In this edition of our Admissions Director Q&A series, we are again joined by Bailey McChesney, Senior Director of Strategic Enrollment Management, Evaluation & Selection at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management.
Bailey brings over 15 years of recruiting and admissions expertise to her role as Senior Director of Strategic Enrollment Management at Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management. In this position, she leads a strategic team focused on application evaluation, admissions decisioning, enrollment analytics, and student onboarding across all Owen graduate programs. Since joining Owen in 2011, Bailey has developed and managed comprehensive enrollment initiatives that drive the admissions and onboarding processes.
A graduate of East Tennessee State University (ETSU) with both a Master’s in Higher Education Counseling and a Bachelor’s degree, Bailey began her higher education career coordinating orientation programming at her alma mater before transitioning to student services at a for-profit institution. Her career trajectory demonstrates a natural progression toward strategic leadership in admissions operations and enrollment management while maintaining a deep commitment to student success.
In our Q&A below we touch on the MBA application process, the evolution of the curriculum, and career development at Vanderbilt.
Clear Admit: What is one aspect of your MBA program that you wish applicants knew more about?
Bailey McChesney: There is tremendous momentum at Vanderbilt and it’s such an exciting time to be part of this community as we continue to grow and invest in the future. From new campuses and programs to innovative learning opportunities, Vanderbilt Business is moving forward with purpose. This year, for example, we are launching a Master of Management program and an evening MBA program, giving us new ways to serve students and build connections across a broader community. Additionally, we’re expanding our Center for Entrepreneurship with a dedicated re-envisioned space within Owen, plus Vanderbilt’s New York campus—and the future development of the San Francisco and West Palm Beach campuses— will further expand the university’s footprint.
As Vanderbilt evolves, we are committed to ensuring that the student experience remains at the heart of our mission. Our teams are focused on creating new opportunities for our students and preserving the close-knit, supportive culture that defines us.
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?
BM: Our process is designed to provide applicants with consistent support from their initial interest all the way through enrollment. Once a prospective student engages with the program, they are paired with a Recruiting Manager who remains their primary resource and advocate throughout the admissions journey.
After an application is submitted, our team verifies that all required materials have been received and then the application moves into review. The interview is a particularly important part of this process because it gives the Admissions Committee an opportunity to understand the applicant’s goals, experiences, and potential beyond the written materials.
When the application is complete – including the required documents and interview – it is evaluated by members of the Recruiting & Admissions Team. The Admissions Committee then considers the full application, makes the final decision, and extends an offer of admission to each candidate selected for the program.
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?
BM: The essays really give us an opportunity to understand the person behind the résumé. We look for thoughtful reflection, self-awareness, and a clear sense of what has shaped the applicant’s goals and decision to pursue an MBA. We have two required essays: one is focused on the candidate’s career path and motivation for business school, and the other is a reflection essay where candidates share a challenging or stressful experience and what they learned.
Strong essays add context and dimension to the rest of the application. My advice to applicants is to remember that the essays are the one part of the process they can shape completely.
I think sometimes applicants are focused on what we want to hear, and we always encourage candidates to share experiences that are genuinely meaningful to them. Take the time to be specific, reflective, and authentic. Use the essays to provide context and help the committee see the full story behind your experiences.
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?
BM: Interviews are offered by invitation on a rolling basis once an applicant’s file is complete and reviewed. We do not have a preferred interview format: candidates may interview virtually or in person when participating in eligible on campus events. Applicants should choose the option that is most convenient and allows them to feel prepared and engaged.
Interviews are typically conducted by a second-year MBA student or members of our Recruiting & Admissions Team, and we make every effort to be generous with our interview invitations. Because the interviewer reviews only the candidate’s résumé beforehand, the conversation is designed to stand alone in the application and give applicants space to share their background and goals. Candidates can expect questions about their motivation and aspirations for pursuing an MBA, along with an opportunity to share more about their experience.
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?
BM: Communication skills are highly valued by employers and are an important part of succeeding in the workplace. Video essays give candidates an opportunity to demonstrate how effectively they articulate their ideas.
Preparation can never be underestimated. Make sure you understand the instructions and test your equipment, background and lighting. I also recommend practicing some questions aloud to help you warm up, organize your thoughts quickly, and build your confidence. A video essay is not about delivering a perfectly rehearsed performance, it’s about helping our team get to know you. Take a moment to think and remember to breathe. And be yourself!
CA: Is there anything in particular international students should keep in mind during the admissions process?
BM: We are proud of the international perspectives our students bring to the program and encourage candidates from around the world to connect with us throughout the admissions process. For those who cannot visit campus, virtual events and conversations with current students can be valuable ways to learn more about the program, community, and student experience.
International applicants should also plan ahead. Our first three application rounds are open to international candidates, and applying earlier can provide additional time to complete the process smoothly. We encourage applicants to review all requirements carefully and begin preparing their materials well in advance of their intended deadline. We know there is an added element of coordinating across time zones, and we work to offer opportunities to connect for those around the world.
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?
BM: The value of an MBA extends well beyond your first job. Students develop as leaders, broaden the way they approach complex problems, and gain a deeper understanding of how to work effectively with people who have different perspectives and experiences.
At Vanderbilt Business, our resources are designed to help students better understand themselves and become more effective leaders. Our Leadership Development Program helps students identify their strengths and figure out what motivates them. Through executive coaching, assessments, and hands-on application, students learn how to apply their insights at complex organizations. The program is tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. Students can build self-awareness and build confidence, learn to manage through conflict, and become more comfortable speaking up.
The MBA experience also provides opportunities to build a lasting network through a community of classmates, faculty, and alumni. When I speak to students at graduation, they rarely focus only on their job or return on investment. Instead, they express gratitude for the intangibles: their experience, the growth they saw, and the relationships they built.
CA: Are there any trends in the applicant pool, admissions process, or MBA experience that you are particularly focused on right now?
BM: At Vanderbilt Business, we are focused on six areas where our strengths, research, and location position us to make a meaningful impact: entrepreneurship, healthcare, finance, AI, real estate, and the creative economy. These areas also reflect the interests of today’s applicants, many of whom want to develop the skills needed to navigate emerging paths and create meaningful impact.
Entrepreneurship is a particularly strong example of this coming to life. Vanderbilt Business has 10 unicorn founders, and we recently received a transformational $20 million gift to support the Center for Entrepreneurship. This investment will allow us to continue building the infrastructure to support founders at every stage, from developing an initial idea to scaling a growing company.
As an interdisciplinary center serving the entire Vanderbilt ecosystem, the Center for Entrepreneurship will bring together students, faculty, alumni, and external partners to foster innovation. It reflects our commitment to preparing students to help shape what comes next.
CA: Is there anything else you’d like to highlight about your MBA program or admissions process?
BM: Vanderbilt Business is committed to supporting students’ career development. With decades of experience and a proven framework, our Career Management Center creates countless opportunities for students to explore, prepare, and network as they navigate their next step. Through career education, individualized coaching, and resources designed for today’s MBA job market, we focus on selecting top talent for our program and providing opportunities for students to develop the skills they need to achieve their career goals now and beyond.
This focus is reflected in the strong employment outcomes achieved by Vanderbilt Business graduates. Graduates are securing opportunities with leading organizations across a wide range of industries and functions. These results underscore the effectiveness of Vanderbilt’s Career Management Center, the value of the Vanderbilt experience, and the competitiveness of our graduates in the marketplace.
