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Stacy Blackman
President, Stacy Blackman Consulting
Author, The MBA Application Roadmap
Telephone 1.323.934.3936
Website www.stacyblackman.com
Read Stacy's blog.

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Admission to a business school is a very long drawn process as most of you will find. It usually starts one year before the MBA program actually starts. Most B-Schools have separate a MBA Admissions department that cater to the student's needs. Schools are selective in their admission and consider a host of criteria while admitting students. School have their own admission committees that consider a host of admission factors while deciding to admit a student.

B-School Admission Process:

When should I apply to a business school? Most schools have a Fall and Spring intake. However most international students are generally taken in only in the Fall semester.

All business schools have their own deadlines for application. In some schools there are usually 2 to 3 application rounds. One in Fall, second in Winter and third in Spring. It is advisable to apply in the first round itself because more seats are available in that round. By the time the third round is initiated most seats are already filled. These types of admission are called as Rolling Admissions

Some B-Schools may have only one fixed deadline for admissions. For example a school may accept applications from December 15th till February 15th. These type of admissions are called as Rolling admissions.

Tip: In either case of admission type is it advisable to apply as early as possible.

Important: For students who are applying for Financial Aid, the deadlines for application are clearly mentioned in the college prospectus. If you apply beyond these deadlines, your chances of getting financial aid are very less. Typically students applying for the Fall semester (starting in August) have their admission application submitted by middle of March. If you wish to avail for financial aid then most school state that the application reach them earlier, i.e. by around middle of February.

Business Schools today have a scientific approach to selecting students for their courses. They consider a combination of a variety of factors.

Factors considered while admitting students:

GMAT is a standardized test administered by GMAC. It is used by business schools to assess an prospective students potential and merit in terms of how the student is likely to fare in the MBA program. The GMAT consists of verbal, mathematic and analytical skills. Each school has a cut off GMAT score that is based on the average GMAT score of its existing students. Although these cut off scores are usually not made public, school do have their score range while processing applications. Most top schools accept GMAT scores that are above 700.

For more information on GMAT visit our GMAT Section.

A student's past academic performance is taken into consideration by most business schools. Past GPA or grades of marks are an accurate barometer of the academic performance potential of a MBA candidate. Usually a GPA of between 3.2 to 4 is admissible in top schools. In case you do not have a GPA, then your marks or percentages of marks are analyzed. Schools will ask you to submit transcripts of your previous academic work.

In today's cut throat competition world, it always helps to have some work experience in your kitty before you decide to do your MBA. Most good schools these days require that candidates have some amount of work experience while applying to their school. The work experience can be in any field. But it helps if it aligns in any way with the MBA major that you choose to do. Most top schools these days admit students who have at least 2 – 5 years of experience.

Note: Students without work experience may also apply, but it helps to have a few years of experience.

As a part of your admission process, you will be required to write one or more essays. Typically these essays will be of around 5000 words. School use the essays to assess your suitability to admission to their MBA program.

It is advisable to follow proper guidelines while writing essays. A well written essay creates a good impression and distinguishes you from other applicants.

Please refer to our Essays & Recommendation Letters section for useful tips on how to write essays.

Most Business Schools require at least two letter of recommendation. The general practice is that professors from your previous school or college give such letters. However anyone who knows you well can give recommendation letters. The qualification and experience of the person giving these letters leaves an indelible mark on the person assessing your application to the school.

Please refer to our Essays & Recommendation Letters section for useful tips.

Business Schools will conduct a personal or telephonic interview before you are admitted to their MBA program. There could also be multiple rounds of interviews. Each school would have its own interview procedure. An interview gives you a chance to project yourself to the interviewer and make a good impression.

Be prepared for the interview and brush up on your past academic and work experience.

Resume: A well prepared resume also adds value to your application. Mentions your accomplishments, awards, important achievements etc in the resume. Mention anything that would make your resume more attractive to the admissions officer.