Expert tips on applying for an MBA

Picking out the proper MBA and university

Question you: ‘Where am I now and wherever do I want to be?’
Answers to individuals questions assist you tackle the “how” — what awareness and techniques do you lack and which MBA can assist you the most. “All MBA formats, whether or not whole-time, blended, section-time or on the internet, can give you a solid expertise,” says Yolanda Habets, head of MBA programmes at Vlerick Small business Faculty in Belgium. “So clarify what you are [ready] and willing to commit in phrases of cash and time, and what expertise you are on the lookout for in get to ascertain the programme format that greatest fits you.”

FT MBA position 2021 — major 100

Locate out which faculties are in our position of MBA levels. Discover how the desk was compiled.

Dig deep into the depth
Rankings supply crucial assistance, but they need to not be the only variable in your decision. “Some faculties are much better in sure areas, this kind of as finance, internet marketing or begin-ups, but they may perhaps not be the major university in the rankings,” cautions Subramanian Venkat, affiliate dean for study at Nazarbayev University’s Graduate Faculty of Small business in Kazakhstan. “You need to align your alternative with the goals of why you want to do the MBA.”

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Compare worth for cash
Tuition expenses are, of system, essential to consider, not only in phrases of how significantly you will pay, but also your opportunity article-MBA earnings and therefore worth for cash. A lot of rankings consider this in their methodologies. “From the candidate’s point of view, this will type a proxy for the return on their expenditure,” says Amir Michael, director of the whole-time MBA at Durham College Small business Faculty in the British isles.

Talk to team, college and alumni
This is your long term network, so do you truly feel like you could belong? “Once you’ve narrowed down your search, the ultimate determining variable is, wherever do you fit?” says Habets. “Choosing an MBA is not just a expert decision, it is also a individual 1.”

Impress individuals alumni
Bear in mind that individuals chats with a school’s MBA graduates may perhaps also be fed again to the admissions group. That is surely the scenario at HEC Paris, says Benoît Banchereau, govt director of admissions for MBA programmes. “We believe that our alumni know greatest who will thrive on our MBA. Which is the reason we put our ultimate rely on in our earlier students.”

Making your application

Really do not rush
If rushing to finish a round-1 application would indicate a weak Graduate Administration Admission Take a look at (GMAT) score, quick recommendations and rushed essays, you are superior off waiting around for round two. (Educational facilities typically have more than 1 deadline.) “There are positive aspects to implementing in round 1, this kind of as a somewhat more compact applicant pool,” says Jamie Wright of Accepted Consulting. “But if rushing means you will not be placing your greatest foot ahead, wait around for round two.”

Exhibit your EQ as nicely as IQ
Your application, CV and standardised assessments display your IQ, so the essays, endorsements from recommenders and interview are the probability to showcase your interpersonal strengths, says Lisa Rios, govt director of MBA admissions at NYU Stern Faculty of Small business in the US. “I motivate you to use the application as your storyboard. Exhibit us your authentic self.”

Screening occasions

Acquire a apply take a look at early
Practise using official Graduate Administration Admission Council supplies — specifically mock exams — to familiarise you with the GMAT and recognize strengths and gaps, says Léon Laulusa, dean for tutorial affairs at ESCP Small business Faculty in France. He endorses at least a few months of revision and six mock assessments ahead of the test.

E-book your GMAT early throughout the pandemic
Pandemic precautions indicate that quite a few GMAT take a look at centres are working at reduced potential, so if you want an in-particular person take a look at, reserve 1 fast. “Aside from securing a take a look at day, acquiring that scheduling will serve as a taskmaster and maintain you hitting your application milestones,” says Wright.

Exhibit the real you in essays
Be authentic, instead than producing what you consider an admissions committee wants to listen to, says Dawna Clarke, govt director of admissions at College of Virginia Darden Faculty of Small business in the US. She endorses inquiring a buddy, household member or co-worker who is familiar with you nicely whether or not your responses seem like you. “The greatest essays are the types in which we stroll away and truly feel that we obtained to know you a little bit superior,” she provides.

Prioritise your interview speaking points
Get ready by inquiring you, “What is it about my qualifications I most want to convey? What am I most happy of conveying?” Distil what you most want the interviewer to try to remember about you, advises Clarke, who endorses considering of anecdotes and tales to assist you make your points.

Get the proper Zoom glimpse
If your interview is on the internet, produce an environment that assists you remain concentrated on the interview, advises Dalibor Babic, head of graduate programmes at Vienna College of Economics and Small business in Austria. Are your online link and conference software operating? Is your cell mobile phone muted? “Choose a businesslike qualifications,” he advises, “and even if you are at property, gown as if you have been coming for a individual interview at the organization university.”