What are the key requirements for Cornell MBA?

Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management has a set of criteria for admission into its MBA program designed to select a well-rounded and dynamic cohort of students. Here are the key admissions requirements:

• Academic Credentials: You need to have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and provide transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. A strong academic record is important.
• GMAT/GRE Scores: Competitive GMAT or GRE scores are expected, generally around the average of 700 for the GMAT as noted in recent classes. These scores are a critical part of your application but are considered alongside other factors.
• Work Experience: Applicants are typically expected to have at least two years of full-time work experience. More extensive experience, especially in leadership roles or innovative projects, is particularly favorable.
• Essays and Personal Statements: These should clearly articulate your career goals, how a Cornell MBA will help you achieve these goals, and your potential contributions to the Cornell community.
• Recommendation Letters: Two or three letters are usually required, providing insight into your professional achievements and potential for leadership.
• Interview: An interview invitation is a positive indicator and is used to gauge your fit with Cornell’s community and to verify the authenticity of your application details.
• Additional Requirements for International Applicants: Non-native English speakers must often submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to prove English proficiency.

By meeting these criteria and presenting a cohesive and compelling application, you can enhance your chances of admission into Cornell's MBA program.

Cornell’s MBA program is renowned for its rigorous selection process, ensuring that only the most dedicated and capable candidates are admitted. Here are the key requirements: 

Academic Qualifications: A strong undergraduate academic record is essential. While there’s no official minimum GPA, a competitive applicant typically has a GPA of 3.4 or above. Cornell evaluates the difficulty of your coursework and your academic performance. 

Standardized Test Scores: Applicants must submit GMAT or GRE scores. The average GMAT score for admitted students is around 710, but scores can vary. High scores on these tests can significantly enhance your application. 

Professional Experience: Relevant work experience is critical. On average, applicants have about five years of professional experience. Cornell looks for career progression, leadership abilities, and significant accomplishments in your work history. 

Recommendations: Two letters of recommendation are required. These should ideally come from professional supervisors or colleagues who can attest to your leadership skills, teamwork, and professional achievements. 

Personal Essays: The application requires essays where you articulate your career goals, reasons for choosing Cornell, and how you plan to contribute to the community. These essays are a vital part of your application, providing insight into your motivations and alignment with Cornell’s values. 

Interview Process: Selected candidates will be invited for an interview, which is a critical component of the selection process. This interview allows you to demonstrate your enthusiasm, communication skills, and fit for the program. 

English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate proficiency in English. 

The application deadlines for the 2024 intake are October 4, 2023, January 5, 2024, March 26, 2024, and May 7, 2024. It’s crucial to plan and prepare your application materials well before these dates. 

By understanding these requirements and preparing diligently, you can enhance your chances of gaining admission to this prestigious program. 

 

 

 

Cornell University's MBA program at the Johnson Graduate School of Management offers a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare graduates for high-level managerial roles. Key admissions requirements include a completed bachelor's degree and GMAT or GRE scores, with the option to request a waiver under specific circumstances. The program has a holistic application review process, focusing on a candidate's overall professional and academic background, leadership qualities, and potential for future growth. Recommendations are vital, usually from professional contacts who can vouch for the candidate's leadership and analytical capabilities.

Additionally, proficiency in English is mandatory for non-native speakers, which can be demonstrated through TOEFL or IELTS scores. The program's multiple admission rounds allow flexibility in application submission, but it's crucial to adhere to these deadlines to enhance your chance of acceptance.

The key requirements for applying to the Cornell MBA program include several components. First, ensure you have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. There is no set GPA requirement, but strong academic performance will bolster your application.

Standardized test scores, either GMAT or GRE, are necessary. While there is no minimum score, the middle 80% of admitted students score between 660 and 760 on the GMAT. You can request a waiver for these tests if you have significant quantitative experience.

A professional letter of recommendation is required. This should preferably come from someone who can provide insights into your professional and leadership capabilities.

Essays are a vital part of the application. You'll need to write about your career aspirations, leadership experiences, and why you want to pursue an MBA at Cornell.

Interviews are by invitation only and can be conducted either on-campus or via Zoom. This step helps the admissions committee gauge your fit for the program and allows you to ask questions about the MBA experience at Cornell.

Additionally, you need to submit official transcripts and a resume. Highlighting your professional experience, especially in leadership roles, is important.