This section outlines the step by step to choosing and applying to a business school and how to ensure that you select the right business school
What process should I follow to select the right business school?
Self-Assessment: Step 1
The first and foremost task is to perform a self assessment of your needs and wants. This will help you get a clearer picture of the kind of MBA program you want to enroll in. The assessment criteria is given below.
Age
Work Experience
Education background
Finances available
Your long term interest in your chosen field of study
Your career aspirations now and after the MBA
Selecting MBA major: Step 2
Selecting an appropriate MBA major or specialization is equally important. The major might be from your current field or it could be a new subject for you. A couple of things have to be kept in mind while selecting the major.
Does the major really interest you?
Does your previous work experience complement your major?
What are the job opportunities if you graduate with an MBA in that major. In this case it helps talking to existing students or alumni of your target business schools.
Are you comfortable with the subjects offered in the major. Are these familiar subjects or are new ones to you?
Does the school have a reputation in the major that you have chosen?
Be aware that although you have to declare your major at the time of admission, most schools may offer you the flexibility of changing your major at a later time. So keep your options open.
Targeting Schools: Step 3
You are now ready to apply for the school that you want. But how do you choose the right school? How do you know that this school is the best for you. Here are a few tips to choose the right school. Choosing a school is very vital for your long term goals and objectives. Make sure you give your career a good impetus by choosing the school that is right for you.
Here is a quick reference guide to selecting the school that is right for you.
Academic courses and training offered
Faculty qualifications
Average GMAT score of the school
Your GMAT score
Class Size
Program Reputation
Tuition Costs
Cost of living in the school area
Teaching Methodologies
Financial Aid Offered
Career Development/Internship
Career Placement Statistics
Evaluating Target Schools: Step 4
There are many factors that influence your B-School school selection. Once you have narrowed down your search to a few schools use this evaluation criteria and select the school of your choice.
GMAT score:
Most schools informally have a cut of score for GMAT. This is the average GMAT score for the school. This information is available on most school websites. Consider your GMAT score and then assess whether you stand to gain an admission to that school.
Pay a Visit the School:
Pay a personal visit to the school if possible. Speak to professors and academic staff, speak to existing students, evaluate the school campus, visit the research centers the school may have. You can also sit in for a class lecture if you want. Also meet the placement advisors and get information about the type of placements done, the companies where students have been placed, their starting salary etc. Discuss teaching methodologies with professors.
Gather as much information as you can:
Browse the school's website. You can find elaborate information about their students, faculty, curriculum, and more. You can also ask for additional information. Most schools offer printed promotional materials that will provide information to prospective students to help them make a conscious decision. Perusing the school's catalog and course iptions will also help you analyze the relevancy of the curriculum in relation to your career goals.
Request an Interview:
Some schools offer interviews and counseling sessions to prospective applicants. Arrange one if you can. This will give you an opportunity to talk to the administrative staff about the school's concentration and career placement record.
Research Future Opportunities:
If you know the type of companies that you are interested in working for after graduation, visit their website or talk to their human resources department to find out if they hire graduates from specific schools or programs. Then match these facts and figures against the school that you are evaluating.
Interviewing: Step 5
Most schools would conduct interviews before they grant admission to their MBA program. Be frank and forthright in the interview because it will help you judge if the school and it's program is right for you. You may be asked the following in the interview.
Why do you want to do an MBA?
Your career goals
Why would you like to choose this school?
Your educational background
Your work experience
How do you think your admission to our school will add value to our MBA program?
What are your major academic achievements?
What are your major professional achievements?
What are your long term goals and objectives?
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 – 10 years?
Closing the Deal: Step 6
Once you have done the self assessment, evaluated and selected your school, you would then be making a informed decision as to which school to choose. Remember a 2 year full time MBA is like a life time investment. Selecting the right school means reaping good dividends for the life time!