NYU Stern MS in Business Analytics alumni meetup in Singapore in June 2022. Courtesy photo

Why Connecting with Current Students and Alumni Can Increase Your Admissions Odds

Business schools love applicants who can demonstrate a strong fit with their program and community.

But simply highlighting a class or club that you’re interested in isn’t enough. Dr. Marlena Corcoran, founder of Athena Mentor and contributor at Forbes, recently offered insight into how applicants can get an insider’s look into a business school by connecting with current students and alumni.

UNDERSTAND YOUR WHY

Talking with current students or alumni can help you better define your reason for pursuing an MBA. Most will be able to give you insight into different career paths, which can help you better articulate your own short- and long-term goals.

“I had to really evaluate the costs and benefits of taking two years off to get this degree, when I already had a strong foundation built for my career,” Stefanie Cainto, a 2023 graduate of the Cornell Johnson MBA program, says. “Part of that included evaluating the long-term impacts of pursuing an MBA, and no one could speak to that better than alumni one, five, 10 or even more years out from graduation. Through alumni I spoke to, I was able to get a better understanding of what being a graduate of each program would be like long after I crossed the stage in my cap and gown.”

It can also be helpful to seek out admissions ambassadors, students who have volunteered to be ambassadors for the school.

“Often, an ambassador can connect you with a student who is following a similar path or involved in a particular experiential learning opportunity or club,” Melisa Prevost, an admissions consultant at Stratus Admissions Counseling, says. “This is another reason why being prepared to discuss your goals is important.”

FINDING THE RIGHT SCHOOL

There’s no better way of understanding what a school has to offer than connecting with students who attend that school. The number of students you talk to per school can also give you insight into whether or not it’s the right match for you.

“Finding the right school means talking to many current students and alumni—think 10, 15, or even 20,” Mateo Chang, an MBA admissions consultant, says. “If you chat with 10 and don’t connect with most, it’s probably not a good match. Remember, you’re influenced by the people closest to you. Ask yourself if these are the people you’d want at your wedding.”

ADMISSIONS OFFICERS VALUE ALUMNI INPUT

Another reason to connect with alumni? They can put in a good word for you. Many admissions officers emphasize the importance of alumni input in the overall admissions decision.

“Many times we learn more about the candidate’s commitment to the program,” Eddie Asbie, executive director of admissions and scholarship at the Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management, says. “There are times where candidates fall short on highlighting why our program makes sense and the alum provides additional insight.”

Sources: Forbes, Stratus Admissions Counseling