Some new members of the Yale School of Management’s MBA Class of 2023 join us for the latest edition of our Real Humans: MBA Students series.
349 students matriculated in the latest class in New Haven, CT. Forty-three percent are women and 44 percent are international passport holders. Forty-nine percent of U.S. students identify as U.S. students of color and a fifth identify as U.S. underrepresented students of color.
During their undergraduate years, Yale MBA students earned a median GPA of 3.69, of those who attended U.S. programs that used a 4.0 GPA scale. Nearly 28 percent had majored in the humanities and social sciences. STEM followed at nearly 27 percent. Roughly 23 percent had majored in business and the rest had pursued majors in economics.
Members of the Yale SOM MBA Class of 2023 averaged 4.4 years of work experience. Nearly a quarter worked in consulting before pursuing the MBA. Seventeen percent had worked in financial services and another 14 percent came from the non-profit sector. Ten percent earned pre-MBA work experience in the tech industry while seven percent each had worked in government or media/entertainment. Five percent each came from healthcare or energy.
When it came time to take the GMAT or GRE, 36 percent chose to take the GRE. The median GMAT score landed at 730 with the middle 80 percent of scores ranging from 690 to 760. Both middle 80 percent of GRE Verbal and Quant scores ranged from 160 to 170. The median GRE Verbal score was 166 and the median GRE Quant score was 165.
Hear from current first-year students in the following pages, as they detail what drew them to the tight knit program, their tips for making it through MBA admissions and more.
Jameson Lowrey, Yale SOM’s MBA Class of 2023
Age: 25
Hometown: New York, NY
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Princeton University, Public and International Affairs
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 3 Years, Automotive/Transportation
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
During three years at the Ford Motor Company’s design and innovation lab in California, I was exposed to many unique elements that are required to run a cohesive business. I was able to grow my skills in some of those areas, but wanted to return to school to learn more. Business school represents an opportunity to step back from the working world and pursue learning in areas that weren’t part of my past experiences.
Why did you choose Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
SOM’s mission to educate leaders for business and society closely aligns with the experience I wanted in a business school. The recognition that our actions as individuals and within corporations don’t happen in a vacuum is more important now than ever before. Along with Yale’s School of Management, I was also excited about the possibility of pursuing a joint degree with the School of the Environment, for which I’m applying this fall. The ability to build my skillset as a leader in combination with a deep expertise in sustainability is what set Yale apart for me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
I’m arriving at SOM from a team focused on changing the way a legacy manufacturing company works. I hope that experience of starting new businesses and challenging the status quo within a larger organization provides a unique perspective in the Class of 2023.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy the outdoors as well as creative projects like building furniture and bicycles.
Post-MBA career interests:
I want to continue working in the mobility and transportation space but with a greater focus on sustainability. I am interested in the possibility of starting a company in service of greener and more accessible mobility solutions that change the way people and goods move in the world.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I applied while a was still working, which forced me to be efficient with my time. I had to study for the GMAT and write essays either early in the mornings, after work or on weekends. Having that structure was very important as I tackled all the disparate parts of the application process.
What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Make sure you check when applications are due! At the last second, I realized that the deadline was 5PM (instead of midnight), and that caused some unnecessary stress.
What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
While certainly not unique to me, I found waiting for a response on my application was tough as I considered different paths for my future (especially during a global pandemic). Planning things to look forward to with friends and family helped me get through that period of waiting after the rush to submit applications.
What is your initial impression of the Yale SOM students/culture/community?
From the first morning on campus, I’ve been so inspired by all the different backgrounds of my classmates. In just a few minutes, I had met people from all around the world who’d been working in international development, education, the military, and more.
What is one thing you have learned about Yale SOM that has surprised you?
The speed with which we were put into groups and told to get to know one another was surprising and incredibly rewarding. In just over a month, I feel like my learning team has become a cohesive unit and is helping us all support one another as we navigate our first year.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
In the world of remote work brought on by the pandemic, I began to reassess what I wanted to do with my career. I realized how I wanted sustainability to be more central in my work and how I could grow in new ways by returning to graduate school.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Everywhere I look, there are great opportunities to meet new people and get involved in exciting projects, but that can certainly be overwhelming too. I’m working on balancing my commitments, extending myself and getting the most out of my time here while not biting off more than I can chew.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The chance to be in a new community (and in person) is fantastic! I most excited about meeting new friends who will inspire me with the amazing work they’re setting out to do.
Laura Norato Prieto, Yale SOM’s MBA Class of 2023
Age: 32
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Los Andes University (B.A. Economics, LL.B Law). Georgetown University LL.M
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): National Officer for the Peace Process in Colombia at International Labor Organization (United Nations) 2013-2017. Associate at O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law (2018-2021)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After almost seven years of studying, designing, and implementing safety nets for vulnerable populations, I was ready to pivot into a new sector to see evidence of impact through my work. I recently had the opportunity of leading initiatives to collect and analyze data for health projects in local communities in South Africa, Mozambique, and Haiti. There I saw firsthand the impact that technology and data-informed interventions can have on people’s lives and welfare, and became more interested in pursuing a career in technology. The MBA seemed like the perfect program to build on my experience, learn from my classmates’ diverse backgrounds, and hone my strategic thinking, problem-solving, and managerial skillset to catalyze even greater change from a different industry.
Why did you choose Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
A program that prioritizes the impact of business in society was crucial for me during the MBA program research process. Yale SOM appeared naturally as the ideal place to pursue an MBA and gain the relevant skills to become a more effective leader and drive lasting social impact from the technology sector. So far, I have experienced Yale SOM’s incredible mission-driven campus and inclusive community, and, due to its tight connection to Yale University it will allow me to take advantage of broader academic and professional opportunities outside business school.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
First, my background in the non-profit sector brings a new perspective during class and clubs discussions. Second, my experience working at the intersection of non-profit, government, and the private sector and dealing with diverse actors (United Nations Agencies, local-based organizations, activists, private sector leaders, etc.) has helped me develop negotiation and collaboration skills that will come in handy during the MBA journey. Finally, my past exposure to different geographical areas provides me with a global perspective that has been useful to make deeper connections with my classmates.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
While taking the GRE test at home, there was a power outage in my building (the first in four years living in Washington, D.C.), which naturally kicked me out of the exam, forcing me to start all over again (kudos to ETS’ Proctor team that kindly helped me through that high-stress situation).
Post-MBA career interests:
I am interested in starting a career in the tech industry. Due to my background as a lawyer I am looking find roles in the intersection between Ethics, Policy and Strategy at a tech company.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Being 100% authentic about my background, experience, and goals, and showing my true self in the application.
– What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I enjoyed the process very much, so I don’t think I would do anything differently. I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth and promptness of the Yale SOM admissions team that was always open to answer my questions and guide me through the process.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Definitely the standardized exam! As I was applying during the roughest part of the Covid-19 pandemic, I took the GRE test at home, which added an extra level of anxiety. However, one thing that helped significantly was that I set enough time to study and take the exam.
What is your initial impression of the Yale SOM students/culture/community?
Since day one, I have experienced a kind, respectful and dynamic community. I am amazed by the level of collaboration among members of Yale School of Management and, how the faculty and school leadership are immersed in the student life. Especially after the suspension of the in-person program due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I feel everybody is very excited to have us all back on campus!
What is one thing you have learned about Yale SOM that has surprised you?
How supportive and empowering the environment is. It makes you feel there is nothing you can’t accomplish.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Besides taking the GRE at home, I experienced uncertainty while requesting a student visa. I initially thought I wasn’t going to make it on time due to the extended processing times caused by the pandemic. Luckily, this wasn’t an issue as the U.S. embassy in Colombia prioritized student visas during the summer, so I got mine just in time.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Finding a balance between the academic commitments, recruiting and social activities.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Establishing strong relationships with my peers and taking advantage of all the amazing opportunities Yale SOM offers.
Omolegho Udugbezi, Yale SOM’s MBA Class of 2023
Age: 26
Hometown: West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Imperial College London, Chemical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 4 years, Goldman Sachs London
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I wanted to gain managerial skills and learn how to be a better leader. I chose to attend school now because I believe there is no time like the present!
Why did you choose Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose to join the Yale SOM community as the school’s social conscience and its commitment to championing diversity align perfectly with my personal values. It was important for me to attend a school where I could be authentically myself and I knew Yale would offer me that opportunity.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
I care very deeply and I have been told I am incredibly empathetic – as such, I am able to look out for my classmates and ensure everyone is taking care of themselves and maintaining a healthy balance, as we go through this intense period together.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
My undergraduate classmates awarded me the ‘Best Hair’ prize at graduation.
Post-MBA career interests:
In the short term, I want to develop my strategy skills and become a better leader. In the long-term, I hope to apply my skills to make K-12 education more equitable and accessible through technology solutions.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Make time to speak to current students and alumni of the school ahead of applying. The best way to get a feel of a school is to connect with its community and have honest conversations.
– What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would spend less time worrying about my application after submission! Once you have sent off your application, there is nothing to do but wait, so worrying is not productive.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Can I say the GMAT? GMAT preparation was intense, but I made it through by keeping focused on the big picture (your GMAT score won’t make or break your application) and leaning on my greatest support system – my parents – who made sure I didn’t neglect self-care throughout the process.
What is your initial impression of the Yale SOM students/culture/community?
My first impression of SOM’s culture was ‘as advertised.’ Students and faculty here are as passionate, brilliant and welcoming as I imagined. I leave every conversation I’ve had with someone new feeling inspired and having learnt something.
What is one thing you have learned about Yale SOM that has surprised you?
It’s an incredibly tight-knit and supportive community. Second-year MBA students are so generous and gracious with their time – they continue to make time for new students despite their busy schedules.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Due to the pandemic, the admitted students’ Welcome Weekend was virtual this year, which meant I couldn’t visit campus until school started. However, the Admissions Committee did a fantastic job with the virtual format and I was able to start school having made a few friends already.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m worried about missing out on all business school and university has to offer. There is so much to do – from classes, to recruiting events, to clubs, to speaker sessions (to name a few) – that it isn’t possible to do it all, but I’m trying to say yes to everything once to ensure I make the most of my time here.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Giving back to my classmates – I am a member of Yale’s Graduate and Professional Students Senate, which means I get to represent SOM across the university. I am excited to fulfill my responsibilities in this role and help my classmates have an amazing experience.
Sajal Marwaha, Yale SOM’s MBA Class of 2023
Age: 27
Hometown: Jalandhar, Punjab, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani; Major in Chemical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): J.P. Morgan (3 years, Investment Banking), Clinton Health Access Initiative (2 years, Public Health Consulting)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I wanted to attend business school mainly because of two reasons. Firstly, my experience highlighted a need to hone my leadership skills. I felt that business school provides ample of opportunities to do that, both academically and professionally. Secondly, I wanted to gain a cross-cultural network of like-minded individuals and there is no better place for that!
I made this decision in 2020 because it was an ambition defining year for me. The year showed us the gaps we need to fill at various personal and professional levels. An MBA is the first step towards that.
Why did you choose Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
One thing about Yale SOM that stood out for me is the focus on business and society. I wanted to be a part of the community that focuses on social capital and impact in the context of business. Second, SOM’s unique Raw Case method and Integrated Curriculum considers perspectives of diverse stakeholders while solving real life business problems. Third, SOM is very well integrated with the wider Yale community. It is exciting that the university gives you a platform to explore inter-disciplinary courses from other schools.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
I believe it is my experience in both private and public sector. I can share my insights from working in investment banking across geographies and from non-profit healthcare consulting.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I have done world’s highest bungee jump at Macau Tower!
Post-MBA career interests:
Management Consulting, Healthcare
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
The amount of research I did before applying to business schools. Every school is different in multiple aspects (values, community, curriculum, recruiting, etc.) and it’s crucial you go through their websites and talk to current students, alums, and admission advisors.
– What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Put less emphasis on the GMAT. Some of us have personal milestones when it comes to academics, but the GMAT is just one part of your application. I have seen students take multiple attempts to score way higher than the schools’ averages, which doesn’t always work. Do not invest more time in it than required. There are others areas of the application where you can expend your time.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
It’s a stressful process. You may face rejections where you were most confident. But keep in mind that a rejection says nothing about your capabilities. Have faith in yourself. I was lucky to have support of my friends and family in this process that took nearly a year.
What is your initial impression of the Yale SOM students/culture/community?
It is vibrant and collaborative. I have met so many smart and caring individuals in just 2 months and excited to know more people in the community. The culture is highly conducive for personal growth while making you comfortable in group dynamics.
What is one thing you have learned about Yale SOM that has surprised you?
It must be the breadth of experiences and perspectives. Our class is one of the most diverse classes admitted to SOM.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
I think the 2020-2021 application cycle was the most competitive ever. The number of applications went through the roof. Many students had deferred in 2020 and that affected the number of seats available for the incoming 2021 class.
I decided to diversify my applications as I wanted to start my MBA in 2021. I applied to 5+ schools in total keeping extreme competition in time. In a normal year, students don’t really go aggressive with their application strategy.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Fear of missing out. Academics, recruiting, social life – it’s not easy to balance them all and you may miss out on some things.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
There is so much to do and learn! I am excited about making new friends and about collaborating with my peers to solve business problems through concepts taught at SOM. Also looking forward to having second years back on the campus!
Frances Klimczak,Yale SOM’s MBA Class of 2023
Age: 30
Hometown: Collinsville, CT
Undergraduate Institution and Major: College of the Holy Cross, Mathematics (BA). US Naval War College, National Security and Strategic Studies (MA).
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 8 years, US Navy
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I wanted to do something different. I loved the Navy, but I was ready to use my leadership training and decision-making skills to start my own business. I reached a natural break point in my service and took the leap to Yale SOM.
Why did you choose Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Yale because of its emphasis on business and society. I am committed to social impact and have found a community of peers who also desire to make meaningful change through their work. SOM has an abundance of resources and opportunities for social impact missions in the non-profit, for-profit, government, entrepreneurial sectors.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
I think my perspective as a veteran provides a balancing influence in my cohort. Life in a full-time MBA program is packed with academics, networking, recruiting, and social events. It gets overwhelming! My ability to stay calm under pressure, prioritize, and make tough decisions (including when to say “no” to an opportunity), has helped others do the same.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I am a die-hard Red Sox fan! I love baseball and hope to make it to all 30 ballparks; I’ve visited 19 so far—11 to go!
Post-MBA career interests:
I want to start a small enterprise focused on employing folks who typically experience barriers entering the workforce. My dream is to create a model that ties higher education with meaningful work to enable economic freedom and ownership opportunity for those on the margins.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reflect on my “why.” Knowing what drove me to make this big change motivated me through the application process because I knew this decision was the first step to making my dream a reality.
What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have applied in Round 1 to take the pressure off around the holidays.
What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Essays are always challenging for me. Again, going back to my “why” helped me write authentically and focus my thesis instead of rambling about lofty ideas. Don’t pressure yourself to be creative or original—be true to your story and the rest will come.
What is your initial impression of the Yale SOM students/culture/community?
SOM has a welcoming and inclusive culture. I love the diversity of personal and professional backgrounds in the class and how each person I’ve met has so much depth.
What is one thing you have learned about Yale SOM that has surprised you?
Yale SOM is truly connected with the larger university. I regularly meet people from other graduate programs and enjoy exploring all the campus facilities. The libraries are gorgeous!
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Fortunately, COVID did not have an impact on my application. I was accepted to the MBA class of 2022, but had to defer to finish out my Navy commitment. When COVID hit, my deferral was a silver lining because I hoped we would be back in person this fall. We are, and it’s great!
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am anxious about the academics. The course work is challenging, but I enjoy the rigor at SOM and have the support of a talented and fun Learning Team.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Making connections! I have a lot in common with so many people I have met. I look forward to deepening these relationships as the year continues.
Alexander Krainin, Yale SOM’s MBA Class of 2023
Age: 28
Hometown: Florence, SC
Undergraduate Institution and Major:
University of South Carolina
B.S. International Business and Global Supply Chain Operations Management
B.A. Chinese Studies
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 4 years, management consulting in public and private sector both domestic and international
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I have always wanted an opportunity to pursue work that makes an impact. While living in the Middle East, I was working on a strategy project that had the potential to create 10,000 new jobs in an economy that needed workforce diversification. It was hard, it was ambiguous, but I loved it. I spoke with a partner of the firm I was working at who stated I would need an MBA to be consistently involved in strategic work like this. An MBA had been on my mind for a few years at that point, but I began to put the ball in motion almost immediately after that project.
Why did you choose Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I went to a relatively large high school (~2K students) and big undergrad (~35K students).
For grad school I wanted a smaller community that I could actually get to know. SOM’s class size (349) is one of the smallest among the top-10 MBA programs. In addition, we have a standard first-year curriculum in which nearly everyone partakes. This enables good ole Type II friendships: crafted on misery. Commiserating on Accounting brings the whole class together. I love it.
Also, New Haven is great, but I wouldn’t call it a city. As a result, we see a lot of each other on the weekends, which I prefer.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
I like to think that I know the United States. I grew up in a very conservative community as the only liberal of all my friends. I went to a high school that qualifies 35% of the student body for the Free Lunch Program. At that high school I was the only Jewish kid of 2,000 students. As a result, I’m used to being an outsider while simultaneously fitting in and am very familiar with both sides of our politically chaotic system. Contrary to behavioral psychology research shared in our economics class recently, I have become adept at weighting arguments based on merit that are diametrically opposed. I can understand the value of a perspective that is not my own. I think this quality makes me unique.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m actually a pretty good party-starter. At the age of 6 I asked my mom, “how do you get people to dance?” She, too, is also a great party starter and taught me everything she knows.
Post-MBA career interests:
I plan to return to Management Consulting focused on strategy. I am interested in Retail, Consumer Products, and Private Equity as potential industries.
Simultaneously, I will continue to volunteer with environmentally focused non-profits. * Shout-out to Patagonia’s Catchafire for providing a great platform for this *
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Start early… Like a year early. This greatly reduces stress.
– What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would not hire an MBA consultant… trust me on this one.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT… Coffee helped me get through it.
What is your initial impression of the Yale SOM students/culture/community?
I love it. SOM ‘23 Students are inspiring and impressive, but incredibly humble. Each individual is likely to be the most interesting person you have ever met, but they’re more inclined to be asking you all of the questions.
I remember feeling overwhelmed and excited during orientation as my classmates and I casually discussed what we were doing prior to school. Each person had worked in countries I have never visited (and I’ve been to 40) in industries I have never heard of.
The average person here is interested in connecting. Not networking. You can feel people’s desire to get past surface level conversations and build a deeper understanding of one another. This was an incredibly refreshing feeling. I hoped that I would be joining a community of likeminded individuals, but to be honest, I was not optimistic. I assumed business school would be very transactional. Today, I am certain I will leave this program with lifelong friends, who just happen to be individually successful.
What is one thing you have learned about Yale SOM that has surprised you?
That people really do want to positively impact society through their work in business. When I was targeting MBA programs that touted impact driven tag lines, friends teased me, “Yea… a business school is going to make you a better person. Sure.” But a few weeks in and I’ve attended spoken word passion-projects organized by future MBB consultants, Net-Impact club meetings by mission-driven VC’s, and prepared applications to sit on local non-profit boards.
Also, FYI: New Haven is an adventure sports town! My first 3 weekends I drove ~1hr to surf 6ft+ waves in Rhode Island and camp with friends. Additionally, there are some historical rock-climbing routes ~2hrs away as well. Watch out Orange County!
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Not really. I was unable to visit campus or have an in-person interview, but I didn’t particularly mind. The last 4 places I’ve lived, I was unable to visit before. I figured New Haven would be a breeze! Turns out I am a big fan of this town.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The workload. It’s been a while since I’ve been in school and even when I was in school, it definitely was not at Yale. It’s intimidating to have the majority of your classmates hail from top undergrads, let alone be graded on a curve with them. That, combined with recruiting is a special feeling… But it sure is inspiring.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The journey: the people, the events, the experiences, the anxiety! I have no idea what is going to happen and I love that feeling! If the first few weeks have anything to say about it, I am going to grow alongside of some pretty amazing people.
