SMU Cox MBA News

Get the latest MBA news from SMU Cox.

Published: September 29, 2024

The Week Ahead: MBA Deadlines & Interview Invites, September 30-October 4, 2024

Welcome back to the series, The Week Ahead, in which we provide a brief rundown of what is happening in MBA admissions this week! Busy Week for Round 1 Deadlines, First Interview Invites of the Season The 2024-2025 MBA admissions season is now underway. Monday, September 30, MIT / Sloan has its Round 1 application deadline. HBS is set to release Round 1 interview invitations, waitlist and early release notifications at noon EST. Tuesday, October 1, Duke / Fuqua, UCLA / Anderson, CMU / Tepper, USC / Marshall, Washington / Foster, Maryland / Smith, SMU / Cox and Minnesota / Read more

Published: August 29, 2024

Weekly Refresh: Latest MBA Essay Questions, Analyzed – Plus Deadlines & Rec Forms

We’re back with another Weekly Refresh, in which we list this week’s admissions advice and updates on the Clear Admit site. Essay Tips Drafting your application essays? See the latest of our experts’ advice in our Essay Topic Analysis. The following schools recently released their essays—click for our advice: Boston College / Carroll Florida Warrington Georgia Tech Scheller Rochester Simon Toronto / Rotman USC Marshall Deadlines Released See the admissions deadlines that have rolled out: Georgia Tech Scheller Rochester Simon SMU Cox Read more

Published: August 27, 2024

MBA Programs Without GMAT or GRE Requirements in 2024

Pursuing an MBA without the GMAT or GRE has become more accessible in recent years as many business schools have lifted this requirement from their admissions process. For many prospective students, avoiding the stress and cost associated with standardized testing is a major advantage. Below is a list of reputable MBA programs that do not require GMAT or GRE scores, making them ideal for candidates who excel in other areas of their application, such as professional experience and academic achievements. Quick List of MBA Programs Without GMAT or GRE: Babson College – F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business Georgia Tech Read more

Published: August 14, 2024

MBA Degrees & Majors with a STEM Designation

The past few years have seen a surge in business schools that run MBA programs with a STEM designation. MBAs, that is, that are now classified as a science, technology, engineering or mathematics degree. The new STEM MBA designation is promising students a multitude of new opportunities – but what is it, really? Read on to find out what a STEM MBA is, which schools offer it, and what this all might mean for you. What Is a STEM MBA? The structure of a STEM MBA is relatively simple. The foundational knowledge and core concepts of Read more

Published: July 9, 2024

GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation Analysis for MBA Applicants and Recommenders

Applying to business school entails a great deal of work for prospective students – and almost as much effort for the people writing their letters of recommendation. An effective MBA recommendation provides rich information about the candidate’s strengths, key accomplishments, and leadership abilities. It’s also important that a recommendation fully address every question that is asked by the admissions committee. So, when an applicant is targeting six schools that ask different questions across their recommendation forms, this can translate to a great deal of time and effort for already-busy recommenders. To alleviate some of this pressure, Read more

Published: May 27, 2024

SMU Cox MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Adcom / Zoom

1. Introduce yourself. 2. Why SMU and why MBA? 3. Post graduation plans? 4. Back-up post graduation plans? 5. What’s one of the most difficult things about your job? 6. How you’ve dealt with feedback from a senior you didn’t agree with? 7. A time a project didn’t go to plan and you failed. 8. How you would manage your time [at school]? 9. Day in the life of you at work (tasks etc). 10. How would you contribute to the Cox community? 11. How you would work in a Read more

Published: March 24, 2024

SMU Cox MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 2 / Career Management / Zoom

Interview was conducted via Zoom and it was very conversational. I had an issue with my internet and with the browser sound settings, so it took me 2/3 minutes to reset everything again and I was nervous that it might leave a bad impression (in my defense, I use Zoom and nothing like that ever happened before). I finally got an admit with a scholarship for the 1 yr program, so I would say they were pragmatic about it. Interview Qs: 1. Please introduce yourself. 2. Follow up Q from the answer I gave for (1) and on Read more

Published: February 27, 2024

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Average GMAT Scores at Top U.S. MBA Programs

See where your GMAT score lands among the top U.S. MBA programs, as we report the average GMAT scores in the chart below. If you have yet to take the GMAT, you can also get a sense of what score you need to target. Business school admissions use the GMAT score as a sign of applicants’ academic abilities and a high score can help you stand out in admissions. Also, average GMAT scores play a role in schools’ rankings. Review the average GMAT scores for your b-schools in the U.S. below. Median scores and ranges presented as Read more

Published: February 14, 2024

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: International Student Statistics

International students statistics can showcase an element of diversity at leading business schools. In the chart below, see the percentage of international students at U.S. business schools. U.S. Business School % International Arizona State University W.P. School of Business 39% Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business 53% Columbia Business School 47% Cornell University SC Johnson Graduate School of Management 42% Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business 33% Duke University Fuqua School of Business 47% Eli Broad Graduate School of Management at Michigan State University 33% Emory University Goizueta School of Business 49% Georgetown University McDonough School of Read more

Published: February 12, 2024

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Percentage of Women MBA Students

Over the past decade, the percentage of women MBA students has been on the rise across leading business schools. USC Marshall was the first leading business school to achieve gender parity while others have achieved or continue to strive for that benchmark. The Forté Foundation has also consistently reported that women are either gaining or holding their ground on b-school campuses–and, most recently, reported record highs. Look at the chart below to see the percentage of female MBA students at leading business schools around the Read more

Published: February 5, 2024

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Cost of MBA Programs in the U.S.

In this edition of Real Numbers of MBA Admissions, see the total cost of a full-time MBA per year at U.S. schools. Tuition comprises most of the cost of each program. Other factors, including room and board, program fees, books and supplies, health insurance, transportation and other expenses, have been added to provide the total cost of an MBA in the U.S. by year. Most business schools provide a breakdown of the expenses, which are posted under the financial aid or admissions section of their websites. Schools also typically take the total cost of attendance into account Read more

Published: January 31, 2024

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Class Size of Top U.S. MBA Programs

Business schools come in all shapes and sizes and the class size of top MBA programs can be a factor in considering fit. From networking to a tight-knit culture to campus opportunities, class size can reveal much about an MBA program. No matter which program you choose, the top MBA programs strive to ensure relationship building during full-time b-school life. Some larger programs, such as Harvard Business School and CBS, mainly break the student body down into cohorts/sections/clusters of dozens of students. Other U.S. business schools, like Wharton, also have Learning Teams, groups of 5-6 students who Read more

Published: November 12, 2023

SMU Cox MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Adcom / Virtual

The interview was straightforward: Why SMU? Why MBA? Challenges you faced? The conflict you faced? Fun question: What country will you travel to for the international exp visit? Walk through resume. Felt like he had a set of questions and based on my answers he would ask the follow-up question. Pretty simple no need to worry. Do some research about the school beforehand. Read more

Published: July 19, 2023

Admissions Director Q&A: Debbie Macedonia & Jessica Lunce of SMU Cox

Get deeper insights into MBA admissions at the SMU Cox School of Business in this Admissions Director Q&A with two leaders from their full-time MBA admissions team, Debbie Macedonia and Jessica Lunce. Debbie is the Assistant Dean of Full-Time MBA and MS Admissions at SMU Cox. She started her career working in financial reporting with Cambridge Associates and quickly found parallel professional interests in recruiting, mentoring, and training. In her career in higher education, Debbie has held various roles across marketing, student services, and admissions with the College of Charleston, Carnegie Mellon Read more

Published: June 15, 2023

Weekly Refresh: Latest MBA Essay Questions, Analyzed – Plus Deadlines

Welcome to Weekly Refresh, a roundup of admissions advice and updates on the Clear Admit site. In this edition, we’re catching up with essay tips and deadlines for schools that have released info thus far for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. Essay Tips Drafting your application essays? See the latest of our experts’ advice in our Essay Topic Analysis. The following schools recently released their essays—click for our advice: Columbia Business School Harvard Business School Stanford GSB Deadlines Released See the admissions deadlines that have rolled Read more

Published: January 26, 2023

MBA Real Humans: Students – LIVE Webinar Winter 2023

The Clear Admit Real Humans: Students Series spotlights current students of the top MBA programs. Each of the student share their current MBA experiences and what they did after they were accepted to the MBA programs. Join us at 8 pm ET on Wednesday, February 22nd to learn about: 1. How do you pick a school? 2. How do you prepare? 3. How do you leave your place of employment? 4. Should you seek a pre-MBA internship? All of this and more! Register below to join this session – we hope to see you there! Read more

Published: January 23, 2023

SMU Cox MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 2 / Adcom / Zoom

1. Why did you choose your undergrad major and school? 2. Walk me through how you ended up at your current role. 3. What’s one of the most difficult things about your job? 4. When did you decide to get an MBA? Why? 5. What are your post-MBA goals? Will you continue in the same industry? What’s your backup plan? 6. Why Cox? 7. How will you contribute to the Cox community outside of the classroom? 8. How will you measure at your graduation ceremony if your time was successful? 9. Tell Read more

Published: January 12, 2023

Episode 267: What’s the Secret Behind Record-Breaking Career Placements at SMU COX?

The SMU Cox School of Business MBA Class of 2022 found record-breaking success this year, thanks to an innovative approach to employment at the business school. With special guests, Judi Umali-Rajkumar and Jason Rife, this podcast episode explores the symbiotic relationship between career services and admissions that propels MBA graduates’ success. Jason Rife, Sr. Asst. Dean, Career Mgmt Center and Graduate Admissions, & Judi Umali-Rajkumar, Director, Career Programs, Full-time MBA & MBA Direct Judi is the Director of Career Programs for the Full-time MBA & MBA Direct students at SMU Cox. She is a collaborative, people-centered, career consultant and Read more

Published: January 4, 2023

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Cost of MBA Programs in the U.S.

Published: October 31, 2022

Real Humans of SMU Cox’s MBA Class of 2024

For this edition of Real Humans: MBA Students, we meet some new members of the Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business Class of 2024 in Dallas, Texas. Fifty-three students matriculated there in the fall of 2022. Forty-three percent are women and 32 percent are international. U.S. minority students represent 23 percent of the class. During their undergraduate years, the SMU Cox students averaged a 3.37 GPA. When it came time to take the GMAT, they averaged a score of 682. For those who took the GRE, their average Quant score landed Read more

Published: August 4, 2022

Admissions Director Q&A: Gail Saegert & Jessica Lunce of SMU Cox

Learn about the SMU Cox School of Business in this Admissions Director Q&A with two associate directors of full-time MBA admissions from the program, Gail Saegert and Jessica Lunce. Gail Saegert (L) and Jessica Lunce (R), Associate Directors, Full-Time MBA Admissions at SMU Cox Gail graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s degree in International Business and worked in insurance and edtech before discovering her passion of working with business school students. She started her higher education career at London Business School, before moving on to Michigan Ross and SMU Cox. She has Read more

Published: July 12, 2022

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Class Size of Top U.S. MBA Programs

Published: March 15, 2022

Episode 222: Women’s Path to Leadership and the Power of the MBA

In this edition of the Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast, we welcome two special guests from the SMU Cox School of Business to discuss women’s path to leadership and the influence of an MBA. Women hold just six percent of CEO roles at F500 companies (that’s 31 women vs. 469 men); of those 31 women, nearly half have MBAs. In 2005, zero business schools reported more than 40% female enrollment, but that number jumped to 19 business schools in 2019. Clearly, there is still much work to be done in this domain. To talk about what’s happening on the Read more

Published: March 1, 2022

Top MBA Career Placement Outcomes: Trends by U.S. Region

In this edition of our Top MBA Program Career Placement Outcomes series, we take a closer look at trends regarding which U.S. regions dominated post-MBA employment for Class of 2021 MBA graduates. You can also review our first piece, which broke down schools by region and their regional placement. For our analysis, we used the statistics in the official employment reports from 27 full-time MBA programs* based in the United States. In particular, we focused on MBA graduates of these 27 MBA programs who are seeking employment, received Read more

Published: February 27, 2022

Top MBA Program Career Placement Outcomes: U.S. Region

In this edition of our Top MBA Program Career Placement Outcomes series, we review the data to see to what extent Class of 2021 graduates from leading full-time U.S. MBA programs accepted jobs in their school’s same region. For this analysis, we reviewed the employment reports from 27 full-time MBA programs* based in the U.S. This analysis is focused on graduates of full-time U.S.-based MBA programs who were seeking employment, received an offer, and accepted an offer within three months of graduation. Next, we looked at what region these MBA graduates Read more

SMU Cox

CLASS SIZE: 53

FEMALE: 43%

MEAN GMAT: 682

MEAN GPA: 3.37

Livewire Decisionwire Interview Reports Essay Topic Analysis MBA Admissions Deadlines View Full Profile

MBA Applywire

October 24, 2024 10:58am ET

Applying: Duke / Fuqua, Harvard Business School, Michigan / Ross, MIT Sloan, Northwestern / Kellogg, Stanford GSB, UPenn / Wharton, UT Austin / McCombs

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: O&G Engineering (Super-Major)

Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting

GMAT: 685

GPA: 3.66

Years of Work Experience: 6

Location: Houston

Notes:

Licensed PE in Mech Eng; GMAT Focus Score; Limited EC's; BS ME at Georgia Tech with Highest Honors and Econ Minor

Work Experience
- Worked Offshore for 1.5 years on Oil Rig
- Project / Package / Systems Engineering 4+ Years Experience

October 23, 2024 4:46pm ET

Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan, Stanford GSB

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Software engineer at Google -> Airbnb -> Twitch. Currently tech lead on a safety team but have worked across different products like maps, shopping, ads and safety.

Post-MBA Target Industry: Entrepreneurship

GRE: 326

GPA: 3.2

Years of Work Experience: 7

Location: San Francisco

Notes:

African American male - 28.

My goal for an MBA is to build tools for music creators. I joined a band during Covid and found a passion for digital music creation and machine learning, but I lack the business skills.

Top Choices:
HBS: Offers cross-registration with Berklee for classes like audio engineering and entertainment law, plus a chance to collaborate with potential users and experts in the music field.
MIT: Media Lab aligns with some of the audio breakthroughs I’m interested in

My challenge is a lower GPA. How can I offset that weakness?

October 23, 2024 8:46am ET

Applying: Carnegie Mellon / Tepper, Cornell / Johnson, Georgetown / McDonough, IE Business School, IESE, INSEAD, NYU Stern, UCLA Anderson, USC / Marshall, UVA / Darden

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Management Consulting (Middle Market - FS Compliance/AML)

Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Private Equity Companies: Accenture , AT Kearney , Booz Allen Hamilton , Deloitte , Ernst & Young , PWC , Other

GMAT: 710

GPA: 2.99

Years of Work Experience: 5

Location: California

Post MBA Location: DC, New York, California, or International

Notes:

White Male with Non-Target (T100) undergrad degree in International Studies.

Would like to pivot into Corporate Strategy specifically focused on international business/emerging markets.

Classic low GPA high GMAT conundrum. Nothing special in extracurriculars (although I do have a number of outdoor-oriented hobbies).

Confident in my Recommendations/Essay writing skills.

October 23, 2024 5:31am ET

Applying: Columbia, Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, UPenn / Wharton

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: I worked in real estate development and later in business operations and strategy for several construction tech companies

Post-MBA Target Industry: Technology, Entrepreneurship Companies: Other

GRE: 331

GPA: 3.98

Years of Work Experience: 5

Location: New York City

Post MBA Location: Seattle, SF, or LA (but open to anywhere)

Notes:

I attended a top 25 state school and have extensive extracurricular experience, including serving a 2-year church mission, managing a college prep program for underprivileged students, and running a nonprofit in Ukraine.

My post-MBA goal is to build a company focused on housing affordability.

October 22, 2024 5:07pm ET

Applying: Boston College / Carroll, Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, Michigan / Ross, Northwestern / Kellogg, Notre Dame / Mendoza, UT Austin / McCombs, Vanderbilt / Owen, Yale SOM

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Active duty military, nonprofit

Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting Companies: Bain , Booz Allen Hamilton , BCG , Deloitte , KPMG , McKinsey , PWC

GPA: 3.3

Years of Work Experience: 7

Post MBA Location: Boston

Notes:

Enlisted military, stem degree from top LAC, currently at a nonprofit. My post mba goal is to do management consulting for a couple years then get back into the nonprofit space. Taking the GRE in December

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MBA LiveWire

October 25, 2024 12:54pm ET

Interview Invite to U. Chicago Booth

Round: Round 1

Received via email on October 21, 2024

GPA: 4.0

GRE: 331

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Target Career: Technology

Application Location: West Coast

Note:

Non-B4 Consultant

October 25, 2024 12:52pm ET

Interview Invite to UPenn / Wharton

Round: Round 1

Received via email on October 23, 2024

GPA: 4.0

GRE: 331

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Target Career: Technology

Application Location: West Coast

Note:

Non-B4 consultant

October 25, 2024 12:47pm ET

Interview Invite to USC / Marshall

Round: Round 1

Received via email October 25, 2024

GPA: 3.37

GRE: 318

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Target Career: Non Profit / Social Impact

Application Location: Washington

Note:

8YOE Army Officer, Combat Arms

October 25, 2024 11:23am ET

Interview Invite to Berkeley / Haas

Round: Round 1

Received via email on October 21, 2024

GPA: 3.32

GRE: 335

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Note:

Applied through consortium

October 25, 2024 10:47am ET

Interview Invite to UCLA Anderson

Round: Round 1

Received via email October 25, 2024

GPA: 3.6

GRE: 330

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Target Career: Marketing

Application Location: India

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