Rice / Jones MBA News

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Published: October 13, 2024

The Week Ahead: MBA Admissions, October 14-18, 2024

Welcome back to the series, The Week Ahead, in which we provide a brief rundown of what is happening in MBA admissions this week! Late Round 1 Deadlines & More Monday, October 14, Rice Business has its Round 1 application deadline. Tuesday, October 15, The Consortium has its Early Application round deadline. Texas / McCombs, Arizona / Carey, Boston College / Carroll, Indiana / Kelley, Notre Dame / Mendoza and Florida / Warrington have their Round 1 application deadlines. Wednesday, October 16, NYU / Stern has its Round 2 application deadline. Friday, October 18, Imperial College is scheduled to release Read more

Published: September 11, 2024

Real Humans of the Rice Business MBA Class of 2026

We are excited to kick off our Real Humans: MBA Students series for students matriculating in the Fall of 2024; as we meet new MBA students studying around the world, our first stop is Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business (Rice Business). 158 students joined the Rice Business MBA Class of 2026. Thirty-nine percent are women and 37 percent are international students. U.S. underrepresented minorities make up 28 percent of the new class. During their undergraduate years, the class averaged a GPA of 3.46. Twenty-three percent of the new students were first-generation college Read more

Published: September 9, 2024

Admissions Director Q&A: Coni Zingarelli of Rice Business

In this installment of our Admissions Director Q&A series, we welcome back Coni Zingarelli, the executive director of recruiting, admissions and student financial services at Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University (Rice Business). Previously, Coni served in roles with Temple University’s Fox School of Business and University of California Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business. She is passionate about helping students find the right graduate program to further their personal and professional aspirations. Coni spent the first 12 years of her career in the hospitality industry working in Read more

Published: August 29, 2024

A Guide to Test Waivers: Should You Request a Waiver for Submitting a GMAT or GRE Score?

It is no secret that standardized tests are not the part of the MBA application process that applicants most cherish. Some applicants simply aren’t good at standardized testing; others feel they do not have the time to invest in studying properly. Due to COVID-19 and the related impact on testing centers and availability, test waivers became a more prevalent option in b-school admissions. Whether you’re hesitant or excited about the GMAT or GRE, what are valid reasons to request a test waiver? Even if you have a valid reason, does it make sense to request a test waiver? In this Read more

Published: August 14, 2024

MBA Degrees & Majors with a STEM Designation

The past few years have seen a surge in business schools that run MBA programs with a STEM designation. MBAs, that is, that are now classified as a science, technology, engineering or mathematics degree. The new STEM MBA designation is promising students a multitude of new opportunities – but what is it, really? Read on to find out what a STEM MBA is, which schools offer it, and what this all might mean for you. What Is a STEM MBA? The structure of a STEM MBA is relatively simple. The foundational knowledge and core concepts of Read more

Published: August 8, 2024

Weekly Refresh: Latest MBA Essay Questions, Analyzed – Plus Deadlines & Rec Forms

It’s time for another Weekly Refresh, in which we list this week’s admissions advice and updates on the Clear Admit site. Essay Tips Drafting your application essays? See the latest of our experts’ advice in our Essay Topic Analysis. The following schools recently released their essays—click for our advice: Rice Business UNC Kenan-Flagler Deadlines Released See the admissions deadlines that have rolled out: Carnegie Mellon Tepper UCI Merage UNC Kenan-Flagler You can also bookmark our deadlines page for reference. Recommendation Questions Let your recommenders know, the following MBA Read more

Published: July 30, 2024

Early & Round 1 MBA Deadlines 2024-2025

To help you stay organized, we’ve compiled a chart of the earliest deadlines, including Early Action and Round 1, of the top business schools in one place. For schools that have announced their essay topic(s), you’ll find links to our corresponding Essay Topic Analysis in the “Essay(s) Released” column. We will continue to update this table as more Round 1 MBA deadlines and essay topics are announced. Deadlines are for Round 1 (unless otherwise noted). Last updated: August 19, 2024 School Deadline Decision Essay(s) Released? Application Live? Cambridge / Judge 8/27/2024 Yes Read more

Published: July 18, 2024

Weekly Refresh: Latest MBA Essay Questions, Analyzed – Plus Deadlines & Rec Forms

We are back with another Weekly Refresh, a roundup of admissions advice and updates on the Clear Admit site, as we prepare for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. Essay Tips Drafting your application essays? See the latest of our experts’ advice in our Essay Topic Analysis. The following schools recently released their essays—click for our advice: Georgetown McDonough Indiana Kelley Johns Hopkins Carey MIT Sloan Stanford GSB Washington Foster Deadlines Released See the admissions deadlines that have rolled out: Georgetown McDonough Johns Hopkins Carey Read more

Published: July 9, 2024

GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation Analysis for MBA Applicants and Recommenders

Applying to business school entails a great deal of work for prospective students – and almost as much effort for the people writing their letters of recommendation. An effective MBA recommendation provides rich information about the candidate’s strengths, key accomplishments, and leadership abilities. It’s also important that a recommendation fully address every question that is asked by the admissions committee. So, when an applicant is targeting six schools that ask different questions across their recommendation forms, this can translate to a great deal of time and effort for already-busy recommenders. To alleviate some of this pressure, Read more

Published: June 19, 2024

The Consortium Expands to 25 Member Schools

The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in graduate business education and American business, recently expanded to 25 member schools. The Consortium partners with top-ranked MBA programs across the U.S. to increase the representation of underrepresented minorities in business education and corporate leadership. Following the addition of Duke Fuqua earlier this year, Chicago Booth was subsequently selected to become its 25th member school. A Long History at Fuqua In its announcement of the nomination of Duke Fuqua, Read more

Published: March 13, 2024

Rice Business MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 2 / Second-Year Student / Zoom

The interview was with a graduate and was a comfortable and enjoyable conversation. 1. Please introduce yourself. 2. Why are you pursuing an MBA now? 3. Why Rice Jones? 4. Talk about your short-term and long-term goals. 5. What is your greatest achievement and accomplishment? 6. Anything else you would like to say? 7. Do you have any questions? Read more

Published: March 7, 2024

Real Humans of Goldman Sachs: Ken Jackson, Rice Business MBA ’23, Private Wealth Advisor

Army veteran Ken Jackson went from piloting Black Hawks to private wealth management at Goldman Sachs–the bridge being the Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business MBA program. In this edition of Real Humans: Alumni, see how Jackson’s MBA put him in the entrepreneurial mindset, his secret weapon that has allowed him to thrive confidently in the wealth management landscape. Ken Jackson, Rice Business MBA ’23, Private Wealth Advisor at Goldman Sachs Age: 33 Hometown: Peachtree City, GA Undergraduate Institution and Major: United States Military Read more

Published: February 27, 2024

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Average GMAT Scores at Top U.S. MBA Programs

See where your GMAT score lands among the top U.S. MBA programs, as we report the average GMAT scores in the chart below. If you have yet to take the GMAT, you can also get a sense of what score you need to target. Business school admissions use the GMAT score as a sign of applicants’ academic abilities and a high score can help you stand out in admissions. Also, average GMAT scores play a role in schools’ rankings. Review the average GMAT scores for your b-schools in the U.S. below. Median scores and ranges presented as Read more

Published: February 21, 2024

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Average GRE Scores by Top U.S. Business Schools

Average GRE scores by business school can provide applicants with a sense of the rigor of the MBA program, expectations of the adcom and general competitiveness of the applicant pool. While the GMAT used to be the only accepted admissions exam at leading MBA programs, many have opened up to other options, including the GRE. Starting in September 2023, the GRE consists of a 30-minute Analytical Writing section, which includes one essay. An additional Verbal Reasoning section features two sections with 18 minutes allowed for 12 questions and 23 minutes allowed for 15 questions, respectively. Another two Read more

Published: February 19, 2024

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Percentage of U.S. Minorities at Top U.S. Business Schools

The percentage of U.S. minorities at top U.S. business schools can provide a sense of the diversity you will find in your MBA program. Business school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and self-identify as African American or Black, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American, Hispanic American or Latinx, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or those who are multiracial or multiethnic are considered a minority. See the percentage of minorities as reported by top business schools in the chart below. U.S. School % U.S. Minorities ASU W.P. Carey School of Business 26% Carnegie Mellon Read more

Published: February 14, 2024

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: International Student Statistics

International students statistics can showcase an element of diversity at leading business schools. In the chart below, see the percentage of international students at U.S. business schools. U.S. Business School % International Arizona State University W.P. School of Business 39% Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business 53% Columbia Business School 47% Cornell University SC Johnson Graduate School of Management 42% Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business 33% Duke University Fuqua School of Business 47% Eli Broad Graduate School of Management at Michigan State University 33% Emory University Goizueta School of Business 49% Georgetown University McDonough School of Read more

Published: February 12, 2024

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Percentage of Women MBA Students

Over the past decade, the percentage of women MBA students has been on the rise across leading business schools. USC Marshall was the first leading business school to achieve gender parity while others have achieved or continue to strive for that benchmark. The Forté Foundation has also consistently reported that women are either gaining or holding their ground on b-school campuses–and, most recently, reported record highs. Look at the chart below to see the percentage of female MBA students at leading business schools around the Read more

Published: February 6, 2024

U.S. News 2024 Online MBA Rankings: Indiana University–Bloomington Takes the Top Spot

U.S. News & World Report has released its 2024 Best Online Programs rankings, including online MBA programs. Emerging from a tie for first place last year, Indiana University’s Kelley Direct Online MBA program now stands alone as the #1 online MBA in this year’s ranking. Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper Online Hybrid MBA program jumped from fifth to second. There is a three-way tie for third among UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA@UNC Online MBA program, USC Marshall Online MBA program and the University of Washington Foster Hybrid MBA program. Read more

Published: February 5, 2024

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Cost of MBA Programs in the U.S.

In this edition of Real Numbers of MBA Admissions, see the total cost of a full-time MBA per year at U.S. schools. Tuition comprises most of the cost of each program. Other factors, including room and board, program fees, books and supplies, health insurance, transportation and other expenses, have been added to provide the total cost of an MBA in the U.S. by year. Most business schools provide a breakdown of the expenses, which are posted under the financial aid or admissions section of their websites. Schools also typically take the total cost of attendance into account Read more

Published: January 31, 2024

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Class Size of Top U.S. MBA Programs

Business schools come in all shapes and sizes and the class size of top MBA programs can be a factor in considering fit. From networking to a tight-knit culture to campus opportunities, class size can reveal much about an MBA program. No matter which program you choose, the top MBA programs strive to ensure relationship building during full-time b-school life. Some larger programs, such as Harvard Business School and CBS, mainly break the student body down into cohorts/sections/clusters of dozens of students. Other U.S. business schools, like Wharton, also have Learning Teams, groups of 5-6 students who Read more

Published: November 19, 2023

Rice Jones MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 2 / Second-Year Student / Zoom

Intro Why only Rice? (There are many colleges out there why specifically Rice?) Basically, I said it has a rigorous curriculum so he asked -Why do you feel Rice has a rigorous curriculum? Why MBA? Few questions related to my job profile. How do you bring your diversity into your work culture? He said that if I wanna highlight anything that he is missing he can pass that message to the admission team. Few questions for him — I asked the same question Why Rice? Few other questions (tips) I asked him. He was very calm and chill. It was Read more

Published: October 31, 2023

Rice Jones MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Second-Year Student / Zoom

The interview was conducted by a 2nd-year student and admissions ambassador. The interviewer was incredibly kind the process was very relaxing. Questions: 1. Tell me about yourself. • There was no further context, so I gave a quick introduction and included one personal interest. 2. Why Rice/Jones? • I highlighted geographic location, Rice entrepreneurship rankings, and a specific club of interest. 3. Why MBA? 4. Specifically, what transferable skills can you leverage from experience into a post-MBA career? • I may have missed a cue in the previous questions, and the interviewer needed clarity. I talked Read more

Published: October 24, 2023

Rice Business MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Second-Year Student / Zoom

1. Tell me about yourself. 2. Why an MBA at this point? 3. What is your short-term and long-term goal? 4. Rice is known for the tagline “You belong here.” So how do you wish to promote diversity and inclusion in this community? 5. If you get admitted to other MBA programs, what are the factors will you consider determining the right school for you? 6. Any questions for me? The interviewer was very amiable- he appreciated my entrepreneurial experience, too, and I really felt like embracing the inclusive environment at the Rice MBA program Read more

Published: August 17, 2023

Weekly Refresh: Latest MBA Essay Questions, Analyzed – Plus Deadlines & Rec Forms

Welcome to Weekly Refresh, a roundup of admissions advice and updates on the Clear Admit site. In this edition, we round up the essays, recommendation questions and deadlines from the week of August 14th, 2023. Essay Tips Drafting your application essays? See the latest of our experts’ advice in our Essay Topic Analysis. The following schools recently released their essays—click for our advice: Babson Olin UNC Kenan-Flagler Deadlines Released See the admissions deadlines that have rolled out: Babson Olin You can also bookmark our Read more

Published: July 27, 2023

Weekly Refresh: Latest MBA Essay Questions, Analyzed – Plus Deadlines & Rec Forms

Welcome to Weekly Refresh, a roundup of admissions advice and updates on the Clear Admit site. In this edition, we round up the essays, recommendation questions and deadlines from the week of July 24th, 2023. Essay Tips Drafting your application essays? See the latest of our experts’ advice in our Essay Topic Analysis. The following schools recently released their essays—click for our advice: ASU Carey Cambridge / Judge Rice / Jones Yale SOM Deadlines Released See the admissions deadlines that have rolled out: Read more

Rice / Jones

Class Size: 158

Women: 39%

Mean GMAT: 694

Mean GPA: 3.46

Livewire Decisionwire Interview Reports Essay Topic Analysis MBA Admissions Deadlines View Full Profile

MBA Applywire

October 22, 2024 5:07pm ET

Applying: Boston College / Carroll, Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, Michigan / Ross, Northwestern / Kellogg, Notre Dame / Mendoza, UT Austin / McCombs, Vanderbilt / Owen, Yale SOM

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Active duty military, nonprofit

Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting Companies: Bain , Booz Allen Hamilton , BCG , Deloitte , KPMG , McKinsey , PWC

GPA: 3.3

Years of Work Experience: 7

Post MBA Location: Boston

Notes:

Enlisted military, stem degree from top LAC, currently at a nonprofit. My post mba goal is to do management consulting for a couple years then get back into the nonprofit space. Taking the GRE in December

October 22, 2024 12:58pm ET

Applying: Columbia, Stanford GSB, UVA / Darden

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Finance: accounting

Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting Companies: Accenture , Bain , BCG , Deloitte , McKinsey

GMAT: 704

GPA: 3.95

Years of Work Experience: 1

Location: Virginia

Post MBA Location: New York or California

Notes:

I took the GMAT focus instead of the GMAT, I am confident in extra curriculars, essays, and recommendations. Wondering what my odds currently are and considering restudying to conquer the GMAT focus fully. Not sure if I explicitly stated in application but I am an African-American male.

October 22, 2024 11:52am ET

Applying: Georgetown / McDonough, Michigan / Ross, Northwestern / Kellogg, NYU Stern, UVA / Darden

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Commercial Real Estate Operations

Post-MBA Target Industry: Other

GPA: 3.61

Years of Work Experience: 12

Location: D.C.

Post MBA Location: D.C.

Notes:

Looking at top MBA's for PT MBA in D.C. or EMBA on East Coast with test waivers given work experience. Experience at top DC CRE Development shops and undergrad GPA/higher GPA in undergrad quant classes, do you think I have a compelling background if I interview well?

October 22, 2024 7:25am ET

Applying: Georgia / Terry, Michigan State / Broad

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Finance Analyst

Post-MBA Target Industry: Investment Banking, Asset Management, inc. HF, Entrepreneurship

GRE: 334

GPA: 3.82

Years of Work Experience: 5

October 21, 2024 1:31pm ET

Applying: Georgetown / McDonough, Indiana / Kelley, NYU Stern, UVA / Darden

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: US Army

Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Technology, Venture Capital Companies: Accenture , AT Kearney , Bain , Ernst & Young , PWC , Apple , Charles River , Draper Fisher , Sequoia Capital

GPA: 3.91

Years of Work Experience: 20

Post MBA Location: East Coast

Notes:

After 20 years in the US Army Special Forces, I am looking to develop hard skills (e.g. data analytics and finance) to compliment the soft skills developed during my career.

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MBA LiveWire

October 22, 2024 11:24pm ET

Applied to MIT Sloan

Round: Round 1

Received via email

GMAT: 665

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Target Career: Entrepreneurship

Application Location: India

October 22, 2024 10:07pm ET

Interview Invite to Stanford GSB

Round: Round 1

Received via email on October 21, 2024

GPA: 3.87

GRE: 325

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Target Career: Healthcare

Application Location: Boston

Note:

Email came in at 10:45am ET. Shocked and so excited. Honestly, regardless of the outcome just getting an invite is a huge win in my book.

October 22, 2024 9:11pm ET

Interview Invite to Cornell / Johnson

Round: Round 1

Received via email October 22, 2024

GPA: 3.84/4.0

GMAT: 685

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Target Career: Technology

Application Location: South Korea

Note:

Applied on 9/18, under review from 10/3 to 10/22 (status updated on portal on 10/22), received interview invitation via email on 10/23

October 22, 2024 9:06pm ET

Interview Invite to Cornell / Johnson

Round: Round 1

Received via email October 22, 2024

GPA: 3.84/4.0

GMAT: 685

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

October 22, 2024 5:17pm ET

Interview Invite to Cornell / Johnson

Round: Round 1

Received via email on October 20, 2024

GPA: 3.41

GRE: 322

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Target Career: Healthcare

Application Location: California

Note:

8 yoe in healthcare

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