What does it take to get accepted into one of the leading MBA programs in the USA? To find out, we spoke to the Director of Full-Time MBA Admissions & Student Recruitment at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.
The Full-Time MBA at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School is one of the top-ranked MBAs in the United States. But that also means it’s a highly competitive MBA that attracts applicants from across the globe. As of 2022, the acceptance rate for the UNC Kenan-Flagler Full-Time MBA is 36%.
We spoke to Danielle Richie, the Director of Full-Time MBA Admissions & Student Recruitment, for tips on how you can become one of the lucky few that make it into this prestigious program.
One of the first components of the UNC Kenan-Flagler Full-Time MBA application process is the essay. It’s split into two sections. The first section asks you to outline your career goals, and how you think an MBA will help you achieve them.
In the second section, you’ll show how your values match with those at UNC Kenan-Flagler. It’s a more personal question that Danielle says is all about bringing your story to life.
“Everyone has a story, and it’s not just your professional story – it’s also personal stories because they are what shape you,” she tells MBAGRADSCHOOLS. “Those experiences can really shape who you are as a leader, and it’s doing a lot of self-reflection. That is another way candidates really bring out their own story.” (02:31)
You shouldn’t be afraid to bring your personal experiences to the surface in your MBA essay. Think about how your past has shaped you as a person, and how the values you now hold shape the direction you want to take in life.
UNC Kenan-Flagler is keen to hear about your personal side. Having a diverse range of interests can help demonstrate your adaptability. This has become particularly important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, where graduates were forced to reevaluate their goals and perhaps even change direction in their careers.
“We’re fact-finding throughout that essay and also looking to see: Can they pivot?” says Danielle. “That was really important when we were helping our second-year MBAs seek employment opportunities. So that they’re not just focused on one goal, but really looking at all the different interests that they have.” (01:46)
The essay and interview elements of the UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA application process are closely linked. So much so that you’re expected to maintain a consistent tone of voice across both elements. And if you don’t, the admissions committee will pick up on it.
“A lot of people are shocked by that,” says Danielle. “So it’s really important that you write your own essays, and that you’re practicing the interview and are going into it prepared.” (04:08)
The personal theme set out in the essay section of the application process continues in your MBA interview. Danielle says that UNC Kenan-Flagler “wants to hear from you” about your personal interests and experiences. She explains that “a lot of people forget that work doesn’t define them, that they can have personal interests, and those can correlate to other things that the admissions committee might see.” (02:55)
If the interview is starting to sound a little daunting, it shouldn’t. In fact, UNC Kenan-Flagler actually takes steps to ensure candidates are as well-prepared as possible for their interview. At the end of the day, they want you to succeed just as much as you do.
“We send emails in advance, like ‘Here’s what you can expect’, so it gives that other sense of the human side,” reveals Danielle. “We understand where they’re coming from. There could be nerves and we try to prepare and squash those nerves as much as possible.” (05:53)
More than anything, it’s worth looking at your MBA interview as something to enjoy. Danielle tells us that ultimately, “the application process should be fun and you should celebrate the short-term wins along the way.” (13:36)
Business schools typically have different application rounds throughout the year. That means applicants can apply at any point during the academic year, and will receive an answer after each round. But it does beg the question: When is the best time to apply? Danielle says there is a simple answer.
“We want you to apply when your application is at its best.”
“We don’t want you to hurt your chances of being admitted, so if you’re not ready for round one, wait. If you’re not sure about your essays, wait and invest your efforts in them, because that’s going to show the admissions committee that you’ve taken the time.” (10:52)
The same piece of advice also applies if you’re hoping to secure a merit-based fellowship at UNC Kenan-Flagler. According to Danielle, “Every applicant is considered for merit-based fellowships at [the] time of admission into the program. So once you know your admission decision you’ll also know if you received a fellowship as well.” (11:32)
Perhaps it’s time to reassess how you approach the MBA application process. By seeing it as something to enjoy, you’re not only taking the pressure off yourself. You’re also making it a part of your own personal journey and your own personal development. This way, you’ll be better placed to tackle your own personal challenges in the future.
If you’d like to learn more about the MBA admissions process, feel free to reach out to one of our MBA ambassadors.
