Before we discuss each of these items in detail and how to apply to business school, let’s first discuss the graduate school application process in general. There are two main types of admissions: rolling admissions and round admissions.
Rolling admissions is where candidates submit their applications before a single deadline. These applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, depending on the order in which they are received. Check with your prospective schools to determine when they have their deadline set. Nonetheless, it is better to apply sooner rather than later.
The MBA admissions process is an intricate one that requires you to collect a range of documents and complete various tasks before you apply. To apply to business school, you need to acquire several things:
Here’s a breakdown of some of the different elements you need to apply to business school:
One prerequisite for your MBA application is having an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. While some business schools focus primarily on your most recent grades, colleges still look at your overall GPA.
While most business schools do not set a minimum GPA requirement, the average GPA of accepted students is around 3.5. Having a high GPA isn’t the end-all-be-all; it won’t necessarily secure your acceptance into your desired MBA program. Likewise, if you have a lower GPA, you can still get into a top business school with a strong application.
You have to sell your qualifications and professional experiences in the application and explain why the school is perfect for you and what you will contribute if accepted. Your transcript is an essential element of your application, as it indicates how you will perform in graduate school.
Nearly all MBA programs in the United States require applicants to take either the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the General Record Examination (GRE). Before discussing what scores you need to apply to business school, let’s first look at the difference between the two tests.
Both tests are an essential tool that admissions committees use to narrow the vast pool of qualified candidates. Unlike the GMAT, which is used explicitly for MBA admissions, most graduate programs accept the GRE. So, it may be a good exam to take if you are still unsure about which program you want to pursue. The GRE consists of:
The GMAT, on the other hand, consists of:
The results of both tests are valid for up to five years after you receive them. To get into the M7 Business Schools or a top MBA program, you need to have a solid score in either exam. A general rule of thumb is the higher the score, the stronger the application.
Check out this video where a BCG reapplicant talks about how they were able to secure four admissions to M7 schools:
If you’d like a quick demo of our GMAT tutoring sessions, take a look at this video:
Applying to business school can be exciting, but it’s important to do it right. Below, we’ve listed several mistakes that are easy to make but can be avoided just as simply.
One of the primary mistakes applicants make when they apply for MBA programs is not starting early enough. Give yourself enough time to gather all the documents you need, and review your application several times to ensure there are no errors. The admissions reviewers are meticulous when it comes to noticing mistakes or sloppiness in your applications.
Always check and recheck even the seemingly minor details of your application. Even the most subtle things can impact a school’s decision. So, it can be a good idea to have someone trustworthy proofread your application.
There are many deadlines and application fees that you have to keep abreast of when you apply to business school. Keep a schedule for any important dates and deadlines to keep yourself organized. Giving yourself adequate time to complete your application will also allow you to meet your deadlines without stress.
Another area where many applicants go wrong is wasting valuable space within their essays. It is essential to use the word count wisely. Don’t waste time regurgitating information about your school or overstating why you think the institution is so great. Your essays are meant to tell the admissions committee more about who you are.
Your goals and experiences should be at the center of every essay that you write. Remember to avoid providing too much detail about a particular experience. Instead, use your words to discuss the lessons you learned from those experiences and how they have impacted you. Always answer the question being asked and avoid redundancies.
Many applicants make the mistake of presenting the version of themselves they think their school wants them to be. Admissions officers are not looking for applicants who have a “perfect profile.” Instead, they are more interested in candidates who present themselves authentically.
It is important to demonstrate who you are, what you care about, and what sets you apart academically, professionally, and personally. Your essays are a great place to focus on authentically representing yourself.
To do this, Forbes suggests that you write your first draft of your essay as if you are being asked the question by a close friend or family member and then edit it with your prospective school in mind. Think about what messages you want to convey about yourself and ensure that they come through in every part of your application.
It can be tricky knowing how to get into an MBA program. You have to understand how to apply and complete their admissions requirements. To help ease the difficulty of this process, we’ve compiled several questions and answers to help you understand how to apply for an MBA.
For most MBA programs, there are three application rounds: round 1 (September/October deadline), round 2 (December/January deadline), and round 3 (April/May deadline). Apply in round 1 or 2 for the highest chances of acceptance.
MBA application fees typically don't exceed $300 per school. However, factor in additional costs like GMAT/GRE fees, which range from $250 to $205. It's best to overestimate the total application expenses when applying to multiple programs.
Most MBA admissions decisions take two to three months after submitting your application materials. The specific timeline depends on which application round you applied in.
The GMAT has traditionally been preferred for MBA programs, as it tests skills specific to business education. However, more schools now accept both the GMAT and GRE. Choose the test that better suits your strengths and prepare thoroughly.
The best recommendations come from current/former supervisors, employers, professors, or others who can speak to your professional/academic achievements. Check each school's specific recommendation requirement.
Many schools allow you to apply before finishing your undergraduate degree, especially if you are just a few months away from completion. However, you may need to submit final transcripts/scores before receiving an admission offer.
When you apply to business school for your MBA, it is essential to remember to be as authentic to yourself as possible. The various aspects of your application should tell the story of who you are and who you want to become to the admissions committee. When deciding which schools to submit your application to, be sure to do so with your best interest at heart.
The application process is a long one, so it’s best to start as early as possible. Doing so will allow you to gather all the documents you need without stressing to meet deadlines, and it will also give you the highest chance of success. Applying for your MBA is a massive step in your personal and professional life, and it is one that you should take with the utmost care.
