Get Started With MBA

When applying for a Master of Business Administration (MBA), you find motivation by realizing how this diploma will help your future career. But before you can dive into the business world, you need to go through the application process and fulfil certain requirements. If you are looking to apply for an MBA abroad, then get ready for an intense, but well-worth application process.

Because applying for an MBA is a big step in your academic, personal and professional life, we’ve prepared an essential 10-step MBA application checklist. This will sum up the main elements to consider during your application process.

1. Choose an MBA specialization

Before applying to an MBA program, you first need to choose an MBA specialization. And there are plenty of options out there. We’ll list a few to get you started, but feel free to search for your favorite discipline:

General Management

Marketing

SMEs Management 

Human Resource Management

and more..,

2. Prepare your transcripts of records

An accredited undergraduate degree is an essential prerequisite for your MBA application. Do take time to prepare official transcripts as evidence of your previous studies and achievements.

Depending on the country you come from and the university you are planning to apply to, there will be other materials that you will need to provide. The most required documents are passport and proof-of-identity documents and/or their copies, usually translated in English.

For most business schools, you don’t need a Bachelor’s in Business itself to get in an MBA. Such programs intentionally look for students with diverse backgrounds to join their ranks.

3. Consider if you need a high GPA for your MBA

Your grade point average (GPA) is the number representing the average value of your final grades earned during previous courses. Your GPA is calculated by adding up all accumulated final grades and dividing that score by the number of grades awarded. The GPA is awarded on a 0 to 4.0 scale. A 4.0 score represents the “perfect” GPA score.

Usually, business schools ask for a GPA score ranging between 3.5 and 3.7. But if you come from a country with a different grading system, one that doesn’t use GPAs, the university will convert the grades itself or it will ask for additional details. Check with your specific higher education institution to find out the exact score you should be aiming for.

4. Take the GMAT and GRE scores seriously

Most MBAs will require Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores as part of the application process. As Stacy Blackman, an admissions consultant told The Economist: “In a sea of highly qualified candidates, the GMAT is an important screening tool.”

You should also consider the GRE test. Especially if you feel the GMAT is too strict, the GRE is a viable alternative. The GRE test features questions that reflect the kind of thinking and analysis you’ll do in graduate or business school.

We recommend you take special classes that help you prepare rigorously. For both the GMAT and GRE, the results are valid for 5 years from the moment you receive them.

5. Prepare your resume and professional experience

Strong professional experience indicates that you are ready to upscale your skill-set. That is why it is important for you to come up with a clear and sharp resume, presenting your professional achievements.

What needs to stand out in your CV is your unique selling point. What is the one thing that makes you THE candidate for your dream business school?

6. Write a professional motivation essay for your MBA

Writing your motivation essay is not exactly like meditating while standing on one foot on top of a mountain, but it’s no piece of cake, either. Start by putting down your ideas for the essay in a draft.

Leave some space to edit your essay and even ask for input from your friends. By combining different feedback points, you’ll create a nuanced, strong motivation essay.

7. Don’t dismiss your recommendation letters

Professional endorsements increase the credibility of your MBA application. At the same time, this is a great opportunity for you to reflect on yourself as a professional. Make sure that the person who is recommending you is familiar with your personal achievements.

Connect with these people well in advance, in order to leave them time to write their input. Be sure to give them at least 4-6 weeks time to reply to your request. Additionally, check if the school needs these recommendations in a certain format.

Adapt and address the recommendation to the institution that will receive it. Think about the language used and the requirements the business school values most.

8. Make sure you have the necessary English skills

If you don’t speak English as your first language, you will need to prove your language proficiency by taking an accredited English test. The most known and accepted English examinations are TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE Academic.

9. Prepare for the admission interview

After submitting all your documents, it’s likely you will be invited to participate in an admission interview. Some institutions prefer to have an online video interview, some will ask you to present yourself on campus. Of course, this also depends on where you live at the time of applying to that university.

For your interview, you will need to have a clear idea about why you have chosen this particular MBA and business school. You’ll have to be able to talk in depth about your career goals and interests.

Most common interview topics include leadership, entrepreneurship, cultural fit, and your future plans matching the program. Think about your expectations and the goals you plan to achieve until you graduate.

10. Check your deadlines and application fees

Depending on your chosen university, you will have to respect certain deadlines regarding your MBA application. Keep track of:

Document submission deadlines

Your English language proficiency exam dates

Your GMAT/GRE test dates

Taking part in an intense MBA program is a rewarding development opportunity. Most programs employ a diverse set of mentors, that will guide and grow your business know-how together with your network.