We are back again with Kara Tripi, Managing Director of MBA Admissions at Michigan State University Broad College of Business for this edition of our Admissions Director Q&A.
Kara oversees admissions for the Executive, Online, and Full-Time MBA programs. She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Oakland University. Over the past 13 years, Kara has built her career in higher education, with a strong commitment to supporting and advocating for students. Outside of her work, she enjoys spending time with her wife and their five-year-old daughter, exploring Michigan and traveling together.
Read our interview with Kara here for insights into the admissions process at Broad and the unique benefits of their MBA program.
Clear Admit: What is one aspect of your MBA program that you wish applicants knew more about?
Kara Tripi: An MBA is not a transactional experience. Our program is highly collaborative and built around meaningful engagement beyond the classroom. Students are here not to repeat what they already know, but to challenge themselves, grow, and build lasting relationships.
Those who see the greatest success after graduation are deeply involved. They engage in student resource groups, participate in campus events, and work closely with the Career Management team. This level of involvement is a core part of the experience.
For candidates seeking a more passive or low-touch MBA, our program would not be the right fit.
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?
KT: Our application process is structured around specific rounds, not rolling admissions. This means that submitting your application before a round deadline doesn’t lead to an early review. We begin reviewing all applications only after the stated deadline for that round.
To be considered for review, your application must be fully complete. We often receive inquiries from candidates who are frustrated about not being reviewed in a particular round, only to find that their transcript wasn’t uploaded or a recommendation was incomplete. To help you avoid this, our application portal clearly shows you any missing items.
Once your application is complete, it undergoes a holistic review. If we identify potential during this initial review, you’ll receive an invitation for an interview. After your interview, your application moves to the admissions committee for a final admission decision.
You’ll be notified of our decision via both email and the application portal. All decision notification dates are published on our website, so you’ll know exactly when to expect an update.
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 applicants should try to avoid? What is one key thing candidates should keep in mind as they sit down to write?
KT: Essays are where your voice comes through in your application. They help us understand both what is driving you to pursue an MBA and why. They also show whether you have taken the time to learn about our program and how you see yourself contributing to the cohort.
A strong essay goes beyond repeating your resume. It should offer thoughtful reflection and insight into who you are. The most compelling essays are honest, vulnerable, and transparent.
We are not looking for a polished, perfect story. We are looking for candidates who are open to growth and ready to be shaped by new experiences and ideas.
CA: Could you tell us about your interview process? Approximately what percentage of applicants are invited to interview, who typically conducts interviews, and what should candidates expect in terms of interview style and format?
KT: All MBA applicants at Michigan State complete an interview. I often describe the process as a two-way street. Candidates are getting to know us just as much as we are getting to know them. I also remind candidates that no one knows their story better than they do, so there are no right or wrong answers.
During the interview, our goal is to ensure that the person behind the application aligns with what we are looking for in our program. For the Full-Time MBA, interviews are typically conducted by our admissions team over Microsoft Teams and last about 20 to 30 minutes. For candidates who are local, we are happy to offer an in-person option as well.
CA: If your admissions process includes any video-based components, such as video essays or recorded interview responses, what advice would you offer applicants preparing for this part of the process?
KT: It’s important to treat the video essay as you would an in-person interview question. Be in a quiet space, dress appropriately, and give yourself time to get comfortable with the technology before recording your final response.
When we review video essays, we are looking at how you think on your feet without knowing the question in advance. It is also a great opportunity for us to see your personality and presence before a formal interview with the admissions team.
CA: Is there anything in particular international students should keep in mind during the admissions process?
KT: Applying early offers a significant advantage, especially as we continue to see delays in the visa process. For international candidates, waiting until the final round may make it difficult to secure both an interview and an education visa in time.
It is also important to understand the full financial picture beyond tuition. While a program may be at the top of your list, the cost of living across the United States can vary widely. For example, living in East Lansing is much more affordable than living in a city like Chicago, even though both are in the Midwest.
CA: Conversations about MBA value often center on jobs, salaries, and ROI. What are some of the other ways students benefit from the MBA experience that may be harder to quantify upfront?
KT: While the current hiring market reflects trends similar to 2009 and 2010, we know the landscape will continue to shift. All MBA programs guarantee a degree, not a job, because our focus is on equipping students with a skill set that will serve them throughout their entire careers, not just in their first role after graduation.
One of the most meaningful outcomes of the MBA experience cannot be easily measured: confidence. By the end of the program, our students not only earn a seat at the table, but develop the confidence to use their voice once they are there.
CA: Are there any trends in the applicant pool, admissions process, or MBA experience that you are particularly focused on right now?
KT: We have recently reduced the credit requirements for the Full-Time MBA, allowing students to complete the degree in 54 credits instead of 61. This change aligns us more closely with peer institutions while creating greater flexibility within the program.
Students also now have the option to pursue the degree without a concentration, giving them full elective freedom if they are not seeking a STEM designation. In addition, we are integrating certificates into the curriculum, so students graduate not only with an MBA, but also with additional credentials that enhance their versatility and prepare them for success after the program.
CA: Is there anything else you’d like to highlight about your MBA program or admissions process?
KT: I believe an MBA from Michigan State offers the best of both worlds: a close-knit, personalized experience paired with the resources and reach of a Big Ten institution. Now more than ever, we are evolving to meet student needs through the lens of a changing economy.
