Applying to the program

Applicants to the MIT EMBA Program must complete the following steps.

A. Register your interest

B. Complete the online application by the deadline:

• Final Deadline: May 31, 2012

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Your online application must include:

1. Statement of purpose
Indicate your qualifications and why you are pursuing the MIT Executive MBA. Tell us about your distinctive characteristics/experiences and how you will contribute to the learning community at MIT Sloan. Specifically identify your current professional and career objectives. (500 words or fewer, limited to one page)

2. Resume
Present a standard business format covering education and work experience. Please be specific about dates. (should not exceed two pages)

3. Three essays
a. MIT Sloan’s educational mission is to develop principled, innovative leaders who improve the world. Please discuss how you will contribute toward advancing this mission using examples of past work and activities. (500 words or fewer, limited to one page)

b. Please describe a time when you challenged established thinking or an existing system. What did you do, and how did you do it? (500 words or fewer, limited to one page)

c. Please describe a time when you had to make a significant decision based on incomplete or ambiguous information. (500 words or fewer, limited to one page)

4. Letters of recommendation*
Letters of recommendation are sent directly to the Admissions Committee via the online application system. (Two are required; the third is optional.) At least one should come from your organization (preferably a supervisor/superior). If the requested recommendations are not received by the deadline, your application cannot be considered. More information on recommendations.

5. Official transcripts
Include transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions of study. Be sure to request transcripts from your school/s well in advance. Transcripts may be scanned and uploaded into the online application system. Successful applicants will be asked to submit official paper copies prior to matriculation.

In-person interview
Interviews are by invitation only. An interview request signals that your application has reached an advanced stage of consideration.

Admission decisions
The admissions committee reviews applications and interviews selected candidates on a rolling basis. If you are seeking an early decision, apply early in the admissions cycle. Admission decisions are generally made within 4-6 weeks of application submission.

For more insights into the program and the admissions process, view the latest Pre-admissions Webinar and Application Tips and Q&A Webinar.

Next steps

• Register your interest in the MIT Executive MBA Program.
• Review the essential details of the MIT EMBA Program.
• Watch the most recent MIT EMBA admissions webinars.
• Read what students say about the MIT EMBA experience.

*Letters of recommendation

Two or three letters of recommendation must be sent directly to the Admissions Committee via the online application system, available November 18, 2011. (Two are required; the third is optional.) At least one of the recommendations should come from your organization (preferably a supervisor/superior).

In the application system, each recommender is asked to (a) rate you on certain criteria and (b) complete a reference letter.

Criteria

• Leadership potential
• Energy and initiative
• Ability to develop others
• Ability to work in a team
• Broad perspective and intellectual curiosity
• Creativity and resourcefulness
• Analytical thinking and reasoning
• Oral and written communication skills

Reference letter
You are encouraged to discuss your professional goals with your recommender prior to nominating him/her. Each recommender will receive the following instructions:

• Through your reference letter, we are interested in learning specific examples of both intellectual and professional achievement of the person you are recommending. Furthermore, we would like you to highlight how the applicant indicates potential for success as a business leader, with particular emphasis on his or her character.
• To do so, please think about how long and in what capacity you have known the applicant. How does he or she stand out from others who have shared a similar role? How does the applicant interact with others; can you provide examples of when he or she has had an impact on a person, group or organization? How does the applicant defend his or her ideas; can you provide an example? Is there an area where the applicant has room for professional growth? How will the MIT Executive MBA contribute to that growth?
• The reference letters are the most helpful to applicants when they point to actual observations of the candidate’s actions. Please be as specific as you can be when you are writing, giving detailed examples where possible.

Note: If you are a supervisor or superior writing on behalf of a company-sponsored applicant, please indicate how/if the individual was nominated for the MIT Executive MBA and what plans exist, if any, for increased or shifted responsibilities after he or she has completed the program.