What Do Business Schools Look for in Student Application
A business school requires students to be up to standards for their programs. But that’s where many students get confused about–what exactly do these schools and universities want from their student applicants?
So, how does one get into a business school, undergraduate or otherwise? And what do you need to get into business school exactly? We’ll answer that and more, so let’s get started.
What Do You Need to Get into Business School
It depends on the type of school you’re trying to get into. But some of the best business schools have the following MBA requirements in the USA:
- Strong academic background and a bachelor’s from an accredited university;
- Compelling letters of recommendation;
- Well-crafted personal statement;
- An interview to assess other skills;
- Work experience in a relative field (not necessary);
- Competitive GMAT or GRE (320 at least);
- And be around the average age for MBA students (usually 25-30).
How to Prepare for Your Application and Interview
It depends on the degree you want to apply for, but make sure you compile a strong resume. This goes for both undergraduate and graduate students, who wish to apply to a reputed and accredited university or school.
And practice key questions that they might ask, such as how to answer why an MBA. If they do indeed ask you, and they will, you can always emphasize how it aligns with your career goals or how you’re looking to advance your skills and knowledge of the field.
Then, you also need to focus on a few things like:
- Writing a convincing cover letter;
- Compelling essay about your motivation;
- Getting a credible recommendation letter;
- Showcase your goals and experience (if applicable);
- Be confident, speak at a moderate pace, and maintain eye contact.
Then you’ll also need to research the school criteria and the person who might be interviewing you. This will ensure that you impress the admissions manager or anyone in charge.
How to Get into Business School as an Undergraduate
Getting into an undergraduate program requires one to qualify for college with a 3.0 GPA or 500 GMAT score. You also need to ensure that you have got at least 70% of the total score in the finals. While this depends on the university, it’s a safer bet that higher scores make it more likely to get admission.
But you also need to pose the following qualities and necessities to make a business school as an undergraduate:
- Focus on key courses like accounting;
- Try scoring an internship or relevant work experience;
- Partake in extracurricular activities;
- Score 600+ on GMAT/GRE (700+ in some cases);
- Write a compelling personal statement;
- Secure a strong recommendation letter;
- And research the right program for you.
And that’s all there is to it.
What Do Business Schools Look for in Graduate Applicants
If you’re wondering how to get into a top MBA program or a graduate business school, then you need to ensure you have a few traits like:
- Strong academic record;
- Relevant work experience (applicable to master’s/postgraduates);
- Effective communication skills;
- A clear vision for the degree;
- Commitment to ethical necessities;
- And proven record of academic excellence in school/college.
Apart from these, you’ll need to show your commitment and passion to pursue the degree with the purpose to use it for securing better opportunities and careers. However, for those looking to get into an MBA program to go into a PhD or research based education then they need to select an area of expertise that will open up doors to enter a research program in the future. So, select wisely!
How and Which Top MBA Degree Program Should I Get into?
Getting into a top MBA program is the dream of anyone looking for a master’s degree. Questions like “How to get into an MBA program with a low GPA” are quite prevalent. The first thing you need to look for is the acceptance rate, which means the chances of acceptance after the interview.
Now, don’t worry about the MBA average age. As long as you qualify and are eligible, you can be 50+ and still apply for an MBA. So, let’s explore some of the key requirements like GMAT scores to get into Harvard and other criteria to get into a top MBA program.
1. Harvard Business School MBA
Harvard is the most prestigious university in the United States and also ranked 1st overall around the globe. That’s why the Harvard Business School eligibility criteria are perhaps one of the toughest ones you’ll find today.
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Degree Title: Master of Business Administration
Harvard Business School offers various programs, but we’re focusing on business-related degrees. One is the Master of Business Administration, and it’s the leading option for many reasons.
For instance, according to Harvard MBA admissions statistics, around 13% of job opportunities were created by Harvard School itself for Master’s students. This indicates the opportunities based on just the name “Harvard” attached to your resume.
However, it’s important to focus on the Harvard Business School eligibility criteria as well, which you can find on their official admissions page.
2. Stanford Business School MBA
Stanford Business School is another great option and offers one of the leading master’s programs for business. Having some of the toughest criteria for admission, Stanford is not an easy university to get into.
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Degree Title: Master of Business Administration
Then the other thing you worry about is the Stanford business school MBA fees, which cost you around $79,000 by the time you’re done with it. But, it’s also one of the toughest MBA programs in the United States—so don’t expect to go through the degree with ease.
3. Wharton School of Business MBA
Wharton School of Business is also one of the leading business schools in the United States. It offers one of the best MBA programs that you can find. And even though it’s not as difficult to get into as Harvard or Stanford, it’s still one of the toughest universities in the nation.
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Degree Title: Master of Business Administration
The MBA program offers the same courses and curriculum as you would hope from a reputed university like this. And if you’re wondering how to get into Wharton Business School, then there are some requirements:
- Completed undergraduate degree;
- GMAT or GRE test results;
- Or IELTS/TOEFL if you’re an international student.
So, make sure you have requirements at the ready before applying for this university.
4. Kellogg School of Management MBA
Kellogg School of Management is another incredible option and one of the best universities in the US for an MBA. Kellogg offers a 2-year MBA program and the university’s 21% acceptance rate makes it the leading contender for most applicants
- Acceptance Rate: 21%
- Degree Title: Master of Business Administration
And if you’re wondering about the Kellogg MBA interview questions, then you might be asked questions like:
- What do you hope to achieve in 5 years?
- What made you pursue this degree?
- Do you think this degree will benefit you?
These are expected questions, but they also create queries depending on the candidate.
Easiest Top MBA Programs to Get into (High Acceptance Rate)
If you’re wondering how to get an MBA without a business degree, then you need to know that every MBA requires at least a bachelor’s degree. Bu t you can get into most MBA programs without needing a business undergraduate degree.
So, each of the programs mentioned so far can be considered the best MBA program for engineers, accountants, or anyone with an undergrad degree. Bearing that in mind, here are some of the easiest and high-acceptance-rate Universities for MBA programs today:
1. Northern Arizona University MBA
Northern Arizona University is one of the top universities in the nation and a leading name in the Arizona state. With an acceptance rate of 78%, it’s surely one of the best options for a Master’s In Business Administration.
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Degree Title: Master of Business Administration
It also offers an easy admission process, and with an acceptance rate that high, most students would likely manage their way into this program.
2. Loyola University Maryland MBA
Loyola University in Maryland is another great option and an accredited university that accepts students with open arms. The average cost of a degree here is around $30,000, and that makes it a top-tier yet affordable MBA option.
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Degree Title: Master of Business Administration
The two-year and 45-credit program also offers a strong curriculum, and that’s why it’s one of the best and easiest options for MBA hopefuls.
3. La Salle University MBA
La Salle University in Pennsylvania also offers a great MBA program. And one of the best things about this university is the one-year and part-time hybrid MBA programs.
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Degree Title: Master of Business Administration
The program focuses on courses like Leadership Theories and Skill Development. That’s why it should be on anyone’s mind who’s looking for an easy yet accredited university for an MBA program.
Other Mentions
Here are some other easiest top MBA programs to get into:
University of South Dakota MBA
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Degree Title: Master of Business Administration
Boise State University
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Degree Title: Master of Business Administration
Quinnipiac University MBA
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Degree Title: Master of Business Administration
Conclusion
There you have it, folks; all the great universities with top programs and high/low acceptance rates. If you’re looking to understand how to get into an MBA program with a low GPA, then fret not, because all you need to do is focus on the interview. And, if you’re wondering about reasons to choose one university or why this college is for an MBA, then make sure you consider all of your options.
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