NYU’s Stern Langone part-time MBA now requires just one short essay: a straightforward goals essay. That means the other application elements – resume, recommendations, and application form will be especially important in terms of rounding out your profile and conveying relevant information. So, approach all the application elements thoughtfully and strategically. There is not even usually an interview for this program. The applicants who can most effectively manage this rather abbreviated application are confident, thoughtful, and resourceful – short doesn’t necessarily mean easier!
NYU Stern part-time MBA 2020 application
NYU part-time MBA essay question #1 (Professional aspirations)
(350 words maximum)
- What are your short- and long-term career goals?
- How will the part-time MBA help you achieve them?
You may start by succinctly mentioning your current career situation to set the context. (Warning: Don’t repeat your resume, but rather make this opening highlight some relevant or interesting aspect of your industry and/or function, as it is an important part of what you’ll bring to the table in a part-time program). Then move on to discuss your short-term goals. Give solid details: position, company, scope of accountability, what you want to accomplish, and how you hope to grow. If you have a formal development program that these goals are based on, it’s good to mention it. To make your goals meaningful and engaging, briefly explain WHY you want to take these steps, what excites and engages you about this anticipated path. Your longer-term goal needs less detail and should of course reflect some reasonable trajectory from the earlier role.
In discussing how the MBA will enable you to achieve your stated goals, describe what new skills and knowledge you need in order to pursue your goals, and how the part-time MBA meets those needs. Be specific and add a little about the particular benefits of Stern’s program.
NYU part-time MBA essay question #2 (Additional information – optional)
This essay is truly optional, and nothing is required here. It is simply an opportunity to provide any additional information that you feel is important in assessing your candidacy to the part-time MBA program and therefore would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee.
For example, this may include significant 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.
If you are planning to attend the Langone Part-time MBA program and do not currently live in the NYC metro area, please indicate your plans to pursue the program. If you are planning to relocate to the NYC area, please indicate your plans for employment.
These instructions don’t explicitly limit the essay to extenuating circumstances or application-specific issues, but the topics Stern suggests are just such issues. Moreover, the phrase “bring to the attention of” doesn’t really invite you to continue marketing yourself. I therefore recommend addressing the types of issues the question presents if needed, and/or present other information only that has a direct bearing on the adcom’s ability to understand your candidacy.
For expert guidance with your NYU Stern Langone MBA application, check out Accepted’s MBA Application Packages, which include comprehensive guidance from an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to top MBA programs and look forward to helping you too!
NYU part-time MBA (Langone) 2020 application deadlines
| 1st Deadline | February 15, 2020 |
| 2nd Deadline | April 1, 2020 |
| 3rd Deadline | May 15, 2020 |
***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***
Cindy Tokumitsu has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 20 years with Accepted. She would love to help you too. Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
Related Resources:
• Why MBA?, a guide to acing the MBA goals essay question
• NYU Stern: An Insider’s Perspective on Getting Accepted, a podcast episode
• Your MBA Goals Essay: Get Ready, Get Set, THINK!
