required essays should convey a clear and inspiring direction for your professional life, guided by your motivations, ambitions, ideals, and values. Your responses, both written and visual, help the admissions team understand what it is that drives you forward — not only in your career, but in your life.
Short Answer: Professional Aspirations (150 words max) What are your short-term career goals?
This essay, which debuted in 2022, is now a short answer question. This is a change from previous years, in which candidates had 500 words to address both short- and long-term career goals in the context of seeking a Stern MBA.)
The admissions committee at Stern is looking for a clear plan that coherently aligns with your past experiences. This kind of clarity (and concision) is also evidence you possess the abilities to develop a savvy job search strategy and understand the MBA recruiting process that starts on day one — even if your ambitions evolve.
There’s not a lot of room for storytelling here. Your short-term goal should be as specific as possible, reflecting considerable research and thought down to the function, industry, geography — even possible companies you hope to be working for. Your short-term goal is a stepping stone on your way to your greater career ambitions, meaning they are your immediate plans (for your internship) to two to three years post-MBA. It should be achievable and realistic, as well as focused on building capacities, expertise, and experience.
Spend time in advance of applying to do your research and speak to current business school students and alumni to learn more about what kind of career opportunities are available to Stern business school graduates. Stern has great success rates for placing graduates at reputable companies, so take a look at Stern’s MBA career section online to be knowledgeable about the most common industries and companies for recent graduates. For a deeper dive and some great examples of short term goals, view this article by Fortuna’s Heidi Hillis on How To Create MBA Goals: Long Term Vs. Short Term Career Vision .
Essay 1: Change: _________ it. (350 word max)
In today’s global business environment, the only constant is change. Using NYU Stern’s brand call to action, we want to know how you view change. Change: _____ it. Fill in the blank with a word of your choice. Why does this word resonate with you? How will you embrace your own personal tagline while at Stern? Examples:
Change: Dare it.
Change: Dream it.
Change: Drive it.
Change: Empower it.
Change: Manifest it.
Change: [Any word of your choice.]
This is where your savvy understanding of context counts: In,2019, Stern released a ‘ new call to action ,’ rebranding with its new slogan, Change. Dare it. Dream it. Drive it . It showcased Stern’s new curriculum and its ethos around adaptability. “The School debuted an anthemic brand animation and new tagline — or rather, an unconventional customizable tagline — that empowers individuals to express how they view change at the moment, with the flexibility and freedom to swap it whenever they like,” then goes on to showcase expressions from some of Stern’s administrators, including Dean Raghu Sundaram:
CHANGE. DARE IT. DREAM IT. DRIVE IT. “Stern is all about transformation and improving the world.”
For inspiration, you can view the personal slogans and supporting insights of six top Stern administrators. No matter your background, Stern wants to see that you are agile, flexible and progressively thinking beyond your industry’s traditional definitions.
But when you sit down to write, take the opportunity to reflect on your life and values and what is really important for you. Allow yourself to play with possibilities and to get creative. What words, values, or themes feel symbolic of your relationship to change, your thought process, and what makes you tick?
IESE is another top business school that asks you to script your life motto (without the benefit of Stern’s useful framing!) and back up why. As my colleague Lisa Bevill advises in her article on IESE Essay Strategy , “This is an invitation to showcase your authenticity and what you believe in. This essay challenges you to consider what you value and how that is represented in a slogan for your life, supported by an emblematic example to back it up.”
Essay 2: Personal Expression (a.k.a. “Pick Six”)
Describe yourself to the Admissions Committee and to your future classmates using six images and corresponding captions. Your uploaded PDF should contain all of the following elements:
- A brief introduction or overview of your “Pick Six” (no more than 3 sentences).
- Six images that help illustrate who you are.
- A one-sentence caption for each of the six images that helps explain why they were selected and are significant to you.
Note: Your visuals may include photos, infographics, drawings, or any other images that best describe you. Your document must be uploaded as a single PDF. The essay cannot be sent in physical form or be linked to a website.
If essay 1 delivers an understanding of your professional goals — what you do — essays 2 and 3 speak to who you are. In additional to considering a candidate’s academic and professional background in the admissions process, Stern places a strong emphasis on personal characteristics and is looking for students who will be involved in the school and community. The Pick Six is a classic Stern prompt and a place to let your personality shine. You can utilize a diverse set of images, as long as they have significance in your life and, if possible, tie into the characteristics that Stern is looking for.
What is the story you wish to tell? Are you a climber, toastmaster or volunteer firefighter? Do you have strong ties with your family, a cause, or friends from different walks of life? These are all great themes to communicate visually in your pick six.
For example, one accepted student who is passionate about cooking used a picture of a dish she was particularly proud of, highlighting that she is constantly searching for new recipes and feels great satisfaction when bringing joy to others. Another candidate shared an image of scuba diving with sharks, explaining how she overcame a great fear, with the encouragement of her friends, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While these examples showcase the students’ explorative and community-oriented natures, they likewise pique an interest for the reader to meet the applicants in person.
The pick six also helps the Admissions Committee gauge your ‘fit’ with the program and community, and ensures that you have the qualities of a “Sternie.” This is a prime opportunity to showcase your EQ by representing the key inspirations that drive you to have a positive impact on those around you. Know that Stern values individuality, so think about presenting a range of images that can offer more insight into the various aspects of who you are.
Finally, while the openness of the instructions may suggest the committee is looking for an artistic presentation, there is no need to overthink it. The Pick Six can include photographs, posters, symbolic images, artwork, or most any other visual format. What’s most important are the images you select and the captions, so long as the final PDF is organized and refined.
Essay 3: Additional Information (optional, 250 word max)
Please provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee. This may include current or past gaps in employment, further e explanation of your undergraduate record or self-reported academic transcript(s), plans to retake the GMAT, GRE, IELTS or TOEFL, or any other relevant information.
If you feel that there may be a weakness or gap in your application, such as those in the description, then it may be helpful to utilize the optional third essay. This is also an opportunity to provide more context if you did not provide a recommendation from your direct supervisor. It is a personal decision whether or not to make use of this essay, but it can be useful to express to the admissions committee that you recognize that there may be a gap, but you have taken steps to address it.
Finally, you don’t want to wait until the last minute to get all of the pieces of your application ready. If possible, start early and take the time to do your research before writing your essays. This can help you with the content of what you write about. Don’t worry if you can’t get your application ready in time for the first application deadline. It’s more important that you do what it takes to make your application as strong as possible.
Let’s Get You In.
Fortuna Admissions is a dream team of former MBA Admissions Directors and Officers from 18 of the top 20 business schools, including NYU Stern. With our unparalleled collective expertise, we are able to coach you to develop a clear vision of your goals for business school and beyond. We work closely with you throughout the application process and provide expert guidance at every stage to maximize your chances of admission to a top school.
Our free consultations are consistently rated as the best in the industry. To learn more about Fortuna and assess your chances of admission to Wharton and other top programs, request a free consultation .
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Updated October 3, 2o23
Fortuna’s Trisha Nussbaum is an MBA Admissions coach and an NYU Stern alumna with experience working at top tech giants Google and IBM. For a candid assessment of your chances of admission success at a top MBA program, sign up for a free consultation .
- Posted on October 3, 2023
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NYU Stern Essays: Tips for 2024
The 2022-2024 NYU Stern MBA essays have been released, so it’s a good idea to start preparing now! Most MBA programs will highly value the personal statement in your application. So don’t slack on it! Writing a unique essay that captures your individuality while responding to the prompt is a challenging task, but here at Menlo Coaching, we have a comprehensive guide to perfect it.
Stern is looking for students with a well-rounded background and lots of experience that can be translated into a succinct and compelling statement. One of the essential tips for an impactful essay is asking yourself why you chose to highlight a particular experience. Did it show significant professional development? Did it show how you overcame a personal struggle? Connecting your essay to the prompt, especially how it shows why you are pursuing an MBA, will make your essay stand out. No matter what the essay prompt is, these tips are broadly applicable. With that being said, the three different types of essays you will see on Stern’s application are personal, career goals, and behavioral.
At Menlo Coaching, we noticed that most MBA essays will fall into one of a number of categories: personal essays, career goals essays, behavioral essays, etc.. Read ahead for our expert guide on approaching these essays for NYU Stern School of Business.
Personal Essay
- Personal Expression (a.k.a. “Pick Six”) Personal Expression (a.k.a. “Pick Six”) Introduce yourself to the Admissions Committee and to your future classmates using six images and corresponding captions. The Pick Six is a way to share more about the qualities you will bring to the Stern community, beyond your professional and academic achievements. Your uploaded PDF should contain all of the following elements:
- A brief introduction or overview of your “Pick Six” (no more than 3 sentences).
- Six images that help illustrate your interests, values, motivations, perspective and/or personality.
- A one-sentence caption for each of the six images that helps explain why they were selected and are significant to you. Note: Your visuals may include photos, infographics, drawings, or any other images that best describe you. Your document must be uploaded as a single PDF. The essay cannot be sent in physical form or be linked to a website.
Career Goals Essay
- What are your short-term career goals? (150 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)
Behavioral Essay
- Change: Dare it.
- Change: Dream it.
- Change: Drive it.
- Change: Empower it.
- Change: Manifest it.
- Change: [Any word of your choice.] (350 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)
Optional Essay
- Please provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee. This may include current or past gaps in employment, further explanation of your undergraduate record or self-reported academic transcript(s), plans to retake the GMAT, GRE, EA, IELTS or TOEFL, or any other relevant information. (250 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)
The Personal Statement Essay
Personal essays encompass your moral character, passions in and out of work, and the relationships you have fostered with friends and mentors. This essay type is where you can show the MBA program who you are as an individual and the intrapersonal impacts you have made on people around you. Stern is looking to recruit students who show compassion and enthusiasm in the office and with the people in their lives. Make sure to emphasize where you have shown empathy in your life while explaining how you will contribute positively to the on-campus experience. One of the biggest mistakes students make when writing a personal essay is focusing too much on their professional expertise.
This essay is where you can move away from talking about your work and speak about who you are outside of your job. Stern’s core values include empathy, emotional intelligence, leadership, and strong interpersonal skills. Speaking with current students and faculty to capture the essence of the program. Tailoring which attributes you write about to each program is important. Stern students usually enter the financial services, asset management, and insurance fields, so emphasize your findings in the essay to show you’re genuinely interested.
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The Career Goals Essay
The career goals essay is the space to emphasize your post-MBA plans. MBA programs want to accept students who have concrete, achievable career plans and a roadmap to success. MBA programs want a glowing post-grad report that proves they produce successful graduates with many job prospects (and who will donate money in the future)! Stern also wants students to promote their program to friends, co-workers, and prospective applicants. The career goals essay combines your hard statistics (ex: GMAT score) with your interpersonal skills (ex: recommendations) to formulate the case for getting an MBA.
Make sure to state your achievable short-term and long-term goals explicitly. Explain why an MBA would help you achieve these goals and how Stern is essential to your plan. Connecting the positive attributes from your personal essay to your career goals essay is critical to forming a well-rounded application.
The Behavioral Essay
The final type is the behavioral essay, which might sound similar to the personal essay. However, instead of analyzing your individual attributes outside the workplace, this prompt asks you to reflect on your professional leadership skills. This could mean recalling a time when you’ve led a team to success or recovered after a failure and what you learned. Be honest with this essay, and don’t downplay the story; AdCom can tell if you’re disingenuous. Showing growth is essential to a constructive essay and shows development that you can easily apply to on-campus activities.
Say what mistakes you made and how you remedied them; if there is a situation where you used the lessons you learned from the failures, be sure to include that. Having the bravery to express your failures shows that you are willing to admit your mistakes.
Once you’ve completed your application, the optional Stern essay gives you an additional opportunity to provide the AdCom with any additional information or clarity that you feel would enhance your application.
One trap that MBA applicants fall into is using the additional space provided by this essay to write on a whole new topic. However, this is not always the best idea.
You should only make use of this essay if you what you write will provide context to an element of your application to improve your candidacy—you don’t want to jeopardize your chances by adding unnecessary noise to your application.
Overall, honesty and growth are the most important parts of a successful MBA application essay. In addition, applying the lessons you learned shows improvement in your interpersonal and professional skills, making you a more attractive candidate for MBA programs.
Feeling overwhelmed by Stern MBA admissions essays? Our experienced consultants are here to provide personalized guidance on tackling each prompt effectively. Connect with a dedicated MBA admissions consultant to elevate your application.
Related Articles
- NYU Stern MBA Overview
- MBA Essay Tips From 3 Top Admissions Consultants
- How to Get Into MBA Programs at Top Business Schools
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NYU STERN MBA Essays : Sample Essays & Writing Tips
MBA & Beyond Team
22/12/2023 | 9:09 pm
Are you dreaming of joining the prestigious NYU Stern for your MBA? Well, you’re in for an exciting journey, and I’m here to guide you through a crucial part of your application – the essays. Let’s dive right in, shall we?
ESSAY 1: PROFESSIONAL ASPIRATIONS
Embarking on an MBA is a significant step in your career, and NYU Stern wants to hear all about your plans. So, what are your short-term career goals? This question may seem straightforward, but it’s your golden ticket to show the admissions committee why NYU Stern is the ideal launchpad for your dreams.
KEY ELEMENTS TO INCLUDE:
- Specificity is Key: Be clear about your desired role and the industry you aim to enter post-MBA. Numbers and facts play a big role here. For instance, if you’re eyeing a role in management consulting, mention the kind of projects or sectors you want to delve into.
- Link to Stern: Why NYU? Maybe it’s their top-ranked Finance program or their impressive network in the tech industry. Whatever it is, make it clear how Stern aligns with your goals.
- Short and Sweet: With a 150-word limit, precision is your friend. Every word should drive home why you’re a perfect fit for Stern and why Stern is perfect for you.
EXPERT TIP:
Did you know that NYU Stern’s MBA program has a robust offering in areas like Fintech and Luxury & Retail? Tailoring your goals to these unique strengths can showcase your fit and research.
ESSAY 2: PERSONAL EXPRESSION (PICK SIX)
This one’s my personal favorite – the “Pick Six” essay. Think of it as a blank canvas to paint a vivid picture of who you are beyond your resume. You get to choose six images that represent your passions, life experiences, and dreams. But remember, it’s not just about the pictures; the captions are where you bring your story to life.
CRAFTING YOUR PICK SIX:
- Diverse Imagery: Mix it up! Your images could range from a snapshot of a volunteering experience to a prized personal achievement. This is your chance to showcase the breadth of your personality.
- Meaningful Captions: Each caption is a chance to give context to the image. What’s the story behind that picture of you crossing the marathon finish line? Use these snippets to give depth to your narrative.
- Reflect Your Values: Are you passionate about sustainability or women’s leadership? Let your images reflect these values. Remember, authenticity is key.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT PICK SIX?
Let’s look at an example. Imagine you choose a photo of a bustling street market in Bangkok. A simple caption like, “Exploring global markets, understanding diverse consumer behaviors – a step towards my dream of a career in international marketing,” ties your personal experience to your professional aspirations.
ESSAY 3: BEHAVIORAL ESSAY – EMBRACING CHANGE
“Change: _____ it.” This intriguing prompt from NYU Stern’s MBA application is not just about your take on change; it’s a window into how you adapt, innovate, and lead in a dynamic world. Let’s decode it together!
UNPACKING THE PROMPT:
- Personalizing ‘Change’: This is where you fill in the blank with a word that embodies your approach to change. Are you someone who ‘drives’ change or ’embraces’ it? Your choice of word is a powerful indicator of your mindset.
- Illustrating with Examples: Use real-life instances to show how you’ve lived this mantra. Did you lead a project that required swift adaptation? Or perhaps you initiated a change that had a significant impact?
- Word Limit Wisdom: With a 350-word limit, your narrative needs to be crisp and engaging. Focus on one or two compelling examples rather than trying to cover too much ground.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
NYU Stern values candidates who can thrive in an ever-changing global landscape. This essay is your chance to prove that you’re not just prepared for change – you’re ready to be a catalyst for it.
OPTIONAL ESSAY: PROVIDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This section of the application might seem optional, but it’s a hidden gem for those who use it wisely. Here’s where you can address any part of your profile that needs more context – maybe a gap in your resume, a unique life circumstance, or additional insight into your academic record.
WHEN TO USE THE OPTIONAL ESSAY:
- Clarifying Gaps: If there’s a gap in your employment or education, explain it. But remember, this isn’t about making excuses; it’s about providing clarity.
- Academic Anomalies: Had a rough semester? Use this space to give context but also to show how you’ve grown from the experience.
- Extra Achievements: Got something impressive that didn’t fit into other essays? This is your place to shine.
CRAFTING YOUR RESPONSE:
- Be Direct: Get to the point quickly. The admissions committee appreciates brevity and directness.
- Stay Positive: Focus on the lessons learned or skills gained, even from challenging experiences.
- Word Limit: With a maximum of 250 words, every sentence must add value to your overall narrative.
WRITING TIPS AND BEST PRACTICES
Crafting an essay for an MBA application, especially for a prestigious institution like NYU Stern, isn’t just about answering questions. It’s about telling a story – your unique story. Here are some essential tips to make your essays stand out:
STRUCTURE AND CLARITY:
- Opening Strong: Your first sentence sets the tone. Make it engaging and indicative of what’s to come.
- Clear Structure: Organize your thoughts. Use headings or bullet points if necessary to enhance readability.
- Conciseness is Key: Be succinct. Respect word limits and don’t wander off-topic.
SHOWCASING PERSONALITY:
- Authentic Voice: Write like you speak (within the bounds of formal language). Let your personality shine through.
- Unique Insights: What makes you, you? Maybe it’s your multicultural background or an unconventional career path.
BACKING WITH DATA:
- Quantify Achievements: Use numbers to give weight to your accomplishments. Increased sales by 30%? Say it!
- Facts from Trusted Sources: Cite NYU Stern’s official website or reputable publications for any external data.
COMMON PITFALLS TO AVOID:
- Repetition: Don’t rehash your resume. The essay is an opportunity to show more than what’s on paper.
- Overcomplicating: Simplicity is powerful. Avoid jargon or overly complex language.
- Negativity: Even when discussing challenges, focus on growth and learning, not on blame or regret.
FINAL THOUGHTS AND CONCLUSION
As we wrap up, remember that your essays are a mosaic of your aspirations, experiences, and personality. They are a conversation with the admissions committee. Be honest, be yourself, and let your passion for Stern and your future career shine through.
LEAVING A LASTING IMPRESSION:
- Reflective Tone: Conclude with a reflective note on what attending NYU Stern means to you and your future.
- Future Orientation: Talk about how you envision contributing to the Stern community and beyond.
ENCOURAGEMENT AND MOTIVATION:
- You’ve Got This! Writing essays can be daunting, but view it as an opportunity to introspect and articulate your journey and dreams.
- Seek Feedback: Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback from mentors or peers. Fresh perspectives can be invaluable.
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NYU Stern Essays for the MBA Class of 2026
Is New York University’s Stern School of Business on your list of target MBA programs? Then get ready to hit the ground running. The NYU Stern essays and deadlines have been confirmed for the 2023-2024 admissions season.
But first, a note about these NYU Stern essays from the Stern AdComm:
Our Stern essay questions give you the opportunity to more fully present yourself to the Admissions Committee and to provide insight into your experiences, goals, and thought processes.
Your essays must be written entirely by you. An offer of admission will be rescinded if you did not write your essays.
NYU Stern Essays for 2023-2024
Short answer: professional aspirations.
(150 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)
- What are your short-term career goals?
Essay 1: Change: ________ it.
(350 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)
In today’s global business environment, the only constant is change. Using NYU Stern’s brand call to action, we want to know how you view change. Change: _____ it. Fill in the blank with a word of your choice. Why does this word resonate with you? How will you embrace your own personal tagline while at Stern? Examples:
- Change: Dare it.
- Change: Dream it.
- Change: Drive it.
- Change: Empower it.
- Change: Manifest it.
- Change: [Any word of your choice.]
Essay 2: Personal Expression (a.k.a. “Pick Six”)
Describe yourself to the Admissions Committee and to your future classmates using six images and corresponding captions. Your uploaded PDF should contain all of the following elements:
- A brief introduction or overview of your “Pick Six” (no more than 3 sentences).
- Six images that help illustrate who you are.
- A one-sentence caption for each of the six images that helps explain why they were selected and are significant to you.
Note: Your visuals may include photos, infographics, drawings, or any other images that best describe you. Your document must be uploaded as a single PDF. The essay cannot be sent in physical form or be linked to a website.
Essay 3: Additional Information (Optional)
(250 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)
Please provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee. This may include current or past gaps in employment, further explanation of your undergraduate record or self-reported academic transcript(s), plans to retake the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, IELTS or TOEFL, or any other relevant information.
For more information on applying, please visit the NYU Stern MBA admissions website. If you need guidance on your NYU Stern essays and MBA application or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis of your candidacy. We’re here to help!
image by Flickr user Ajay Suresh CC BY 2.0
With deadlines around the corner, you may be interested in the world-famous SBC Flight Test . Once a full set of application materials for your initial school have been drafted, but not finalized, the application will be sent to a former admissions committee member for a one-time review, adcomm style. You’ll have the benefit of a true admissions committee review while still having the ability to tinker and change. You will receive written feedback within two business days after submitting.
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