You’ve decided to study for your MBA but before stepping foot on the campus as a student, you need to go through the application process and fulfil certain requirements. Applying for an MBA is a big step in your academic, professional as well as personal life so we’ve prepared an essential 7 step MBA application checklist. These steps will sum up the key elements to consider during your application process.
Prepare your resume and professional experience
Strong professional experience presents your professional achievements and indicates that you’re ready to upscale your skill set. That’s why it’s important for you to come up with a sharp and clear resume. It’s your unique selling point that what’s needed to stand out in your CV. What is the one thing which makes you the candidate of your dream business school?
Prepare your transcripts
You’ve to provide evidence of an undergraduate degree to gain a place on an MBA course. Do take the time for the preparation of the official transcripts as evidence of your degree. There will be other materials which you will need to cover depending on the university you are planning to apply to and the country you come from. Your passport and Proof-of-identity documents and/or their copies are the most required documents.
GMAT or GRE
You’ll need to submit GMAT scores or in some cases GRE scores. GMAT is designed specially for the applicants of business school but GRE is a test that allows students admittance to graduate programs across almost all subjects which also includes MBA.
Comparison between GMAT and GRE tests
GMAT places a heavier focus on analytical and quantitative skills – interpreting data presented in tables, text and charts to solve complex problems. On the other hand, GRE is a more versatile test. It has less focus on Math that it even allows a calculator for its quantitative problems. However, for those whose first language is not English, the verbal section may be more difficult than GMAT, as it places an emphasis on vocabulary instead of on grammar. GMAT is a computer-adaptive test and doesn’t allow students to go back and review their previous answers. On the other hand, GRE is not a computer-adaptive test and allows the students to check their previous answers.
Write a professional motivation essay
You’ll also need to submit an admissions essay to get admission in MBA programs. Remember, writing your motivational essay isn’t so difficult but it’s not so easy either. So don’t take it as difficult as meditating while standing on one foot on top of a mountain and don’t take it as easy as eating a piece of cake. Leave some space to edit your essay and even ask from your friends for input. Combine different feedback points and you will be able to create a strong motivation essay. An MBA admissions consultant says “Write down all the things about you that would not appear on a resume: all your extracurricular involvements, languages you speak, your family traditions and more. This can be mined for essay content.”
Make sure you have the English skills
Your fluency in English is essential for your admission in MBA programs. If you can’t speak English as your first language, you will need to improve your proficiency in English by taking an accredited English test. IELTS and TOEFL are the most well known and accepted English examinations. Check the minimum the university expects. Also check what exams the university accepts. Thereafter, you can take the right language test.
Prepare for the admission interview
You will be invited for an admission interview after submitting all your documents. Some institutions will ask you to present yourself on campus but some will prefer to have a video interview. You’ll need to have a clear idea about why you have selected this particular MBA and business school. During the interview, you will have to be able to talk in depth about your interests and career goals. The most common topics of the interview are entrepreneurship, leadership, cultural fit, and your future goals or plans matching the programme. Until you’re not graduate, think about your expectations and the goals you plan to achieve.
Check the deadlines and application fees
You will have to respect certain deadlines regarding your MBA application, depending on your chosen university.
Keep the track of:
Deadlines of document submission
Test dates of your GMAT/GRE
Exam dates of your English language proficiency
It’s a rewarding development opportunity to take part in an intense MBA programme. Most of the programmes employ a variety of consultants/mentors who will guide you and grow your business together with your network. These study options are also directly connected with the job market via a large business partner network. All you have to do is to start applying to get into these amazing learning incubators. But remember, the MBA admissions process is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. For the achievement of your desired result, a lot of training and careful execution is needed. By devoting appropriate time and resources to all the stages of the process, will ensure you stay ahead of the game.
