MBA Admissions Q&A: Questrom School, Boston University

Earlier this year, the School of Management at Boston University (BU) underwent a name change in view of a US$50 million donation from retail industry magnate, Allen Questrom.

As a result, the MBA program at BU – which lies just inside North America’s top 20 in the 2014/15 edition of QS’s regional rankings - is now offered by the Questrom School of Business.

If BU and Questrom is on your list of target schools, getting an insight into the school’s MBA admissions process certainly wouldn’t go amiss. Here then, is Questrom’s assistant dean of graduate admissions, Meredith Curtin Siegel, to provide some advice on the subject. One point Siegel emphasizes is the importance of being sure in your decision and desire to undertake an MBA as well as knowing how you want to make the most out of the time you will spend at your chosen school because, as Siegel says, “a full-time MBA program goes by very, very quickly.” Read on to find out more:      

What is the typical acceptance rate to the Questrom MBA program?  

We typically admit approximately a third of our full-time MBA applicants.

What are the most important aspects of the BU Questrom MBA application process besides GMAT score, prior GPA, and current job position?

While GMAT, GPA and work experience are important, they are just a few among many factors that we consider. We also pay careful attention to the comments made by applicants during interviews and in video essays; the skills and characteristics highlighted by those who provide a candidate’s recommendation letters; the teamwork and leadership that the applicant has demonstrated, both professionally and personally; the passion that the candidate brings to the MBA process and to Boston University; and the personal skills that they demonstrate to us throughout the applicant cycle. The candidates that are the most successful in this process are those that can demonstrate their fit with the Questrom School of Business – academically, professionally and personally.

What is a common mistake you see applicants make?

One mistake candidates sometimes make is to apply to business school for the wrong reason, or before they are truly ready to take advantage of the opportunities that come with an MBA program. Our best advice to all candidates is to think carefully about why an MBA is the right next step; why the timing of pursuing this degree now is important; and why Boston University is the right place to pursue the MBA degree. Applying to a school because it is well-ranked or because a parent, friend or colleague recommended the university isn’t always the most successful strategy for selecting an MBA program.

What is something you would like to see applicants do more often?

I would like to see applicants take the time to really think through the process of attending an MBA program. Typically, we see candidates who have put a lot of thought into what they want to do upon graduation and what it is about our program that is interesting to them. I’d like to see them take one step further – I’d like them to get to know our clubs, organizations and extra-curricular activities (like case competitions, treks, etc.) a little better. A full-time MBA program goes by very, very quickly. The best way to maximize the experience is to know what to take advantage of upon enrolling in the program.

At Boston University Questrom School of Business, we give candidates many different ways in which to do this. Whether it is by visiting campus for events such as MBA Connect, our on-campus open house in the fall, meeting us and our alumni at off-campus events around the world, or attending a virtual information session or webinar, candidates can connect with our community to learn more.

What does the Questrom application process look like?

The Questrom application process is similar to the application processes at many other schools. We ask students to submit an application form; test scores; transcripts; letters of recommendation; and a résumé. Additionally, we give students the option of submitting a statement regarding anything they would like the admissions committee to know about their candidacy. We offer evaluative interviews to candidates in two ways: before our first deadline, candidates can request a pre-application interview with a member of the admissions committee. These are conducted both on campus and in cities around the world. Once our first deadline has passed, our interviews are offered on an invitation only basis. These interviews are offered on campus, off campus and via skype. The goal of offering evaluative interviews in both of these ways is to connect with as many candidates in our applicant pool as is possible.

Where our process differs a bit from other schools is that instead of asking candidates for traditional application essays, we ask our candidates to record video essays.  In this process, they answer several questions over video, with some time to practice and think about the answers they want to share. The goal here is to get a better sense of each candidate’s personality and fit with our program. These are not meant to be an on-camera screen test; rather the video essays are meant to provide a more robust and in-depth understanding of each candidate in our applicant pool.

How can a candidate overcome a lower GMAT score?

There is a lot that a candidate can do to overcome a lower GMAT score. First and foremost, he or she can retake the test. We will always consider the highest score only (we do not average the scores, so it can never hurt to do this). Also, he or she can consider taking the GRE, as some students find that they naturally perform better on one over the other. 

If the area of weakness on either the GRE or GMAT is in the quantitative section specifically, candidates can demonstrate aptitude in this area through strong performance in quantitative coursework or through quantitative analysis in their day-to-day professional responsibilities. 

If the area of weakness on the GRE or GMAT is in the verbal section, we will seek out other areas of the application (video essays, for example, or the interview – or, for international students, the TOEFL or IELTS) for a demonstration that the student has a strong command of English and can communicate well.

But, to reiterate, the GMAT or GRE is only one of the factors that we consider, so in addition to their test scores, candidates will want to present progression in their professional work experience; good grades; strong leadership experience; and supportive letters of recommendation.

MBA admissions tips

Essay(s): At Questrom, these are video essays. This is the candidate’s opportunity to differentiate him or herself from other candidates; think broadly about what they would like the admissions committee to know about themselves; and put some personality into their application. Candidates should not shy away from the opportunity to let their true selves shine!

Interview: Candidates should always prepare as best they can for interviews. At Questrom, the interviewer who meets the candidate will always be a different admissions committee member from the one who read through their initial application. The point of this is to allow more of us to get to know each applicant and keep bias out of the process. So, candidates will have several opportunities to present their stories to members of the admissions committee. Preparing thoughtful, consistent answers for all aspects of the application process, as well as insightful questions for the interview will maximize the candidate’s opportunity to make a good impression.   

Letter of recommendation: Candidates should always seek a letter of recommendation from people who know them well. We are not impressed by titles or celebrity – recommenders should be able to speak directly and with details about the ways in which applicants have added value to their teams or organizations. At Questrom, we expect letters of recommendation to come from professional sources.

CV/résumé: Candidates should focus on their accomplishments rather than just their responsibilities. There is a place on the application for candidates to talk about responsibilities.  The résumé itself should focus more on outcomes, successes, and ways in which candidates have created value for their teams, units or organizations.

School visit: See as many schools as you can – and do as much as possible while there! To really get to know a school, it is important to see many aspects of it: visit a class; have lunch with a student; meet with staff members representing different offices; and, most of all, ask questions! The more informed a candidate is about the people, places and experiences that are options to him or her, the easier the process of making an enrollment decision will be. As mentioned, at Questrom, we offer many different ways for candidates to get to know us – on campus, off campus and virtually. We would encourage all candidates who are thinking about visiting campus to attend our fall visit weekend, to meet current students, staff, and faculty; attend a class; tour campus; and be a part of our community!