Monthly Archives: September 2017

The New Rotman Application: What You Need To Know

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We’ve had some pretty serious positive trajectory over the last number of years here at Rotman. So much so that our application volume for the FT MBA Program has doubled in the last 5 years. With that, we’re really excited about continuing to improve how we spot talent and introducing authentic pieces of who you are as a person into the application and admissions process. Here’s what you need to know about the new Rotman application for the Class of 2020 (2018 intake).

Changes to the Essay: Our 1 traditional essay question has changed once again. This year we think we’ve simplified our essay question. Here it is:

“Our Full-Time MBA Program at the University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management is best defined as a transformational experience. We believe that your journey begins with ‘why’. Please describe why you are pursuing an MBA? Why Rotman? Why now? (500 words)”

This change is designed in part to enhance the interview. Because we now get to know your ‘why’ right up front, the interview can focus on getting to know you in more depth and detail than ever before.

Carrying Forward from Last Year: We are always looking to improve in everything we do, so the other application components have shifted slightly year-over-year, but there are no major changes to report. We’re really proud to continue including Kira video responses as a staple in the admissions process at Rotman because we think it’s a fantastic opportunity for you as a candidate to really showcase your personality early on in the admissions process. Video responses allow you to virtually put yourself in right in front of the admissions committee even before your interview. These questions are focused on your interests, experiences and values and don’t require you to prepare in advance. We’re also continuing with the timed written response on Kira as well. Our goals when we introduced the timed written response were to understand more about how you communicate, both in terms of ability and style. We also wanted to simulate a realistic writing environment and use this to see how you would write an email in 10 minutes or less.

Early applications have been coming in over the last month and we have been really impressed so far. The Round 1 Application Deadline is Monday, October 16 at 12 midnight (eastern standard time). We look forward to reviewing your application!

 

Class of 2019 – Profile

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Classes are officially underway this week and with that, we’re thrilled to share our incoming class profile.

This year’s class is among the most diverse classes ever at Rotman. 70% of incoming MBA candidates were born outside of Canada representing 51 countries. We are also incredibly proud to report 40% female students in the program for the first time ever at Rotman! As the saying goes, you learn as much from your peers in b-school as anything else. And via program kick off last week and the pre-program courses, it’s already very clear that this group is really going to complement one another well.

With applications rising nearly 30% this year, getting into Rotman is more competitive than ever and this group is impressive by any measure. What’s always hard to capture are the stories behind each of these 350 incredible people. The academic backgrounds range from aeronautical engineering to orthopedic surgery and corporate law. Some have already been published, and others hold patents. Many have already started companies, served on boards, and founded social ventures. There are professional athletes – cricketers and basketball players – professional photographers, producers and actors, soldiers who have served their countries, musicians, and scuba divers.

By the Numbers

Our GMAT average climbed slightly to 665 (+3), while the GRE average remained steady at 313. The GPA average also increased from 3.4 to 3.5 and years of work experience rose marginally by .2.

● GMAT Average = 665; GMAT Median = 680
● GRE Average = 313; GRE Median = 316
● GPA Average = 3.5; GPA Median = 3.5
● Average Years Work Experience: 4.3

Because class profiles are often viewed through the prospective student lens as a proxy for what admissions committees look for, we always encourage everyone to review the full ranges for GMAT, GPA, work experience, etc. This framing more accurately captures our holistic focus in admissions and hopefully serves as a helpful reminder (especially to anyone thinking of applying) that nobody is the average.

Despite the beautiful end of summer weather here in Toronto, our team is already traveling the world to meet with top talent for our next class. Have a look at our schedule of events here to see when we will be in your area!