Getting Accepted to Tepper’s Online MBA

The online MBA at  Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business is one of the nation’s top programs in its class.

The online program ranked 4th in Poets&Quants’ ranking of the “Best Online MBA Programs” in 2019.

But what exactly does it take to get into Tepper’s prestigious online MBA program?

Robin Madell, of Business Insider, spoke to experts at Tepper to find out.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Tepper’s online MBA program features the same curriculum, faculty, and career services as its full-time MBA program.

Experts say that both the full-time MBA and online MBA at Tepper seek out the same type of candidate.

“We particularly value candidates who have a forward-thinking approach to their career, who have a strong desire to make an impact in both their organization and the greater world, and look to Tepper as the partner to get them there,” Kelly Wilson, executive director of masters admissions at Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business, tells Business Insider.

That forward-thinking approach and desire for growth and impact are key to getting into Tepper, experts say.

“Tepper’s focus on innovation and collaboration means they are looking for students who are adaptable, open to new ideas and coming from a variety of backgrounds, job experiences, and passions,” Fortuna Admissions coach Catherine Tuttle writes for P&Q. “When crafting your narrative, it’s important to be clear about the strengths in your profile, but also the desire to learn from those around you.”

TWO KEY AREAS

Wilson says Tepper stresses two main areas of its application: quantitative aptitude and willingness to receive feedback.

“These align directly with our approach to teach our students in-depth analytical tools that will serve them throughout their career, and the leadership development work that our students undertake while enrolled in the MBA program,” Wilson tells Business Insider.

Experts say it’s critical to highlight how you will make an impact, especially as a leader.

“They want leaders who are functioning at a higher, more advanced level with a focus on something greater than themselves,” Tuttle says. “Scanning through the list of 40+ clubs you’ll find a wide variety of opportunities to give back while getting involved including Tepper Cares, Pro Bono Consulting, Net Impact, and Out & Allied. Think about where you’ve had an impact in the past and how that will translate on-campus.”

Sources: Business Insider,  Poets & Quants