MBA Educational Requirements
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Getting an MBA can be your first step to a rewarding career in business, but it will probably be the culmination of years of schooling. Where do you start? Grades, of course, are an important part of any graduate school application, but what are the specific educational requirements for getting accepted to an MBA program?
Each MBA program can make its own requirements, so once you have narrowed down what type of MBA would would like to pursue (e.g., part-time, full-time, or executive) then start looking closer at your desired schools’ programs. You may start to see a pattern but look closely at the details as sometimes a school might throw in something unique. A complete application is a must: What it says to an admissions director is that you were paying as close attention to their instructions as you would to your studies. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot with an incomplete application.
The next main hurdle is the GMAT. Most business schools require a GMAT score, although some might also accept a GRE score. Again, look to an individual program;s requirements. Talking to an MBA recruiter while preparing for the GMAT can be a good idea to help you understand the requirements and to set your goals for the test. Don't let it spook you, though; let it be a goal to reach for.
What this leaves is your choice of undergraduate major and previous work experience. However, MBA students can come from a diverse set of fields and previous work. While still in school, a conversation with an academic advisor can be ideal to help clarify what courses are best suited to later studies in business. Engineering can be a popular choice, for example, but MBAs can come from psychology, philosophy, or law backgrounds as well. That said, taking some business courses can be a good way to see if the subject is one of interest for you. It can also show an admissions counselor that you are truly interested and committed to the course of study.
Some schools may have prerequisite courses which will indicate a broader knowledge of business and economics. Check with the individual school and see what is needed. If you have not had any business courses, then see if you can take them at a community college or check out night school options. Additionally, see if there are options to satisfy needed coursework online. These alternatives usually offer more flexibility or rolling start dates which allows you to complete the courses in time for the application deadline.
If you are already out of school, talking to an MBA recruiter about what kind of work experience they value can lead you to the right job now, if you happen to be taking time off before returning to school. This can also be a valuable way to get practical experience, as well as a taste of business life before committing the time, energy, and money that an MBA requires.
Work experience does not have to mean a prestigious or high-paying job either – that can come after the MBA. Seeking out positions of trust, responsibility or leadership can mean valuable work in the non-profit sector or volunteering. Admissions counselors will look for a well-rounded candidate, and the variety and depth of your work experience can help give you the edge in competition for slots in an MBA program.
Finally, letters of recommendation and personal essays will finalize your application. Ideally, both will be customized to the school although a letter of recommendation can be more general; an essay should not. The language should be chosen carefully for a unique voice and a clear message. Many find it difficult to write a personal essay, but do not blow this step off. A good essay is what sets your application apart.
International applicants may also be required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score for non-native English speakers.
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