New York University Stern School of Business—MBA Program & Application Overview (2023-2024)
Applying to Stern? Read this guide for the most practical strategies and tips curated by the best MBA admissions coaches in the world and Stern alumni to get you that much closer to your dream school.
Posted January 10, 2024
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New York University is located in New York City and boasts access to a global network of industries. The NYU Stern School of Business has four values: (1) Excellence, Unbound by Tradition, (2) IQ and EQ, (3) Radically Responsible, and (4) Uncommonly Connected. It is committed to diversity and makes sure to provide an ear and voice for all faculty, staff, and students with the aim of building an inclusive culture.
Class Profile (2024)
- Location: New York, NY
- Class Size: 324
- Number of Applicants: 3,553
- Admitted Students: 962
- Acceptance Rate: 27%
- Average Work Experience: 5 years
- Average GMAT Score: 733
- Average GRE Score: 163 (Quant); 162 (Verbal)
- Average GPA: 3.62
- Women: 45%
- International: 44%
- US Military Veterans/Active Duty: 11%
- Minority: 47%
- LGBTQ+: 9%
"We seek students with strong intellectual ability, superior interpersonal skills, and a desire to create value for business and society."
Stern School of Business Admissions
2023-2024 Application Overview
Stern Deadlines
Round 1: September 18, 2023
- Decisions released December 1, 2023
Round 2: October 18, 2023
- Decisions released January 1, 2024
Round 3: January 18, 2024
- Decisions released April 1, 2024
Round 4: April 18, 2024
- Decisions released ongoing
GMAT/GRE
Stern does not require a minimum test score. Along with the GMAT and GRE, it also accepts the Executive Assessment Test (EA), MCAT, LSAT, and DAT. Only the highest overall scores are considered. If you are not satisfied with your current scores, you can retake a test. There is no preference for either test; if you submit more than one test type, Stern will consider the score that most aids your candidacy. All scores should be valid at the time of application submission.
To read more, click here: GMAT vs. GRE for Business School—Which to Take and How to Ace Both
NYU Stern Essays
Stern’s essay questions give you the opportunity to fully present your experiences, goals, and thought processes to the Admissions Committee.
Short Answer: What are your short-term career goals? (300 words max., double-spaced, 12-point font)
Essay #1: Change: __________ it (350 words max., double-spaced, 12-point font)
In today’s global business environment, the only constant is change. Using NYU Stern’s branded call to action, we want to know how you view change. Change: ________ it. Fill in the blank with a word of your choice. Why does this word resonate with you? How will you embrace your own personal tagline while at Stern?
Essay #2: “Pick Six”
Describe yourself to the Admissions Committee and to your future classmates using six images and corresponding captions.
Read How to Nail the NYU Stern "Pick Six" MBA Application Essay
Optional Information (250-word max., double-spaced, 12-point font)
Please provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee. This may include current or past gaps in employment, further explanation of your undergraduate record or self-reported academic transcript(s), plans to retake the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, IELTS or TOEFL, or any other relevant information.
Learn more here: How to Write a Powerful MBA Essay—With Examples
Letters of Recommendation
You should submit two EQ Endorsements with your application, one of which should come from a current supervisor. If that’s not possible, you will be required to provide an explanation in the online application.
The second one should come from someone who knows you professionally and/or personally. These individuals should be able to objectively assess your potential success in NYU Stern’s MBA program and in your future career. Do not submit an EQ endorsement from immediate family members. Lastly, though it is allowed, Stern does not recommend including more than two EQ endorsements. If you decide to include more, make sure you carefully consider whether they add significant value and a unique perspective to your application.
Learn more here: How to Get the Perfect MBA Recommendation Letter—With Examples. Also, click here for our free Leland Recommender Prep Template.
Stern Interviews
Interviews are given by invitation only. Once you have been invited, you will be able to schedule your interview on the application status page. Interviews are conducted in person in New York City or via video or phone. The interviewers are typically trained admissions professionals who have thoroughly read your entire application.
Read more here: How to Ace Your MBA Interview: With Prep Questions & Answers and How to Nail Your Virtual MBA Interview
Other Application Items
Application Fee
There is a non-refundable application fee of $250 for the Full-Time, Fashion & Luxury, and Tech MBA programs. Once you submit your application, you will be prompted to pay the fee and your application will not be processed until the fee is paid. If you are a current U.S. military member or veteran, Teach for America and Teach for India program alum, or Forté MBALaunch alum, you are eligible for a fee waiver. Before submitting your application, submit an Application Fee Waiver Request Form.
Academic Transcripts
Stern School of Business has no minimum GPA requirement and takes into account variances in grading systems around the world. Its students come from a variety of backgrounds, including liberal arts, engineering, the social sciences, and business. Admits are required to hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in the U.S. or an equivalent degree from a foreign country.
Resume
You are required to submit a resume outlining your professional and academic history. The institute encourages you to limit your resume to one page, including all activities and experiences occurring during and after your undergraduate studies.
Learn more here: How to Craft the Ultimate MBA Resume—With Examples
International Student Supplement
All non-US citizens, including non-resident aliens and foreign government officials, are expected to complete this section. Include the type of visa you hold, the name of your sponsor, and a permanent international address from your country of citizenship.
NYU Stern Tuition and Costs
Budget for MBA1 Students
- Tuition: $82,326
- Orientation Fee (LAUNCH): $1,678
- Room and Board: $28,242
- Books & Supplies: $1,500
- Transportation: $1,154
- Miscellaneous: $8,137
- Loan Fees: $216
- Estimated Total Cost of Attendance: $123,253
Stern Program Overview
LAUNCH
The LAUNCH program is Stern’s introduction to the MBA experience for all new, full-time MBA students. It begins the students’ journey of becoming informed global citizens and future business leaders.
First-Year Course Breakdown
Required Core
- Financial Accounting & Reporting
- Statistics & Data Analysis
Menu Core (Choose 5)
- Business Analytics
- Firms & Markets
- Foundations of Finance
- The Global Economy
- Leadership in Organizations
- Marketing
- Operations Management
- Strategy
Summer Internship
Stern students participate in a robust campus recruiting program and complete internships all around the world.
Second-Year
During their second year, students can select up to three specializations and choose from more than 200+ electives. Stern students are also able to take up to 25% of their courses at other NYU graduate schools. Through the DBi program, they can travel to over ten locations worldwide or join a semester exchange program with one of Stern’s 47 partner schools. Stern also offers experiential learning opportunities, through which students can gain real-world experience tackling real business challenges.
Stern MBA Programs
Tech MBA
NYU Stern offers the Andre Koo Tech MBA, designed to deepen students’ foundations in business and expand their knowledge of technology. It has four major components: the business core (building broad knowledge in business fundamentals), the technology core (diving deep into the tech industry), Stern Solutions (getting into the heart of the global business ecosystem and solving a range of problems at the intersection of business and technology), and electives (exploring a specific area to take courses in areas of interest).
Fashion & Luxury MBA
Similar to the tech MBA, the Fashion and Luxury MBA is also composed of four major parts designed to expand applicants’ knowledge of both business and the fashion industry. They include the business core, the fashion and luxury core, Stern Solutions, and elective courses. The program runs from May to May and students will graduate with an MBA with an emphasis in Fashion and Luxury.
Part-Time MBA
NYU Stern offers a Part-Time MBA option designed for working professionals who want to advance in their careers through an MBA program. It is highly flexible; students can complete it in 2-6 years and adjust their pace as needed. There are four options available: weeknights, accelerated two-year, Saturday, and Online/Modular. Like the full-time MBA, students can specialize in up to three areas out of 27 different options.
Executive MBA
Stern offers three formats for their Executive MBA: EMBA – New York City; EMBA – Washington, D.C.; and, the TRIUM Global EMBA. All of the EMBA programs are specially designed for experienced working professionals who are looking to cultivate their exceptional business understanding and networks.
Dual Degree Programs
MD/MBA — NYU School of Medicine
Through a partnership between Stern and the NYU School of Medicine this joint degree program is designed to help graduates cultivate new ways of approaching contemporary issues at the intersection of healthcare and business. MD students will learn essential management skills and prepare them to open a private practice, start a healthcare business, become a medical director, or consult for pharmaceutical companies.
JD/MBA — School of Law
This dual degree program provides a strong foundation for a career in either law or business and offers insights into the business and legal aspects of commerce. Graduates have pursued careers in law firms, corporate counsel offices, entrepreneurial ventures, general business organizations, investment and accounting firms, nonprofit agencies, and governmental institutions. When pursued conjointly, students can get both degrees in just four years. The first two years are spent at the law school, the third at Stern, and the fourth divided between the two.
MBA/MFA — Kanbar Institute of Film & Television
In partnership with the Kanbar Institute of Film & Television at the Tisch School of the Arts, this program is designed to be the most comprehensive of its kind. It utilizes the top faculty and resources of both schools to produce highly employable individuals who have gone on to work at major film studios, independent production companies, and major television studios and networks. The program lasts for three years.
MS in Mathematics in Finance/MBA — NYU Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences
In a partnership between Stern and the NYU Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, this program offers a unique mix of business training and quantitative skills. Its graduates are well-positioned for careers in quantitative risk and portfolio management, and in the design, pricing, trading, and hedging of derivatives and structured products.
MBA/MPA — NYU Wagner
For individuals who want to solve the most complex challenges at the local, national, and global levels, this program offers comprehensive training in business and general management and the chance to choose from over twenty different specializations.
MS in Biology/MBA — Graduate School of Arts & Science (GSAS)
Over the course of three years, students in this program will spend the first year at the GSAS and the second and third at Stern.
Dual MBA with HEC — HEC MBA
This program is designed to provide students with business training in an international setting, allowing them to benefit from the extensive resources and networks of both schools. Students can choose which institution they’d like to start at and will spend the second year at the other.
DDS/MBA — NYU College of Dentistry
With the increasing demand in today’s healthcare environment for dentists to manage both patient care and business, the graduates of this program will be able to excel in both aspects. The first two years are spent at the College of Dentistry, and the last three years are divided between both schools.
The Stern Experience
Areas of Interest
All Stern graduates acquire an MBA in General Management and can select up to three specializations, or choose not to specialize at all. NYU offers the largest selection of elective courses among the top business schools. The areas of interest include consulting, entertainment and media, entrepreneurship and innovation, finance, healthcare, luxury retail, marketing, real estate, social enterprise, and technology, among others.
Experiential Learning
With its unrivaled location, NYU Stern’s Office of Student Engagement provides students with the opportunity to solve real-world business problems. Some of the experiential learning options include Tech & the City, Consulting Lab: Branding + Innovation, Endless Frontier Labs, Board Fellows Program, Investment Funds, and Fellowship Programs.
NYU Stern is…
NYU Stern’s Call to Action
Stern FAQs
What is Stern looking for in its applicants?
- NYU Stern evaluates its applicants holistically and examines each part of the application. It seeks students with strong intellectual ability, superior interpersonal skills, and a desire to create value for business and society.
What are the undergraduate degree requirements to apply to Stern?
- It is required for students to hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or an equivalent degree from a foreign country.
What is the average score for the GRE or Executive Assessment?
- NYU Stern does not publish average GRE/EA scores because it has not been accepting either for very long. There is no minimum score for the GRE or Executive Assessment required to apply.
What if I was denied admission previously and want to reapply?
- If you have applied to the Full-time MBA, Andre Koo Tech MBA, or Fashion & Luxury MBA in the last two application cycles, you may submit an abbreviated application.
Does Stern have a preference between standardized tests?
- Scores in the GMAT, GRE, EA. MCAT, LSAT, and DAT tests are accepted and they do not have a preference as to which exam you take.
Is it possible to waive the standardized test requirement?
- If the coronavirus pandemic impacted your ability to answer a standardized test but you feel you are able to demonstrate academic readiness, you can request a standardized test waiver.
Is there a minimum amount of work experience required to apply?
- Full-time work experience is not a prerequisite to applying. The admissions committee will review all work experience, including full-time, internships, and part-time work.
Can I take classes as a non-matriculated student?
- Non-matriculated students are not able to enroll in Stern MBA courses. However, Stern offers two- and three-day short courses on the latest management thinking and practices.
Do you have an online program?
- At this time, there are no degree-granting online MBA programs. However, it does offer an online MS in Quantitative Management (MSQM), as well as five online certificate programs.
Are admissions officers available for appointments?
- They do not offer one-on-one appointments with admissions counselors at this time. However, there are tours and information sessions available during the week. These last approximately 60-90 minutes and include a friendly on-campus tour led by current MBA students or a member of the Admissions Committee.
Can I speak to an alum?
- Their alumni remain very engaged with Stern and meet with prospective students while attending on-campus events and off-campus information sessions. You can contact current second-year MBA Graduate Ambassadors at mbaga@stern.nyu.edu to learn more about the Stern experience.
Final Note
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