NTU MBA Application Guide

The Nanyang MBA program actively seeks candidates who demonstrate outstanding academic accomplishments, significant professional experience, and a proven history of leadership. They are particularly interested in individuals who exhibit cultural awareness and possess strong creative problem-solving skills. The program values candidates who can contribute to a diverse and multicultural educational environment, highlighting not only their intellectual capabilities but also their commitment to engaging with and positively impacting their communities.

Bachelor’s degree

Minimum of two years of work experience

• Applicants will need to submit a CV/Resume highlighting their career progression to date, with details on their job responsibilities and professional accomplishments

Competitive GMAT/GMAT Focus or GRE score

• GMAT score >600 or GRE equivalent is recommended

TOEFL score > 100 IBT or IELTS score > 6.5, if English was not the medium of instruction used at the undergraduate level

NTU will also accept the following online tests only if they were taken no later than 31 Dec 2023:

• GMAT Online Exam
• GRE Test at Home
• TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
• TOEFL ITP Plus for China students
• IELTS Indicator

Applicants are required to provide two letters of recommendation following the standard template. Referees may include the applicant’s current or former supervisors, university professors, or business partners if the applicant is self-employed. The selected referees will receive additional instructions through the email address submitted by the applicant in the online application.

Essay 1: Briefly describe an activity where you impacted one of the following aspects – Environmental, Social or Corporate Governance. (max 200 words)

• Consider the initiatives you have participated in that resonate with your personal values and interests. Start by providing a brief overview of the project or activity you were involved in, detailing its purpose and importance for this essay.
• Highlight the concrete actions you took to support the initiative, showcasing any leadership roles or creative strategies you implemented.
• Share the insights you gained from this experience, including any obstacles you encountered and how you navigated them. Reflect on how this experience has shaped your personal and professional growth.
• Finally, underscore how this initiative demonstrates your dedication to creating a positive impact and aligns with your long-term aspirations and values, which will be beneficial for your admission into the Nanyang MBA program.

Essay 2: Elaborate on your post-MBA career plans (3-5 years) and why is now the right time to pursue an MBA? Further highlight why the Nanyang MBA is the right fit for you. (maximum 500 words)

• Begin your essay by discussing your current professional path and the gaps or opportunities that an MBA can help you fill.
• Reflect on elements like skill enhancement, industry changes, or ambitions for career progression that make this the ideal moment for further education.
• Clearly outline your career goals for the next 3-5 years, specifying the industry, role, and function you aspire to, and how they align with your skills and long-term vision. Remember that these goals need to be in tune with the rest of your application. Highlight specific elements from the Nanyang MBA that could assist you in reaching your goals.

Essay 3: Reflect on your career to date and share one professional achievement that you are proud of and one challenge that you overcame. What did you learn from these situations? (maximum 500 words)

• When responding to this prompt, select a professional accomplishment that showcases your skills and contributions, along with a challenge that illustrates your adaptability and perseverance, especially since Nanyang is a leading MBA institution in Singapore.
• Start by summarizing your career journey thus far, pointing out significant milestones and experiences that have influenced you.
• Discuss a particular professional success that you take pride in, offering context about the project or initiative, your role, and the positive impact it had on your team or organization.
• Conclude by reflecting on the lessons learned from both success and challenges, considering how these experiences have shaped your personal and professional growth, and expressing your eagerness to leverage these insights in future opportunities.

Essay 4: Teamwork and peer-to-peer learning is an important aspect of the Nanyang MBA. Imagine you are working with your project team of 4 members on the SPAN project and one team member is not contributing to the project or not pulling their weight. How will you deal with such a situation? (maximum 500 words)

• It is essential to tackle this prompt with a sense of professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to achieving a positive outcome.
• Begin by outlining the scenario where a team member is not fully engaging with the SPAN project. Stress the detrimental effects this behavior has on team cohesion and the overall success of the project.
• Underline the importance of empathy and understanding in these situations, considering factors such as workload, personal challenges, or skill deficiencies in this essay.
• Discuss how you would extend help and support to the team member facing difficulties, exploring solutions like providing extra resources, mentorship, or opportunities for skill enhancement.

After assessment of the application is completed, only shortlisted candidates will be required to go through an interview. The announcement of shortlisted candidates will be made after the deadline of the application round and is not a one-time exercise – subsequent announcements will also be made as warranted. Admissions interviews for shortlisted candidates will be recorded as part of our selection process.

Here are some Prep Zone tips to help you ace the Nanyang MBA interview:

• Understand Yourself: Take time to deeply analyze your past experiences, motivations, and aspirations. Be ready to explain your desire for an MBA, your specific interest in NTU, and how this program aligns with your future career goals.
• Research: Look beyond the program brochure. Familiarize yourself with the Nanyang MBA’s distinctive advantages, culture, faculty expertise, and alumni connections. Highlight elements of the program that resonate with you personally.
• Showcase Leadership Qualities: NTU seeks individuals with leadership potential. Prepare examples that illustrate your leadership capabilities, teamwork skills, and proactive nature. Even if you lack formal leadership roles, highlight moments where you’ve motivated others or taken initiative.