Joint MD/MBA Programs Gain Popularity

Why stop at an M.D. when you can get an M.B.A as well? As reported by The New York Times, “under heavy pressure from government regulators and insurance companies, more and more physicians across the country are learning to think like entrepreneurs.” Accordingly, the number of joint M.D./M.B.A degree programs in the U.S. has soared from a mere five or six about 15 years ago to 65 today, with an estimate of 500 students enrolled in these programs.

NYU has just launched its own joint degree program, a partnership between the School of Medicine at NYU and NYU Stern. Students may apply to the five-year program either concurrently, and then upon acceptance to both schools “defer starting the MBA until completion of their third year of medical school,” or as third-year NYU med students.

With all this interest, what are physicians doing with a business degree? Those with funding or looking for research grants can benefit from some business training, while someone with expertise in both medicine and business can certainly aid the “nation’s troubled health system.” And, of course, there are more start-ups run by doctors, and positions such as medical director and chief medical officer of insurance companies and hospitals. Plus, while not long ago hospital boards were looking for nondoctor candidates, now physicians are preferred. A joint degree can also come in handy for someone in the medical device industry, opening up even more possibilities.

Accepted.com ~ Helping You Write Your Best

What TSA agent can teach MBA applicants

While going through security at the airport recently, I had a first-ever experience:

A TSA agent examining my ID suddenly said, “I know you. You’re Linda Abraham from Accepted.com!”

Surprised, I replied, “You’re right. How did you know?” Accepted.com is not on my ID.

“I’ve attended your webinars.”

Why should I have cared, or actually been pleased, that someone recognized me for my work as an MBA admissions consultant?

I’m human.  And like most people, I like recognition (of the positive kind) for my work and efforts. So if you recognize me, by all means say “hi.”

On the same trip and since, I’ve had several occasions to meet and talk with admissions committee members from a variety of schools including Columbia Business School, NYU Stern, IE, and Cambridge Judge.  Whether in private meetings or in a reception I attended for applicants, at some point each of the adcom members said, “I’m human. I’m reasonable.”

What was the context and what are the implications of this very basic, obvious piece of information. Why did they feel the need to say it?

All were responding to the occasional lack of authenticity in some applications.  For example applicants who write they want to go into social enterprise with no evidence of interest in social enterprise make admissions readers wonder about sincerity. Highly paid applicants  claiming noble, low-paying MBA goals who don’t seem aware of the pay cut awaiting them if they achieve their goals also are cause for wonder. And skepticism.  When human beings are suspicious, they usually just say “no.”

Another point they all made: they know their programs. They want to admit people who will thrive and be happy at their schools. If you successfully portray yourself as someone you are not and they admit the phony you, they will have an unhappy customer on their hands. And you well spend tens of thousands of dollars and two years in the wrong place.  So be yourself.  Present your best self, but it still needs to be you.

Also, keep in mind that no human being likes to be lied to or wants to do something that will ultimately make him or her look bad. The admissions committee members are no different. If they think you are lying or that you aren’t a fit, your admissions chances just took a deep dive.

In my meetings, I asked about applicants applying with a criminal record or with academic infractions. In both cases the associate directors whom I met paused and thought for a minute. They said that they do not automatically reject people with these kinds of issues. Obviously the applicant has to be otherwise qualified, but in considering the infraction, the committee will look at when it occurred, what it was, and the applicant’s response to the event. Obviously, a misdemeanor eight years ago is very different from a felony last month.  Again, they both said, “We’re human. We’re reasonable. We know people can make a mistake.”

That humanity and that drive to help applicants end up in the right school are shared by admissions committee members and admissions consultants.  Yes, the school representatives’ primary responsibility is to their programs, but to the extent they want you to end up at the right school for you and you want to end up at the right school for you, all our interests overlap.  As an admissions consultant, it’s my job to help you find the right school for you  — and then to help you make your best case for acceptance with a self-aware, reflective, authentic, and articulate application.

By Linda Abraham, president and founder of Accepted.com. 

Make your best case for acceptance at the right schools for you after reading MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools.”

Accepted.com is continuing a blog series featuring interviews with current MBA students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at top MBA programs. We hope to offer you a candid picture of student life, and what you should consider as you prepare your MBA application.

Here’s a talk with Huriyyah Muhammad, an NYU Stern student who is passionate about travel and making movies. Thank you Huriyyah for sharing your thoughts with us!

Accepted: First, can you tell us a little about yourself – where are you from? What and where did you study as an undergraduate and when did you graduate?

Huriyyah: I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio where I spent the first 16 years of my life. At 16 I was eligible to graduate from High School but instead chose to participate in an exchange program that allowed me to live in Khartoum, Sudan for a year and travel to surrounding nations in the Middle East and N.E. Africa. It was an amazing experience that instilled in me a love of travel, as well as an early look at cultures around the world. So much of what is taken for granted here in the US is hard to come by in nations around the world. It cemented a greater appreciation for creature comforts, as well as the opportunities that came my way.

Following my time in Africa, I enrolled in Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, where I majored in Computer Science and double minored in English and Mathematics.

Accepted: Why did you decide to attend NYU Stern?

Huriyyah: I decided to attend NYU Stern because I was in love with the community from the moment I walked in the door. While NYU Stern is highly ranked, there is a down to earth feeling that permeates the community. I got the sense immediately that everyone I came in contact with was rooting for my success, from the admissions team, to the current students I spoke with, to professors whose classes I had the privilege of visiting.

Accepted: What are some of your favorite things about living in New York City? Least favorite?

Huriyyah: Favorite thing is the diverse community. Least favorite thing is the dirt.

Accepted: What’s your favorite class so far?

Huriyyah: Probably Firms and Markets, a microeconomics class.

Accepted: Do you plan on continuing to work at Infinite Wings Media, the business you started, after you receive your MBA? In what ways are you hoping Stern will help you as an entrepreneur?

Huriyyah: Being an entrepreneur has been an invaluable learning experience, as has been producing multiple independent feature films. I’m very proud of the work that I’ve done and the stories that I’ve been able to help create. What became more apparent to me in the past few years however was that it was essential for me to increase my understanding in critical areas including finance, operations, strategy…etc. This is what I expected from an MBA, and so far, I have not been disappointed. What I’ve learned in such a short amount of time is invaluable, not to mention the connections that I’ve made.

What also became apparent to me over the past few years is that I missed working in a larger organization, one with the human and financial capital in place to really touch people around the world. Post MBA, I look forward to finding a place within a major studio or production company that has a long history of making films and that will allow me to bring my unique creative and business background to the table. I’m passionate about making films, and it’s how I hope to do my part to help make the world better for us all.

Accepted: I see that you are a member of the Consortium. What attracted you to the Consortium program? Is the program living up to your expectations?

Huriyyah: Yes, I am a member of the Consortium. Connecting with other top MBA candidates across the US who share similar cultural experiences has been great. Through the Consortium, not only did we get to meet, but we got to spend a substantial amount of time together toward developing relationships that will hopefully last a lifetime.

Accepted: Can you share some application tips for other students applying to business school through the Consortium?

Huriyyah: The biggest tip I can provide is just be yourself. Also have faith that no matter what happens, it’s for your best good.

Accepted: Do you have any advice for some of our applicants who will be applying to NYU Stern?

Huriyyah: Make yourself visible.

Accepted: Last but not least, do you have a favorite place to curl up and study when you don’t want to be bothered?

Huriyyah: Yep. I go up to the Accounting Department and sit in the lounge. Pretty quiet up there. I guess everyone is busy crunching numbers.

Please visit our NYU Stern B-School Zone and Consortium Zone for more NYU- and Consortium-specific advice. Still haven’t decided which b-school are best for you? Download our FREE special report, Best MBA Programs: A Guide to Choosing the Right One for You, to help you narrow down your choices and begin your application efforts out on the right foot.

Accepted.com ~ Helping You Write Your Best

Here are a few posts, articles, and resources that proved particularly popular:

Top Ten Most Visited Accepted Admissions Blog Posts of 2011

1. Harvard Business School 2012 Essay Questions, Deadlines, Tips
2. INSEAD 2012 MBA Application Questions, Deadlines, Tips
3. London Business School 2012 MBA Application Questions, Deadlines, Tips
4. 2011 Rankings: BW’s Best Undergraduate Business Schools
5. NYU Stern 2012 MBA Application Questions, Deadlines, Tips
6. Kellogg 2012 MBA Application Questions, Deadlines, Tips
7. Columbia 2012 MBA Application Questions, Deadlines, Tips
8. 2012 Common Application Essay Tips
9. Stanford GSB 2012 MBA Application Questions, Deadlines, Tips
10. Chicago Booth 2012 MBA Application Questions, Deadlines, Tips

5 Most Downloaded Special Reports of 2011

1. 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid
2. From Example to Exemplary
3. Best MBA Programs: A Guide to Selecting the Right One
4. Leadership in Admissions
5. MBA Rankings: What You Need to Know

5 Most Popular Articles

1. Writing Your Grad School Personal Statement
2. Go for the Goals in Your Statement of Purpose
3. Tips for Writing Letters of Recommendation
4. MBA Admissions: Low GMAT or GPA
5. The Letters of Rec Too?!?

6 Most Viewed Webinars

1. AMCAS Essays for Acceptance
2. Law School Personal Statements with Pizzazz
3. Highlighting Your Strengths in the Common Application
4. MBA Reality Check: Evaluate Your Profile for Acceptance
5. 4 Essentials in an Executive MBA Application
6. The Art of a Gripping MBA Goals Essay

5 Most Visited Chats Pages:

1. Duke NUS Medical School Admissions Q&A
2. Consortium 2011 MBA Application Strategies (2012 version is here.)
3. 2011 London Business School MBA/MiF Admissions Chat (2012 version is here)
4. 2012 INSEAD MBA Admissions Q&A 
5. 2011 Columbia MBA Admissions Q&A

With the year drawing to a close, I have a request. We moved to a new blogging platform in September, and since then, you folks have really stopped asking us questions. On the old blog, we frequently received profile evaluation requests and “what are my chances?” questions on school tip posts. We welcome them! And miss them in our new abode.  Don’t be shy. If you have a question or would like your profile evaluated, just ask.

And what’s the mostest of the mostest at Accepted? The absolute best? YOU! Our readers, followers, circlers, fans, friends, participants, and most of all, our clients. Thanks for a wonderful 2011.

By Linda Abraham, founder and president of Accepted.com, co-author of MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools.

Applicants, learn the 5 fatal flaws to avoid in your application essay, statement of purpose, personal statement, or secondary essay with our FREE special report, 5 Fatal Flaws.

Look no further – the MBA book of all books is here, MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools, written by Accepted.com founder, Linda Abraham, and editor Judy Gruen. And now, for a very limited time only (Monday, Dec. 5 – Tuesday, Dec. 6) you can purchase this must-have book for $10 OFF the cover price by using coupon code SMARTIES at checkout. That’s almost 2/3 off the list price!

In MBA Admission for Smarties you will learn how to:

• Determine “fit” with a program.
• Establish your post-MBA goals and present them in a compelling goals essay.
• Write dazzling, memorable application essays.
• Secure winning letters of recommendation.
• Optimize your MBA application resume.

…and much, much more!

So what are you waiting for?

Be smart. Buy MBA Admission for Smarties now!

(Non-U.S. residents should buy MBA Admission for Smarties from Amazon.com where international shipping is available. Sorry – no coupon available to ship outside the U.S.)

Accepted.com ~ Helping You Write Your Best

However, the questions don’t give you a ready avenue to expand on your work.   A second key challenge is simply the brevity of the first two essay questions – that brevity makes it easy to do an okay job.  But okay isn’t good enough for this program, among the most competitive and acclaimed of part-time MBA programs – and it’s no cinch to do a truly compelling 250-word essay.  Finally, read the questions as a whole – the Langone adcom clearly values sharp, focused career goals – from applicants who have the ability and inclination to reflect, engage, and probe creatively and/or intellectually.

Langone Part-Time MBA Essay Questions and Tips

Question 1

Professional Aspirations (250 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)

What are your short-term and long-term career goals?

First, don’t even think about how to get everything you want into this MBA essay.  You can’t. Rather, ask yourself, “What are the few, key points I must have in this essay to both answer the question effectively and stand out?”  First, you need the details of your short- and long-term goals: positions and titles, company, industry, a sample of likely responsibilities you’ll hold.  Beyond that, to make the essay compelling, in one or two sentences convey your vision for your goals (the broader impact you’ll have) and your motivation for your goals – these elements are often intertwined.

One way you can fit in pertinent career information is to start the essay with your current position and weave it into your short-term goals.  After all, you will have goals within your current position while you’re earning your MBA – it doesn’t require a promotion or change of position to have a goal.

A simple structure works best: the first paragraph covering your short-term goals (possibly starting with where you are now); second paragraph long-term goals.  With this short essay you don’t need intro and concluding paragraphs, intro and concluding sentences will do.

Question 2

Fit with Stern (250 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font) (a) Why have you chosen to pursue your MBA on a part-time basis? (b) Earlier in your application, you indicated your Langone program preferences in rank order from among the choices below.

Please explain the preferences you selected.

• Manhattan – Weeknights

• Manhattan – Weekends

• Westchester – Weeknights

I suggest more depth and content for part A, and a straightforward, factual explanation for part B.

Part A probes your decision-making regarding the part-time option.  The adcom wants to know that the reasons are affirmative and that the part-time program is your program of choice.  This section also gives you a chance to further elaborate on your current work and its distinguishing aspects – presumably one reason you are pursuing the part-time program is because you are engaged in your work.  In this section, focus on the key 2-3 reasons for a part-time MBA and discuss each briefly but thoughtfully.  Don’t worry about having “unique” reasons – you won’t – it’s your specific work and the insights you’ll bring from it that are unique.  Caution: state positive, affirmative reasons; avoid reasons like can’t afford a full-time MBA, afraid to leave job, can’t get into a top-tier full-time program, etc.  Positive reasons include wanting to stay in fascinating job/industry, excitement about applying learning in real-time, valuing studying alongside peers who are immersed in diverse industries and functions, etc.

Part B should be short and sweet; a couple of sentences will suffice, simply explaining in concrete, practical terms why you are choosing the particular program.

Question 3

Personal Expression

Please describe yourself to your MBA classmates. You may use almost any method to convey your message. Feel free to be creative.

Please note the following guidelines and restrictions:

• Your submission becomes the property of NYU Stern and cannot be returned for any reason.
• If you submit a written essay, it should be 500 words maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font.
• If you submit a non-written piece (i.e., artwork or multimedia), please provide a brief written description of your submission and its relevance to your MBA application.
• If you prepare a multimedia submission, you may mail a CD, DVD or USB flash drive to the Admissions Office. Please do not submit a link to a webpage.
• Mailed materials must be postmarked by the application deadline date. Please follow our mail and labeling instructions.
• The Admissions Committee reserves the right to request an alternate Essay 3 if we are unable to view your submission.
• Do not submit anything perishable (e.g. food), or any item that has been worn (e.g. clothing).

First, a comment about “feel free to be creative”: don’t strain to do something you think represents “creative” if it doesn’t flow naturally.  Plenty, perhaps most, of admitted applicants write an essay.  If you are inspired and have a great idea, fine, go with it.  If not, write the absolute best essay you can.  The key here is to help the adcom get to know you in ways that are relevant to Langone, that distinguish you, and that reflect your life beyond your job in some way.  Langone, and more broadly NYU, relish involvement with the community, intellectual and/or artistic engagement, a sharp ability to self-reflect on one’s life and circumstances, a willingness to assert and/or question one’s values, a willingness and ability to ask questions that you don’t have answers to…  There are many inviting avenues to consider in selecting a topic for this essay – and that selection is the key to hitting a home run with it.  There really isn’t a formula.  I have seen successful essays that focus solely on the applicant’s passionate hobby, that discuss some aspect of one’s family life, one’s regional culture, one’s religious or political evolution… And I’ve also seen successful essays that discuss a couple of things.  With the 500-word limit, you can’t really do justice to more than two points though.

Don’t worry about discussing things that are “impressive” or about finding things that are unusual – this essay’s effectiveness rests on how vividly you present your topic(s), how you personalize it with anecdote and detail. A discussion about something as common as cooking or learning a language or playing basketball can become a memorable statement if done vividly with stories and experiences.

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, your undergraduate record, plans to retake the GMAT, GRE and/or TOEFL, or any other relevant information. If you are unable to submit a recommendation from a current supervisor, you must explain your reason in this essay. If you are a reapplicant from last term/year, please explain how your candidacy has improved since your last application.

This doesn’t explicitly limit the essay to extenuating circumstances or application-specific issues, but the topics it suggests are such issues.  Moreover the phrase “bring to the attention of” doesn’t really invite you to continue marketing yourself with any new material that you think might enhance your application.  I therefore suggest addressing the types of issues the question presents, or other information that has a direct bearing on the adcom’s ability to understand your candidacy.  There is no word limit, but given the other word limits, keeping it short will align with the other essays.

Deadline for fall 2012:  May 15, 2012 (notification by August 15, 2012)

By Cindy Tokumitsu, co-author of The EMBA Edge, and author of the  free special report, “Ace the EMBA.”

This NYU Stern 2012 MBA Application tip post is one of a series of posts providing MBA application and essay advice for applicants to top MBA programs around the world. Check out the entire 2012 MBA Application Tips series for more valuable MBA essay advice. 

NYU Stern 2012 MBA Essay Questions

Please note the following details when completing the Essays section of the Fall 2012 online application.

The following 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 should be written entirely by you. An offer of admission will be revoked if you did not write your essays. Please note the following:

• Essays 1, 2 and 4 must be typed and submitted using the standard U.S. 8 1/2” x 11” format, double-spaced, in 12-point font.

• Please adhere to the essay word limits provided for each question.

• Word limits apply to the total question. For example, your response to Essay 1 should answer part (a), part (b) and part (c) with a total maximum of 750 words.

• Label the top of each essay with the following: Name, Date of Birth (month, day, year), Essay Number and Page Number (e.g.: Joe Applicant, January 1, 1983, Essay 1, Page 1)

Essay 1. Professional Aspirations

(750 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)

Think about the decisions you have made in your life. Answer the following:

(a) What choices have you made that led you to your current position?

(b) Why pursue an MBA at this point in your life?

(c) What is your career goal upon graduation from NYU Stern? What is your long-term career goal?

Stern wants to know about your past career decisions, your reasons for an MBA now, and your plans for the future. Like most MBA goals question, this question asks you to show the logic behind your career development and the pursuit of an MBA at this point in time, which should be tied to achievement of your short- and long-term goals.

The part of the question asking about your “career goal upon graduation” is critical  . Are you realistic about where your past experience plus a Stern MBA can take you? Stern doesn’t want people in la-la-land who will be impossible to place.

Finally make sure you answer all elements of the question while staying within the word limits (not guidelines). No adcom member sits there and counts words, but the readers can tell when you are significantly over. “Significantly” in my book is more than 10%. Write succinctly.

Admissions Tips:

• Listen to our podcast: Essays.
• Proofread your essays carefully.
• Make sure you have fully answered the essay questions.
• Be genuine in your essays – tell us about the real you.
• Follow the essay instructions, including word limits and font size.

Essay 2. Your Stern Experience

(500 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font) 

We take great care to shape the Stern community with individuals who possess both intellectual and interpersonal strengths.We seek individuals who are highly intelligent, collaborative and committed to flourishing as Stern leaders. Please answer the following questions:

(a) What is your personal experience with the Stern community? Tell us what actions you have taken to learn about us.

(b) Describe what most excites you about Stern from both an academic and extracurricular perspective.

(c) How do you anticipate making your mark on the Stern community? Be specific about the roles you will take on and the impact you hope to achieve.

Have you attended MBA fairs? Stern receptions? Have you visited Stern , communicated with students and recent alumni? Scoured Stern’s web site and printed material? Talked to possible employers? Read blogs of current NYU students? If you take any of those steps, let Stern know.

For parts b and c, based on your research, what do you find most appealing? What would motivate you to attend Stern if you have multiple acceptances? And again based on your research and your past commitments, how do you intend to participate in the rich communal life at Stern? Stern has many avenues for involvement: experiential  learning opportunities, clubs, events, community service. What’s your niche? Show that you have done your homework on NYU Stern.

Admissions Tip:

To see if Stern is a fit for you, come visit us in New York City or at one of our events around the world.

Essay 3. Personal Expression

Please describe yourself to your MBA classmates. You may use almost any method to convey your message (e.g. words, illustrations). Feel free to be creative.

If you submit a non-written piece for Essay 3 (i.e., artwork or multimedia) or if you submit Essay 3 via mail, please upload a brief description of your submission with your online application.

Please note the following guidelines and restrictions:

• Your submission becomes the property of NYU Stern and cannot be returned for any reason.

• If you submit a written essay, it should be 500 words maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font. If you submit a video or audio file, it should be five minutes maximum.
• If you prepare a multimedia submission, you may mail a CD, DVD or USB flash drive to the Admissions Office. These are the only acceptable methods of submission. Please do not submit an internet link to any websites or to a video hosting service such as YouTube.
• The Admissions Committee reserves the right to request an alternate Essay 3 if we are unable to view your submission
• Do not submit anything perishable (e.g. food) or any item that has been worn (e.g. clothing).
• Mailed materials must be postmarked by the deadline date. To submit Essay 3 by mail, please follow the mail and labeling instructions.

Essay 3 packages are subject to size restrictions. Essays that exceed the stated size restrictions will not be accepted for review by the Admissions Committee. Please see the table below for the maximum package size guidelines:

Bribes don’t work either. Candidates can get very creative with this essay and use different media (other than edibles and worn attire), but many of you will convey your ideas in words. Think of how you describe yourself in a social setting when meeting people for the first time.

If it’s the first day of class or a mixer early in the pre-term, how would you break the ice? Would you try to set up a tennis game or golf match? Would you find someone to explore NYC’s museums? Or do you hate museums and prefer hiking through the woods? What would you say if you were in the campus coffee shop and sat down with some new classmates? Could you create a dialog? A short skit?

NYU Stern also permits the use of multimedia in response to this question. While the medium may vary, the point again is to introduce yourself to friends. Given the other questions, this can be a great venue for hobbies, extra-curricular interests, and community service.

If you are considering video, download Audio/Video in Admissions: Get Ready for Prime Time, a free special report by Accepted’s Michelle Stockman.

Admissions Tip:

• Listen to Isser Gallogly, Executive Director of MBA Admissions, discuss Essay 3 on Public Radio’s “Marketplace”. (Please note that we have updated Essay 3 size restrictions and accept multimedia submissions on CDs, DVDs and USB flash drives.)

Essay 4. 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 and/or TOEFL or any other relevant information.

If you are unable to submit a recommendation from your current supervisor, you must explain your reason in Essay 4.

If you are a re-applicant from last year, please explain how your candidacy has improved since your last application.

If you are applying to a dual degree program, please explain your decision to pursue a dual degree.

Obviously if you fit into one of the categories described in the 3 points above, you need to write this essay. If you don’t fit into the above categories and have something you want the admissions committee to know that isn’t part of the required essays, then you still should write this optional essay.

Uploading Formats
You may upload documents into the online application in the following formats: word, excel, PDF, .txt, .rft and .wpd.

Application Deadlines for the Full-time MBA program:

                                        1st Deadline       2nd Deadline       3rd Deadline

Application Due:       Nov. 15, 2011       Jan. 15, 2012        March 15, 2012

Initial Notification*:   Feb. 15, 2012       April 1, 2012         June 1, 2012

*You will receive one of three initial notifications: invitation to interview, waitlist offer or denial of admission.

International applicants:

You are encouraged to apply by the November 15 deadline to facilitate visa arrangements and to have priority consideration for off-site interviews, if desired. You may also apply for the January 15 and March 15 deadlines.

Incomplete Applications:

If your application is not complete (for example, missing test scores, illegible scanned transcript, no essays or other items) you will be informed via email. If you do not provide a completed application by the deadline, we cannot guarantee notification by the initial notification date. 

If you would like professional guidance with your NYU Stern MBA application, please consider Accepted’s MBA essay editing and MBA admissions consulting or our NYU Stern School Packages, which include advising, editing, interview coaching, and a resume edit for the Stern MBA application.

By Linda Abraham, President and Founder of Accepted.com.

U.S. News & World Report just released its annual Execute MBA rankings, which we’ve posted below.

Top 10 Best Executive MBA Programs

1. University of Pennsylvania Wharton

2. Chicago Booth

3. Northwestern Kellogg

4. Duke Fuqua

5. Columbia

6. NYU Stern

6. UCLA Anderson

8. Michigan Ross

9. UC Berkeley Haas

10. UNC Kenan-Flagler

You’ll see that this list varies only slightly from the Poets & Quants best EMBA list that we posted yesterday. You can also compare this list to U.S. News‘ list of best business schools and you’ll find that if a school is regarded as the best for its MBA program, then it likely offers a top EMBA program as well. 

(Please see U.S. News‘ “Business School Rankings Methodology” for details on how these programs were chosen.)

Accepted.com ~ Helping You Write Your Best

?

BusinessWeek‘s 2011 ranking report reveals that more than ever, college applicants are seeking a global experience, especially those who plan on pursuing an undergraduate degree in business. Undergraduate business programs are responding by creating more immersion options, overseas internships, and business-related study abroad opportunities. Some schools are even offering business courses that require students to go abroad. Many schools are implementing international experience requirements, maintaining that global exposure is essential in today’s market.

For example, Notre Dame Mendoza, BW‘s top pick for the second year in a row, offers study abroad options in Haiti, Egypt, and South Africa, among many other places, and encourages students to pursue business research projects abroad as well.

Below we have posted BW‘s top 20 undergraduate business schools.

Top 20 Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2011 (Last year’s position is in parentheses.)

1.      Notre Dame Mendoza (1)

2.      UVA McIntire (2)

3.      Emory Goizueta (7)

4.      UPenn Wharton (4)

5.      Cornell (5)

6.      Michigan Ross (8)

7.      Villanova (20)

8.      UNC Kenan-Flagler (14)

9.      MIT Sloan (3)

10.  Georgetown McDonough (23)

11.  Brigham Young Marriott (11)

12.  Richmond Robins (15)

13.  UC Berkeley Haas (6)

14.  Washington Olin (13)

15.  NYU Stern (12)

16.  Boston College Carroll (9)

17.  Texas McCombs (10)

18.  Indiana Kelley (19)

19.  Wake Forest (18)

20.  Babson (17)

You’ll notice there were quite a few significant shifts this year. Three new schools made it into the top 10—Villanova, UNC Kenan-Flagler, and Georgetown McDonough—ousting UC Berkeley Haas, Boston College, and Texas McCombs from their top 10 positions of last year. The only school new to the top 20 list this year is Georgetown, taking a slot away from Miami Farmer.

For more information on methodology, please see BW‘s article, “How We Ranked the Schools.”

Accepted.com ~ Helping You Write Your Best

Horrified, I have watched the scenes and read the news from Japan. As a longtime resident of Los Angeles who has experienced several serious earthquakes, but nothing approaching the devastation of Friday’s quake and tsunami, I feel for the suffering, courageous people of Japan. I invite you to join my husband and me in contributing to relief efforts.

I thought of another small way I could possibly help through this blog. I have asked several top MBA programs with deadlines this week and next if they are making accommodations for Japanese applicants who might miss upcoming deadlines. Here are the responses I have received so far. I will add as I receive additional responses.

NYU Stern — March 15 deadline

“As a school with long-standing ties to Japan through our alumni, students, faculty exchanges and our Stern U.S.- Japan Center, we are especially saddened by the devastation and loss of life from the earthquake.

“We always accept Full-time MBA applications beyond our March 15th deadline through June 1 on a space available basis and would certainly welcome any Japanese applications after March 15th.”

UC Berkeley Haas — March 16 deadline

“We did reach out to all of our applicants [in Japan] letting them know they can contact us with any questions and concerns … we will make allowances on a case-by-case basis.”

Yale SOM –March 17 deadline

“Yes, we are granting a one-week extension for all Round 3 candidates who are in Japan (whether Japanese citizens or otherwise).”

Cornell Johnson – March 22 deadline

“We are extending the Round Four deadline to April 15 and Japanese candidates will still be eligible for scholarship if applying by that date.”

By Linda Abraham, President and Founder of Accepted.com.