Master of Business Administration is the world’s most pursued graduate management degree. Thousands of students aspire to get into top U.S. business schools to obtain an MBA every year. Unfortunately, improper planning, lack of guidance, and below-par application result in their rejection. In this article, we’ll give you a complete MBA application guide from choosing the right program to acing your interview.
Picking the Right Program
MBA comes in all different kinds of programs, depending upon the time of course and level of expertise you wish to pursue. Knowing your needs and aligning them with your future plans is highly recommended while making this choice. You have the following options:
- Full-Time MBA
This is a complete on-campus experience that can either span one or two years. A full-time MBA focuses on strategy, communication, finance, and marketing. In the two-year program, the first year is dedicated to extensive study of these subjects, while the second year focuses on specialization and practical knowledge of the field. The one-year program can be regarded as a high-speed form of the two-year program though it allows less time to specialization.
- Part-Time MBA
A part-time MBA allows for a great deal of flexibility in scheduling your classes, allowing you to complete your degree within two to five years at your ease.
- Online MBA
This remote program offers the same courses as a full-time MBA and the schedule flexibility of a part-time MBA.
- Global MBA
A Global MBA offers the same courses as a full-time MBA but has a curriculum focused on specialization in international management. This is best for those who wish to seek jobs all around the globe.
- Executive MBA
This is an advanced MBA program targeting executives seeking to find higher leadership roles, taught like a part-time MBA over a fixed course of two years.
- Specialized MBA
This type of MBA allows you to master a specialty depending on your further field of interest. You can choose various courses like general management, marketing, entrepreneurship, HR management, and engineering management.
Steps to Apply for MBA
Here’s how to go about the application process:
- Selecting the School of Your Choice
Choosing the right school depends on your GMAT score, eligibility criteria, programs offered, fee structure, and location preferences. Refer to this list of schools that offer MBA in the US, shortlist your preferred options, and go through their websites in detail.
- Writing the Perfect College Application
Having an impeccable record and knowing how to present it to the admissions office is no small feat. This determines whether you get selected, wait-listed or rejected into your dream university.
Your resume-building begins years before you apply. Tweak your resume a little depending on every program you apply to. Research on the school will educate you on generally accepted applications, and tailoring your resume according to your school will increase your chances of getting selected.
Your college essay is arguably the most important part of the application. It needs to present your personality, potential, and interest in the field to the admissions office through words. This is often the trickiest step of the application, so make sure you go through tips for MBA essay before writing yours. You’ll also need to attach a minimum of two Letters of Recommendation to your college application. Make sure you request them on time to avoid application delays.
- Applying for Scholarships
After you have submitted your application, look at various merit-based scholarships that most universities offer. These can range from full-ride scholarships to partial ones entertaining students for academic excellence, athletics, community service, or artistic achievements. You’ll also find financial aid or need-based scholarships, and these will require a bank statement and verification steps.
- Preparing for the Interview
The interview is your final challenge. The admissions manager who will most likely conduct this interview will ask you questions about yourself, your interest in the field, and your hobbies. Adequate preparation beforehand, maintaining the right amount of confidence, and researching common interview questions will also help you ace this step.
Endnote
Getting into the college of your dreams requires a lot of preparation. The best approach is to start planning as early as possible, build your resume in the right direction, and work on your application-enhancing factors. With lots of smart work and just a little good luck, you might just get accepted into your college.