The path to business school is as varied and diverse as the careers that come after it. An economic development consultant who wants to expand her financial acumen; An engineer who aims to manage the operations division; An investment banker who plans to make a career change — all have one thing in common. They all want to go to business school in order to gain a general management education, where they will be able to learn from the diverse backgrounds of their classmates and expand their perspective.
The diversity of your classmates is one of the reasons business school is so enriching. However, as you approach the business school admissions process, it may be a source of ambiguity.
What are the admissions officers really looking for?
When building an incoming class, a top-tier business school is looking for potential — a potential to lead, an ability to think critically and solve complex problems, an unrelenting passion for a specific set of short and long term career goals and a capacity to work effectively in a team-based environment where multiple viewpoints are challenged, yet understood.
In order to evaluate your candidacy from all these perspectives, an admissions director will look at your GMAT score (the GRE is also acceptable at some programs), your previous academic transcripts, the quality and quantity of your work experience, the key points of your essays and the messages they reinforce, your performance in the interview, as well your attributes revealed in the recommendation letters you submit.
We look forward to putting together a plan of action for achieving your educational goals and, ultimately, translating your abilities, accomplishments and aspirations into a convincing case for admission into one of the world’s premier institutions for business. Please see Services & Fees and Why Apply Point? for more information.
Before we meet, it is important to note some particulars regarding the business school application process.
Application Process
There are a few exceptions, but, for the most part, you must apply separately to each business school you are considering. Read more
The specific admissions requirements for each program vary, however, you should expect to submit your standardized test score (either the GMAT or GRE) and your TOEFL score if you are an international applicant, as well as your previous academic transcripts. You will also submit a completed application, which includes your resume, essays, recommendation letters and a personal facts section.
Timing
Because a typical application can take an average of 30 to 50 hours to prepare, and you may apply to up to 8 schools, you will want to begin the process with us as soon as possible. Read more
This is especially true when it comes to getting ready for the GMAT. Writing essays and managing recommenders is time consuming enough, without the requisite hours of GMAT preparation. Something else you will want to consider is leaving enough time to visit the campuses of your top choices. Not only will a visit most likely put you in front of current students and admissions officers so you have the opportunity to make a positive face-to-face impression, but you will also be able to show your enthusiasm for the program and more closely examine the place where you may spend the next 2 years of your life.
Apply Early
Your biggest priority should be submitting the highest quality application you can, however, you should also focus on working with us to get your application package prepared early enough to meet the autumn deadlines. Read more
We recommend submitting your application materials before Round 2, the January deadline, unless you find yourself in an extreme circumstance. If you are trying to decide between Round 1 and Round 2, we recommend applying in Round 1. This is because more applicants apply in Round 2 than in any other round, so you have a better chance of standing out in Round 1. Because applying earlier means getting a decision earlier, you will also be able to put together other applications should your Round 1 decisions turn out disappointing.
Interviews
Once business schools receive and review your completed application, they may schedule an interview with you, if they believe you are a viable contender for admission. Read more
Interviews can be given via phone, Skype or in a face-to-face format, but there is no doubt face-to-face meetings are the most valuable. Of course, you should make arrangements to take part in whatever interviewing format is offered to you, however, if you are given the option to meet an admissions officer, alumni, faculty member or current student for an interview face-to-face, we absolutely recommend that you take it. It is an important way to personalize the admissions process and convince the interviewer you will be an excellent addition to their program.
The interview is a very important piece of the application puzzle that has the power to make or break your candidacy. Therefore, you must prepare and practice as much as possible. A face-to-face mock interview with Apply Point is a good place to start. Please see Services and Fees for more information.