SMU Cox MBA News
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Admissions Director Q&A: Shelly Heinrich of SMU Cox
We are back in Texas at the SMU Cox School of Business in this edition of our Admissions Director Q&A series with Shelly Heinrich, Senior Assistant Dean, Graduate Admissions and Career Management Center. Heinrich brings 20 years of experience in the higher education, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, with direct experience working in five business schools. Her responsibilities have included admissions, recruitment, marketing, employer/business development, and career services, among others. Heinrich manages a team of 40, leading the strategic direction and oversight of Graduate Admissions (recruitment, marketing, and admissions)
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Top In-Person MBA Events to Check Out in July 2025
An essential part of the process when you apply for an MBA is events. On or off campus, formal or informal, in-person MBA admission events are opportunities for applicants to connect with current students and alumni, sit in on classes, meet the admissions team, and take campus tours. With the application season upon us, schools are ramping up their event calendars for prospective students. Here’s what’s on deck for July. Why Attend MBA Events? More than just another step in the process you want to check off your list, this is where you can assess for yourself whether a school
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Business School Recap: Commencement Ceremonies in May
Commencement season is in full swing. Business schools are beginning to host ceremonies to mark the hard work, dedication, and achievements of their graduates; to give you a glimpse into the celebrations, we’ve collected the highlights of those that took place in May. Berkeley Haas Berkeley Haas hosted its MBA commencement ceremony on Friday May 23rd. Manish Chandra The ceremony’s keynote address was given by Haas alumni (’95) Manish Chandra. Chandra is the founder and CEO of Poshmark—a company born of Chandra’s
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Top In-Person MBA Events to Check Out in June 2025
An essential part of the process when you apply for an MBA is events. On or off campus, formal or informal, in-person MBA admission events offer applicants the opportunity to connect with current students and alumni, sit in on classes, meet the admissions team, and take campus tours. So, we’ve rounded up the top in-person MBA events for the month of June to help you plan on attending those that are going to help you most along your MBA journey. Get your calendars ready! Why Attend MBA Events? More than just another step in the process you want to check
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The Week Ahead: Late Round Decisions, May 26-30, 2025
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 Decisions Roll Out Top MBA programs continue to release their final decisions. Wednesday, May 28, UNC / Kenan-Flagler is scheduled to release its Round 4 decisions. Thursday, May 29, Stanford is scheduled to release its Round 3 decisions. Friday, May 30, Cornell / Johnson is scheduled to release its Round 3 decisions. Ohio State / Fisher, Arizona / Carey and SMU / Cox are scheduled to release their Round 4 decisions. Saturday, May 31,
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Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Students Placed in Consumer Product Goods
Consumer Product Goods (CPG) is an industry proving increasingly popular amongst MBA graduates. Household-name employers and complex business strategy combine to attract business school talent, and the sector frequently seeks MBA alumni for its management roles. In this edition of Real Numbers of MBA Admissions, see the percentages of MBA grads who joined the CPG industry. Business School % in CPG Boston College Carroll School of Management 12% Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business 15% Cambridge Judge Business School 6% Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business 5% CEIBS 8% Columbia Business School 5% Cornell University SC Johnson Graduate
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Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Students Placed in Healthcare
Healthcare offers MBA graduates the chance to join a dynamic, rapidly-evolving industry. With its need for strategic thinking and strong leadership, this sector’s growing popularity amongst business school alumni is no surprise. In this edition of Real Numbers of MBA Admissions, see the percentages of MBA grads who joined the healthcare industry. Business School % in Healthcare Boston College Carroll School of Management 17% Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business 7% Cambridge Judge Business School 6% Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business 12% CEIBS 14% Columbia Business School 4% Cornell University SC Johnson
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Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Students Placed in Tech
Business and tech are intertwined, as people need tech to access services and products. As this symbiotic relationship grew during the 21st century, demand for the skill set of the MBA with a technology specialization has become pervasive. In this edition of Real Numbers of MBA Admissions, see what percentage of students of the MBA Classes of 2024 placed into the tech field. Business School % in Tech Boston College Carroll School of Management 6% Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business 27% Cambridge Judge Business School 23% Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business 29% CEIBS 19% Columbia Business
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Published: April 29, 2025
Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Post-MBA Consulting Industry Placement
Consulting is one of the most popular post-MBA industry choices for business school candidates, alongside finance and tech. It’s a dynamic field with diverse clients, strategic challenges and more. In this edition of Real Numbers of MBA Admissions, see the percentages of MBA grads who joined the consulting industry. Business School % in Consulting Boston College Carroll School of Management 13% Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business 2% Cambridge Judge Business School 14% Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business 26% Columbia Business School 31% Cornell University SC Johnson Graduate School of Management 31% Dartmouth College
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Published: April 28, 2025
Mapping MBA Career Outcomes: Job Placements by U.S. Region for Top MBA Programs
For some MBA applicants, the geographic location of an MBA program is a key decision factor. For example, there are often industries concentrated in particular regions of the U.S., such as finance in the Northeast, manufacturing in the Midwest, energy in the Southwest or tech in the West. To help these applicants, in this article we review the job placement data by region for 30 U.S. MBA programs as reported in the 2024 employment reports. Key Trends in MBA Job Placement Data by Region A few key trends are apparent in the job placement
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Published: April 27, 2025
The Week Ahead: Late Round MBA Decisions & Deadlines, April 28-May 2, 2025
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 Deadlines & Decisions Attention now turns to Round 3 and beyond. Monday, April 28, Rice Business has its Round 4 application deadline. Tuesday, April 29, Chicago / Booth has its Chicago Booth Scholars Round application deadline. UNC Kenan-Flagler and SMU / Cox have their Round 4 application deadlines. Texas / McCombs is scheduled to release its Round 3 decisions. Wednesday, April 30, UVA / Darden, Indiana / Kelley, and Johns Hopkins / Carey are
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Published: April 24, 2025
The SMU Cox MBA: Careers, Connections, and the Power of the Texas Economy
Sponsored Content This special episode of the Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast is about an innovative business school making waves in Texas – the SMU Cox School of Business. As corporations flock to the Lone Star State and big markets like Dallas experience serious growth, SMU has been on the frontlines capitalizing on these opportunities. To dig deeper into careers, connections and the power of the Texas economy, we welcome Shelly Heinrich, the Senior Assistant Dean of Career Management and Graduate Admissions at SMU Cox. Shelly Heinrich, Senior Assistant Dean of Career Management and Graduate Admissions, SMU
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Published: April 22, 2025
Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Finance Industry Placement
In this edition of Real Numbers of MBA Admissions, see the percentages for placement in the finance industry at top business schools. Finance has typically been in the top three of industry choices for full-time MBA graduates, alongside tech and consulting. The finance industry presents myriad options for MBA graduates to pursue dynamic and lucrative careers, and the quantitative rigor of leading MBA programs supports such paths. Business School % in Finance Boston College Carroll School of Management 29% Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business 19% Cambridge Judge Business School 26% Carnegie Mellon
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Published: February 26, 2025
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. If you completed the GMAT Focus edition, with a score ending in 5, please refer to Coming
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Published: February 24, 2025
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. School % International ASU W.P. Carey School of Business 48% Babson College Olin 85% Boston College Carroll School of Management 24% BYU Marriott School of Business 32%* Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business 39% Columbia Business School 46% Cornell University SC Johnson Graduate School of Management 35% Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business 30% Duke University Fuqua School of Business 41% Emory University Goizueta School of Business 45%
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Published: February 23, 2025
The Week Ahead: MBA Decisions & Merage Deadline, February 24-28, 2025
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 Deadlines & Decisions Interview invites continue to roll out for Rounds 2 and 3 candidates. Thursday, February 27, Washington / Olin is scheduled to release its Round 3 decisions. Friday, February 28, Oxford / Saïd is scheduled to release its Stage 4 decisions. Georgia Tech / Scheller and SMU / Cox are scheduled to release their Round 2 decisions. Saturday, March 1, UCI / Merage has its Round 3 application deadline. How “The Wires”
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Published: February 20, 2025
Clear Admit MBA Fair 2025 – May 14th, Boston
Join leading MBA programs at this exclusive event in Boston to learn more about management education. Connect with admissions officers, chat with MBA alumni, and pick up expert tips on the application process. Space is limited! Date: Wednesday, May 14th Time: 5:00-8:00 PM Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts | MIT Sloan School of Management | Building: E62 Registration Form: Registration for this event is closed – please join us in Atlanta for our 2026 event! Schools: Berkeley / Haas Carnegie Mellon / Tepper Chicago / Booth Columbia
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Published: February 10, 2025
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 have been gaining or holding their ground on b-school campuses–and, in both 2023 and 2024, reported record highs. Look at the chart below to see the percentage of women MBA students at leading business schools
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Published: February 3, 2025
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
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Published: January 29, 2025
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
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Published: January 5, 2025
The Week Ahead: MBA Deadlines & INSEAD Decisions, January 6-10, 2025
Welcome back to the series, The Week Ahead, in which we provide a brief rundown of what is happening in MBA admissions this week! Busy Week for Round 2 Deadlines! Many Round 2 application deadlines for top MBA programs are scheduled for this week. Monday, January 6, Harvard Business School, Dartmouth / Tuck, Michigan / Ross, UCLA Anderson, Emory / Goizueta, Georgetown / McDonough, CMU / Tepper and Rice Business have their Round 2 application deadlines. Cambridge / Judge has its Round 3 application deadline. Oxford / Saïd has its Stage 4 application deadline. Tuesday, January 7, Chicago / Booth,
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Published: December 19, 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,
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Published: December 12, 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. With competition for applicants continuing to rise among schools, 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 piece, we take
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Published: November 17, 2024
The Week Ahead: MBA Admissions Decisions, November 18-22, 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! Round 1 Decisions The 2024-2025 MBA admissions season is now underway. Interview invites continue to roll out, and a few final decisions are continuing to be released. Monday, November 18, IESE is scheduled to release its Round 1 decisions. Friday, November 22, SMU / Cox, Georgia Tech / Scheller and Imperial College are scheduled to release their Round 1 decisions. Have you had any MBA admissions interviews? Share your interview reports with fellow applicants
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Published: November 14, 2024
Real Humans of SMU Cox School of Business MBA Class of 2026
The SMU Cox School of Business stands out as a dynamic hub for aspiring professionals seeking to advance their careers through a well-rounded MBA experience. Located in Dallas, Texas, SMU Cox offers students an enriching educational journey, bolstered by a supportive community, a powerful alumni network, and a strong connection to the local business landscape. In this edition of Real Humans: MBA Students, we hear directly from new members of the SMU Cox community. But, first, let’s take a look at the class profile for the MBA Class of 2026. Eighty-five students matriculated to be part of
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