The decision to pursue an M.B.A. is a hefty one. Not only do you face significant competition when applying to highly rated programs, but the cost of the degree is considerable. However, as with any well-thought-out business plan, you start with a solid foundation. To get into the M.B.A. program with the best ROI, you must know the basics about the application process. How you prepare your application is key. There are four building blocks: your academic profile, GMAT® score, professional work experience, and your personal qualities.
Academic Profile The best way to show your intellectual strength is to demonstrate strong classroom achievement and high aptitude. Your ability to excel as an undergraduate student is directly related to your ability to succeed in a graduate program, although your undergraduate specialization will have little effect on admission to a business school. It is not necessary to take undergraduate courses in business administration because most graduate-level business programs offer or require a core curriculum of basic business courses as part of the graduate degree. However, it is advisable to have basic skills in economics, calculus, and statistics in preparation for graduate study in business.
The GMAT Most business schools require applicants to submit the results of their Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The importance of the GMAT in admissions will vary depending on the school. Minimum score requirements do not exist at some business schools. Test scores are certainly not the sole criterion for admission to a graduate-level business program, but to one extent or another, most business schools use them as part of the admissions process.
Professional Work Experience Admission to selective, international business programs usually requires full-time, professional work experience prior to enrollment. Most schools require four to five years. While professional work experience is needed to provide a context for the interpretation and use of classroom material, students must also be able to contribute to class discussions and group projects in meaningful ways. Career success is the most effective way to prove your potential for leadership in a managerial capacity.
Personal Qualities Graduate-level business programs want to enroll students who can lead and who eventually will be responsible for the management of entire organizations. Communication skills, initiative, and motivation can become the most important aspects of the admissions process. Personal qualities set the tone for the entire review of an application. It is the one part of an application that is most likely to distinguish a candidate in a compelling way.
A School Near You
Many universities have a campus presence in key cities and locations around the U.S. For example, Argosy University offers an MBA in the more than dozen locations listed below.Inquire today for more information from an Argosy University campus location near you.
