We welcome back Maria Pineda, Executive Director of Admissions at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, in this edition of our Admissions Director Q&A.
Pineda has been with UMD Smith for almost 20 years and manages the recruiting efforts for the MBA and Specialty Master’s Programs. Read on as Pineda shares what to expect from the admissions process at UMD Smith, the value of the MBA program, and how to prepare for your interview.
Clear Admit: What is one aspect of your MBA program that you wish applicants knew more about?
Maria Pineda: Our entrepreneurial spirit is a powerful force on campus – and beyond! The Dingman-Lamone Center for Entrepreneurship was one of the first entrepreneurial centers in the United States and was the first of its kind to bring regional startup companies seeking early-stage funding to the angel investing community. We have embraced this ideology of making connections and improving our communities into our programs. Thus, our students will use data analytics and AI to disrupt and evolve businesses around the world. As students futureproof their careers, they will inevitably also transform businesses.
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?
MP: Once an application is received and deemed complete, it is independently reviewed by two admissions officers. Every aspect of the application is considered at this stage: pre-MBA career, aspirational goals, potential academic success, etc. If we have further questions, we will invite the applicant to an interview. During the interview, we want to get to know you, learn about your goals and career plans. We also want to learn about your potential contribution to the community, as well as how the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business can help you succeed both in the short and long term. After the interview, the admissions committee takes a holistic review of all applications and confers all final decisions. The committee is composed of leadership from several departments. We want to ensure all future Maryland MBA students will meet the academic rigor of the program, contribute to the community and secure a post-MBA position that aligns with their goals.
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?
MP: At least three admissions committee members will read your essay, so make sure it conveys your truths. Help us understand your thought process, your future plans, and your expectations. Communicate your understanding of how the Maryland MBA can help you grow as a strong individual. Hearing your perspective helps us learn more about you. Great essays are authentic. We want to know who you are and where you want to go. If we know these facts, we can determine how the Maryland MBA can bridge the gap between where you are now and your post-MBA goals. We want your essay to be concise; however, we want you to ensure you include relevant details not found anywhere else in your application. When you sit down to write your essay, remember that this is the only forward-thinking aspect of your application! All other components that you will submit are historical information. Use this real estate to shed light on who you are and where you want to be.
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?
MP: Interviews are conducted both in person and virtually by alumni and admissions staff. You might not know who will conduct your interview ahead of time, but that’s ok. You don’t need to prepare for who you will be speaking with; please prepare for the program. Since we interview about half of the applicants, if you are invited to interview, get excited! Think of the admissions interview as a job interview. You approach the conversation ready to discuss how you can meet the academic rigor of the program and grow professionally, regardless of who the interviewer may be. During the interview, make sure you highlight your profile beyond the submitted application materials. You may be asked about information on your application, résumé, goals, and some behavioral questions. Be confident in what you have to offer and humble enough to know you do not know everything, just yet! Don’t forget to articulate what you want to do during the MBA program as well as your post-MBA goals.
CA: Is there anything in particular international students should keep in mind during the admissions process?
MP: Our students will have access to career coaching for the rest of their lives. International students should think about how the MBA will be relevant, regardless of time and location. We recognize that the MBA program at Maryland has stood the test of time. Its decades-long success in securing jobs for our graduates, in addition to the alumni’s geographic reach, has propelled our community forward. Maryland is committed to the success of both current students and alumni.
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?
MP: One of our former deans said something that has always stayed with me: the true value of an MBA reveals itself over time. In your first post‑MBA role, you’ll apply what you learned in class. But in your second, third, or even fourth role, you’ll find yourself drawing on that knowledge base in deeper, more sophisticated ways. Think of the MBA as a reservoir of ideas, frameworks, and perspectives you can pull from whenever you need them. As your responsibilities grow, that reservoir becomes even more valuable. Employers notice it too—your ability to think strategically, lead effectively, and adapt quickly becomes part of your professional brand. That’s a form of ROI that doesn’t show up on a spreadsheet but absolutely shows up in your career trajectory.
CA: Are there any trends in the applicant pool, admissions process, or MBA experience that you are particularly focused on right now?
MP: Maryland’s program will always maintain the traditional courses required for an MBA. However, our MBA Oversight Committee reviews the curriculum annually. We want to make sure we are teaching relevant information. Thus, our students will see that AI is infused throughout the program. It’s no longer a standalone topic—it’s part of every aspect of business. That’s the reality of modern business, and our curriculum mirrors it. We’re also expanding experiential learning, so expect more than the traditional classroom lectures and speakers! Students want a truly immersive experience during the MBA program, and Maryland delivers on that!
CA: Is there anything else you’d like to highlight about your MBA program or admissions process?
MP: We want to get to know you. We want you to get to know us. Connect with us. Admissions officers can be your first point of contact and would love to share more about the Maryland MBA. Current students can tell you about their experience. We want you to know about the great offerings we have at Smith and how we can help you transform your professional and personal life!
