The University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School is a top-ranked business school located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Kenan-Flagler MBA program is designed to prepare students for leadership positions in business and government.
How to Apply
The Kenan-Flagler MBA application process is competitive and requires a strong application package. The application requirements include:
- Resume
- Two essays and one optional essay
- One letter of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- Test scores (GMAT, GRE, EA, TOEFL, IELTS, PTE)
- Interview
Resume
The resume should highlight the applicant’s academic, professional, and extracurricular achievements. It should be well-written and error-free.
Essays
The Kenan-Flagler MBA application requires two essays and one optional essay. The two required essays are:
- Why Kenan-Flagler? This essay should explain why the applicant is interested in attending Kenan-Flagler.
- A personal experience that has shaped you. This essay should discuss a personal experience that has had a significant impact on the applicant’s life.
The optional essay is:
- A creative essay. This essay is an opportunity for the applicant to showcase their creativity and personality.
Letters of Recommendation
The Kenan-Flagler MBA application requires one letter of recommendation. The recommender should be someone who knows the applicant well and can speak to their academic, professional, and personal qualities.
Transcripts
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended must be submitted. Transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to the Kenan-Flagler MBA Admissions Office.
Test Scores
The Kenan-Flagler MBA program requires test scores from either the GMAT or GRE. The school also accepts the EA exam for international applicants.
Interview
The Kenan-Flagler MBA application process includes a one-on-one interview with an admissions officer. The interview is an opportunity for the applicant to learn more about Kenan-Flagler and for the admissions officer to get to know the applicant better.
Videos: Info, Application tips
We share several links on different tips for applying to Kenan-Flagler The first link talks about UNC MBA Admissions. In addition, it discusses the following topics: Kenan-Flagler Concentrations, Year 1 breakdown, Experiential Learning, Global Opportunities, Career and Leadership, MBA Employment Outcomes, KenanFlagler Culture Community, Incoming Class Profile, Application Requirements, Application tips, Fellowships, Location, Career opportinities, Real Estate Specialization, Placements, Age GPA, Class Profile, Meritbased fellowships, Family business experience and Wrap up.
The second link talks about We spoke to the UNC Kenan-Flagler Director of Admissions. In addition, it discusses the following topics: Danielle Richie, What is UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School’s admission rate for the full-time MBA program?, What makes a candidate stand out?, What questions do you ask so you get to know the candidates better?, What are some reasons why candidates do not get admitted?, Is there something unique about the admission process?, How does an application to a business school compare to an application for a job?, Is there a specific candidate profile or industry that UNC Kenan-Flagler BS targets?, How do you integrate diversity & inclusion into your admission process?, Is the chance of admission different if you choose a later application round?, What is the best way to prepare an application to UNC Kenan-Flagler BS? and What is your favorite question for candidates?.
The third link talks about Spotlight On UNC Kenan-Flagler: Full-Time MBA. In addition, it discusses the following topics: Teaching Leadership, concentration, Program Size, Hidden Strenghts, Online MBA, Future of the MBA, Global Immersions, Three thing that will resonate, What should potential applicants do and Deep Interest Areas.
The fourth link talks about The Online MBA Experience At UNC Kenan-Flagler.
The fifth link is about How to Get Accepted to UNC Kenan Flagler Full-Time MBA Program. In addition, it discusses the following topics: Can you give an overview of UNC Kenan-Flagler’s full-time MBA program, focusing on its more distinctive elements? What’s new at Kenan-Flagler? Can you highlight the modular system? Does the modular format continue in year two? What are the opportunities, both curricular and co-curricular, for those interested in healthcare at UNC? Kenan-Flagler touts both its experiential learning and STEM designation. Can you touch on those? What don’t people know about Kenan-Flagler that you would like them to know? Do you see UNC Kenan-Flagler accepting the Executive Assessment or other aptitude tests in the near future? Is there any difference in acceptance rate for those who receive test waivers as opposed to those who applied with a test score? Approximately what percentage of applicants apply with the test waiver? What happens to an application after applicants hit submit? How are applications processed and evaluated? Are interviews by invitation? What is the interview like at UNC? Is it virtual or in-person? What are the most common mistakes that you see applicants make during the application process? What advice do you have for re-applicants? What would you say to applicants who want to apply this cycle but are concerned about the possibility of a recession? What candidates would you like to see more of at Kenan-Flagler?, If you were an applicant thinking ahead to a 2023 or 2024 application, what is the one thing you would do now to prepare yourself to apply?
Essays
Essay 1:
This essay asks applicants to discuss their immediate career goals and how an MBA from Kenan-Flagler will help them achieve those goals. Applicants should be specific about their desired position and explain why they need an MBA to get there. They should also discuss how Kenan-Flagler’s program and resources will help them reach their goals.
Essay 2:
This essay asks applicants to reflect on a project or initiative they were involved in that had a significant positive impact on a community, organization, or individual. Applicants should describe the project in detail, including the challenges they faced and how they overcame them. They should also discuss the impact of the project and how it shaped their sense of responsibility as a future leader.
Optional Essay:
This essay is optional, but applicants are encouraged to use it to share more about themselves and their interests. This could include personal or professional accomplishments, hobbies and passions, or anything else that would help the admissions committee get to know them better.
Re-applicant Short Answer:
This essay is required for applicants who are re-applying to the program. Applicants should use this essay to explain how their application has changed since their previous submission. They should highlight any new accomplishments, experiences, or skills that have made them a stronger candidate.
Clear Admit Resources:
Clear Admit is a website that provides resources for MBA applicants. They offer advice, admissions information, and live updates from applicants and admits to Kenan-Flagler.
For more information visit this link.
Letter of recommendation questions
The UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA program requires one professional recommendation from someone who can speak to the applicant’s strengths, accomplishments and leadership potential. The recommender will be asked to rate the applicant on 12 competencies and character traits that contribute to successful leadership.
The competencies and character traits are grouped into five categories:
- Achievement: This category includes competencies such as initiative, results orientation, and problem-solving.
- Influence: This category includes competencies such as communication, teamwork, and persuasion.
- People: This category includes competencies such as respect for others, teamwork, and collaboration.
- Personal Qualities: This category includes competencies such as integrity, humility, and self-awareness.
- Cognitive Abilities: This category includes competencies such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.
For each competency, the recommender will be asked to select the one button that corresponds to the behavior that they have seen the applicant most consistently exhibit. The options are:
- No basis for judgment: The recommender does not have enough information to make a judgment.
- Reluctant to take on new tasks: The applicant is hesitant to take on new challenges.
- Willing to step in and take charge when required: The applicant is willing to take on leadership roles when necessary.
- Takes charge spontaneously when problem needs attention: The applicant is proactive and takes initiative to solve problems.
- Volunteers for new work challenges: The applicant is always looking for new opportunities to learn and grow.
- Proactively seeks high-impact projects: The applicant is ambitious and wants to make a significant impact.
The recommender is also asked to provide some specific examples of the applicant’s behavior that support their ratings. This information will be helpful to the admissions committee in evaluating the applicant’s leadership potential.
Here are some additional tips for writing a strong recommendation letter for the UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA program:
- Be specific and provide examples of the applicant’s behavior.
- Focus on the applicant’s strengths and how they would contribute to the Kenan-Flagler MBA program.
- Be honest and objective in your assessment.
- Proofread your letter carefully before submitting it.
Sure, I can add that information to the summary. Here is the updated summary:
The UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA program requires one professional recommendation from someone who can speak to the applicant’s strengths, accomplishments and leadership potential. The recommender will be asked to rate the applicant on 12 competencies and character traits that contribute to successful leadership.
The competencies and character traits are grouped into five categories:
- Achievement: This category includes competencies such as initiative, results orientation, and problem-solving.
- Influence: This category includes competencies such as communication, teamwork, and persuasion.
- People: This category includes competencies such as respect for others, teamwork, and collaboration.
- Personal Qualities: This category includes competencies such as integrity, humility, and self-awareness.
- Cognitive Abilities: This category includes competencies such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.
In addition to the competency ratings, the recommender will also be asked to provide a brief description of their interaction with the applicant, how the applicant’s performance compares to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles, and the most important piece of constructive feedback they have given the applicant.
The recommender will also be asked to rate the applicant’s overall potential for success in the UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA program.
Here is a summary of the additional information that you provided:
- Team Leadership: The applicant is a strong team leader who is able to motivate and inspire others. They are also able to delegate effectively and hold team members accountable.
- Developing Others: The applicant is a natural mentor who is always willing to help others develop their skills and knowledge. They are also able to provide constructive feedback in a way that is helpful and supportive.
- Trustworthiness/Integrity: The applicant is a trustworthy and ethical individual who always acts in the best interests of others. They are also someone who can be counted on to keep their word.
- Adaptability/Resilience: The applicant is a highly adaptable and resilient individual who is able to thrive in challenging environments. They are also someone who is not afraid to take risks and try new things.
- Self Awareness: The applicant is self-aware and willing to seek out feedback on their strengths and weaknesses. They are also someone who is always looking for ways to improve themselves.
- Problem Solving: The applicant is a strong problem solver who is able to think critically and creatively to find solutions. They are also someone who is not afraid to ask for help when they need it.
- Strategic Orientation: The applicant is a strategic thinker who is able to see the big picture and think beyond the immediate problem. They are also someone who is able to develop and implement plans to achieve their goals.
Overall, the applicant is a strong candidate for the UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA program. They have a proven track record of success in leadership roles, are highly motivated and self-aware, and have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the program. I highly recommend this applicant.
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Admissions events in your area
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If invited for an interview this resource is useful: Interview reports submitted by interviewees
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