Casey Kuhns (MBA ’25)
Are you considering pursuing an MBA at Boston College and wondering how to navigate the application process successfully? To help you gain a better understanding of this journey, we've gathered insights from students Casey Kuhns (MBA ’25), Stella Lee (MBA ’25), and Aidan Kodas (MBA ’24), who have recently embarked on their own full-time MBA journeys at Boston College. They share their experiences and offer valuable advice to prospective applicants.
Crafting the Perfect Essay
One of the first steps in the application process for any MBA program is writing your admissions essay. Each of our interviewees had a unique approach to this essential task.
Casey took about a week to complete his essay. He focused on his past experiences, making a connection between Boston College and his alma mater Georgetown, both Jesuit universities. This approach allowed him to highlight his background and how it aligned with the school's values.
Stella also invested a week in crafting her essay. Her approach was rooted in personal connections and previous experience with Boston College, where she did her undergrad. She stressed the importance of showing how the school's culture and values align with your own.
Aidan opted for a more concise approach, completing his essay within a week as well. He emphasized practicality and cost-benefit analysis, which might be a great strategy for those looking for a quick yet effective application process.
Stella Lee (MBA ’25)
GMAT or GRE: Making the Right Choice
When it comes to standardized tests, it’s crucial to decide whether to take the GMAT or GRE. The choice can significantly impact your application process.
Casey chose the GMAT but expressed a wish to have taken the GRE due to his non-quantitative background. He made this decision based on the historical preference of schools for the GMAT.
Stella opted for the GMAT as well, mentioning that it was more MBA-specific and had faster result turnaround. She invested time in test prep materials, including practice test booklets and YouTube videos, which could be a great resource for prospective test-takers.
Aidan, on the other hand, didn’t take either test, as Boston College and several other schools provide GMAT waiver options for qualified candidates. His approach highlights the importance of staying informed about school-specific test policies.
Navigating the School Search Process
Choosing the right school for your MBA is a crucial decision. Here’s how our interviewees went about it.
Casey was set on staying in the Northeast, having previously studied in Washington, D.C. He utilized online resources, school websites, rankings (such as those from U.S. News), and attended MBA admissions events. Casey also engaged with current students and ambassadors to gain insight into their experiences and Boston College’s strengths.
Stella was an undergraduate alum of Boston College, so her choice was straightforward. She emphasized the importance of researching student experiences to gauge the school’s atmosphere and academic rigor.
Aidan had a practical approach, considering top business schools and schools in the Greater Boston area. He opted for Boston College due to the convenience of staying in the same region.
Aidan Kodas (MBA ’24)
The Decision on ROI
Understanding the return on investment (ROI) of an MBA program is a critical factor in your decision-making process.
Casey considered the strength of Boston College’s network in the Northeast as a significant ROI factor. He also compared the program with others, choosing Boston College over other local programs because of his interest in finance and consulting.
Stella took a holistic approach by looking at scholarship packages and the average starting salary of MBA graduates from Boston College. Additionally, she saw value in the STEM program and the associated Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international students.
Aidan emphasized the long-term perspective on ROI, considering the benefits of an MBA in his career, particularly after several years of work experience.
Tips for Prospective Applicants
Our interviewees shared valuable advice for those considering an MBA at Boston College:
Casey stressed the importance of reaching out to current students and ambassadors to gain a real sense of the program beyond online information.
Stella advised prospective applicants to understand their own strengths and weaknesses and find a school that aligns with their goals.
Aidan encouraged prospective students who are working and considering an MBA not to be intimidated by application requirements. He emphasized the value of reaching out to the admissions team and taking the first step.
Favorite Aspects of Boston College MBA Program (So Far)
As a parting note, our interviewees shared what they love about the Boston College MBA program.
Casey highlights the welcoming and non-competitive atmosphere among students, emphasizing that everyone is there because they genuinely want to learn.
Stella cherishes the close-knit community of her small cohort, where students spend a lot of time together and build strong friendships.
Aidan praises the professors who make complex concepts digestible and the students who create a collaborative learning environment.
To conclude, the journey of applying to an MBA program at Boston College is a diverse and personal experience for each applicant. Use the insights from Casey, Stella, and Aidan to guide your own application process, and don’t forget to reach out to current students and the Carroll School Graduate Admissions team to get a firsthand understanding of the BC MBA.