What are the Admission Requirements for an MBA Program
If you have chosen to apply to graduate school, you’ve already made an incredibly impactful decision for your future. It’s with such postgraduate degrees like one in business that you can open a lot of doors for the benefit of your career. A Master of Business Administration is a particularly popular degree choice, as many people who consider graduate school are determined to move up in their industry. MBAs are the degree of choice for a variety of people: those who own and run their own businesses, those looking to take the lead at their company, and high-level executives with vast experience in the corporate world. However you plan to break into the business world, you first have to make some careful considerations as you fill out your application.
MBA programs can vary greatly in structure, so you have quite a few options available depending on your current time, work, and life commitments. For example, some part-time programs are perfect for full-time workers whose employers offer to help supplement the cost of their education. Other options include an advanced-level Executive MBA program for small cohorts of highly experienced business professionals, traditional two-year tracks, or accelerated one-year programs.
Prerequisites
Although every school has its own specific requirements, there are a few general prerequisites you’ll likely need in order to apply and get into an MBA program.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
First and foremost, as with any graduate program, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite to your MBA. It may not be necessary for your degree to related to the field to which you’re applying, but that could help you bypass additional requirements and get you a head start in the program.
A B+ average or greater
The GPA expectations for an applicant are usually around 3.25, cumulative. Top business schools may require a higher one, and less competitive programs may accept a 3.0. No matter what, however, all schools are going to review your application holistically. Your undergraduate GPA is just one of many contributing factors to your admittance.
GMAT or GRE
Applicants are usually required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) in order to be considering. In many cases, you may otherwise be able to substitute the GMAT with the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Similar to the SAT and ACT for undergraduate admission, scores from these graduate school entrance exams could make or break your admission. It is important to take these exams seriously and prepare much as possible. Study up! You can find several resources, both free and paid, to help you get a good score.
Relevant work experience
It’s crucial to highlight your previous work experience and skills. MBA programs may ask for a preformatted résumé or some other description of your work history. or offer a place to add your work experience directly to the application. Business schools want to see your past progress and future potential; they need evidence of your tenacity, how you have overcome challenges, and how you are able to learn from failure.
Short personal statement
Not all programs require a personal statement, but those that do want an impressive story. Use the application’s allotted 500-750 words to persuade the admissions office that this program is where you belong. Remember: similar to when you were applying to schools for your undergraduate degree, you want to present yourself in a way that sets you apart from other candidates.
References
Relevant and significant references are important to gain admittance to any graduate school. You will want to ask for letters of recommendation from people who have worked closely with you and can objectively validate your résumé. Just a few examples of people you could contact are your undergraduate professors or advisors who can speak to your work ethic as well as former and current employers.
Abound is Here to Help
An MBA may not necessarily be your golden ticket to instant corporate success, but the right MBA program may very well be your first step toward a prosperous future. Abound: MBA is a great place to search for a program that fits your schedule, needs, and future goals; the schools you’ll find here have been vetted and approved for quality! Use Abound: MBA to explore your potential programs wisely, and then apply our tips mentioned above to submit a superior application.
