In our 5-month MBA application plan, Personal MBA Coach suggests spending April and May narrowing down your target school list. Regardless of whether you are following this plan or working off a different timeline, you may be asking yourself: “Which schools should I apply to?”
Picking the right business school is a complicated and personal process and a key component of our services. Below, we share eight tips for selecting your ideal business school programs.
Want more information on what sets the leading business schools apart? Explore Personal MBA Coach’s school-specific site pages to get insights on how to navigate the application process and learn more about different MBA programs, campus culture, class profiles, deadlines and essay tips.
8 Tips for MBA School Selection
Check out the following eight tips as you start choosing schools for MBA admissions to help narrow down the best options for you.
1. Examine the School’s Data
While statistics should not be the only influence on your decision, data is an excellent starting point. Information to consider when choosing schools for MBA admissions includes:
- The average grade point average
- The mean GMAT/GRE/EA scores
- The school’s acceptance rates
- Most common career opportunities and starting salaries
Leveraging this data will help you identify potential schools and programs and serve as a benchmark for comparing institutions as you research further. You can start exploring the data by reviewing our blogs on the rankings compiled by Financial Times, US News and Bloomberg Businessweek.
2. Consider More Than a Few Options
Look beyond the first two or three schools that capture your attention to avoid limiting your options. At Personal MBA Coach, we recommend creating a list of five to eight schools to consider. This group should include various institutions and be divided across a range of acceptance likelihood, especially if acceptance this year is essential.
Remember that business schools want a diverse student body to enrich the learning experience with different perspectives. Considering and applying to multiple schools increases the chances that your profile aligns with their openings and needs.
3. Pay Attention to Culture
School and campus culture significantly impact your experience, so finding the best fit is imperative to engagement, fulfillment and building long-term relationships. Questions to ask yourself to help guide your decision and narrow your list include:
- Do you prefer a close-knit student body and campus in a small town, or a sprawling citywide campus with a larger school community?
- Are you more of an independent learner, or do you prefer learning in teams?
- What activities and socialization opportunities exist, and do they align with your interests?
- What diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives does the school promote, and are they compatible with your values?
4. Weigh the Curriculum and Program Offerings Against Your Goals and Interests
How an institution’s programs and curriculum align with your wants and needs ranks among the key factors to consider for MBA school selection. These aspects widely vary between campuses, making careful research critical to reaching your goals and better targeting your application.
Answer the following questions to help you balance your preferences with the school’s offerings and requirements:
- How flexible is the curriculum compared to your interests? Are you able to waive a specific class or substitute it with a course that better exemplifies your ideal MBA program?
- Are study abroad programs available to supplement your education with international experience?
- Will you have opportunities for hands-on learning and practical experience applying what you learn?
- Does the school offer joint or dual degrees that align with your career aspirations?
5. Explore Areas of Excellence
Many schools are renowned for world-class research in emerging fields, and identifying those is crucial if you have a specialized focus. Connecting with faculty who are working on projects in areas that interest you can raise your potential for acceptance and enrich your experience if admitted to that program.
6. Consider Location
Sure, you can live anywhere after graduation, and companies from all over the world will travel to recruit. But for obvious reasons, it is much easier to recruit at schools that are closer geographically. This fact does not mean you should only consider city schools. Look at which schools your target companies visit for recruitment, what local opportunities are available to candidates and which speakers come to campus.
7. Network and Take a Tour
There is no substitute for firsthand experience when deciding which business school to apply to. Getting involved with alumni, recruiters and current students can provide meaningful insights as you narrow your choices. We encourage you to take opportunities to:
- Attend admissions events, whether online or in person.
- Network with students and alumni to learn more about their perspectives and experiences.
- Visit the campus or take a virtual tour.
- Join prospective student chats or forums and build relationships with fellow potential classmates.
8. Work With a Professional MBA Admissions Consultant
Partnering with an MBA admissions consultant is the ideal solution for narrowing your options and improving your acceptance potential to your ideal programs. These experts know how to identify the best MBA schools based on your vision, interests, wants and needs.
At Personal MBA Coach, your MBA Admissions Consultant will offer personalized advice on what questions to ask the admissions representative to aid your decision. They will also work with you in the early planning stages to develop your profile, raising the number of potential schools you can apply to.
Find Your Ideal MBA School With Personal MBA Coach
Personal MBA Coach has a history of success helping MBA candidates like you identify and get accepted to programs at today’s most in-demand business schools. We offer individualized advice and comprehensive MBA admissions consulting services based on your goals, preferences and career aspirations. Connect with us online today or request a consultation to learn more about how we can help.
