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MBA Application Guide

Planning to study for a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) and wondering what the application process is like? While some parts of the MBA application process are shared with the likes of other Master’s courses, like filling in the standard forms and providing references, some of the tasks are more geared towards showing admissions officers exactly how well you would be suited to a course dedicated to business. We have gone through a selection of potential exercises that you could be set when applying for an MBA, so you can feel prepared and make the best first impression you can. 

Choosing an MBA course

One of the biggest choices you’ll have to make when starting your MBA application journey is what type of MBA you are looking to complete. Most students will need to choose between doing a general MBA, which are good for people who haven’t decided which industry they would like to work in yet, or a specialised MBA, which allow students to delve deeper into an industry they have knowledge and experience of. There are also Executive MBA programs, which are aimed at higher level management and executives. 

Go to: Read more about Specialist MBA or General MBA: Which Should You Study?

Applying for an MBA

For the most part, students will have to submit an application form complete with references and an academic degree transcript. However, the admissions process may differ depending on where you choose to study, and you may need to complete some more tasks to show the faculty your business skills and personality. 

Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) 

Some universities will expect applicants to sit the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) before offering them a place on the course. The GMAT is a three-and-a-half-hour exam split into four sections: analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. It is a computer-based test and your score will be calculated not only on your answers, but also on the time it takes you to complete the test. 

MBA Personal Statement

An MBA personal statement is your chance to tell admissions officers about your story and your connection to the world of business. As the name suggests, this will be a more personal piece of writing than anything else you’ll do for your application, but you should still look at it as a professional activity and approach it as such. You will want to include information about your relevant achievements, why you’ve chosen the course and university you’re applying to, and what you hope to achieve in your business career. 

Go to: Read more about How to write an MBA Personal Statement

MBA Application Essay

In contrast to an MBA personal statement, an MBA application essay will be based on a topic or question usually put forward by the university you’re applying to. This will be the perfect opportunity to show the admissions team what you know already about business and the ideas you will be able to bring to the classroom. Keep your answers focused on the question and resist the temptation to go off-topic, while keeping the tone of voice professional and sticking to the word count provided. 

Go to: Read more about How to write an MBA Application Essay

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