Johnson School at Cornell University Admissions

Q & A with the Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid

By Karen Schweitzer, About.com Guide

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• johnson
• cornell university
• mba admissions
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Christine E. Sneva, Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at the Johnson School at Cornell University, recently took time to answer a few questions about MBA admissions at Johnson. If you are getting ready to apply to Johnson, you don’t want to miss out on this insider advice.

Can you provide a general overview of Johnson's MBA admissions process?
When an applicant submits an application, it is prepared by one of our processors. Once completed, each file has a first read and then a second by the admissions committee. This provides each applicant the due diligence that they deserve, as well as establishes a checks and balances system within the admissions committee. Our interviews are invite-only, so it is very important that each application receives thorough consideration.

Is it better to apply early in the process?
We have four rounds and typically, we see the strongest applicants in the earlier rounds. First and second round applicants have typically spent more time researching and completing our application, therefore more prepared. We do not have a rolling admission, but the amount of offers we are able to make does depend on our yield from subsequent rounds.

Who conducts Johnson's admissions interviews?
We are proud to say that our students are able to make a direct impact on each incoming class. Our Johnson Admissions Group (JAG) is a group of current second year students who have been selected and trained to conduct first reads and interviews. Additionally, we have the admissions committee of professional staff that is involved in every step of the decision process.

Do you have any interview tips for Johnson MBA applicants?
The best tip I can give is always be yourself. When you are natural and genuine you will always be at your best. The ideal way to get there is prepare! Do the research necessary to help you be successful for your interview and anticipate the obvious questions while treating this as a professional job interview.

How important is a Johnson applicant’s GMAT score?
Traditionally, the GMAT has been the best measure of success for business schools. We have trusted this exam and it has proven to be consistent in determining the analytical nature and quantitative strength of candidates. It is also the common denominator amongst applicants and statistically successful at determining first semester GPA. Each individual is a very different type of test taker. If you know you are weaker in this area, you should know how you will need to prepare.

In regards to undergraduate study, does Johnson consider other factors besides performance? For example, does it matter where an applicant completed their undergraduate schooling?
Undergraduate GPA is the only proof of previous academic performance and to be accurate, we need to take into consideration institutional difficulty, degree major, as well as external factors that contributed to an applicant’s higher education.

What is your position on people who apply to your MBA program directly out of college?
We have several straight-throughs (less than one year of professional full-time work experience) each year in our two-year MBA program. These select individuals have strong academic performance and a higher GMAT average to point out a few differences. Basically, they must have scores above average with excellent internship experience.

Does race, ethnicity, sex, and cultural background play much of a role in Johnson admission decisions?
We look at all applicants equally – they must be able to academically show they can handle the rigor of our program, have excellent interviewing skills proving employability, and overall, a good fit with the culture of our program.

What qualifies as a good letter of recommendation?
A good recommender knows the applicant well enough to provide specific details and examples. The letters of recommendation is the only external source we have to rely on for an applicant. This source must be knowledgeable and honest about who they are recommending.

What is the most common mistake that Johnson applicants make?
One of the most common mistakes is not proofreading the essays. Too many applicants rely on their own editing without seeking a mentor or other resource for a second opinion and/or guidance on whether they answer the question and whether the essay flows well to a third party. Remember, the admissions committee does not know who the applicant is, so do not assume we understand what you are talking about.

How can a Johnson applicant stand out among their peers?
One of the best ways to stand out is by showing us who you really are through face-to-face meetings. Nothing can compare to a conversation with a real person and not just ambiguous emails or a resume that just doesn’t stand out. Many b-schools travel all over the world – sometimes multiple times to a city so, take advantage of meeting schools that are (and are not) on your radar.

Why does Johnson stand out among other business schools?
Our program speaks for itself. Our students, alumni, faculty and staff, sincerely believe in the program and proud our brand. I will say we are a different type of business school, so come check us out at an event near you! You will be greeted with some of the most successful and genuine people you will ever have the pleasure of meeting.