Abby Speicher, 23 years old, a rising second year M.B.A. at Babson College, estimated that her Babson application took two months to prepare, so she didn’t end up applying anywhere else. While she spent less time preparing for her interview, she said the session was a better demonstration of her skills and personality.
“I absolutely think that someone being able to think on their feet and being able to be asked a tough question and come out with a well-thought-out answer is much more indicative of whether they’re a good candidate,” Ms. Speicher said.
New York University’s Stern School of Business, which dropped one required essay last year, has no immediate plans to cut the remaining two essays. Applicants, however, can submit a non-written answer like a video or piece of art, in lieu of writing in response to one of two question options for the second required essay.