Xingyi Yu, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MSM Class of 2026
Age: 21
Hometown: Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University College London, BSc Economics
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to attend business school primarily because my undergraduate degree was in Economics, and I am interested in pursuing a career in Finance. I also chose to attend a business school now because I have just graduated and would like to gain additional professional and academic experience before entering the workforce. Additionally, I hope to live in a different country and experience a new environment and culture.
Why did you choose Carnegie Mellon Tepper? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Carnegie Mellon Tepper not only for its prestigious academic reputation, but also for the strong, school-wide supportive system that students consistently receive. Tepper’s career services are widely recognized for being highly personalized and effective, which was an important factor for me as I am preparing for a career in finance. In addition, throughout my application process, everyone I interacted with—from admissions staff to current students—was incredibly supportive and willing to answer any question I encountered. Their openness and genuine willingness to help made me feel welcomed even before enrolling. Beyond academics, the collaborative culture, tight-knit community, and strong emphasis on analytical rigor all played prominent roles in my decision to attend Tepper.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
One of my most valuable contributions to the class is my ability to bridge analytical thinking with cross-cultural collaboration. Having studied Economics and worked across diverse academic and professional environments, I bring a combination of strong quantitative skills and an inclusive, team-oriented mindset. I enjoy taking complex problems, breaking them into actionable components, and helping teams navigate them calmly and logically. At the same time, I am comfortable working with people from different backgrounds and often take the initiative to create a collaborative and supportive team dynamic. I believe this blend of analytical rigor, adaptability, and empathetic communication allows me to contribute meaningfully both inside and outside the classroom.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact about me is that I am a bit picky with certain food, like cilantro and onions.
Post-MSM career interests:
Financial services (Banking or Consulting)
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Maintain open communication with the admissions staff regarding any questions I encounter.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would start preparing for my career path and reserve more meetings with my assigned counselor earlier.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could have skipped one part of the process, it would definitely be the uncertainty and stress during the application and waiting period. It was mentally tiring not knowing outcomes while still trying to stay productive and positive. What got me through it was the support from the people I interacted with at Tepper—everyone was patient, encouraging, and genuinely willing to help. That reassurance made the process feel much lighter and gave me confidence that Tepper was the right community for me.
What is your initial impression of the Carnegie Mellon Tepper students/culture/community?
Supportive and inclusive. My initial impression is that Tepper students and the overall community are incredibly supportive, collaborative, and welcoming. Throughout the application process, every student or staff member I spoke with was open, kind, and willing to share advice without hesitation. There’s a genuine sense that people here look out for each other, and that inclusiveness made me feel comfortable and valued even before joining the program. It feels like a place where everyone wants you to succeed and grow together.
What is one thing you have learned about Carnegie Mellon Tepper that has surprised you?
One thing that surprised me is how accessible and responsive the faculty, staff, and career coaches are. I expected a strong academic environment, but I didn’t anticipate just how much individualized attention students receive. Whether it’s career guidance, academic support, or general questions, people are quick to help, and the level of engagement is much higher than I expected. It reinforced my feeling that Tepper truly invests in each student’s success.
