The University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management is one of the leading business schools in Canada. Known for its design approach to MBA education and strong emphasis on problem-solving, Rotman’s program continues to grow in renown and was ranked number one in Canada in the 2024 QS Global MBA Rankings.

Through its uniquely engaging essay question and the opportunity to shape a rich and in-depth message over a generous word limit, Rotman invites you to demonstrate the self-knowledge and personal insight that will convey your fit with the values and culture of the program.

Ready to get to work on your Toronto Rotman application? Read on.

• Toronto Rotman application essay tips
• Toronto Rotman deadlines
• Toronto Rotman class profile

Toronto Rotman application essay tips

Essay 

Our admitted students stand out by doing interesting things with their personal and professional lives — something we describe as the ‘spike factor’. 

What are the things that you have done in your life that demonstrate passion, grit, resilience, innovation, drive, ambition, and more? This can cross all or any aspects of life outside of work – hobbies, volunteerism, awards, entrepreneurial ventures, sports and the arts. We believe that exposure to a rich diversity of viewpoints makes for a superior learning experience, and pride ourselves on building a diverse class of exceptional individuals who will go on to make the School proud as professionals and alumni.

Explain your spike factor (something unique about yourself) that you believe will contribute to the Rotman community and is aligned with Rotman values (up to 500 words).

If you don’t know what the adcom means by “spike factor,” check out Accepted’s podcast episode with Mohammad Salhia, managing director of recruitment, admissions, and business development at Rotman. 

The important thing with this essay is to first share your “spike factor” – what makes you unique and how that will add value to your classmates. Make any explanation short and sweet. You do have to explicitly explain your “spike factor,” because the question directs you to. But you don’t have to do it at the start of your essay, and you don’t have to do it at length. Consider beginning your essay with an anecdote to engage the reader. 

Next, you need to be sure to communicate your ideas clearly and logically yet stay within the 500-word limit. What you reveal about yourself in the essay helps the adcom discover who you are and whether you would be a good fit for their program. “Fit” is a very difficult term to explain concretely, but adcoms know how to identify it. They’ve learned over the years which candidates have the potential to be leaders, which ones have the potential to be creative and innovative, and which ones just won’t be right for the program.

Once you decide on the spike factor you will present, identify up to three illustrative anecdotes from both work and outside of work that illustrate it, and make sure each one shows a different context or facet of the spike factor. Be strategic about which anecdotes you use. For example, what are some meaningful “zoom-in” moments or experiences from your life (at least one of which should be relatively recent) that would enhance your application in relevant ways? Use this essay to fill in the mosaic of who you are.

The emphasis on the word “diverse/diversity” in the preamble to the question indicates that the adcom appreciates reflections that are not only individual perspectives but that also connect the applicant to a broader group in some way. If you portray such a connection, great; just make sure it adds a distinctive nuance or message.

Optional: You can upload 1-3 of your ‘spikiest’ pictures to the supplemental items section of your application. Note: Your photos must be uploaded as a single PDF.

Sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words, so if you can show what is unique about you using a photo, then do so. Perhaps add a one-line comment to identify the photo, or consider referring to the photo(s) in your essay. You’ll want to explain why you chose the photo and why the experience depicted in the photo made an impact on you.

Required video interview

Required video interview (2 questions) with a new timed written response component (10 minutes in length). Applicants will receive an email within 24 hours of applying with a link to the video component. 

The video interview component is a required part of Rotman’s admissions process, designed to give all candidates guaranteed “face time” with the adcom. Note that only after your application has been submitted will you receive an invitation (via email) to complete your video interviews and the essay, which must be done within two business days of receiving the invitation. So keep your eyes on your Inbox!

Rather than panicking at the thought of doing a recording on an unknown subject, look at this as a fun challenge. You get to show the adcom who you are, what gets you excited, what your values are, and why Rotman is the right school for you. You will have an opportunity to test your audio and video (which you should also do in advance) and then will be asked two pre-recorded questions that you will have 90 seconds to answer, followed by a real-time, ten-minute written response (no video with this component.) Both video questions are personality/values based and are designed to be answered without advanced preparation. The written question is designed to simulate the typical email communications you will create as a Rotman MBA student. 

Without knowing what the questions are, it’s best to approach the video interview with both your application essays and the Rotman program fresh in your mind. This will help you avoid being both (1) redundant and (2) contradictory or inconsistent. I suggest viewing and approaching it as a continuation of the dialogue started in your essay. Yes, this part of the application might present a challenge, particularly for non-native English speakers and writers who might typically take more time to polish their writing in English. But again, be calm! Perhaps make notes about particular classes you want to take or professors you’d like to work with as you are reviewing the website, so you can call up their names without being flustered. If you’ve spoken with students or alumni, try to bring that element into either the video recordings or the associated written essay. And if the opportunity presents itself, mention the Leadership Development Lab or the Self-Development Lab, two core features of the Rotman program, or the school’s incorporation of artificial intelligence into its curriculum. While it’s natural for a follow-up piece like this essay to be less polished and less thoughtful than essays on which you are able to spend more time, it should not sound as though a different person wrote it or present such a gap in English writing ability that it raises doubts about the authorship of the written portions of your application. If you are worried about these elements, practice. Give yourself sample topics and a five- to ten-minute response window. Use tough questions, to make the actual one (hopefully) seem easier!

You’ve worked so hard to get to this point in your journey. Now that you’re ready for your next achievement, make sure you know how to present yourself to maximum advantage in your Rotman application. In a hotly competitive season, you’ll want a member of Team Accepted in your corner, guiding you with expertise tailored specifically for you. Schedule a free consultation with an Accepted expert today!

Toronto Rotman deadlines

Source: Rotman website.

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with Rotman directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***

Toronto Rotman class profile

Here is a look at the Rotman MBA Class of 2025 (data taken from the Rotman website):

Total students: 266

Women: 49%

LGBTQ+: 8%

Black or Indigenous: 10%

Average age: 28

Age range: 21-36

Average years of work experience: 5

Range of years of work experience: 0-14

Average GPA: 3.6

Average GMAT: 672

GMAT range (80%): 630-720

Global reach

• Born outside of Canada: 79%
• International students: 70%
• Speaks two languages: 46%
• Passport regions represented: 41
• First languages spoken: 37
• Domestic students: 30%
• Speak three or more languages: 15%

Industry background

• Consulting: 29%
• Financial services: 28%
• Technology: 17%
• Healthcare/Biotech/Pharma: 6%
• Legal: 6%
• Consumer goods: 5%
• Other: 4%
• Manufacturing: 2%
• Retail: 1%
• Not-for-profit: 1%
• Media/Entertainment: 1%

Academic background

• Business/Commerce: 34%
• Engineering: 20%
• Economics: 14%
• Other: 11%
• Math/Computer science: 5%
• Life sciences: 4%
• Social sciences: 4%
• Applied Sciences: 3%
• Humanities: 3%
• Physical sciences: 1%
• Law: 1%

Dr. Christie St-John has more than 25 years of higher ed and admissions experience, including ten years in admissions at Dartmouth Tuck. She was formerly the director of MBA recruiting and admissions, director of international relations, and an adjunct faculty member at Vanderbilt University. Having also served on the board of directors of the MBA Career Services & Employer Alliance and the Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management, Christie has a deep knowledge of MBA and other graduate admissions. Want Christie to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related Resources:

• The Winning Ingredients of a Dynamic MBA Goals Essay, a free guide
• Do You Have the Spike for Toronto Rotman MBA?, podcast Episode 581
• MBA Selectivity Index, a free tool

The post Toronto Rotman MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2024-2025], Class Profile appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog.

Looking for the best possible admissions advice?

How about admissions advice from the admission committee members themselves?

Linda Abraham, founder of Accepted and host of the Admissions Straight Talk Podcast has a collection of highly enlightening interviews with directors of admissions and adcom members of top business schools!

Listen in as Linda asks her adcom guests pointed and to-the-point questions about the schools, the admissions process, how to get in, and…how to get rejected.

Listen, enjoy, and apply successfully!

For a varied menu of thought-provoking and informative conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs, MBA students, and more, check out the Admissions Straight Talk Podcast:

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The post From the Mouths of MBA Adcom Members: How to Get Accepted appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog.

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An engineer with Indian Railways seeks innovation as a Rotman MBA student. [Show summary]

Meenakshi Chauhan spent five years as an engineer with Indian Railways (and the only woman in her department) before leaving in search of a more challenging, innovative work environment. Now, she’s preparing to re-enter student life at the University of Toronto’s Rotman MBA program.

Preparing for life as an MBA student at Toronto Rotman [Show notes]

Meenakshi Chauhan has worked since graduating college as an Indian Railways engineer. She started a beauty blog in 2018 and is now looking forward to starting her MBA studies at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background, where you grew up, and what you like to do for fun? [1:23]

I was born in a small village where I lived with my parents and their extended family. I lived there for about two years, but for most of my childhood, I’ve lived with my grandmother. My father was the only person earning and my mother had to take care of the whole family, so they didn’t have much time for me. So I was mostly brought up by my grandmother. I lived for around eight to 10 years with her, and then I moved back with my parents. As far as what I like to do for fun, there are a lot of things that I like to do. I like to paint. I like to cook, and this lockdown has given me the chance to cook a lot. And I love to work out. On my blog, I’m also writing a lot about health and nutrition, so I love to work out and take care of myself.

You earned your BTech in 2013. On your blog you write, “I was selected as an assistant engineer in Indian Railways, considered one of the most prestigious jobs in the engineering field. I was at the top of the world until I joined. I realized that the job was not as exciting as I had expected it to be.” Why didn’t it live up to your expectations? [2:32]

So when I joined Indian Railways, I had a certain impression in my mind: The job is going to be very challenging, I’m going to work and learn about a lot of new technologies, and I’ll be involved in innovating stuff. Indian Railways is completely owned by the Indian government, so bureaucracy tends to slow down things a bit, and I felt that when I started working with Indian Railways that things were a bit slow. It took months to get the approval for anything. So it got a little monotonous for me, and I didn’t really find it as challenging as I was expecting it to be. So it got a little bit boring for me there, and I wanted to do something more exciting that would help me develop my skills as well as enjoy the whole working process.

Was it difficult for you as a woman in a male-dominated field and industry? [4:04]

It was a bit difficult for me, and mostly because in the department I joined, there were not many women. I was the only woman in that department, so I got judged a lot. My intelligence was questioned. My seniors, as well as my juniors, would often say that I was not fit for the job. I wasn’t capable of handling long hours or putting in that much effort towards my work. So that was a bit disheartening for me. Eventually, I did handle it, but initially it was a bit disheartening for me.

How did you handle it? [5:00]

I got a few opportunities, and I must say I’m lucky that I got opportunities where most of the topmost officiants of Indian Railways were monitoring the project, looking after that. I was solely responsible for handling a few of those projects, and I did exceptionally well in those projects. They eventually did understand that it doesn’t matter whether I am a girl or some male person working there, and it’s just the kind of dedication you put in, the effort you put in that matters, not my gender that matters.

You worked with the Indian Railways for just about five years. Did the frustration ultimately lead you to turn to business and an MBA? [5:38]

No, I wouldn’t say it was the frustration, but I just want to grow from where I am. I have achieved something in life, I have a certain set of skills, and now I want to grow and develop more. That’s what pushed me to pursue an MBA. I am from a technical field. I have great technical skills. I have those quantitative skills. But the kind of job I’m doing, that’s not just technical. It’s more of a managerial, techno-managerial kind of a job. So those are strategic skills, financial skills. They’re equally important for me, and I want to develop those. That’s why I wanted to do an MBA.

Why Toronto Rotman? [6:33]

The most important thing that attracted me to Rotman is that Rotman is a very innovative school. Even the video interview thing, that is so common now with most colleges, was introduced by Rotman. And the CDL lab they have, the Creative Destruction Lab, that’s also an amazing initiative by Rotman. So the first thing that attracted me to Rotman was the kind of innovation those people are doing. That was the first thing, plus, there is a lot of diversity in Rotman. So even that attracted me to it, and I had my eyes fixed on this school, and I’m lucky now that I got into it.

What challenges did you face during the application process itself? [7:48]

I wouldn’t say the application process was that challenging for me because even before my GMAT, I knew that I had to work with someone from Accepted.com. One of my friends who applied to Kellogg last year, she worked with Accepted, and she worked with Michelle, and she recommended her to me. Even before my GMAT, I talked to Michelle, and she was the one who convinced me to give it another go. My first go was around 660. When I talked to Michelle, she told me to give it another go and improve my score, and because of her, I gave another shot. I got a better score. I again contacted her to say, “You have to help me with the application.” So it was all very smooth for me because I worked with her from the start. She’s great.

Are you concerned at all about the impact of COVID-19 and the coronavirus pandemic on your MBA experience and getting a visa to enter Canada? [8:59]

I am a bit worried about that because it’s affecting visas all over the world. Currently, I’ve not been able to apply for my study permit, and I’m worried about how much time it will take. But things are so uncertain at this point that you never know what will happen in the next two weeks. So it’s just a bit scary right now, but I’m hoping for the best.

Watch: International MBA Applicants and COVID-19: Risks & Opportunities [Short Video]

Are you concerned that part of your MBA might be online? [9:44]

Yes, that’s a concern for me, and I’m actually preparing myself for that because I think that there’s a great possibility that some part of my course will be online if things don’t improve in the near future. So, yes, I am a bit worried about this. I think I’ll be lacking some of the networking.

It’s seven years at this point since you graduated college. Are you concerned about transitioning back to school? [10:44]

Yeah, that’s the exact thought I was having. I’ve always been good at studies. I’ve always been good in school, in college, everywhere. So I think I’ll be able to adjust quite easily. I think I’ll get used to the school thing within a few weeks.

You’ve emphasized throughout the call that you were frustrated with Indian Railways because it wasn’t very innovative. You’re attracted to Toronto because it is very innovative. What are your plans for the future? How do you intend to use your MBA? Where do you plan to innovate? [11:21]

Actually, I wrote about this in my essay. I don’t plan to divert much from my current path. I’m working in a technical field, and I plan to stay in the field. But I want to enhance my skills. There’s a company, Bombardier, which is based in Canada and with whom Indian Railways has been a longtime partner. So I plan to work, if I get the chance, with Bombardier. I’ll be able to enhance my managerial and my business skills, as well as stay connected to my main field. I’ll still be connected to railways in some way. So I plan to do that. Maybe later in the future, I might come back to India, and if I get the chance, I might work again with Indian Railways, and that experience and the knowledge that I gained I know will be definitely helpful to help Indian Railways in some way.

Read: Toronto Rotman MBA Application Essay Tips

Have you always had a fascination with trains? [12:57]

I won’t say I’ve always had a fascination with trains, but, yes, there are many memories related to it. When we were young, we mostly traveled by rail or railways, and there are many memories related to that. In India, railways are huge, and people generally travel by railway, so everyone is in some way or other connected to trains, you know? It’s not just a means of transporting people. It has certain memories related to it.

Do you have any tips for Rotman MBA applicants? [13:38]

Applicants need to relax a bit. I’ve heard a lot of people say that the application process is very difficult and it’s very frustrating. Even my friend who recommended Michelle to me, she said, “The application process is more difficult than the GMAT itself.” I think if you manage the time properly, it can go very smoothly. You don’t need to worry much about it. Everyone has a story, and you just need to take your time and work through it and just relax a bit.

How did you come to start your blog, HealthyPassenger.com? [14:44]

The blog isn’t just about beauty and travel. It’s also about health, and I’ve always been interested in nutrition, taking care of yourself, and how to be both mentally and physically fit. One day, it just hit me that I know a lot about these things, so why not share them? I consulted my friend (he’s now my husband), and we together started this blog. I wrote all the content, and he managed the digital part of it, running ads and stuff. So he did all that, and it was going great. I am still working on it. This lockdown has given me so much time that I’ve even added a category, healthy recipes, because I’m cooking a lot. So I’m working on it, and it’s going good, and I hope that it does better. Once I join Rotman, I’ll definitely think about sharing my MBA experience there as well.

Where can listeners find you online? [16:35]

My blog is www.healthypassenger.com. I’m also on Instagram by the same name, @healthypassenger. Anyone can message me anytime. I’m always available on Instagram or on my blog.

Related Links:

• Healthy Passenger Blog
• Healthy Passenger on instagram
• International MBA Applicants and COVID-19: Risks & Opportunities, a short video with Accepted admissions consultant Michelle Stockman
• Toronto Rotman MBA Program
• Toronto Rotman Application Essay Tips
• Accepted’s MBA Admissions Consulting Services

Related Shows:

• Toronto Rotman MBA: The Spike Factor
• The Toronto Rotman MBA Program: Where Application Volume is Soaring
• Wake Up to Your Amazing Career Possibilities
• An Admissions Expert’s Top Tips for Business School Applicants

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The post Preparing for Life as an MBA Student at Toronto Rotman [Episode 367] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog.

In honor of the busy holiday and admissions season, we are presenting an encore of the most popular MBA interview of 2019, my interview with Toronto Rotman’s Director of Admissions and Recruitment, Imran Kanga.

Obviously if you are interested in earning your MBA at Toronto Rotman, this interview is a must-listen. However, Imran’s discussion of what Rotman calls the “spike factor” has value to any MBA applicant trying to show how they can add a distinctive something to their MBAs class.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for listening to Admissions Straight Talk and wish you a Wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year, a new year filled with the realization of your educational and professional dreams, and of course acceptances.

For the complete show notes, please check out the original blog post.

Related Links:

• Toronto Rotman MBA program
• Toronto Rotman Application Essay Tips
• “Canada Says, ‘Give Me Your MBAs, Your Entrepreneurs”
• Accepted’s MBA Admissions Consulting Services

Related Shows:

• NYU Stern: An Insider’s Perspective on Getting Accepted
• Innovative Education in NYC: All About Cornell Tech
• What’s New at INSEAD?
• How to Get a Georgetown MBA?

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The post Encore: Toronto Rotman MBA: The Spike Factor [Episode 344] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog.

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Interview with Imran Kanga, Director of Recruitment and Admissions at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management [Show Summary]

Toronto Rotman wants to see a “spike factor” in its applicants. What is a spike factor? What’s Toronto Rotman’s spike factor(s)? How can you show a spike factor. What else does Rotman offer? What are its 3 other criteria for acceptance?  All questions covered and answered in this informative podcast interview with Toronto Rotman’s MBA admissions director, Imran Kanga. Pull up a chair!

All About Toronto Rotman and the Spike Factor They Seek in Applicants [Show Notes]

It gives me great pleasure to have for the first time on AST Imran Kanga, Director of Recruitment & Admissions for the Full-Time MBA Program at the Rotman School of Management, at the University of Toronto. Imran attended Ridley College for his bachelors and earned his International MBA from York University’s Schulich School of Business in 2010. But he wasn’t finished at Schulich when he got his MBA. Upon graduation he became the Assistant Director of Marketing and Recruitment for the Schulich School of Business in India and managed the Schulich MBA program there. In December 2018 he became Director of Recruitment and Admission for the University of Toronto’s Rotman School.

Can you give us an overview of the Rotman MBA program, focusing on its more distinctive features? [2:11]

It’s a two-year, fulltime MBA. The first part is the core component, where students learn the basic business fundamentals and foundations. The second part allows students to choose from 15 concentrations, and some are quite unique to Rotman in areas like investment banking, business design, and innovation. It’s not required, but students have opportunity to specialize if they like in the second year. In terms of other unique initiatives, we have the Creative Destruction Lab, Design Works Lab, and Self Development lab that allows students to develop their leadership presence. We also have a flexible internship program. Students are required to have an internship, but can choose to do so not just in the summer, but the fall and winter are options as well. Employers like the flexibility to get students on board when they have a requirement for it, not just over the summer.

In January Bloomberg Businessweek proclaimed “Canada Says, ‘Give Me Your MBAs, Your Entrepreneurs.”  Not quite the Statue of Liberty, but the article points out that in three years Canada has experienced a 60% jump in international students studying in Canada. Furthermore, more than 65% of foreign-born adults in Canada in 2017 had a post-secondary degree. How does the Rotman MBA fit into this picture of Canada welcoming the talented, the educated, and yes the entrepreneurial yearning to breathe free opportunity? [6:14]

Canada has come to the forefront in terms of being a preferred destination for international students, which is very much in line with the government’s goal to recruit top talent from across the world to study and then live here. Rotman has experienced tremendous growth, consistently more than 30% year over year. This allows us to be much more selective but also adds a lot of diversity to the class because applicants are coming from countries that otherwise might traditionally apply to schools in the U.S. or U.K., so it is a tremendous opportunity for us, and enriches the experience for our students. Post-graduation students can live for three years in Canada on a work permit, which is also a great incentive.

Can you talk about the three labs you mentioned earlier? Can students do all three? [10:03]

The Self Development Lab is a space where students can go to develop their communication skills, leadership qualities, and presentation skills. It is a very high tech space that can detect things like nervousness, anxiety, how tired you are, or even how many times you say, “uh” in a conversation. It is available to students throughout the two years they are in the program.

The Creative Destruction Lab is a two-part course. Students have to take an elective in year one, followed by a year-long course in the second year. The lab itself is really a venture accelerator. We invite tech startups at seed stage and help them scale up. It is a partnership with the government (they provide grants), and there is some really great work coming out of this lab, in areas like space, quantum computing, AI, and fin tech. The lab provides mentorship to entrepreneurs and founders of these startups, funding, partners like VC firms, and access to management talent.

Business Design Lab is focused on business innovation and design. It has more to do with technology and how businesses are transformed with technology, and leans more toward the academic and research side. Students are selected to be a part of the lab in their second year.

In terms of what’s new in our lab space, TDBank is giving us $4M for Fin Hub, which is another lab focused on new and emerging areas of finance like fin tech, block chain, cryptocurrencies, and AI. Our faculty are thought leaders in this area, and we are really excited about this new opportunity.

Let’s turn to the application. Your site says that you are looking for four qualities: Intellectual Horsepower, Experience and Impact, Communication and Presence, and the Spike Factor. I’d like to focus on the last element, because I think the first three are easily understood. What does the Spike Factor mean to you? How would you describe it? [17:31]

The Spike Factor was initially developed by McKinsey to differentiate their candidates, and we were very excited to incorporate it into our assessment. It gives applicants the opportunity to share why they stand out – what makes them unique and really shine. It could be that they have participated in a lot of extracurricular activities, are part of community initiatives, are artists, musicians, have had cultural immersions – all of these factors could constitute a Spike Factor. For us it is important because it gives a different perspective on what the student brings to the class – what is something really unique or special about this candidate that would add a lot of value.

Rotman’s application includes a resume, a traditional essay, a short “reflection question,” a timed written reflection, and two videos before a by-invitation-only interview. What do you learn from these different elements? Why do you need each element to have a holistic picture? Why does Rotman include the following elements in its evaluation? [22:29]

Each element you mentioned links to one of the four components we were talking about. The resume speaks to experience and impact. The traditional essay goes to fit – why do you want an MBA and why Rotman. That shows us the student has done the research and knows what the program is about and what to expect. The reflection question asks students to list out 3-5 qualities that they see in themselves. This is for students to show their self-awareness, and that they can take a step back and assess their strengths and weaknesses, which is important to do before getting into the application. During the interview these qualities can be validated. The timed essay and video essay are meant to provide us with an authentic version of an applicant. The time-written essay gives a sense of who they are, and the answers don’t have to be lengthy. Can an applicant write a short paragraph and communicate ideas clearly? The video essay gives a sense of whether they can communicate ideas in a short period of time, think on the fly, and come up with clear and concise answers. We aren’t looking for perfection, but potential.

What distinguishes applicants who get interview invitations from those who don’t other than stats? [28:31]

We look at all the components of the application and one is not rated over the other – it is holistic. Applicants have to have done well overall in the application – someone with a 770 GMAT but lacking elsewhere is a red flag for us. We invite people who are strong across all the factors in the application, and stand out.

What can those invited to interview expect? [30:16]

Our interviews are done in person if possible. We do have admissions reps traveling around the world so that is our preference, but if not, we do Skype interviews. They are about 45 minutes and we are trying to dig a little deeper into the student profile – work experience, extracurricular activities, their entire application, and future aspirations.

What advice do you have for applicants sitting down to fill out their Rotman application and hoping to matriculate in Fall 2019? [31:17]

I would caution against international students applying in the final April round because it most likely isn’t enough time to get visas set and things like that.

What advice would you give to someone thinking ahead to a 2019-20 application? [32:36]

It is never too early to start thinking ahead. Start narrowing down the schools you want to apply to. If you have narrowed down to Rotman, do your research. Reach out to alumni, students, and faculty. We’d be happy to connect you with people who can tell you about their experiences and are available to answer any questions. Also take a step back and reflect on yourself, and then plan ahead by taking the GMAT or GRE and thinking about the application itself.

What do you see coming down the pike for the MBA program at Rotman? [35:24]

Given current trends I think we will see a lot more highly qualified applicants getting into the program. The MBA market is also shifting to a slightly older audience. Our dean was just reappointed for another five year term, so I expect to see a continued focus on relentless innovation. I can see a lot more labs and partnerships. I see a lot more diversity in the program as well.

Related Links:

• Toronto Rotman MBA program
• Toronto Rotman Application Essay Tips
• “Canada Says, ‘Give Me Your MBAs, Your Entrepreneurs”
• Accepted’s MBA Admissions Consulting Services

Related Shows:

• The Toronto Rotman MBA Program: Where Application Volume is Soaring
• Innovative Education in NYC: All About Cornell Tech
• What’s New at INSEAD?
• How to Get a Georgetown MBA?

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The post Toronto Rotman MBA: The Spike Factor [Episode 299] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog.

This post is part of a series exploring the different forms MBA interviews take and how you can ace them all! 

Kellogg and Rotman among many others have included required video essays in their applications.

Why adcoms use this method:

• It allows the adcom to see the applicants respond in almost-real-time to questions.

• It allows the adcom to test applicants’ ability to organize their thoughts and present a response that is both meaningful and succinct.

• Applicants “shine” in different ways, and an applicant who shines in interpersonal communication and charisma may not make it to a competitive interview with written essays; now the adcom can spot these applicants.

• Similarly, someone may shine in the conventional written essays, but be inappropriate or unprofessional in presentation, and the adcom can now spot and weed out these applicants early, without expending additional resources on interviews.

Process: Typically, you click on a link in the application, and you are given a question to answer in a specified time. You are being timed, so you can’t halt the process, go away for an hour and plan a careful response. But some applications give you a minute or so to compose your thoughts; others let you practice with sample questions and the same format.

Benefits and pitfalls for applicants:

• Benefit: if you present yourself comfortably and are photogenic, the medium plays to these strengths.

• Benefit: the process may take less time than a written essay.

• Benefit: for non-native English speakers, you can demonstrate solid English speaking skills—especially beneficial if you have a low verbal GMAT score and/or borderline TOEFL.

• Benefit: The skills and attributes it highlights differ from and complement those highlighted by written essays, improving the chances for different kinds of applicants to shine in the initial application.

• Pitfall: you have a limited time and can’t second guess your answer; once it’s done it’s done (whereas with a written essay you can revise it up until submission if you have further thoughts for improving it).

• Pitfall: although the adcoms call it a conversation, it actually isn’t very natural or comfortable to talk into a camera with no human response; some people need practice to overcome discomfort with this medium.

• Pitfall: for people who are methodical, the short prep and answer time works against your natural inclination and doesn’t play to your strength.

While not exactly a pitfall, there’s also the reality that even though adcoms strive for objectivity in evaluating applicants, the video essay creates the potential for them to be subjectively influenced (pro or con) by an applicant’s physical appearance early in the “weeding” process.

How to make this type of interview work for you (this is in addition to all the common sense advice for good MBA interviews):

• Review Accepted.com’s tips for this interview format.

• Practice with a video camera, YouTube, or other formats, speaking to a camera without a person involved.

• Practice coming up with short answers to a range of questions – limit your prep time so it’s similar to the video essay’s, and find a technique that works for you for gathering your thoughts quickly and identifying a key point or message.

• Consider the whole visual picture: not just having hair combed and appropriate attire, but also the background and lighting – all should enhance the presentation.

• The adcoms say they want a spontaneous, natural experience of the applicant, but it may not be natural for you to look at and speak to a non-responsive camera. It’s the illusion of naturalism; it’s acting, it’s performance, essentially. To create your best impression, understand and analyze your gestures, cadence, tone – what makes your presentation reflect “you” effectively? A good actor is deliberately and thoughtfully natural, not mindlessly natural. You’re actually performing your best self.

The best way to ensure that you are prepared for your MBA interviews is to practice with a pro! Check out our Mock Interview Services and learn what you can do to ace those interviews and get accepted to business school!

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Related Resources:

• Perfect Answers to MBA Interview Questions, a free guide
• Do I Really Need a Mock Admissions Interview?, a short video
• Tips For MBA Video Essay Questions

The post MBA Interview Formats: Video Essays appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog.

Today for the first time we welcome Jamie Young, Director of Recruitment & Admissions for the Full-Time MBA Program at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Jamie graduated from McMaster University in 2008 and has worked in Canadian higher ed since then. He came to Rotman in January 2016 to assume the role of Director of Recruitment & Admissions. He also serves on the ETS Business School Advisory Council and Forte Foundation’s School Advisory Council.[powerpress]

Can you give an overview of the Toronto Rotman FT MBA program with a focus on its more distinctive elements? [1:44]

Our program combines 16 months of academic study with a 4-month internship opportunity. We offer 15 diverse majors, so candidates can choose to specialize in their second year, and there is something for everyone. You can choose everything from health sector management to brand management to investment banking to real estate management. It’s really up to you. So while we are renowned for our strengths in strategy and finance, we have a number of strengths.

Some of the things that are more distinctive are the Creative Destruction Lab, a course in the second year of our program that infuses a lot of things from across the university. It is a seed-stage program for massively scalable science-based companies, and at Rotman we have the largest concentration of AI companies of any program here on earth. Our Self Development Lab runs alongside curricula, with workshops designed to help students express themselves more effectively, understand their own motivations and of those around them, and work toward achieving their goals in complex and high stakes environments.

What’s new at Rotman? [3:56]

We are really proud of the flexible internship program, an innovation we announced just over a year ago. Students coming into the MBA program have the opportunity to complete their internship in one of three periods, our traditional which is the summer, but also the winter or fall. Right away there is this increased opportunity for flexibility, with students able to tailor their experience towards exactly what they are looking for. It also adds a lot of opportunities for students – there are organizations and companies that can offer really rich projects. We have seen incredible growth in postings, and it is an innovation we are really proud of.

We have also added an applied management placement course. We have some faculty and executives in residence guiding students through their internship experience, which is incredible to watch. So we see somebody with great experience of their own, and mentoring students to really reflect on their own larger goals. The execs connect formally with students and do exercises with them. One example is for the student to find individuals within the internship organizations who have experienced success, and then working back to figure out what the elements of that culture are that could help set the students up to be successful. It’s all about connecting and applying, making sure you are working toward achieving your larger goals.

Sometimes students want to complete more than one internship but that’s not a possibility. I will say that with the Creative Destruction Lab there are sometimes more opportunities, as sometimes students take on a CFO or COO role for some of these seed-stage startups, and it becomes more of an applied-learning internship.

At the AIGAC conference you were the only happy face on a panel discussing the changing views on immigration in the U.S. and the U.K. and their impact on MBA application volume. Why were you smiling? [10:03]

It was a nervous smile in the sense that I know it’s been a difficult time for my peers being on the other side of this. It is a difficult situation for a lot of people, yet we’ve been through a cycle and seen the increase in our applications. There has been a spotlight shown on Canada, and people like what they see.

We have an inclusive society, and Toronto is the most multi-cultural city in the world. There’s a wonderful opportunity for Canada and the city of Toronto and our full-time MBA program. We doubled apps from 2012-2017, and have seen a 40% increase in applications just for round 1 this year again. This is a continued trend, so we don’t attribute it necessarily to what’s going on geopolitically, but the way I’ve reconciled it with myself and my team is that people are more open to opportunities and casting a wider net.

One of Rotman’s unique calling cards is its focus on business design with the “3 Gears of Business Design – empathy and need finding, prototyping and experimentation, and business strategy.” How does that infuse the experience at Rotman? [14:21]

Our teaching pedagogy anchored around model-based problem solving and business design is a creative problem solving methodology with students solving for something that is new. It delivers on the promise of a new way to think, which is what Rotman students are known for. Using Creative Destruction Lab as an example, it is unlike most MBA courses in that there will not be as much clarity at the beginning of the course. There are these massively scalable science- and tech-based, AI, machine learning, and quantum machine learning companies, and our students are driving the equity value at that seed stage. It is pretty unclear about how to move forward, so it’s about looking at these disruptive technologies and trying to solve for a new way. Our students working in the CDL are creating a new business that isn’t following a path already created. The destruction piece is all about destructing prototypes, questioning norms, failing forward, and going back to strategy as you do that. Essentially strategy as the “true north.”

Let’s turn to the application. Your site says that you are looking for 4 qualities:

1. Intellectual Horsepower

2. Experience and Impact

3. Communication and Presence

4. Spike Factor.

Can you unwrap each of them? I’m especially interested in the “Spike Factor”? [18:02]

For intellectual horsepower, our faculty are third in the world for research, so the people who fit in that type of environment are intellectually curious and nimble, so we look for that with GPA, GMAT/GRE (which is waived for a CFA level 3 charterholder), or additional coursework being done, like professional certifications or MOOCs.

For experience and impact, we are a post-experience program, and recommend at least two years of experience, though that is not a hard rule, there are always exceptions. Our average is about four years but regardless of experience the focus is on impact. So in looking at the CV, we are trying to understand much more than what you are/were doing, but impact and influence to this point, which translates to possibilities for impact in the future as an alum.

With communication and presence, we were the first business school to introduce video interviews, and I am so grateful it is part of the process. I can’t imagine through this growth in applications how we would be able to get to know applicants well without those videos. It is great to see other schools moving that way as well. It provides a three dimensional view of each candidate – the first thing we do is look at a candidate’s resume alongside the videos. The self-reflection questions and a timed response in addition to a traditional essay give us a cohesive understanding of communication style and ability from a candidate before we would even invite them for the interview.

The “spike factor” for us is about how passion, perseverance, resilience, and determination show up in your life, and how you build that narrative throughout your MBA application. So we’ve had Olympians, professional athletes, professional poker players, or individuals who have traveled to more than 40 countries or speak 10 languages by the time they are 25 – the spike factor for those types of applicants is probably easy to understand just from mentioning those backgrounds. As we look for the spike factor, we want to see applicants knowing themselves, knowing what their own spike factor is, and knowing how to articulate it – reflecting on and understanding who I am and what I’m looking to do and how the MBA fits into that larger picture. Spike factors are often buried, and no two spike factors are the same. We pulled this idea from best practices in corporate recruiting, and it becomes that ultimate differentiator.

What distinguishes applicants who get interview invitations from those who don’t other than stats? The spike factor? [29:30]

Absolutely. That’s one element. Given the application volume we still pride ourselves on getting to know our applicants really well. Since we have a high touch admissions process, we want to develop as rich a picture of candidates as possible before we make a decision. We inherently believe that having more information is going to help us make our best decisions. How do you do that when applications continues to grow at an accelerated rate? The videos give us a really good sense of how a candidate is going to perform in an interview, and are critical to getting that interview. The other element as you mentioned is the spike factor. We have one of the most diverse classes of anywhere in North America and that adds an additional layer of diversity.

Beyond the stats the videos and spike factor are the things that make the difference.

What can those invited to interview expect? [32:04]

You will be interviewing with one of the assistant directors of admissions, so it is not a blind interview. That person will have gone through a complete review of every element of the application to that point. Going into the interview it is important to know that since we want to make the most of the time together. Interviews take 30-45 minutes, and interviewers will begin where the application left off. We’ll probe deeper on items in the essays, or from references, looking for impact within the organization. We’ll also ask several behavioral questions.

What advice would you give to someone thinking ahead to a 2018-19 application? [33:59]

First, congratulations! When time is in your favor you’ve probably already gotten some great advice to get to that stage. The earlier you start to look, the more natural advantages you have. With regard to fit, the more time you have on your side the better.

My best advice is to connect with the schools themselves. It may be overused advice, but it is so important. If you are early on in the process and are thinking about what programs might be a good fit for you, visiting can really accelerate the process. Here, we connect you with people in our community that can help you understand opportunities. Have conversations, sit in on classes, and with technology we can connect and network well from different parts of the planet. Finally, schools aren’t going to radically change their applications year over year, so if you are thinking of applying to Rotman, looking at our application for this intake gives a good sense of what to expect.

Is there anything I didn’t ask that you would like me to have asked? [36:22]

Well, I’d like to mention what’s going on in Toronto right now. Our soccer team just won a championship and our Canadian Football League team just won a championship. Toronto is the fastest growing tech market in North America, the second largest financial center in North America, and the world’s most multicultural city. I’m not from here, but l love living here and calling it home. It is an incredible time to be in Toronto – it really seems to be a very special moment right now.

Related Links:

• Toronto Rotman MBA program
• Toronto Rotman MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines
• DesignWorks and Business Design at Rotman
• Accepted MBA Admissions Services

Related Shows:

• MBA Video Essays: A Conversation With Rotman’s Niki da Silva
• What’s Really Important in MBA Admissions? Interview With Rotman’s Niki da Silva
• Do You Fit With Cornell Johnson?
• Admissions Tips for Vanderbilt’s MBA Program

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The post The Toronto Rotman MBA Program: Where Application Volume is Soaring [Episode 243] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog.

Can the GMAT predict the future?

The GMAT is important for b-school admissions. But does it predict success beyond that? GMAC never claimed that it does, and according to research from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, the answer is no: their data suggests that the GMAT is not predictive of employability.

Their study is based on a review of Rotman MBA grads’ admission files and employment outcomes over several years. They analyzed numerous factors, including students’ performance on admission interviews, their undergrad GPAs, their TOEFL scores, their Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) scores, their years of pre-MBA work experience, etc.  Each of these elements was found to be more meaningful for candidates’ future employability than their GMAT scores. For example, a strong AWA or admissions interview was found to be predictive of future employment success, while 10+ years of work experience proved to be a warning sign, with these candidates more likely to be unemployed 3 months after graduation.

Because of the significance of rankings that use GMAT scores, such as US News, the GMAT can take on an outsized importance, with schools often reserving scholarship funds for high scorers in a bid to boost their averages.

With this research in hand, Rotman plans to consider a range of factors as it builds its class—particularly achievements and qualities, such as communication skills, that indicate that a candidate has strong potential for success both in b-school and in his/her future career. While Rotman will continue to use the GMAT in admissions, and the admissions office will make sure that Rotman’s average GMAT does not dip below 660, the admissions staff will place increased emphasis on factors such as the AWA and the interview, especially when awarding scholarship funds.

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Related Resources:

• The GMAC, the GMAT, and the MBA Degree [podcast]
• Low GMAT Score? Don’t Panic…Yet.
• Handling a Low GMAT Quant Score

The post How Meaningful Is The GMAT? appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog.