Recently, mbaMission joined forces with Manhattan Prep to host an online Q&A session with admissions directors from Columbia Business School, the Yale School of Management, MIT Sloan, and Northwestern Kellogg. Our thanks go out to these experienced officers, who shared their takeaways from past application seasons and their expectations for the upcoming one:
- Amanda Carlson, Assistant Dean of Admissions at Columbia Business School
- Bruce DelMonico, Assistant Dean for Admissions at the Yale School of Management
- Dawna Levenson, Assistant Dean of Admissions at the MIT Sloan School of Management
- Kate Smith, Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Kellogg School of Management
Each of our panelists shared details about their respective admissions processes and the different ways applicants are evaluated across programs, in addition to these other valuable insights:
- Smith and Levenson outlined ways that applicants with no existing MBA network can connect with students and alumni and learn about their programs.
- DelMonico addressed the shifts in application volume across rounds, highlighting both an increase in Round 1 applications and the school’s openness to Round 3 applicants.
- Carlson noted that applicants should not worry about competing against a pool but instead focus on revealing their strengths and fit with their target program, citing specific examples.
- All agreed (yet again!) that the GRE and GMAT exams are viewed as equal in the evaluation process.
- Each officer discussed the spectrum of financial aid available at their respective programs and the roles of need and merit-based scholarships.
You can watch the entire Q&A session below or on our YouTube Channel:
Stay tuned for details on other exclusive admissions events hosted by mbaMission!