How to Get an MBA

How to Get an MBA

Earning an MBA degree is a promising way to advance your post-graduate career. The right MBA program can offer students vital business skills, networking opportunities, and increased starting salaries in the professional world. With that in mind, it’s important to understand that all these benefits come with a tremendous amount of work and due diligence.

Don’t worry, you got this.

Hard work is rewarded when earning a master’s of business administration. Every college’s application process is going to be different, and applying to a master’s program will require a certain amount of preparation.

If you’re looking to make this exciting step in your higher education, read on for everything you need to know about how to get an MBA.

MBA Requirements

Depending on the business school you’re applying to, certain requirements may vary for admission to an MBA program—from prior education and professional experience requirements to written essays and letters of recommendation.

In the following sections, we’ll dive into these individual requirements and how to fulfill them.

Prior Education

What is an MBA? A master’s of business administration is a type of graduate school program. This means all MBA applicants must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college before enrolling. Students may choose to pursue an MBA program at their undergraduate school, or apply elsewhere for a new experience.

A small number of colleges will only accept business majors for their MBA program, while others—like North Central College—are open to graduates of all majors.

It’s uncommon for MBA programs to have prerequisite classes for admission, but applicants should prepare their undergraduate transcripts for submission. The admissions department at the school whose MBA program you’re applying to will need to see your grade-point average (GPA) and completed courses to determine your readiness for graduate school. These transcripts can typically be requested, either online or in person, from your college’s registrar’s office.

Undergraduate GPA

Certain MBA programs may require a minimum undergraduate GPA. Students with a GPA of 3.0 or above will typically meet the standard for most colleges, while a GPA of 3.5 or higher will significantly increase your chances of MBA admission.

Applicants with lower GPAs may be admitted to an MBA program based on other exceptional qualities. For example, the MBA program at North Central College has a GPA minimum of 3.0, but applicants can bypass this requirement should they have five or more years of professional experience on their resume.

Along with this experience, a written letter of intent will also be mandatory for applicants who don’t meet the minimum GPA. In this letter, students will describe how their time in the field has prepared them to succeed in graduate school.

Standardized Tests

Many schools take standardized test scores into consideration when admitting  MBA applicants. The two most common exams for graduate students are the GMAT and the GRE. Each test has a unique structure and scoring system. Here is the basic information every graduate student should know about these exams:

• GMAT – The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a three-hour exam that tests graduate students on their knowledge of business skills. This test is typically accepted by MBA programs only, and the structure of the exam includes: one written essay, 36 verbal reasoning questions, 31 quantitative reasoning questions, and 12 integrated reasoning questions. Scores for the GMAT can range from 200-800. Most MBA programs will want applicants with a GMAT score in the 700 range.
• GRE – The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is an alternative test used by a variety of graduate-level programs, not just business schools. This exam will cover a wider range of subjects, including a 60-minute essay-writing section, a verbal reasoning section, and two 35-minute quantitative reasoning sections. GRE scores can range from 260-340, with an average score of 304.

At some colleges like North Central, neither of these tests are required for admission to the MBA program. Instead, the admissions team places a greater importance on undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a written essay.

Professional Essay, Resume, and Recommendation Letter

Like most colleges, North Central College’s program asks that you submit a few additional materials with your MBA application. A written statement of purpose, current resume, and two letters of recommendation are required for MBA admission to North Central. Here’s a rundown of what to include in each of these important documents:

• A written essay – An admissions essay, also known as a statement of purpose, will be required for all MBA applicants. This essay should highlight three key topics: your long-term career goals, the specific discipline that interests you, and the reasons you’re applying for an MBA program. Any solidified business accomplishments you have should also be included in this essay to show the admissions department that you’re serious about your future as a business leader.
• Polished resume – A current resume will be required with your MBA application. Professional experiences and education should be the highest priority on your resume, but co-curricular activities, volunteer work, and community service  can help round out your application.
• Letters of recommendation – At most schools, MBA applicants must submit a minimum of two letters of recommendation. These letters can be written by employers, teachers, or any other professional superiors.

Colleges want a clear idea of your career goals and experiences before they make their decision on your application. These documents should uniquely highlight your skills, ideas, and professional interests