From Karen Schweitzer,
Your Guide to Business School.
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When applying to business school, you will find that the admissions process can be rather extensive. Because most schools are very selective, they look at a variety of factors before making a decision. Before you are placed under their microscope, you will want to make sure that you are as prepared as you can possibly be.

Business School Admissions- When to Apply

Begin by applying to your school of choice as soon as possible. Most business schools have either two or three application deadlines/rounds. Applying in the first round will increase your chances of admission, because there are more empty spots available. By the time the third round has commenced, many students have already been accepted, which lessens your chances considerably.

Business School Admissions- Your GPA

Depending upon the school, an applicant’s GPA can be evaluated many different ways. The median GPA for applicants admitted into top schools is approximately 3.5. If your GPA is less than that, it doesn’t mean that you will be excluded from the school of your choice, it simply means that the rest of your application should make up for it. Once you get the grades, you’re stuck with them. Make the best of what you have.

Business School Admissions- Your GMAT Score

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized exam used by business schools to assess how well students are likely to do in an MBA Program. The GMAT exam measures basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills. GMAT total scores range from 200 to 800. The majority of test takers score between 400 and 600. The median score for applicants admitted into top schools is 700. Read more...

Business School Admissions- Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters are often used by students during college admissions or by jobseekers seeking employment. Many colleges prefer that applicants supply at least two letters of recommendation during the admissions process. If you want to truly enhance your application, recommendation letters should be written by someone who knows you very well. Click here to see sample recommendation letters.

Business School Admissions- Essays

When applying to business school, you may write as many as seven essays ranging between 2,000 and 4,000 words. Essays are your opportunity to convince your school of choice that you are the right pick for their program.

Writing an application essay is no easy feat. It takes time and hard work, but it’s well worth the effort. A good essay will compliment your application and set you apart from other applicants. To find out more about application essays, click here.

Business School Admissions- Your Interview

Depending upon the business school, interview procedures will vary. In some cases, all applicants are required to interview. In other cases, applicants are only allowed to interview by invitation only.

Preparing for your interview is just as important as preparing for the GMAT. A good interview will not guarantee your acceptance, but a bad interview will sure spell disaster. To find out more about preparing for your interview, click here