Lindsay Loyd is the Executive Director for MBA Admissions at NYU Stern. She joined NYU Stern in January 2023 after a 20-year career in financial services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Hi, I’m Lindsay Loyd, and I’m excited to announce some key information for the upcoming admissions cycle, and also take this opportunity to introduce myself.
I joined Stern in January 2023 as the Executive Director of MBA Admissions after a 20+ year career in financial services. I’m thrilled to be a champion for the Stern Full Time MBA programs and lead the admissions team as we meet future Sternies each year. I was energized to become part of this community after working with several Stern alumni during my tenure at American Express. This will be my first full admissions cycle, and I’m delighted to share some updates as we gear up for the application launch.
Important Things to Know for the 2023-2024 Cycle
While our applications for the next cycle are not yet open, we’ve announced some key information you should know as you are preparing your candidacy. This spring, we took a comprehensive look at our application process and worked to find ways to make applying easier for prospective students.
New Deadlines
For the upcoming cycle, we’ve expanded our deadlines to give you greater flexibility so that you can apply when it makes sense for you. It’s important to note that our process is a bit different than the more structured “rounds” used by other programs. Our admissions committee reviews applications on an ongoing basis. We don’t wait for a deadline to pass to begin reviewing applications, and most applicants will receive an initial decision notification (e.g., invitation to interview, waitlist offer, or denial of admission) within 8 weeks of applying.
More Standardized Test Optionality
We continue to be test agnostic and accept a wide range of tests. There are no minimum score requirements to apply and we do not have a preference for which test you take. I want to highlight four key points to keep in mind on tests:
- A standardized test score is required for the Full-Time program and the Fashion & Luxury Focused 1-Year program.
- The Andre Koo Tech Focused 1-Year program will be test optional this cycle.
- We offer a separate test waiver application for anyone who is unable to prepare for or take a standardized test, but can demonstrate academic readiness through prior academic and/or work experience.
- Your test options include the GMAT (both current and Focus Edition), GRE (both current and new), EA, MCAT, LSAT, and DAT.
One EQ Endorsement
To further streamline the application process, we’ve also reduced the number of EQ endorsements required from 2 to 1. This EQ endorsement should come from your current supervisor. You have the option of submitting additional EQ endorsements, but I encourage you to be judicious and consider whether additional endorsement(s) add significant value and/or a different perspective to your candidacy. A tip on EQ endorsements – start thinking about who you want to write in support of your application and set up a meeting with this person. Do this early so your endorser has time to prepare.
Continued Commitment to a Holistic Review Process
What hasn’t changed for this cycle is our interest in getting to know you through the application. We have a chance to learn about you academically, professionally, and personally during this holistic review process. Our essay questions remain largely unchanged from last year, so you can start thinking through those now. We find that your answers to these essay questions provide incredible depth and insight into your experiences, goals, and motivations. We look forward to meeting the whole ‘you.’
Why Now is a Great Time to Get an MBA
It’s been almost 20 years (!) since I was in your shoes: studying for the GMAT, researching MBA programs, lining up endorsements from current and former supervisors, and starting to write application essays. It feels like not nearly that long ago, yet I appreciate the big picture view that time span affords. No matter when you decide to apply, the Stern MBA will have value long after graduation.
Investment in Yourself
Pursuing an MBA full-time is a big investment of time and money, and I firmly believe it’s one of the smartest long-term investments you can make in yourself. I’ve seen first-hand how it can significantly change the trajectory of your career, help you weather economic storms, and create career optionality, not just in the short-term, but throughout the course of your life. This is still true today. Take a look at our employment report to see the ROI of the Stern MBA.
Versatility for Your Entire Career Journey
My MBA experience allowed me to try an industry and functional career switch with my summer internship. It then helped facilitate a move back to the financial services industry, but at a higher level, in a new geography, at my dream company, and in my preferred functional area. It set me on a course to grow laterally and rise up the ranks at that company. And when it was time to make a midlife pivot for a “second act” career, my MBA experience and network helped me navigate my way to Stern to lead the Full-Time MBA Admissions team.
At Stern, you’ll take core business classes that will help you build foundational skills that are broadly applicable across various industries and functions. You’ll also be able to customize your MBA experience with over 200 electives and seemingly endless opportunities for experiential learning. You’ll be part of the vibrant NYU community in the heart of NYC. You’ll be just a short subway ride from many prospective employers, a wide array of industry resources, and a vast network of Stern alumni ready to pay it forward. As a Stern alumnus, you’ll continue to have access to the support of the Careers team and have the ability to audit classes, so you can stay at the top of your game as your interests and the job market evolve.
Meet Your Future Forevers
I also made some great friends during my MBA, and in fact, met my best-friend-now-husband while setting up a fantasy football league for our b-school classmates. During your MBA experience at Stern, you will create friendships and a professional network that will be with you long after you graduate. I cannot promise that you will find your life-partner, but your MBA experience will last a lifetime.
If this all sounds good to you, I hope you’ll consider applying to Stern. If you feel you are ready, don’t wait. If you aren’t sure, know that we’ll be here to help you along the way.
Be the First to Know When the Application Goes Live
Sign up here to receive more information about Stern direct to your email inbox, including notification of when our applications for the 2023-2024 cycle are live.
We also offer many virtual and in person opportunities to learn more about Stern. Join us in person on campus for a information session and tour, or at one of our many stops around the world this summer. We also offer virtual “Ask A Sternie” coffee chats with current students, virtual information sessions.
Best wishes as you begin the first steps of your MBA journey!