NYU Stern MBA Recommendation Questions
The NYU Stern MBA recommendation questions for the 2026-2027 admissions season are below. Stern refers to the recommendation as an EQ (emotional intelligence) Endorsement. Only one is required, but applicants may submit a second if they choose. The required endorsement must come from a current supervisor, and if that is not possible, an explanation as to why must be provided in the application. Your EQ Endorsements should come from individuals who know you professionally and/or personally, who can objectively assess your potential for success in NYU Stern’s MBA program and in your future career, and who can act as a persuasive advocate of your EQ strengths.
2026-2027 NYU Stern MBA Recommendation Questions
Section 1: Applicant and Recommender Information
Is the applicant currently employed by your organization? (Yes/No)
Are you an alumna/alumnus of the NYU Stern School of Business? (Yes/No)
Section 2: Evaluation of Applicant
Recommenders are given 10 characteristics to rate the applicant in relation to his or her peers using a drop-down menu with the following choices: Exceptional, Outstanding, Good, Average, Poor, Unable to judge. The characteristics are below.
Analytical/Quantitative Ability
Initiative
Integrity
Leadership
Maturity
Professionalism
Oral Communication Skills
Written Communication Skills
Teamwork
Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Overall recommendation regarding this applicant’s admission to NYU Stern:
- I strongly recommend
- I recommend
- I recommend with some reservations
- I do not recommend
Section 3: Endorsement questions
How does the applicant’s performance compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles (if applicable)? Please provide specific examples. (E.g. what are the applicant’s principal strengths?) (Up to 500 words)
The recommender may upload their recommendation letter in place of the form.
MBA Applywire
I took the GMAT in May of this year (Focus Edition) and now I'm beginning to research whether an MBA is right for me. School selections were kind of a shot in the dark. I want to end up in corporate leadership in Atlanta area long-term, still not sure if the consulting route or just a higher level corp dev/strategy role post-MBA would be more conducive to that. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Outside or work I volunteer for a local housing advocacy group, the neighborhood civic association, and a pro-bono consulting group for nonprofits.
26 M, Received Test Waivers for all 5 schools, Applied Accounting and Finance major. Former D1 swimmer and captain, Lgbt* , Strong extracurriculars (academic mentor, social chair for analyst class, career mentor and ambassador for early ID program at my bank).
Looking to move into MBB/ T2 consulting within fintech space or strategy and ops role at tech company.
Indian male
Spent 1.5 years at a bulge bracket in the India middle office, earned a transfer to the NYC front office where I was an analyst for a little over a year. Got early promoted to associate last year and have closed several public M&A transactions for my coverage group.
Planning to switch to venture capital post MBA, in the essays focusing my goals are impact investing VC funds which are slightly more niche but fit my overall narrative and story well.
Have several awards from college for national competitions (ideation challenges, debating, case studies)
Have some experience with angel investing as well.
Primarily targeting Harvard, Wharton, and Columbia.
Hi! I'm applying to the above schools & I'm hoping to be admitted somewhere with significant scholarship. I currently have 2Y 9 months YOE and was promoted twice at a BB bank (from analyst > associate > AVP) during that time period (also part of an LDP).
Had to step away in March for family caregiving duties, and I'm currently looking for another role, so I will enter the MBA at about 3.5-4 YOE.
I'm a female LGBTQ+ applicant, from SEA, though of Indian origins.
TIA!