Acceptance At Top MBA Schools

If you are gunning for one of the top MBA schools (a top 10 or even top 20 school), this section of the website is specifically for you.

As you consider going to a top business school, you have to realize that getting in is very competitive and you must do certain things to enhance your chances. That is the focus of this page...help for getting into top MBA schools.

You may be surprised, but the top two factors that will help you get accepted are GMAT scores and application essays.

1. GMAT Score - The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is an entrance exam developed specifically for graduate business education and all the top schools require it. While I will not go into the intricacies of the test, it is important that you score as high as possible. 800 is the top score and you usually have to be in the mid 600's to even be competitive.

   Make sure you prepare well for the GMAT. Take a class to prepare. If you do not like your score, take it over. Top MBA school usually only look at the best score.

2. Application Essays - The number and type of application essays vary somewhat from school to school, but they ultimately ask the same things. I cannot over-stress the importance of writing good essays. This is where you can really show who you are and how you can benefit the MBA class.

   Take the time to write great essays. It is recommended that you learn how to write essays for MBA admissions. Have proficient editors help you polish your essays to increase your chances of acceptance at top business schools.

While the GMAT and essays are important factors, they are not the only factors. Top MBA schools are interested in your past experience in school and in the workplace.

Undergraduate GPA - As you know it is required that you have a bachelor's degree before you can even apply to an MBA program. Most schools indicate that the actual degree does not matter. Top schools want to know how you fared in your undergraduate studies - as indicated by your grade-point-average (GPA). Remember you are competing with the GPA of other applicants.

Work Experience - Moreover, you should have meaningful work experience after you graduate. Schools want to see that you have had progressively increasing role in jobs you have held, regardless of industry. There is no real minimum, but do not consider applying until you have at least two years of work experience. MBA school continues to get more competitive, so you may need more years to compete.

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Your educational and work experience are things you can focus on well before you ever apply to graduate school. If you are currently in school and/or working, now is the time to look ahead to business school.

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"Tipping Factors" - A few other considerations that may tip things in your favor are your letters of recommendation and possible interviews. Good recommendations are an important part of any application package, especially for top MBA schools. Interviews are not always used by all MBA schools. Nor is the format consistent among schools. However, interviews offer another chance to present yourself in a positive way.

While there are no secrets to getting into top schools, there are things you can do to help your chances. Scoring high on the GMAT and writing effective application essays will go along way to help you get accepted. Remember, that there are other factors that will play into the admissions process too.


See also: Top 10 MBA Schools, Top MBA Careers

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