Business School Admissions: Cranfield School of Management

Can you provide a general overview of the Cranfield admissions process?

Candidates complete an application form which can be downloaded online. The form requires information regarding educational qualifications – we look for a minimum of a good first degree and a minimum GMAT score of 600. All our students are expected to have a number of years relevant work experience – minimum 3 - and career progression is a major factor when considering a candidates application.

The application form asks questions about why the person wants to do an MBA, what positions of responsibility they have held, an ethical dilemma they have faced and any social activities with a particular reference to charities.

On the basis of the application form, suitable candidates are invited for interview. Ideally we like candidates to come to Cranfield for the day so that in addition to interviews they can get the opportunity to meet students and take in the atmosphere of the School.

If distance and/or commitments prevent travelling to Cranfield, we can offer, as an alternative, a telephone interview.


Is it better to apply to Cranfield early?

Yes, Cranfield is a campus University and most students prefer to be accommodated on-campus within a few minutes walk of the School of Management. In order to secure on-campus accommodation it’s best to apply early as the later the application, the greater the risk of on-campus accommodation being full.


Who conducts your admission interviews?

Cranfield has a dedicated team of experienced interviewers drawn from our Faculty. The people undertaking the interviews are those who teach on the programme.


Do you have any interview tips for Cranfield applicants?

An MBA programme is not rocket science, it is more a case of perspiration rather than inspiration. That is, anyone who has secured a good first degree should be able to deal with the intellectual challenge. Here at Cranfield, we are looking for is someone whose career to date shows that they are hard working, motivated individuals who are keen to succeed and understand how a good MBA is going to help them achieve their career objectives.


How important is a Cranfield applicants GMAT score?


As noted above, we expect a GMAT score in excess of 600. This however is only one of a number of factors taken into account and it is possible for a candidate whose application form is impressive to be invited for interview if the GMAT score is slightly below 600. Candidates that apply only to Cranfield can choose to take our Cranfield test as an alternative to the GMAT and again they must achieve at least a minimum score equivalent to a 600 GMAT.


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