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Conquering the Pick Six

Nedjee is an Admissions Coordinator at NYU’s Stern School of Business, and has been with Stern since 2021. Outside of her role of planning admissions events, she enjoys watching basketball (Miami Heat) as well as spending quality time with her family. 

We often get questions from applicants about the Pick 6 essay and how to best use visuals to describe yourself and your experiences. This post should give you the knowledge you need and some insider tips on how this photo essay can help you deliver your story using a series of images.

The basics

Let’s start with logistics. The Pick Six Essay prompts you to introduce yourself to the Admissions Committee and to your future classmates using six images and corresponding captions. Your essay should contain all of the following elements:

  •   A brief introduction or overview of your “Pick Six” (no more than 3 sentences).
  •   Six images that help illustrate who you are.
  •   A one-sentence caption for each of the six images that helps explain why they were selected and are significant to you.

AdCom Tips 

Relay a multifaceted, confident story.

Get an idea of what photos you would like to include and why. From your first image to the very last image, you’re creating a visually dynamic story. It’s important to understand what the message behind each photo is so you can capture the narrative in your brief caption. 

The “why” means more than the “what”

This essay really gives you the opportunity to show us who you are outside of the other components of the application, so use this space to share aspects about you that we may not see otherwise on your application. This is a great way for us to learn more about what gets you out of bed in the morning, what motivates you, and what experiences have impacted you. This can be a series of connected images, or six totally unrelated images, it’s completely up to you! So whether it is a photo of your dog, favorite vacation spots, or historic landmarks, share things that are meaningful to you so we can learn more about you.

Ask for outside advice.

Share your pick six with someone who you trust and who knows you well. Show them your images and the written description of your overall story, and be open to their honest feedback. If you don’t quite have an idea of what images to include, get advice from the people who know you best, and see how their insight aligns with the message you want to convey. This is your chance to be creative however you see fit, so take advantage of it. Ultimately, you make the final selection on the images that tell your story.

Write brief captions.

Your six images should include brief captions to help describe your visual narrative. The caption should help give the Admissions Committee context about the significance of your images. Remember to keep your captions succinct.

Finally

We know the Pick 6 essay can be a little nerve-wracking to complete but it should be fun to put together! We love reviewing this essay because it helps bring the application, and the applicant to life. So, it is worth saying again – have fun putting this essay together! We can’t wait to get to know the real you!

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Getting to Know Stern

Jessica joined the MBA Admissions team in 2015 and is currently responsible for LGBTQ and Women’s recruiting, marketing, events and customer service for the Full-time MBA programs. Prior to joining Stern, Jessica worked in graduate admissions at Columbia University’s Teachers College and in Hofstra University’s Office of Undergraduate Admission and has read 1000s of applications! Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family & friends, exploring new places and is looking forward to getting back on the road recruiting future Sternies!

As you explore MBA programs, you should consider a few questions. Where do you want to spend 1-2 years of your life? What culture and community do you thrive in? Do you want to stay connected with this community 5 -10 years down the road as you make your next career move or encounter life changes? 

At Stern, IQ+EQ is a hallmark trait – we bring together students and community members who are intellectually strong, professionally accomplished, but also those who are collaborative, empathetic leaders and teammates. This is what I love about Stern – being part of an impressive community that is still down to earth. Culture is incredibly important, but there are other aspects of the Stern experience that make it special. For example, location. Being in the heart of New York City is such a huge part of Stern. We are located in a diverse and vibrant community, and our location gives students access to top notch firms, recruiters, in-semester internships, faculty, speakers & more! Academics is an important consideration as well. Stern’s full-time program is very flexible, allowing students to customize their curriculum and take advantage of our extensive menu of electives courses, including classes at other NYU graduate schools! I can go on and on about Stern, but I’ll summarize it by saying – do your research and get to know the schools you’re applying to. I hope Stern is on your list!

Getting to know Stern

There are many ways to connect with Stern! First, I’d recommend clicking through our website to learn more about our program offerings. I would also suggest checking out our  Meet With Us page to explore more ways to connect with members of the community. I’m sure you want to connect with the admissions committee, but you should also find time to speak with current students. Our students are an invaluable resource in the discovery process (and there are many ways to do it!).

We offer a number of events to help you get to know Stern, including information sessions, “Ask a Sternie” chats with current students and clubs, and mock application workshops with our admissions committee. Events are added regularly – so continue to check our events calendar  to stay up to date! If you’re interested in a Focused MBA program, be sure to check out the “Meet With Us” pages for the Tech MBA and Fashion & Luxury MBA as well.

Prioritizing events 

We offer a variety of ongoing virtual events – it is a great way to connect with us! It is not a requirement to attend events, but rather an opportunity for you to learn more about Stern. For applicants at the beginning of the MBA search, it may be helpful to join an information session. As applicants move along, mock application workshops are a unique way to gain insider tips on crafting an application. We also offer smaller coffee chats and club events that allow for direct interaction with current students where applicants can ask personalized questions. Again, it is not a requirement to attend events, but an important resource that applicants can and should take advantage of!

Additionally, stay in touch after you’ve attended an event! If contact information is shared, please feel free to follow up and stay connected.

Other ways to get to know Stern

Events aren’t the only way to build your familiarity with our MBA programs. If you’re looking to learn more about Stern on the go, you can tune into our student podcast, “Stern Chats”. The ‘chats’ are a fun listen that share excellent insight into life at Stern. The podcast highlights the stories (not just resumes) of key members of the community. You can also read our community blogs and follow our LinkedIn pages to get insight from students and the admissions team:

Unable to attend an event? Watch recordings of past events at a time that’s convenient for you.   

Highlight what you know in your application

You can share your knowledge of Stern in your application. You can include Stern contacts you’ve connected with along the way, or specific clubs or centers you want to get involved in. These specifics are often included in applicant essays, but may also come up in other areas of your application. Additionally, an interview is a great way to showcase knowledge about Stern. I have conducted many successful interviews in which interviewees shared compelling examples of how they connected with Stern and how they want to get involved. Our interviews are not blind, so we’re able to take the conversation to the next level and dig into your interest in Stern and how you plan to contribute to the community.

Have fun during this exploration process! Don’t be shy about reaching out and connecting with us. We love talking about Stern and connecting with prospective students!

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Standardized Tests

Sita Goetschius is an Associate Director of admissions at NYU Stern School of Business and an MPA student studying non-profit leadership and policy at the NYU Wagner School of Public Service. Outside of work and school, she loves to explore NYC’s many parks and finding the best cacio e pepe in town.

If you’re considering applying to business school but are worried about taking a standardized test, you’re not alone. You may be overwhelmed at the thought of taking a standardized test after years out of school, or wondering how to study and prepare. 

A lot of applicants are understandably nervous about taking a standardized test. That’s totally normal! While tests can be intimidating, I’d like to share some insight on how we on the Admissions Committee review test scores and hopefully help break down this part of the process.

How do we review tests and what tests can you submit?

Standardized tests are one way for us to assess your readiness for a rigorous academic program, particularly for the quantitative focused parts of the MBA. We assess test scores in the context of your entire application and the strengths you show in other portions of the application. Keep in mind, test scores are only one way we get to know you. 

NYU Stern’s Two-year Full-time and Focused MBA programs accept the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment Test (EA), MCAT, LSAT, and DAT. We have no preference for test types and encourage applicants to take a practice exam to see which test they feel most comfortable with and which aligns better with their skillset. Remember that Stern reviews your overall highest test score.

We also have test waiver options for our MBA programs.

To be considered for a test waiver, submit a test waiver request form by November 1. We ask for portions of the application to review your academic readiness to evaluate whether or not including a standardized test score would enhance our understanding of your readiness for our program. You’ll also be required to submit a brief summary of your academic readiness for the MBA program. 

Once you submit these documents, they will be included in your application record, which means you don’t need to re-submit them with your application. Learn more about our test waiver option on our website. 

NYU grads – you’re in luck! If you graduated with an undergraduate degree from NYU with a 3.20 or higher cumulative GPA, you can waive the testing requirement through our NYU + MBA program.

We’re often asked if the test waiver puts applicants at a disadvantage for scholarship consideration, and I’m here to tell you it does not! Applicants who are granted a test waiver will still be considered for merit-based scholarships.

Did you know that 61% of people who retake the GMAT improve their score after retaking it? 

Test taking itself is a skill. Standardized tests are unlike a lot of situations in your life, and it’s completely normal not to get the score you want immediately. Think of the first time you take the exam as a “dry run”, and consider retaking it again. Some of those first-time jitters may recede, plus you’ll be more familiar with the environment and test proctoring procedures. You can always submit updated scores after applying for us to review. 

If you want to make significant improvements in a particular area, consider test prep options. Having someone to cheer you on and structure a study plan can help take some of the stress of managing test prep off of you, and allow you to focus on memorizing those obscure vocabulary words.

Another option is to look into switching tests. Start by taking a few different practice tests and see how you do on them. You may find that the way the questions are asked or the format aligns better with your skillset. That’s what recent alumna Mara Walsh did, and you can read more about her experience on our blog.

Remember that the test scores reported in our class profile are averaged across the range of admitted student test scores. Many people fall above and below the average, as you can see in the 80% range of scores. Each applicant brings different strengths to their application and the test score is just one piece of the application.

Finally, remember to take your time to prepare, and sit for the exam when you’re ready. Everyone’s test prep process is different. If it’s been a while since you’ve studied for an exam, think back to what helped you focus in college. For me, that meant finding a favorite corner in the Brooklyn Public Library, lots of snacks, and using a Pomodoro timer to stay on track with built in breaks. 

When I took the GRE for my master’s program at NYU Wagner, I pushed back my original test date by three months, and I’m so glad I did. I was working full time and needed a little extra time to drill in on some concepts. Now, I’m about to enter my final year of my master’s program and am looking forward to graduation at Yankee Stadium in May!

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My Experience with Standardized Tests*

Mara Walsh is a recent graduate who specialized in Marketing and Leadership & Change Management. Prior to Stern, Mara spent four years working in merchandising at Abercrombie & Fitch, followed by two years in digital marketing at Wayfair. In addition to serving as a Graduate Ambassador, Mara served as a VP of Alumni Relations for Stern’s Management Consulting Association (MCA), VP of Admissions for the Graduate Marketing Association (GMA), and a Block Leader. Mara originally hails from Wilmington, DE and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame. Mara now works at Deloitte as a Senior Consultant in its NYC office. 

It’s no secret that the MBA admissions process can be a stressful one. For myself and many others, most of that stress was brought on by standardized testing. I have struggled with standardized tests for most of my life and don’t exactly feel qualified to advise applicants on how to approach them, but I hope that sharing my experiences with the GMAT and GRE will be helpful to those about to embark on the same process. 

When I made the decision to apply to business school in late summer 2019, I chose to study for the GMAT on my own, rather than hire a tutor or pay for a prep course. I purchased a GMAT prep book, studied for about 2 months, and ultimately took the test for the first time in October 2019. Though my practice test results weren’t far off from the score I was aiming for, my performance on the test was much lower than what I thought would be acceptable for top tier business schools. I knew going into the exam that I would struggle with the data sufficiency portion of the quant section, and the anticipatory stress and pressure of taking the exam made matters worse. 

I was determined to improve my score, and subsequently took the exam twice more in November and December. Despite having more studying under my belt and trying new tactics to control my test-taking anxiety, I saw very little movement in my scores. I didn’t think there was much else I could do to improve my GMAT, so I submitted my application to Stern that January. 

In March 2020, amid the beginning of the COVID pandemic, I learned that I had been waitlisted at Stern. I graduated from college with honors and I had several  promotions at reputable companies on my resume, so it didn’t take much reflection for me to realize I needed to improve my standardized test scores to give myself a chance of being admitted into Stern and other business schools. 

I initially assumed that MBA programs had a strong preference for the GMAT over other standardized tests; however, I noticed on MBA message boards that the GRE was a potential option for those who may struggle with the quant portions. From my experience, the GRE’s quant questions are similar in terms of subject matter, but much more straightforward. As soon as I was waitlisted, I wrote to Stern reiterating my commitment to staying on the waitlist and indicated that I intended to take the GRE to improve my overall score. 

I spent a lot of my free time in the early days of lockdown studying for the GRE. Like with the GMAT, I studied from a prep book and took practice exams online. I ultimately took the test twice (from home on my laptop, of course), improving my score the second time. I knew that my application was strong overall, and I wanted to use my commitment to improving my score as an opportunity to prove to the admissions committee that I was going to work hard as a student.  I was admitted to Stern from the waitlist that summer. 

Looking back, I’m proud of the resilience that went into improving my standardized test  scores. That said, I would not recommend taking any (or more than one) standardized test five times! Instead, as you begin the process of considering an MBA, take some time to read up on which exam is best suited to your skillset. If the math section of the SAT wasn’t your thing, consider giving the GRE a try. If you take the GMAT and think you have a reasonable chance of improving your score with more studying or personal tutoring, go for it! But if after one retake you see little movement in your score, I’d recommend giving another test a try (in addition to the GMAT and GRE, Stern also accepts the Executive Assessment Test (EA), MCAT, LSAT, and DAT). 

Finally, if you find yourself on the waitlist like I did, take some time to reflect on what might make your application stronger. Stern places a tremendous amount of value on EQ, so demonstrating your self awareness with respect to your strengths and areas of opportunity can go a long way in the admissions process. 

*Please note we accept the GMAT, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, the MCAT, DAT, and we consider standardized test waiver requests. Visit our website for more on our standardized tests policies.

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Top 5 NYU Stern MBA Admissions Questions Answered by a Graduate Ambassador

Stern campusAs a second-year student and Graduate Ambassador at NYU Stern, I often speak to prospective students about the school, the admissions process, and my experience as a student. Unsurprisingly, a large number of these conversations turn into a Q&A about the admissions process at Stern. Although the admissions website answers the majority of questions, applicants are frequently looking for “real” answers and the inside scoop on the admissions process.

Below are the Top 5 questions I get related to admissions:

Question 1: How important is the GMAT/GRE? How much is the GMAT/GRE weighed in my application?

Answer 1: The admissions process truly is holistic and the school does not weigh any components of the application. Your GMAT/GRE score is just one of many components that are evaluated when making admissions decision.

While thinking through what score you are aiming for, I would recommend taking a look at the Class Profile. There, you can find the 80% and 100% range for GMAT scores of the latest incoming class

Question 2: When is the best time to apply? Should I apply First Round to improve my chances?

Answer 2: Applications at NYU Stern are reviewed on an ongoing basis and the best time to apply is when you feel your application is the strongest.

If you are ready to apply by the first deadline, then you should. However, if you feel your application could be stronger in a later round (i.e. higher test scores, more polished essay, etc.) you should wait.

Historically, deadlines earlier in the cycle have not impacted an applicant’s opportunity for admission or scholarship.

Question 3: I don’t come from a “traditional” background, will I be at a disadvantage?

Answer 3: NYU Stern admits a class with a wide range of professional experiences because that is what makes the MBA experience so enriching. If you look at the Class Profile, you will notice that all industries and backgrounds are represented including education, military, and entertainment. Historically, only about 1/3 of the class comes from “traditional” finance or consulting backgrounds.

You may be interested to know that MBA recruiters also look for a diversity of professional experience in their hiring process. The important thing to focus on is why you feel an MBA is right for you based on your experience and future goals.

Question 4: How important are the essays and what is admissions looking for?

Answer 4: Both the Professional Aspirations and “Pick Six” essays are important components of your application. These essays let you tell your story to Admissions.

For the Professional Aspirations essay, I would focus on two key things: being clear and being genuine. Your essay should clearly and concisely answer the questions asked. Similarly, your essay should convey a genuine interest in NYU Stern and explain why NYU Stern is the right place to achieve your goals.

On the other hand, the “Pick Six” essay is your chance to showcase your personal and creative side. This essay / collage of pictures is your chance to showcase who you are beyond your resume and professional experience. There is no set format, so just follow the guidelines and have fun.

Question 5: In general, how do I stand out in my application?

Answer 5: The applicants who stand out are those who know themselves well, and are passionate about their goals and their fit with NYU Stern. As I mentioned previously, the admissions process is a holistic one that doesn’t favor one part of the application over another and the strongest applicants are often well-rounded.

Just like you would study and prepare for an exam or a big presentation at work, your application should be polished and well-reasoned. To stand out, make sure your application has an informed and intelligent answer to why you want to get a MBA and why NYU Stern is the right place for you.

I hope these questions and answers were helpful. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to me and the other Graduate Ambassadors for Stern’s MBA programs at mbaga@stern.nyu.edu.

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The Journey So Far

One year ago today, I was where you are.  I was writing essays, studying for the GMAT in my spare time and avoided every single person that I knew.  I get it – no social life, but it was time I wanted to focus on myself.  After 4 years of working, I always knew that I wanted to go back to business school and I was going to do whatever it took.  As the year went by, the stress levels only got higher as I received waitlist after waitlist, but I’ll tell you, my persistence and determination to come back to school helped me.  I received acceptances up until July, hearing from NYU Stern last.  Dropping everything to stay in New York was the best decision I could have made, and getting the acceptance letter with the digital confetti was probably one of the happiest moments of my life.  I didn’t have to say goodbye to the place I call home and was getting the opportunity to pursue a career in Luxury Marketing, something that Stern especially is known for and something I would have had to give up going somewhere else.

Starting at Stern at the end of August was truly a dream come true.  From LAUNCH to today, there have been countless occasions where I’ve stopped to think about how lucky I am to be here, and how truly proud I am to be a Sternie.  One of my personal goals coming to business school, in addition to pursuing a career in Luxury Marketing, was to break out of my shell and be able to command a room.  Granted, I’m a social person, but I’m not a loud person, and in a career going forward, I want my voice to be heard, literally.  As you know, Stern divides the class into sections of ~65 that you take all of your core classes with.  These people become your first network, and your closest friends over the next two years.  In the first few weeks of class, I was making a speech in front of these 65 new classmates, explaining to them why I wanted to be their “Block Leader.”  I was elected to represent Block 6, a great way to know everyone in my block and a chance for me to pursue my own personal goal.
Farah_post1.2
Photo credit: Farah Karim
Another reason why I came to NYU was for the various experiential opportunities that the program allows.  I applied to and was accepted to the Luxury Retail Immersion, a chance to work on a consulting project for a small boutique retailer.  The project started about a week ago and goes up until December (only a few weeks).  I’ve had one meeting so far, but it was definitely the “aha!” moment I was looking for in business school.  This hands on learning is one of the reasons why I chose to come back to business school, and it’s definitely great to have that opportunity to follow your passion.
I’m a firm believer that it all works out in the end.  Regardless of the stress that you are going through now, there’s no doubt that you will also have the opportunity to make your dreams come true. With NYU, the opportunities are endless.  With Stern, your network is endless.  No matter what you’re looking to do, there’s a person somewhere that is doing exactly that.  The network, the brand will help take you places, and I am grateful for this experience.
Until next time!
Photo credit: Farah Karim
Photo credit: Farah Karim
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Come Visit Us!

Over the course of last semester, I was fortunate enough to meet a handful of prospective students and take them out to lunch at a couple of our many neighborhood haunts.  In case you didn’t know, having lunch is just one of the easy ways you can interact with current students on your visit.  While you can also go on a tour, attend a class, and sign-up for coffee chats, the lunches are excellent due to their casual environments and small group sizes, which in my experience have always led to enjoyable conversation among everyone.

On my visit as a prospective student, I managed to participate in the tour, class, and coffee chat all in one afternoon (I probably could have squeezed in the lunch too but admittedly didn’t know its value at the time).  I found the experience as a whole incredibly informative and highly useful when writing my admissions essays, but in general, for any school, I also think that being in a given environment can offer some powerful insights—say, an inexplicable sense of belonging or, more simply, a personal feeling of fit—which can be helpful in guiding your choices later down the road (or before you put in the time and effort to apply!).

ATTENDING A CLASS

I remember my visit relatively clearly. Shortly after arriving at the admissions office, a few other prospective students and I were escorted to a class by an MBA1.  There are a number of classes that you can choose from based on your interests and schedule (and availability—don’t forget to sign up ahead of time online!).  Having never taken an economics class before and wishing to sample the core curriculum, I chose to attend a Firms & Markets class taught by the amiable and dedicated Professor Larry White.  For those with more exposure to the traditional topics (or not!), I would certainly recommend trying to get into a class that really piques your interest, as Stern’s breadth of courses is truly remarkable.  (Note that the schedule of available classes to visit will be available in the Fall!)

PARTICIPATING IN A COFFEE CHAT

After the class visit, a few MBA2 Graduate Ambassadors escorted us downstairs to the Sosnoff Lounge to grab cups of coffee and then out to the lobby where we could converse among the usual goings-on of MBA life.  This was perhaps my favorite part of my visit, as I loved being around the movement and sounds of students gathering together to work or chat, and I easily pictured myself in their place.  Meanwhile, the other prospectives and I had the opportunity to hear these MBA2s share their backstories and to ask them any questions we wanted.  In particular, I remember connecting with one student who had a nontraditional background like myself, and I found my sense of belonging vindicated as he continued to share with me the opportunities Stern had allowed someone with his background to find and take.

TAKING A TOUR

My visit concluded with a tour of the building.  This part continued to be informative, as two of the Graduate Ambassadors not only took us through the various study areas scattered throughout the building but also continued to answer our questions and chat with us about student life and the valuable learning experiences they were having.  For example, one spoke highly of her Stern Signature Project, an experiential course where she was able to work closely with her professor and a small group of classmates to tackle a real-world issue. The other highlighted his fall internship with NBC, which was made possible not only because he was attending school in New York but because a fellow Sternie who had interviewed for the position had no qualms about sharing the job lead with him as well.

In sum, if it’s possible for you to visit the school ahead of applying, I definitely recommend you do.  Interacting with current students is the best way to get a sense of the community you’re trying to enter, and you never know who you’re going to meet along the way—the Graduate Ambassador I connected with gave me a lot of inspiration for my essays that I might not have had otherwise, Professor White became my genuinely affable Firms & Markets professor when I arrived in the Fall, and the then-MBA1 who escorted me to that class ended up being an MBA2 who would give me incredible advice during the throes of the investment banking recruitment process.

So come down to 44 West 4th Street in the Fall, and see if Stern might be a great fit for you!

Our backyard—Washington Square Park, taken April 2016. (Photo credit: Amit Chaube)
Our backyard—Washington Square Park, taken April 2016. (Photo credit: Amit Chaube)
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What’s In My Bag?

evelyn z bag

Hey everyone! For today’s blog post, I will be taking a cue from some of my favorite YouTube stars and their ever-popular “What’s in My Bag?” series.

For those unfamiliar with this concept, I will be going over what exactly I keep in my bag during school and why.

 

 

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  • Backpack (displayed above): Some students prefer purses, tote bags, briefcases, or messenger bags, but I have 4 classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays so I have to carry around a lot of books that only a backpack could handle
  • Student ID: Badge to enter school and to access some of the graduate student quiet study lounges
  • Nameplate: Stern will issue these to you on the first day of LAUNCH (orientation) and you should display these in front of you in all of your classes so your professors can call on you by name if they need to
  • Financial calculator: My TI-83 graphing calculator from high school wasn’t cutting it in my Foundations of Finance class when I had to solve for IRR (Internal Rate of Return), so I had to get a financial calculator. Very useful for any type of finance class
  • Pencil case: Self-explanatory (you will rarely use your computer in class)
  • Agenda book: I enjoy keeping a hard copy of my calendar because I’m able to quickly jot down notes or ideas during class
  • Phone charger: a MUST in business school. Your phone will always be on WiFi (roaming in no man’s land between the 2nd and 3rd floor), you’ll be checking your email more times than you’d like to admit, and, before you know it, your battery level will be at 43% and it’s only 9:45am!
  • Quick touch-up bag: A few basic makeup items because you forgot you have a corporate presentation that day and don’t have time to go home to freshen up
  • Wallet: For running down to Sosnoff for a quick coffee between classes, for grabbing lunch with classmates, for paying a club trip fee, etc.
  • Water bottle: What better way to stay hydrated than with your nifty Stern water bottle? (also given out during LAUNCH)
  • Not pictured: Laptop – for all of those networking emails, group projects, and research you’ll be squeezing in between classes.

Fall finals are currently underway for all of us at Stern (where did the semester go??) … Wish me luck!

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You Got In! Now What?

The acceptance letter is just the beginning of your MBA experience. Once you’ve been accepted to Stern get ready for the best time of your life to begin! Even before classes start, you’ll face all kinds of new challenges: financing your degree, readjusting to homework, schmoozing recruiters. I am sure there are tons of questions flying around in your head as you question everything from where to live to what the heck should I do to prepare?
Here are some tips for the next few months before you start school this coming Fall:
Join the Facebook Group
I made the mistake of not joining the class FB group until literally the day before classes started, only to realize that my fellow classmates had been having conversations and organizing meet ups in different cities for months! Join the group ASAP and you will start mixing and mingling with your future classmates.
Read Case Studies and Cocktails
This was a fabulous book all about getting back to the grind of becoming a student, how to manage those notorious recruiting networking circles and how to manage classes, social events and everything in between. It was written by former MBAs who draw on their own experiences in a range of situations, from telling the boss you’re going back to school to balancing wine and cheese in one hand while networking. The book even includes a glossary of need-to-know jargon, so you won’t feel lost when classmates start slinging around fancy acronyms.
The Great Housing Hunt
One of the many questions I am constantly asked by prospective students is about housing. So here is a little run down on what you can expect when re-locating to NYC. It’s no secret that New York is one of the most expensive cities on the planet, but despite that fact that you won’t be making a salary for the next two years there are affordable options out there.
The majority of the students in my class live in or around the East Village. We spend most of our waking hours somewhere around the Stern campus whether in the building, going to events or hanging with friends at local bar, so it is a logical location and one of the more affordable neighborhoods. There are plenty of people (myself included) who live all over this great city from the upper west side to the financial district to Brooklyn and the neighborhood I call home, Hell’s Kitchen.
Living with a roomie is a great way to help ease the financial burden of rent. Tons of my fellow classmates live together or with other roommates outside of Stern. Pre-View weekend and the class Facebook group is a great way to get in touch with other classmates on the roommate hunt. Some great sites to check out for NYC listings are http://streeteasy.com/ and of course there is always http://newyork.craigslist.org/.
On campus housing is an alternative to finding an apartment on your own. The Palladium is by far one of the nicer dorm buildings I have seen, has a full gym and pool. Not to worry, there is a separate floor for Graduate students so you won’t be mixing with the undergrads. If you know you want to live in campus housing I would recommend applying for that as soon as possible.
Get a head start on recruiting
Recruiting for summer internships starts up just about the minute you enter school in the Fall. If you have some time to research companies you are interested in working for and the type of position you want, you will have a huge leg up once the recruiting season starts and your calendar is filled with corporate presentations and networking events.
Enjoy the summer!
This is by far the most important and something I wish I had taken more advantage of. I worked up until the beginning of August and really wish I had taken the time off to travel or do just about anything else! The next two years are going to be the busiest time of your entire life, so take the summer to catch up with friends and family and enjoy yourself before the madness begins. (Don’t worry, it’s the best kind of madness there is).
If you have more questions, definitely contact our MBA Graduate Ambassadors at mbaga@stern.nyu.edu who are happy to speak with you all about getting ready to join the NYU Stern community!
Until next time,
Kristin