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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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Now That You’ve Applied

Arthur is an MBA2 specializing in Strategy and Entertainment, Media and Technology. In addition to serving as a Graduate Ambassador, he is also a VP of Academics and Case Competitions for the Entertainment, Media and Sports Association (EMSA) and a Teaching Fellow for Pr. Matthew Lee’s core course, Strategy. Born in Dayton, OH, he has lived in New York City for the past 6 years and loves living in the city. He graduated with a BA from Boston College in 2013 and spent the majority of his pre-MBA career in client services roles at GLG. He will be joining ZS Associates full time after graduation after serving as a summer intern at the firm.

Now that application deadlines for the next cycle are past due, I thought I’d share my reflections about what to do now if you’ve submitted your application and are making your final decision. These are not just from my own perspective, but based on questions that I have received from prospective students in the midst of decision-making.  

  • I’ve applied to Stern and have not yet heard back – what can I do to help my candidacy? 

Honestly – not a lot! Admissions will review your application in due time, so give yourself a chance to relax and have confidence in the work you put into it. The best use of time until you receive an update from admissions could be to continue your research into Stern. What sorts of classes or programs might you want to take advantage of? If there is something you can’t find out on the school’s website, consider taking a look at club websites (professional, affinity or social) and reaching out to the VPs of Admissions of clubs to get a student’s perspective on membership. 

  • I’ve been waitlisted – what do I do now? 

This one is close to my heart – I was waitlisted after applying in Round 1 and was eventually granted admission. First, although it might sound difficult, give yourself some credit – being waitlisted is not bad news! 

My best advice plays into an idea on which Stern places a lot of emphasis – EQ (Emotional Intelligence). One part of having a high EQ is self-awareness. So if you’re on the waitlist, be self-aware about what you can improve on your application, and focus on what you can control. Things like your past experiences or undergrad GPA are set in stone – those things cannot change. Even your professional experience, while ongoing, can only change so much in the course of a couple of weeks or months. Some things you could consider – retaking a standardized test (if you think you can achieve a higher score), enrolling in an online course (MBAMath, Coursera, etc.), or participating in volunteer opportunities (through work or on your own). Don’t try to improve simply for the sake of improvement though – make decisions as an authentic extension of the story you told in your application. 

Finally, be sure to keep the admissions team updated. If there is something new worth sharing (maybe a new test score or an exciting new promotion at work), be sure to share these in the waitlist portal so that they are included in your application’s next review. 

  • I’ve been given an interview – how should I prepare?

Two things to keep in mind: 1) whereas other schools may leverage current students or alumni to conduct interviews, all Stern interviews are conducted by a member of the admissions team and 2) they are NOT blind – interviewers will have reviewed your resume and application in full ahead of time. 

This is a good thing! This means you get to speak with a trained professional and someone who is passionate about making Stern the best place it can be. To echo prior points of advice, be confident in your story and bring your authentic self to the interview. You were given an interview for a reason, and that is the person they want to speak to. 

A couple themes that may come up: your previous experience (personal or professional), why you want to pursue an MBA, why Stern, why New York City, EQ and what class/programs you are excited about at Stern. Also, (and this goes for an interview you participate in): if it is on your resume, be prepared to speak to it. 

  • I’ve been admitted to Stern in addition to other great schools – how do I decide? 

I hesitate to even give advice to this one because it is so intensely personal. Where you decide to go is an undoubtedly big decision, but remember it is unique to you.

Stern is wonderful for a variety of reasons – if you didn’t think that, then you probably wouldn’t have applied. But while it was the right choice for me, the same may not apply to you for a wide variety of reasons. Again, give yourself credit for the achievement (not everyone gets into multiple top business schools) and make the decision that is best for you, your family, and your future. 

  • I have been rejected from Stern – what now? 

Rejection stinks– as someone who has experienced constant rejection through the business school journey (from other schools as well a list of potential employers), I empathize. 

There is also a process for re-applying to the Full-Time, 2-year program. Regardless, the first thing I’d say echoes my advice for the waitlist – leverage your EQ and be self-aware regarding what can be improved about your candidacy. Then, put together a plan on if and how those things can be improved upon by the time you plan to re-apply. 

Finally, take some time to reflect on whether or not the Full-Time program is the right path for you. There is more than one way to crack an egg – the Part-time, Executive MBA, and One-Year Full-Time programs are all amazing options to consider moving forward, depending on your goals. Researching those programs’ websites, attending admissions events, and speaking to students in those programs are the best ways to learn more about them. 

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These are but a few of the questions that have been coming my way – always know, if you need a question answered about these or other questions, that the admissions team and Graduate Ambassadors are here to help! Godspeed!

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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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Hello, My Name is …

Hey everyone! Evelyn here, reporting from East Village, NYC! The weather is a brisk 30*F, with wind chills of — oh, sorry, not that kind of report!

This is my first post for the Stern Blog and I am so excited to “meet” everyone! I hope that my point of view may help some of you as you progress in your MBA journey.

Since this is my first post, I wanted to introduce myself properly, share my background, and explain why I came to Stern.

I grew up right outside of Boston, MA. After high school, I decided to attend West Point, which is a 4-year service academy where graduates go straight into the military as Army officers. I spent 5 years in the Army as a communications technology officer. In layman’s terms, my soldiers and I were responsible for making sure everyone we worked with had stable internet and phone connections whether training in the backwoods of North Carolina (Airborne!) or at war in Afghanistan.

When I wasn’t dealing with servers, routers, and parachutes, I was always keeping up with pop culture. Movies, TV shows, celebrity he said/she said headlines, and more. As my military contract was coming to an end, I did some major self-reflection on what I’m truly passionate about in life, what I spend my free time pursuing, and trying to see if there was a business function tied to that industry. Here was the following criteria that I gave myself when selecting an MBA program:

 – Does this MBA program have a strong entertainment-friendly curriculum? (Check! Stern has one of the top Entertainment MBA programs in the country)

  – After 5 years between Texas, Afghanistan, and North Carolina, is this MBA program closer to my family? (Check! NYC – Boston is just a 4 hour bus ride)

 – Is the location somewhere I can see myself having a healthy lively social life? (Check! New York City … Need I explain further?)

 – Do I like the Stern culture? (Check! I visited the campus a few months before my application deadline and fell in love with the friendly study body)

This is not and should not be a universal check list for every MBA applicant. I encourage all of you to make your own personal checklist of priorities and how each and every MBA program measures up against it.

I do not believe in blindly applying to MBA programs just because they top the US News & World Report rankings that year. There is no shoo-in pre-MBA career field, no magic GPA or GMAT score, and no perfect answer to what you want to do after your MBA. Once you figure out what inspires you, then and only then, should you research what schools are a good fit for those goals (and hopefully Stern ends up on that list!)

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving! Stern gives us the entire week off for Thanksgiving (+10 points for NYU) so I will be home in Boston enjoying my mom’s Chinese food. Have a great break!