MBA Insider: Admissions Q&A October 9, 2008, 6:25PM EST

ESADE Admissions Q&A

Changes are coming at the Barcelona business school. The admissions director explains what ESADE is doing and why

Camila de Wit
ESADE

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With the arrival of a new format in September 2009, ESADE in Barcelona will be expanding its class size slightly, from 150 to 170 or so. But maintaining the school's characteristic intimacy, says Camila de Wit, director of Admissions and Career Services at ESADE, is a priority. The admissions staff takes this intimacy seriously when choosing the next class. "One person out of 150 [or 170] has an impact on the culture and the successes of the program and career services," says de Wit. "What will this person bring to the class?"

Recently, de Wit discussed how to stand out in an application and other aspects of the admissions process with BusinessWeek reporter Francesca Di Meglio. Here are edited excerpts of their conversation.

Q: How would you describe the culture at ESADE?

A: Compared to our closest competitor [IESE], our program is half the size. There are 150 to 170 students. Size allows for personalization. Professors and staff will know who you are. It's more collegiate. At ESADE, 30% of your grade comes from working in teams. We promote teamwork. There's no curve. Some [of our students] go on exchanges at other schools and find they get little help from their classmates because of the competition. That's not the way it is here.

ESADE, perhaps because of its Jesuit origins, is open to anyone. It was founded 50 years ago by a few businessmen who wanted a different kind of business education. They got together with the Jesuits to create the school. If you come to ESADE, you will receive an integral education. But your point of view and where you want to go is entirely up to you. We're producing business leaders who will transform the world. We won't mold you into something. We'll teach you about business. But we want you to enjoy business your way.

Q: What can you tell us about the change of format planned for September 2009?

A: In September 2009, we will change our format. We have a one-year and an 18-month MBA program. We found that one-year students wanted to participate in exchanges and internships like the 18-month students. On the other hand, 18-month students would get their job offers early and would want to finish their MBA sooner. We'll have one intake only in September. After the first term (in December), students can decide whether they want to finish in 12, 15, or 18 months, depending on whether they want to go on an exchange or have internships.

Q: What are the requirements for admittance?

A: You must have a superior academic capacity. You must take the GMAT, provide a university transcript, and have an undergraduate degree in something. You must also show the potential for professional impact. You must share your career goals. What is your work experience? How does this mesh with your career goals? What skills are transferable? Do you have an orientation toward leadership? Are you a team player? Our goal is to determine what you want to be when you grow up. If an MBA is not an option, how will you get there? That's the kind of thing we want you to tell us. We also want to see that you have a global mindset. We want people who'll move and think beyond their [home] country. We want diversity. About 20% of the student population is Spanish. We want people from all walks of life.

Q: Do you have any advice for the application essays?

A: Candidates tell us the essays are eye-opening for them. They had to [ask themselves] why they needed an MBA and why at ESADE. That has to come through in their essays. Career goals, demonstration of leadership potential, and personal motivation are all important.

We suggest students visit [the campus]. I could explain the culture until I'm blue in the face. You can't understand the culture until you come here and see it. We really care about the individual. Our admissions team wants to advise people on their futures.

We [work with] students and companies. Our management model makes us strong.