If you want to know how to apply to a business school, we’ve outlined a comprehensive guide. By reading this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to receive an admission letter.
Before we discuss each of these items in detail and how to apply to business school, let’s first discuss the graduate school application process in general. There are two main types of admissions: rolling admissions and round admissions.
Rolling admissions is where candidates submit their applications before a single deadline. These applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, depending on the order in which they are received. Check with your prospective schools to determine when they have their deadline set. Nonetheless, it is better to apply sooner rather than later.
How to Apply to Business School
The MBA admissions process is an intricate one that requires you to collect a range of documents and complete various tasks before you apply. To apply to business school, you need to acquire several things:
- Undergraduate degree
- Transcripts
- GMAT or GRE scores
- Recommendation letters
- MBA admissions essays
Here’s a breakdown of some of the different elements you need to apply to business school:
Transcripts
One prerequisite for your MBA application is having an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. While some business schools focus primarily on your most recent grades, colleges still look at your overall GPA.
While most business schools do not set a minimum GPA requirement, the average GPA of accepted students is around 3.5. Having a high GPA isn’t the end-all-be-all; it won’t necessarily secure your acceptance into your desired MBA program. Likewise, if you have a lower GPA, you can still get into a top business school with a strong application.
You have to sell your qualifications and professional experiences in the application and explain why the school is perfect for you and what you will contribute if accepted. Your transcript is an essential element of your application, as it indicates how you will perform in graduate school.
Standardized Tests: GMAT and GRE
Nearly all MBA programs in the United States require applicants to take either the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the General Record Examination (GRE). Before discussing what scores you need to apply to business school, let’s first look at the difference between the two tests.
Both tests are an essential tool that admissions committees use to narrow the vast pool of qualified candidates. Unlike the GMAT, which is used explicitly for MBA admissions, most graduate programs accept the GRE. So, it may be a good exam to take if you are still unsure about which program you want to pursue. The GRE consists of:
- Two 30-minute essays in the Analytical Writing section
- Two 30-minute Verbal Reasoning sections
- Two 35-minute Quantitative Reasoning sections
- One 30- to 35-minute Math or Verbal section
The GMAT, on the other hand, consists of:
- One 30-minute Analytical Writing section (including an essay)
- One 30-minute Integrated Reasoning section
- One 62-minute Quantitative section
- One 65-minute Verbal section
The results of both tests are valid for up to five years after you receive them. To get into the M7 Business Schools or a top MBA program, you need to have a solid score in either exam. A general rule of thumb is the higher the score, the stronger the application.
Check out this video where a BCG reapplicant talks about how they were able to secure four admissions to M7 schools:
Although GRE and GMAT scores are important, having a high score won’t necessarily guarantee your acceptance when you apply to business school. Candidates with both high and low scores are rejected from business schools every year. What is more important than just putting all your energy into one aspect of the application process is ensuring that it is strong across the board.
The exam scores required for admission into business school depend on your prospective school. When preparing for the GMAT or GRE, it is important to do practice tests to get familiar with its format and structure. If you’re struggling to achieve high scores, consider working with an MBA admissions expert who can provide one-on-one GMAT or GRE prep.
One of our students, Jesse, got accepted at Columbia Business School after working with Inspira Future’s expert GMAT tutors. Take a look at what they had to say:
If you’d like a quick demo of our GMAT tutoring sessions, take a look at this video:
If you receive a GMAT/GRE score well below average, don’t feel as though you can only take it once; feel free to retake the exam.
Resume
Another important aspect of your application is making sure you have a resume that is clear, precise, and professional. Ideally, your resume will show how you added value to your professional experiences beyond doing a job well.
Spend time crafting your resume and use it as another opportunity to represent yourself. While it should include information about your accomplishments, ensure it illustrates the quantifiable results of the projects you worked on, such as the amount of revenue earned. Doing so makes a more significant impact on the reviewer and adds specificity that improves your overall resume.
It is also necessary to include experiences that highlight your ability to work on a team and lead others. When crafting your MBA resume, keep in mind that it should convey how well you understand your achievements and the impact you have made. Don’t forget to include any community service, volunteering, or notable endeavors you’ve taken on.
MBA Admissions Essays
Like your resume, your MBA essays tell the story of who you are, who you hope to become, what you’ve accomplished, and what you have to offer. The admissions committee is looking for well-rounded applicants; they aren’t just interested in your grades and academic achievements.
Most business schools ask applicants to answer between one and four essay questions. These essays are where you can include the experiences that wouldn’t necessarily fit in your resume. Don’t be afraid to show your personality or be vulnerable; this is what sets you apart from other applicants.
Though the exact essay questions depend on your prospective school, many of these questions cover similar topics. Some of these topics include:
- Why did you decide to apply to business school
- How you will be a good fit into your prospective school
- What your goals and career plans are
- Your ability to demonstrate your leadership abilities.
Think about how aspects of your identity—your gender, sexuality, race, or ethnicity—have impacted your perspective and your experiences. Include several real-life examples. These little details make your essays more vivid and impactful and can help support your claims.
Recommendation Letters
One way to add credibility to your application is to have personal and specific professional or academic endorsements. Almost all, if not all, MBA programs require two professional letters of recommendation, and a few also request that you submit a personal letter.
What is most important is that you are very selective when choosing your recommenders. They should know you well and be able to speak to your achievements and unique skill sets. Don’t shy away from suggesting that they include real-life examples of your performance to support the qualities you highlighted in your application.
When asking for a recommendation, give your writer at least four to six weeks to write a thoughtful and detailed letter. Don’t just surprise them with deadlines; early preparation is crucial.
Admissions Interview
Interviews are another tool that business schools use to find out more about who you are beyond your test scores and grades. A good interview could be the difference between being accepted and being denied. The average MBA interview can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
To prepare for your MBA interview, be sure to have a good grasp of why you have chosen to apply to a particular school. You may want to practice speaking about your career goals, interests, and accomplishments. Have a few examples on hand that you can draw from to help the interviewer remember you.
You may have to answer a range of common MBA questions about leadership, entrepreneurship, and how you will fit into the university. Interviews are typically conducted by either admissions staff, faculty, alumni, or even current students.
Interviewers will likely be more concerned about the details behind and impact of what you accomplished rather than the accomplishments themselves. Additionally, ensure you prepare several questions for your MBA interviewer. This will show you are engaged and interested in learning more about their program.
Business School Application Dates
Applying to business school is a significant milestone, and meeting the application deadlines is critical. Most top-tier MBA programs have multiple rounds of admissions, each with its own deadline. Submitting your application materials well before the final deadline can increase your chances of acceptance.
Round 1 deadlines typically fall between mid-September and early October. This is often considered the most competitive round, as applicants tend to be more experienced and have had more time to prepare their applications. However, applying in Round 1 allows you to receive an admissions decision earlier, giving you more time to plan for the upcoming academic year.
Round 2 deadlines are usually in early January. While still highly competitive, this round may have slightly fewer applicants than Round 1. It's essential to have all your materials ready to go by the deadline, as business schools will be looking for well-prepared candidates.
Some programs offer Round 3 deadlines in early April. This round is generally the least competitive, but it also comes with the risk of limited scholarship opportunities and potential waitlisting if the class is already filled.
In addition to the round deadlines, there may be separate deadlines for submitting test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other supporting materials. Be sure to check each school's requirements and mark all relevant dates on your calendar.
Though the deadline you apply for is ultimately up to you, we recommend applying in Round 1 or Round 2. Both of these rounds tend to have more spaces available, giving you a higher probability of acceptance. Now that you know about the different rounds of admission, we can explore how to apply to business school and how to apply for an MBA.
How to Decide Which MBA Programs to Apply To
When deciding where you want to apply to business school, it is crucial to base this decision on more than just ranking. It is not about finding the school with the most prestige but about finding one where you will thrive. Be thorough when researching where you are going to apply to business school.
It’s a good idea to have a clear sense of what you want and need from an MBA program before you apply. Before you create your target list of business schools, define your priorities; ask yourself, do you want a small or large campus? Do you want to be based in a remote location or a large city? Do you value diverse learning environments?
Consider reading student blogs that delve into the student population’s diversity, extracurricular activities, and internship opportunities. They can also provide insight into the pros and cons of the university’s location. Researching locations is crucial if you want to pursue an MBA program abroad, as it can be challenging to adapt to different cultures.
You should have a clear career path in mind if you want to pursue an MBA. For example, say you want to pursue a career in consulting. In that case, Dartmouth Tuck may be ideal for you, as it sent the highest percentage of students into consulting in the country at 41.8%. Columbia may be a good choice if you’re interested in Finance, as 37% of its class went into the sector.
While we recommend starting your research on business schools with their websites, remember that this is their opportunity to sell themselves to you; it is where they present themselves in the best way that they can. Forbes suggests looking into a third party’s detailed reports on your prospective school and its MBA program.
Pay attention to the information provided by admissions directors through blogs on the school’s website, open forums, or other events. Harvard Business School, for example, has a “Direct from the Director” page on its website.
Take our interactive quiz below to find out which MBA school is right for you!
How Many Business Schools to Apply To
There is no magic number of business schools to apply to that will guarantee you admission. Applying to more programs may increase your chances of admission. But if you submit too many applications, the quality of each may suffer.
Rather than applying for too many or too few, go for a happy medium. A safe bet is to apply to one or two reach schools, several on-par schools, and at least one safety school. Of course, the number of MBA programs you should apply to depends on you.
For example, if your qualifications and test scores are competitive, you may choose to apply to several Ivy League or top-ranked business schools. If your application is less competitive, you may apply to several schools where your admissions prospects are good.
How to Apply for an Online MBA
The online MBA is the perfect option for busy professionals who want to study for an MBA but can’t quit their day job. Some online MBAs can be finished in 18 months, and others can take up to three to five years to complete. While this is longer than a traditional MBA, online MBAs are designed to be flexible; you can usually log in and learn as you please.
Knowing how to apply for an online MBA is easy — it’s usually the same as a full-time MBA. For example, the USC Marshall Online MBA’s admissions criteria include:
- An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
- GMAT or GRE scores
- At least two years of work experience
- Two MBA admissions essays
- Professional resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcript
- $155 application fee
- Admissions interview (if you’re invited to one)
So, is an online MBA worth it?
Online MBA programs are often cheaper and more flexible than full-time equivalents. But, unless you choose a hybrid program, you will complete your learning virtually. So, if you prefer a more formal classroom environment, a traditional MBA may be better for you.
What Are Business Schools Looking For in Applicants?
Top business schools seek well-rounded candidates with strong academic records, professional achievements, leadership potential, and a clear vision for their future. Here are some key qualities they look for:
- Academic Excellence: A high GPA and strong performance on standardized tests like the GMAT or GRE demonstrate your intellectual aptitude and ability to handle a rigorous MBA curriculum.
- Professional Experience: Most programs require four to five years of full-time work experience. They want to see career progression, quantifiable impact, and transferable skills you can bring to the classroom.
- Leadership and Extracurriculars: Business schools value applicants who have taken initiative outside of work through community service, professional organizations, or personal projects. These showcase your teamwork, management abilities, and well-rounded interests.
- Clear Goals: A compelling career vision that aligns with the program's offerings is essential. Admissions committees want to see how an MBA will help you achieve your short and long-term objectives.
- Cultural Fit: Top MBA programs seek students who will be active participants and contributors to the overall community. Demonstrating fit through your essays, interviews, and interactions is key.
By highlighting your strengths and fit with the program, you can craft a standout application that checks all the boxes business schools are looking for. This is also relevant to students reapplying to business school after their first attempt.
Take our interactive quiz below to find out how likely you are to get into grad school.
Tips for Making Your Business School Application Stand Out
The best way to make yourself stand out when you apply to business school is by representing your authentic self. Don’t try to present or edit yourself in a way that you think the school wants you to be. Present not only who you are but also who you want to become. This is a cornerstone of how to get into the MBA program.
Susan Hughes (Harvard Business School), shares tips and insights on standing out as an applicant.
There’s no need to fear you come from a saturated background since everyone has unique personal experiences:
“I have yet to meet a candidate who after really understanding your story doesn't have threads of storyline and conversation that will make them seem very different and very compelling to the admissions committee.”
This is why it’s so important to elaborate on your history and experiences rather than solely relying on your resume or quantitative metrics.
In addition, sharing your thoughts and beliefs for subject matter that resonates with you is crucial to procuring interest from business schools:
“The things that are most resonant with your belief system, the things that you are most passionate about, and very often it's those things that if you study them carefully can draw out threads of real interest to an admissions committee.“
What makes you stand out from the other candidates? The answer to this question requires you to reflect on the different aspects of your life, what you have done, and what you want to achieve. Here are a few tips on how you can be yourself within your application to business school:
Write Compelling MBA Essays
As you are writing your essay and moving forward with your application, keep the admission reviewer’s perspective in mind. Ask yourself, what kind of application do you think they would like to read? Would they rather read an essay that is nonspecific, generic, and clipped? Or, would they prefer one that is honest, ambitious, and thought-provoking?
If you want to appeal to the admissions committee, tell a story with your application. Using anecdotes as evidence for your claims will help bring your essays to life; they will leave a more significant impact than simply stating your achievements. It is best to focus on developing one or two examples in your responses.
Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and self-reflective in your essays. Highlight how particular experiences changed your perspective or revealed something about yourself that you hadn’t known before. Admissions officers prefer that candidates show that they are self-aware and have made moves toward conscious growth.
Present Your Post-MBA Goals Clearly
Business schools want to admit ambitious, motivated, and driven candidates. Use your essays to demonstrate why a specific MBA program will be the ideal stepping stone to help you achieve your goals. Alternatively, you can outline them in your MBA interview.
If you can, use detailed and school-specific examples to back up what you write. For example, Duke Fuqua is renowned for its excellence in marketing. If you want to pursue a career in this field, you can research its curriculum and discuss how it will equip you with the skills you need to succeed in that field.
Be Consistent Throughout Your Business School Application
Though there are many different parts to your application, it is important not to think of them as separate entities. Each item you send in for review ultimately works together to paint a story about who you are in the minds of the admission committee. Thinking this way when you apply to business school will help you avoid inconsistencies in your application.
For example, your resume and letters of recommendation should illustrate what you have done and the skills you possess. Your essay should serve as the jumping board for your interview and explain who you are and what makes you unique.
Highlight Your Pre-MBA Work Experience
Business schools look at your work experience to determine your professional maturity and the quality of work you have undertaken. Use your resume to explain how your work experience makes you an ideal MBA candidate. The best MBA candidates are top performers who have been promoted quickly and can provide concrete examples of their impact on a company.
MBA programs are not looking for a specific number of years of work experience. Graham Richmond, a former admission officer at Wharton, has seen “wonderful candidates with just one to two years of experience.” But you can check your preferred school’s class profile to understand how many years of work experience admitted students acquired.
Most of the full-time MBA students Kellogg School of Management admits have five years of work experience. Similarly, London Business School’s students have around five, Booth School of Business students have five on average, and Stanford GSB students have 5.
Consider Jamie’s success story, for example. He was able to gain admission into Harvard Business School by working with our experts to highlight his four years of experience:
Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Apply for an MBA
Applying to business school can be exciting, but it’s important to do it right. Below, we’ve listed several mistakes that are easy to make but can be avoided just as simply.
Rushing the Application Process
One of the primary mistakes applicants make when they apply for MBA programs is not starting early enough. Give yourself enough time to gather all the documents you need, and review your application several times to ensure there are no errors. The admissions reviewers are meticulous when it comes to noticing mistakes or sloppiness in your applications.
Always check and recheck even the seemingly minor details of your application. Even the most subtle things can impact a school’s decision. So, it can be a good idea to have someone trustworthy proofread your application.
There are many deadlines and application fees that you have to keep abreast of when you apply to business school. Keep a schedule for any important dates and deadlines to keep yourself organized. Giving yourself adequate time to complete your application will also allow you to meet your deadlines without stress.
Not Using Your Essays Wisely
Another area where many applicants go wrong is wasting valuable space within their essays. It is essential to use the word count wisely. Don’t waste time regurgitating information about your school or overstating why you think the institution is so great. Your essays are meant to tell the admissions committee more about who you are.
Your goals and experiences should be at the center of every essay that you write. Remember to avoid providing too much detail about a particular experience. Instead, use your words to discuss the lessons you learned from those experiences and how they have impacted you. Always answer the question being asked and avoid redundancies.
Being Inauthentic
Many applicants make the mistake of presenting the version of themselves they think their school wants them to be. Admissions officers are not looking for applicants who have a “perfect profile.” Instead, they are more interested in candidates who present themselves authentically.
It is important to demonstrate who you are, what you care about, and what sets you apart academically, professionally, and personally. Your essays are a great place to focus on authentically representing yourself.
To do this, Forbes suggests that you write your first draft of your essay as if you are being asked the question by a close friend or family member and then edit it with your prospective school in mind. Think about what messages you want to convey about yourself and ensure that they come through in every part of your application.
FAQs: Applying to Business School
It can be tricky knowing how to get into an MBA program. You have to understand how to apply and complete their admissions requirements. To help ease the difficulty of this process, we’ve compiled several questions and answers to help you understand how to apply for an MBA.
1. When Should I Apply to Business School?
For most MBA programs, there are three application rounds: round 1 (September/October deadline), round 2 (December/January deadline), and round 3 (April/May deadline). Apply in round 1 or 2 for the highest chances of acceptance.
2. How Much Does It Cost to Apply to Business School?
MBA application fees typically don't exceed $300 per school. However, factor in additional costs like GMAT/GRE fees, which range from $250 to $205. It's best to overestimate the total application expenses when applying to multiple programs.
3. How Long Does It Take for an MBA Admissions Decision?
Most MBA admissions decisions take two to three months after submitting your application materials. The specific timeline depends on which application round you applied in.
4. Should I Take the GMAT or the GRE?
The GMAT has traditionally been preferred for MBA programs, as it tests skills specific to business education. However, more schools now accept both the GMAT and GRE. Choose the test that better suits your strengths and prepare thoroughly.
5. Who Should I Ask to Provide My Recommendation Letters?
The best recommendations come from current/former supervisors, employers, professors, or others who can speak to your professional/academic achievements. Check each school's specific recommendation requirement.
6. Can I Apply to MBA Programs Before Completing Undergrad?
Many schools allow you to apply before finishing your undergraduate degree, especially if you are just a few months away from completion. However, you may need to submit final transcripts/scores before receiving an admission offer.
Applying to Business School Is Exciting. Make the Most of It
When you apply to business school for your MBA, it is essential to remember to be as authentic to yourself as possible. The various aspects of your application should tell the story of who you are and who you want to become to the admissions committee. When deciding which schools to submit your application to, be sure to do so with your best interest at heart.
The application process is a long one, so it’s best to start as early as possible. Doing so will allow you to gather all the documents you need without stressing to meet deadlines, and it will also give you the highest chance of success. Applying for your MBA is a massive step in your personal and professional life, and it is one that you should take with the utmost care.
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