We are back at the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University in this Admissions Director Q&A for an overview of the MBA admissions process and some highlights of the MBA program with Executive Director of Admissions and Scholarship, Eddie Asbie.
Eddie is responsible for overseeing admissions and recruitment for the Two-Year Residential MBA program. He has spent over 20 years of his professional career in higher education, primarily within admissions, and has called Ithaca, N.Y., and Cornell home for 13 years. He completed his undergraduate degree from the University at Buffalo with a BA in Communication major and a master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration from SUNY Buffalo State College.
Read our Q&A with him below for his tips on preparing for your interview, how to approach your essay, and his favorite spot on campus.
Clear Admit: What is the one aspect of your program that you wish applicants knew more about?
Eddie Asbie: One of the aspects of the program I wish applicants knew more about was the various options available to two-year MBA students to take advantage of the Cornell Tech MBA campus. There are three main options I would like to highlight and they are our Spring Intensives, fall weekend courses, and the Johnson Cornell Tech Dual-Campus Track. If you are a candidate with digital based experience and looking to bridge the gap between business and the digital economy, these are great options to consider. Whether you experience this over a weekend, a 7-week period or a full year experience, you can’t beat this option. Our curriculum gives you the best of both worlds by experiencing the program in Ithaca, NY, in addition to as the Roosevelt Island campus.
CA: Walk us through the life of an application in your office from an operational standpoint. What happens between the time an applicant clicks “submit” and the time the committee offers a final decision?
EA: We’re always excited to see an application come through our system, knowing the time and effort each applicant invests in getting to know our program and preparing their materials. Once an application is submitted, it’s assigned to an application coordinator who ensures all required components are received and complete. This coordinator also serves as the applicant’s main point of contact throughout the process and is available to answer any questions. If any materials are missing or clarification is needed, our team will reach out directly. For those requesting a test waiver, a decision will be communicated within 5–7 business days of submission. Please note that applications will remain incomplete until a standardized test score is received if the waiver is not approved.
Once all materials are complete, a comprehensive review begins. Each application is evaluated for academic readiness, professional experience, leadership potential, and overall fit with our program. Our admissions team takes great care in understanding each candidate’s background and potential.
Following this review, the committee will recommend one of three outcomes: an invitation to an interview, placement on the waitlist without an interview, or denial. You can review our website that outlines our initial notification deadlines. For candidates who complete an interview, the interviewer will submit an evaluation of the applicant’s strengths and readiness for MBA studies. The admissions committee then convenes to make final decisions based on the full applicant pool. To learn more about our application deadlines, please review our website.
CA: How does your team approach the essay portion of the application specifically? What are you looking for as you read an essay? Are there common mistakes that applicants should try to avoid? What is one key thing they should keep in mind as they sit down to write?
EA: The essay portion is one of the most insightful components of the application process. It allows us to hear directly from candidates in their own words and better understand why they see Johnson as the right fit for their goals.
Our Goals Statement essay has remained unchanged, as this is a fill-in-the-blank format that gives applicants the opportunity to clearly outline their short and long-term goals and explain how Johnson will support them in achieving these objectives. We look for thoughtful responses that reflect careful consideration of the investment to pursue an MBA. As we evaluate these essays, we’re also assessing how well our program’s resources align with each candidate’s aspirations.
Last year, we introduced the option to choose between two essay prompts. The first is the Impact Essay, which asks applicants to reflect on how they plan to contribute meaningfully to the Johnson community. The second is “The Unique Trait That Defines Me” essay, with the prompt: “What is something unique about you that others will remember you by, and how will this trait help you contribute and engage with the Cornell MBA community?” Every candidate brings a distinct story, and these essays offer flexibility to share the one that best represents who they are.
Common mistakes we see include referencing another school’s name in the essay. While we understand candidates often apply to multiple programs, it’s important to tailor each response to the specific school. We also frequently notice grammatical errors throughout applications, especially in essays and résumés, so please take time to proofread before submitting.
Finally, as a reminder, we want to hear your authentic voice in your essay. This past year, our team noticed an uptick in the use of ChatGPT in many essays and there were clear mistakes. For example leaving in the sections that instruct you to “[Enter in school’s name]” or the drastic inconsistencies from other communications or essays throughout the admissions process.
CA: Could you tell us about your interview process? Approximately how many applicants do you interview? Who conducts the interview and what is the nature of the interview? Will your admissions interviews be in-person or virtual for the 2025-2026 admissions season?
EA: Interviews are by invitation only, and applicants are selected based on the quality of their application. Interviews are conducted by a member of the admissions team or a second-year MBA student who has undergone extensive training. For each round, we guarantee that applicants will hear from us by the initial notification deadline. Applicants can choose to have their interview in person on campus or via Zoom. We do not have a preference; we understand that everyone’s circumstances are different. All we ask is that you come prepared for your interview. The interviewer will have a copy of your resume and brief notes that highlight your application. These notes may focus on your strengths, areas for improvement, or specific questions the admissions team would like clarified. These questions could include your goals, your transition from one company to the next, or your quantitative preparation for business school. Remember, the interview is your chance to shine and demonstrate why you are the best fit for the Johnson community.
CA: Is there anything in particular that international students should keep in mind during the admissions process?
EA: My personal recommendation for international applicants is to apply in round 1 or round 2. Applying in round 3 may result in very limited spots and funding being available. Additionally, this timing gives applicants enough time to make the best-informed decision about which school they plan to enroll in for the fall semester. Recently, many international students have faced challenges with visa processing, but completing the process early to secure their visa and start the semester on the right foot is very important.
CA: What is your favorite spot on campus?
EA: Many people know the saying “Ithaca is Gorges” and that is true. One of my favorite spots on campus is the Cascadilla Gorge, which is right around the corner from Sage Hall. To be on such a beautiful campus with such breathtaking views, I don’t take it for granted. Throughout the year, I like to take a walk down by the gorge to take in the amazing scenery that Cornell and Ithaca has to offer. We always welcome candidates to visit the campus, and my team is happy to provide a variety of other options to make their experience memorable.
CA: Is there anything else you’d like to highlight about your MBA program or admissions process?
EA: I want to highlight our Cornell MBA Future Leaders Program. This is a deferred admission program for undergraduate seniors or individuals in a graduate program without professional experience. Candidates are required to gain 3-5 years of professional experience before enrolling. This program is a great way to complete the admissions process before graduation and secure a spot at one of the top business schools. As candidates go through the admissions process, they should apply in one of our three application rounds. When reviewing candidates, the admissions team looks for highly qualified individuals who demonstrate strong academic performance, internship experience, leadership potential, and a clear understanding of why they want an MBA.
