In this edition of our Admissions Director Q&A series, we welcome back Cara Sonnier, Director of Admissions for the Full-Time MBA and M.S. Business Analytics programs at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.
Since joining the Full-Time MBA program in 2012, Cara has been instrumental in shaping the admissions process, making it more accessible and streamlined for prospective students. With a passion for graduate management education, Cara believes deeply in the transformative power and significant return on investment that the Terry College programs provide. Under her leadership, the admissions team not only seeks out talented individuals but also ensures that each applicant is evaluated holistically, considering their unique backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations.
Read our Q&A with Cara below for her insight into the Terry MBA application process and her favorite aspects of the program.
Clear Admit: What is the one aspect of your program that you wish applicants knew more about?
Cara Sonnier: A lot of applicants know us for our close-knit community and strong ROI, but I’d also emphasize the academic rigor and leadership development you’ll experience here. In the Georgia MBA, we want to push you to become problem solvers. With experiences like our capstone consulting projects with corporate partners, international residencies, or community service initiatives like Nonprofit Board Fellows, you’ll practice leading in complex, ambiguous settings, strengthening your communication skills and emotional intelligence. These are also the traits employers tell us consistently set candidates apart in the hiring process.
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?
CS: We have four application rounds (October 10, January 10, March 10, and May 10) each with corresponding decision release dates. After May 10, we shift to rolling admissions until the class is full. Once you submit your application, our team does a holistic review of your transcripts, test scores (or waiver request), résumé, essays, and recommendation letters. We value both traditional and non-traditional backgrounds because we know diverse perspectives enrich our classrooms and team projects. That’s the beauty of an MBA.
If you’re selected for an interview, you’ll meet with an admissions team member who will ask questions about your motivations, career goals, and how you’ve contributed at work and within your community. For two-year candidates, merit aid decisions are shared at the time of admission so you have a complete picture when deciding to join the program. Because scholarships and seats become more competitive later in the cycle, you’ll want to apply in earlier rounds if you’re ready.
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?
CS: Our program has two required essays, an optional essay, and an optional video essay. We use these to get to know you better, understand your goals, and see how they align with what our program offers. And don’t sleep on the video essay! It’s a great way to really let your personality shine through.
A common mistake is writing what you think we want to hear instead of sharing your real story. Sometimes essays end up being too generic or fail to answer the actual question. Make sure you’re not just restating information we can see on your resume and academic history. Instead, use the essays to provide new information and fill in any gaps in your application. Don’t leave any holes for the admissions committee to fill in on their own.
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?
CS: Interviews are by invitation only and are more conversational with behavioral-based questions. We offer both virtual and on-campus options. All interviews are conducted by members of the admissions team who have reviewed your full application. Expect questions about your background, goals, and how you approach problem-solving and collaboration. Remember, it’s a two-way conversation so you should use it to get a feel for our community and whether the Georgia MBA is a good fit for your goals and the experience you’re seeking.
CA: What is your testing policy? Do you offer exam waivers? Why or why not?
CS: We require a GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) score as part of the application, but we do offer test waivers for qualified candidates. A test score is just one data point in a much larger picture. Waivers are available for applicants who can demonstrate strong academic performance, quantitative ability, or significant professional experience that shows you’re prepared to succeed academically in our program.
While a waiver can be a great option, a strong test score can strengthen your application and impact merit aid award consideration. Because scholarship awards are competitive, applicants who submit strong scores in addition to having other areas of strength in the application, often position themselves as stronger candidates for funding.
CA: In the application data form, many schools ask for information about work experience, activities, hobbies, and much more. What advice would you give to applicants as they approach this component of the application process?
CS: The information you share within your application gives us a better picture of who you are as an individual, beyond academics and test scores, and how you’ll contribute to the Georgia MBA community. Don’t underestimate the value of experiences outside of traditional business roles. We really value non-traditional backgrounds, as they bring diverse perspectives that enrich classroom discussions and team projects.
Since our students complete 50 hours of volunteer service during the program, we also love to see your past involvement, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or other community activities.
CA: Is there anything else you’d like to highlight about your MBA program or Georgia Terry admissions process?
CS: At Terry, you’re not just a number. You’ll build lifelong friendships and lasting network connections. An MBA will challenge you in ways you can’t fully predict, but the sacrifices are worth it. Strong funding support helps make the program more accessible and improves the ROI of the degree. With a global alumni base of 370,000+, you’ll find a community ready to connect and support you throughout your career.
