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The HEC Paris MBA program is a prestigious and globally recognized business education offering designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary for leadership roles in today’s dynamic business environment. In this special feature, we hear from Sara Vanos, Executive Director, Admissions & Marketing, MBA Programs, HEC Paris, who shares exclusive advice on how to get into the leading MBA program.
Sara oversees the full-time MBA, the Executive MBA, and the TRIUM Global MBA at HEC Paris. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, she has held key roles in alumni relations, career services, and marketing at business schools in France and Canada. Her teams manage communications, marketing, and admissions for the MBA programs, aiming to attract visionary leaders with the character, courage, and competence to drive global change.
Dedicated to providing a personalized journey for top prospective students worldwide, Sara’s teams deliver tailored content, personalized coaching, and bespoke events throughout the application process. They are committed to a high-touch admissions approach, ensuring each candidate receives the attention they deserve. Sara also serves on the selection, admissions, and scholarship committees, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future cohorts. Sara holds a special enthusiasm for the HEC Paris Executive MBA, having graduated from the program herself in 2020. And this personal connection is carried through the admissions process, as candidates can connect with the community and a Marketing & Recruitment Manager before and after applying.
Admission to the HEC Paris MBA is competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 18 percent. Applicants are evaluated based on academic achievements, professional experience, leadership potential, and international exposure. Read on for application tips, what HEC Paris looks for and more to maximize your chances of success directly from inside the admissions office.
CA: How should applicants choose an MBA and a business school?
SV: Candidates should really spend time looking into different MBA programs to find the program that is the right fit for them. They should also attend in-person events, hosted near them, when possible. At these events they can usually speak to alumni from their region to gain a deeper insight into the program.
Clear Admit: What is your advice for planning your MBA application?
Sara Vanos: For candidates interested in the HEC Paris MBA, they should take the time to first connect with us. After that they are contacted by one of our Marketing & Recruitment Manager who specializes in their region and will give them feedback and coach them through the application process, ensuring that their application is done correctly and in the most complete way possible.
CA: What should applicants know before submitting an application to HEC Paris MBA program?
SV: We have an open essay, where applicants can share anything that they would like. It can explain a gap in their CV, or how they’ve experienced diversity, or the challenges that brought them to this place today. This can be very useful in getting to know our candidates and understand their situation.
Candidates are also in touch with a Marketing & Recruitment Manager who specializes in their region and will give them feedback and coach them through the application process, ensuring that their application is done correctly and in the most complete way possible.
CA: What is unique about the HEC Paris admissions process?
SV: Our whole application process takes five weeks before candidates know if they have been accepted into the program. In addition, we offer coaching throughout the admissions process – if you are working on your application, your Marketing & Recruitment Manager is happy to set up a call to answer any questions you might have.
CA: What happens once I submit an MBA application to HEC Paris?
SV: We connect with applicants from the moment they make first contact with us, so the time before submitting an actual application is just as important as the time after they have submitted it. At HEC Paris, we try to get to know each and every applicant through email or phone before they apply, so we understand them and their goals. Once they submit, the relationship doesn’t end. As applicants move through the process, their Marketing & Recruitment Manager stays in touch. Once a complete application is submitted, applicants will know within 2-3 weeks if they have made it to the final round of consideration. If they are selected to move into the final round, alumni interviews will be scheduled and the application will hear from both their Admissions Officer and Marketing & Recruitment Manager, who will offer them advice on their upcoming interviews with two MBA alumni.
In the two to three weeks following pre-selection, the candidate will meet two MBA alumni for one-on-one interviews. They will have the chance to both present on a topic of their choice and discuss with our alumni to assess fit. The interviews are traditionally in person and take place in over 80 countries. After the alumni interviews, we host the official jury, wherein we make admissions decisions. The whole process takes five weeks, which means applicants will know if they’re admitted within 5 weeks of submitting their applications.
Once admitted, candidates can apply for a merit-based scholarship.
