About Yale SOM
Yale SOM has become one of the most sought-after MBA programs, with an average of more than 4,000 applications for a class of approximately 350. Yale SOM was the first US program that required international travel for its graduates, and international students now comprise on average half of the class.
SOM students benefit from Yale’s international network and brand recognition, as well as the opportunity to explore courses in other departments and immerse themselves in the rich learning environment around campus. The MBA offers several specializations that all align with the school’s mission and values, which emphasize responsible business leadership and a broader societal impact.
Yale SOM is a great school for people who are intrigued by complex, dynamic problems that will require big ideas and multi-disciplinary solutions. It might be fair to think of it as a “liberal arts” approach to business education. It’s a place for curious, forward-thinking students who like to make new connections and see old problems from new angles. The school has distinguished itself as a leader when it comes to DEI and has invested heavily in programs and partnerships that elevate traditionally underrepresented voices in business and business education.
Finally, Yale SOM very much considers management – not “business” – a profession on par with law, medicine or architecture. That is, practitioners should not be blind to the moral dimensions of their work and its impact on the public good. Thus, the school is a natural fit for leaders with a strong interest in ESG and applicants who are drawn to the power and promise of public-private ventures of the kind required to address the world’s most pressing problems, such as climate change, global pandemics, extremism and global capitalism.
Strengths and Specializations
Sustainability and environmental responsibility, social impact and nonprofit management, ethics, healthcare, finance, entrepreneurship, innovation and technology
Graduating Class of 2025
Number of Applicants: 3076
MBA Class Size: 339
Avg. Work Experience: 5.1 years
Avg. GPA: 3.64
Avg. GMAT: 720
International Students: 50%
Female Students: 40%
Tuition: $84,900/year
Post-MBA Careers (class of 2023)
Career Sector: Consulting 44.2%; Finance 22.2%; Technology 10%; Retail 6.5%; Starting Own Business 3%
Avg. Base Salary: $175,000; Salary Increase: 135% (Source: FT Rankings 2024)
Top Recruiters: Kearney, Bain, Deloitte, McKinsey, BCG, L.E.K., PwC, Pepsi, P&G, Amex, Barclays, Morgan Stanley, Blackrock, JP Morgan, Citi, Credit Suisse, Pfizer, Apple, Google, TikTok, Uber, Tesla, amazon.com
Employment offered within 3 months of graduation: 91.5%
Yale SOM Rankings
Admissions
Deadlines: R1: Sept 12, 2023; R2: Jan 4, 2024; R3: Apr 9, 2024
Essays:
Please respond to one (1) of the three essay prompts below. (500 word limit)
Essay 1) Describe the biggest commitment you have ever made.
Why is this commitment meaningful to you and what actions have you taken to support it?
Essay 2) Describe the community that has been most meaningful to you.
What is the most valuable thing you have gained from being a part of this community and what is the most important thing you have contributed to this community?
Essay 3) Describe the most significant challenge you have faced.
How have you confronted this challenge and how has it shaped you as a person?
Optional: If any aspect of your candidacy needs further explanation (unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, academic performance, promotions or recognitions, etc.), please provide a brief description. (200 word limit)
Reapplicant Essay: Since your last application, please discuss any significant updates to your candidacy, including changes in your personal or professional life, additional coursework, or extracurricular/volunteer activities. (200 word limit)
Pre-Interview Requirement (new in 2023-2024)
Those invited to interview are asked to submit a quote that has special meaning or resonates with you. Please submit no later than 48 hours prior to your interview day.
Fortuna Tips & Advice
Read Fortuna’s Essay Tips & Strategy for Yale SOM and related article, Yale SOM Pre-Interview Questions & Quote.
View our hour-long video strategy session: MBA Admissions Masterclass on Berkeley Haas, Duke Fuqua, UCLA Anderson and Yale SOM.