Overview of the Business School Application Process

Overview of the Business School Application Process Business School Applications Defined A business school application is a general term used to describe the application (admissions) process that most business schools use when deciding which students they will admit into a program and which students they will reject.   Components of a business school application vary depending on the school and the level at which you are applying. For example, a selective school may require more application components than a less-selective school. The typical components of a business school application include: Official transcriptsStandardized test scoresRecommendation lettersApplication essays When applying to business school, you will find that the admissions process can be rather extensive. Most of the top business schools are very selective and will look at a variety of factors to determine whether or not you fit with their program. Before you are placed under their microscope, you will want to make sure that you are as prepared as you can possibly be. The rest of this article will focus on business school applications at the graduate level. When to Apply to Business School 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 acceptance, 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. Read more: MBA Application TimelineRound Admissions StrategyRound Admissions vs Rolling AdmissionsTips for Round Two Applicants Transcripts and Grade Point Average When a business school looks at your transcripts, they are essentially evaluating the courses you took and the grades you achieved. An applicants grade point average (GPA) can be evaluated many different ways depending upon the school. The median GPA for applicants admitted into top business schools is approximately 3.5. If your GPA is less than that, it doesnt 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, youre stuck with them. Make the best of what you have.  Read more: The Role of GPA in Grad School AdmissionsRaise a Bad GPA After the Fact Standardized Tests The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized exam used by graduate 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 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: Taking the GMATHow Important is Your GMAT ScoreWhen to Retake the GMAT Recommendation Letters Recommendation letters are an essential part of most business school applications. Many business schools require at least two letters of recommendation (if not three). If you want to truly enhance your application, recommendation letters should be written by someone who knows you very well. A supervisor or an undergraduate professor are common choices.  Read more: Recommendations That Work for Business School Applicants10 Sample Recommendation LettersRecommendation Letters FAQ Business School Application Essays When applying to business school, you may write as many as seven application 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.  Read more: Seven Tips for a Better Application Essay Admissions Interviews Interview procedures vary depending on the business school you are applying to. 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 surely spell disaster.  Read more: Common Interview QuestionsInterview Dos and Donts