Stories
Stories
Inside MBA Admissions
The managing director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid since June 2001, Brit K. Dewey (MBA 1996) and her Admissions team have achieved the seemingly contradictory feat of making the admissions process both more personal and more technology-driven.
On the personal side, an interview is now required of top candidates prior to admission. No one is accepted without one. Interviewing has been a big investment for us, but we think its worth it for two reasons, Dewey explains. First, it helps us as part of the evaluation process. Second, I think its really important for candidates to meet someone from HBS before deciding to come here.
The personal touch doesnt stop there. Dewey calls or e-mails every newly admitted MBA student. Its important to reach out to let them know were glad to have them and to answer any questions, she says.
On the technology side, the entire application process is now on the Web. The only paper we get is from recommenders who dont feel comfortable using a computer, notes Dewey. Even decision notifications are sent via e-mail.
The new Web-based application process arrived just in time to rescue the Admissions staff from drowning in a flood of paperwork. An all-time high of 10,382 applications arrived for the Class of 2004. Dewey characterizes that number as a spike influenced by poor economic conditions that unleashed pentup demand. The Admissions Office received 8,526 applications for the Class of 2005. Of 993 acceptance notices, 895 admits said yes, pushing yield for the first time past the 90 percent mark. This is the highest yield of any U.S. business school.
Every application is read by at least two people in Admissions and evaluated on the strength of three key factors: academic ability, leadership experience, and personal qualities and characteristics.
The average Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score for the class entering in fall 2003 was 708. However, the range of GMAT scores is very broad, and there is no minimum score requirement. The Admissions staff also considers factors such as an applicants course of study as an undergraduate, and the intellectual and quantitative rigor of a candidates work experience.
Leadership potential is assessed by looking at each candidates leadership experiences and accomplishments, as well as through recommendations.
Understanding a candidates character is a critical element of the evaluation process, says Dewey. The Admissions staff carefully evaluates answers to essay questions focusing on ethical challenges and looks for character in the comments submitted by recommenders. It is this area in particular where one-on-one interviews also provide insights into a candidates character.
The fact that HBS lands at or near the top of the various business-school rankings doesnt mean that the Admis-sions staff sits back and waits for applications to pile up. In fact, Deweys office conducts a far-flung marketing and outreach program. Last year, MBA Admissions hosted 28 events in fifteen cities in the United States, with several aimed specifically at women and minorities. The office also hosted events at more than thirty colleges to connect with the early career candidate pool in an effort to counteract the mistaken conventional wisdom that candidates must have several years of work experience before applying.
Outside the United States, MBA Admissions hosted recruiting events in forty cities in 32 countries. The Schools recruitment efforts have led to a richer mix of students on campus, says Dewey.
The Class of 2005, for example, is highly diverse: 35 percent are female, 33 percent are international representing 73 countries, and 21 percent are minorities. The median age is 27. Such diversity is essential to prepare MBAs to live and work in a global economy, Dewey explains.
For all the change she has presided over, Dewey stresses that the goal of MBA Admissions remains the same: To recruit and develop outstanding business leaders who will make a difference in society.
Post a Comment
Related Stories
-
- 01 Mar 2023
- HBS Alumni Bulletin
An Investment in Tomorrow's Leaders
Re: Srikant M. Datar (George F. Baker Professor of Administration Dean of the Faculty); By: Jennifer Gillespie -
- 01 Mar 2023
- HBS Alumni Bulletin
Making Dreams Attainable
-
- 12 May 2021
- The First Five Years
The First Five Years: Sophie Bai (MBA 2020)
Re: Sophie Bai (MBA 2020) -
- 15 May 2018
- HBS Newsroom
HBS MBA Admissions Shifts to Two Rounds
Re: Chad Losee (MBA 2013)
Stories Featuring Brit Dewey
-
- 13 Jul 2015
- Making A Difference
Reframing what is possible
Re: Brit Dewey (MBA 1996) -
- 01 Dec 2005
- Alumni Stories
MBAs by the Numbers
Re: Brit Dewey (MBA 1996) -
- 01 Sep 2005
- Alumni Stories
Gifts Create Frist Financial Aid Fund
Re: Tommy Frist (MBA 1997); Billy Frist (MBA 2001); Julie Frist (MBA 1997); Brit Dewey (MBA 1996)