How to apply to an MBA program
Share this Post with Friends
How does one apply to a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) Program in the US?
Getting ahead in this world of information and technology requires not just the usual panache and street smarts. The foundation to sure-fire success is a good… no… make that an excellent, education. In most job opportunities, an undergraduate degree is enough. But if one really dreams of becoming a CEO, graduate and post graduate degrees are a necessity. What does an MBA mean and entail? How does one go about applying for an MBA?
Free sample admission essay outlines customized to YOUR biography
Free admissions essays examples
An MBA is graduate degree that can be attained at a university or college. It’s syllabus focus on the theoretical and practical training of its students. The aim of which is for the scholar to gain an even more thorough understanding of general business management functions as compared to an undergraduate degree. MBA degrees usually concentrate on the mastery of topics on accounting, finance or marketing.
Most major academic institutions offer MBA programs and the program can usually be completed within two years. Different universities have various criteria but there are standard essentials that one needs to take note of if one is interested in the acquisition of an MBA degree.
How to apply?
The application process for any program under any academic institution requires time, energy, and of course, money. Planning your course of action is important. Awareness of application schedules and deadlines in the university of your choice is a must. Plan and strategize! This will give you the much needed time to acquire the basic requirements.
The Basic Requirement
An undergraduate degree is a must. Your academic records in your undergraduate course will be your ticket in convincing MBA programs that you are worthy of admission. A four-year college or university is preferred. Your undergraduate transcripts will vouch for your abilities.
Other academic activities, such as extra classes outside of your course or academic papers that you were able to publish will also help your application.
The GMAT
More often than not, an MBA program requires an applicant to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and be accepted by the program based on its results. What exactly does the GMAT inspect in an applicant?
The GMAT basically examines the ability of the applicant to cope with the demands of a graduate program. The GMAT exam measures basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills that should have been developed in the span of years spent on one’s education and work experience. The cost for the GMAT exam is $250 worldwide. This is the standard rate but taxes vary depending on the countries where the exam will take place. Most business schools recognize the GMAT as an effective tool in assessing the competency of an applicant.
Does this automatically mean that passing the GMAT ensures an entry to any graduate program? Does this also mean that all who wish to study for an MBA have to take the GMAT? Not necessarily. Sometimes, the institution only requires more years of work experience or an excellent academic record in lieu of a GMAT.
Work Experience
Other graduate programs, like Master of Arts or Sciences degrees, do not require work experience but that is not the case with MBAs. MBA programs require work experience because the workplace is an excellent arena to test the capabilities of people. The responsibilities you were able to handle, the projects you were able to head or the tasks you were assigned to- these are all excellent qualitative ways in which business schools can gauge your talents and skills.
Essays, Interviews and Recommendation Letters
Like most job opportunities or academic applications, admission essays (also known as personal statements or statements of purpose) and interviews are necessary to give the university a sense of who you are and who are they basically admitting to their halls of learning.
Your essay should not only be perfectly composed in terms of delivery, content and grammar, it should also provide a glimpse as to who you are now and what you expect to become when you enter their program. This will impress upon the administrators your intellect and foresight. More importantly, it will underscore your seriousness in scholarly pursuits.
An interview is an indication that you are one step ahead in becoming a graduate student. The privilege of an interview means that your records speak for itself and that you are being considered for a spot in their school. Now, all you need to do is cement the good impression that you have given by being honest and forthright during the interview.
A good recommendation can make or break an application. It gives particular evidence of your skills and talents. People whom you should ask to give you an evaluation are your employers, colleagues, associates and peers.
Extra, Extra
Any other interests as evidenced in your extracurricular activities, community involvement and hobbies give insight to your character and personality. These should also be included in your application. You may have a chance to mention them in your application form, submitted essays and interview. Consistency is a must but a well-rounded personality is always appreciated.
Take note of all these and you are on your way to becoming a true blue scholar.
