How to Get into Business School

Business schools are interested in talented and smart candidates who, eventually, will become leaders and will be able to generate innovative ideas. So task number 1 of each applicant is to show that he or she is a perfect candidate who, right after graduation, can make a significant contribution to maintaining the reputation of a school.

Outstanding test scores, bachelor degree, a fantastic essay, and a great recommendation letter seemingly are the main components that will make a committee sure your candidacy may fit in. If an applicant is not a good fit for the school he or she is applying, the candidacy can get turned away in favour of another applicant. So how to apply to business school easily?

Why Do People Decide to Apply to a Business School?

The curricula of MBA programs are developed so that students can apply their knowledge right after graduation (studying full-time programs), or even during education (if they are modular or part-time programs). 59% of business school graduates can receive a job offer right after graduation - this information was provided by a study help by American Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).

The educational process is really close to doing business: students sort out business cases and research the market, paid internship provided. It also involves practitioners who, as a rule, give lectures, hold seminars and training. They can give practical advices in regards to business processes and how to organize them, for example with the help of WordPress Maintenance Service. MBA degree is a chance to get a prestigious and well-paid job.

How to Apply for a TOP Business School?

Getting into business school is a challenge, whether you’re an applicant who is applying to a prestigious business school or not. The MBA application and the admission process are highly labor-intensive and there are many pieces of advice on how to make it less stressful: e.g. study for GMAT as soon as possible, research business schools ranking, or meet MBA students to talk about their experience. Despite the different standards which vary from one business school to another, there are some general stages of the admission process every applicant faces:

• successfully pass two exams (GMAT (or GRE) and TOEFL if necessary);
• fill in all the necessary application forms;
• translate the diploma and notarize it (if an applicant is a foreigner);
• send letters of recommendation to business school;
• write an essay;
• create a CV;
• pass an interview (if necessary).

Do you want to know what else can help an applicant to master the school admission process? Talking to current MBA students and visiting a campus can help you to facilitate the selection of the right business school and to make the entry process easier. You can feel the atmosphere and understand the values of a potential school too. It’s also probably the best way to understand a program’s strengths and weaknesses and make useful acquaintances.

What Skills and Qualities Possesses a Great MBA Student?

Your great communication skills are a must-have. Remember to be yourself - in the interview, in the essay or motivation letter. Do not make attempts to impress the interviewer by trying to look like a perfect applicant - it’s the quickest way to get your application tossed. An applicant has to demonstrate his or her best skills: teamwork, global orientation, ability to work hard and adaptability to change.

“Take into account that you will be read by members of the selection committee, graduates, students and university professors to whom you are going to apply”, says Sharon Joyce, expert MBA coach of Fortuna Admissions and former Business School Admissions of Berkeley Haas.

If a student has a lack of leadership or initiative qualities, the MBA educational program can help to develop these skills during case studies and role-playing games. The program is focused on improving soft skills, associated primarily with communication and interpersonal relationships.

What is a Good GMAT Score?

How do business schools agree on which scores are considered good and which ones are bad? In general, the results of the GMAT test are a complex topic and can take much time to be discussed. But you have to understand one thing - what is good for one person is not good for another. Focus on which GMAT score fits you personally. Remember, an outstanding score can compensate for a lack of work experience and an average or below-average academic record.

After passing the GMAT test, you can get from 200 to 800 points. Two-thirds of the applicants pass it with the result from 400 to 600. If your GMAT is above 600, then you have passed the test better than most of the participants - congratulations, your test score is above average, and it’s enough to apply in a fairly great university.

We advise applicants to browse through the average GMAT score of the top 10 business schools. A good GMAT score is at least 20 points higher than the average GMAT result. If you are applying for Harvard Business School, a good GMAT score is 750.

What Student Needs a Business School Degree?

Do you have 2-5 years of work experience and achievements you’re proud of? Do you want to acquire new skills and knowledge to start your own business or to increase your value in the labour market? You can get ready for admission! But prepare yourself to compete with highly qualified specialists from all over the world: top managers, bankers, experts in IT and start-ups founders. The competition in TOP business schools like London Business School, HEC Paris or Insead is really high.

The average MBA student is an experienced professional who has at least 2 years of work experience, Bachelor degree, and a great recommendation letter. However, despite stereotypes, not every student of MBA has ever had an experience of working in banks, consulting or international corporations before education. These students have fewer chances to get into business school because most committees of the leading MBA programs tend to give a priority to experienced applicants. If you have less work experience, you need to emphasize other achievements and skills.

If you have a lack of work experience it is recommended to demonstrate the following characteristics and skills:

1. Rapid professional development;
2. Maturity;
3. The ability to contribute socially and academically to the program;
4. Special contribution to the development of the enterprise, leadership, outstanding achievements;
5. Clear, practical reasons for admission at this particular time.