In this installment of our Admissions Director Q&A, we meet Jelena Pejic, Associate Director, Graduate Recruitment & Admissions at the Boston College Carroll School of Management.
In her role, Jelena manages the MBA program portfolio. With over 13 years of experience recruiting and advising graduate applicants and students, she is an international higher education professional who is motivated to meaningfully influence students at a pivotal time in their lives. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston University. Jelena grew up in the former Yugoslavia and relocated to the United States in 1997.
Read our Q&A here to learn more about the Boston Carroll MBA and get Jelena’s insights into the admissions process and life on Carroll’s campus.
Clear Admit: What is the one aspect of your program that you wish applicants knew more about?
Jelena Pejic: One aspect of the BC MBA program that applicants should know more about is the strong emphasis on values-driven leadership and ethical decision-making. Along with a focus on developing technical and analytical skills, the BC MBA fosters a holistic learning environment inspired by Jesuit principles, where students are trained to not only lead strategically, but also thoughtfully and ethically. Among the many examples of this approach is our Leading People and Organizations class, which emphasizes the role of ethical leadership. In this class, students engage in case studies and simulations where they have to make choices under pressure while weighing personal values against organizations’ goals.
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?
JP: Once a candidate hits “submit,” the application is routed to the processing phase where the admissions team reviews submitted materials for completion, making sure that we’ve received the required letter of recommendation, full transcripts, test scores (if they have not been waived), essays, and a resume.
If the application is incomplete (missing one of the aforementioned materials), our team will reach out to the candidate to request the missing materials.
When an application is marked complete, it will be assigned to an initial reader, trained to evaluate applications based on BC’s holistic review process. During the review, the reader will assess academic readiness, professional experience, communication skills, leadership potential, and fit for the BC MBA program.
If an applicant meets the initial criteria for further consideration, they will be recommended for an interview. Selected candidates are invited to interview, typically with a trained second-year MBA student, staff member, or on occasion, MBA alum. After the interview, the application will be brought to the committee for a final review. The committee considers each candidate’s full profile, including leadership potential, academic aptitude, and contributions to the MBA community. Decisions are typically released on a rolling basis, the latest by the notification date for a particular round.
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?
JP: We’re looking for authenticity, professional direction, reflection, and potential to contribute to the BC community. Specifically, we would like to understand why you’re looking to pursue an MBA at this particular moment in your career. Why do you think BC is the right place for you? We would like you to tell us what you will bring to the classroom and the BC MBA community. We encourage you to write about your own values, goals, and contributions to societal wellbeing.
In addition, I’d like to point out some common mistakes to avoid when writing your MBA essay:
- Reusing generic essays across multiple MBA programs, which results in a lack of specificity and connection to a particular program. We’re looking for applicants to address our specific essay prompts as well as to take the time to research our program.
- Restating your resume without providing any depth and context to your own professional background. Think of your essay as an opportunity to focus on your motivations that led you to where you are today and the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
- Lack of program alignment, failing to connect your short- and long-term goals with what the BC MBA experience offers. Again, we’re looking for evidence that an applicant has researched our program and is genuinely interested in what the BC MBA has to offer.
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?
JP: Interviews are by invitation only and are extended to applicants whom the admissions committee would like to learn more about before making a final decision. While the percentage may vary by round, we typically interview a significant portion of applicants who have demonstrated strong academic aptitude as well as professional and personal potential in their application. Interviews are designed to assess fit while giving the candidates a chance to engage meaningfully with the program and the community.
Interviews are typically conducted by trained, second-year MBA Admissions Fellows, members of the admissions committee, or alumni on occasion. Interview questions are based on a candidate’s application and include behavioral-based questions. You can expect to be asked about your career goals, past professional experiences, and reasons for pursuing an MBA at BC.
We recognize the importance of ensuring that all applicants, domestic and international, have equal opportunities to interview for the program and offer both, in person and virtual, modes of interviews.
CA: Is there anything in particular international students should keep in mind during the Boston Carroll MBA admissions process?
JP: Yes. While the core process for international candidates is the same as for domestic candidates, there are a few important items that international candidates should keep in mind:
- Ensure that you have all of your application materials ready. This may include evaluations of international transcripts by third party agencies such as WES. Transcript evaluations can take a lot of time. Please make sure to start that process as early as possible.
- Make sure to submit your application by the recommended deadlines for international students. If admitted, you’ll need to begin the F-1 visa application process, which includes gathering necessary financial documentation that demonstrates the ability to finance your education in the United States. This can be another lengthy process which is why submitting your application by those deadlines is important.
CA: What is your favorite spot on campus?
JP: My favorite spot on campus is the courtyard between Stokes and Lyons Hall on Upper Campus. It’s a quiet, sunlit space with several benches, surrounded by trees and flowers. It’s a perfect spot to relax and recharge between classes.
CA: Is there anything else you’d like to highlight about your MBA program or admissions process?
JP: One key area we’re very proud to highlight is the career support available to our MBA students. Our Career Development team offers personalized, on-on-one coaching, industry-specific resources, and many other virtual tools that MBA students can access even before they set foot on campus. Enrolled students benefit from a range of pre-MBA opportunities, career treks, and employer panels. They also gain access to our robust, deeply engaged alumni network eager to support future Eagles.
Whether you’re pivoting careers or advancing in your current role, our career team provides a highly tailored and personalized experience. We meet each student where they are and help them grow throughout their time at BC and beyond.
