Business School Resources

Our fact sheet for MBA programs is compiled from reputable internet sources and based on our work with previous students in the field. We hope it helps you navigate and simplify the cryptic admissions process.

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Business School Resources

Top 10 Schools (US News)

  • Harvard University
  • University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
  • University of Chicago (Booth)
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)
  • Northwestern University (Kellogg)
  • Stanford University
  • University of California - Berkeley (Haas)
  • Dartmouth College (Tuck)
  • Columbia University
  • Yale University

Degree Duration (typical)

  • 2 years

Application Opens

  • July 1

Application Deadline

  • Various - May 15

Standardized Tests Required

  • GMAT (most programs - GRE interchangeable for some programs)

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Profile of a Successful Applicant

Recommended GMAT Score

  • 650+

Average GMAT Score

  • ~550

Recommended GPA

  • 3.5+
  • 3.0 minimum for some schools

Course Requirements (varies)

  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Statistics
  • Calculus
  • Microeconomics
  • Macroeconomics
  • Management
  • Management Information Systems

Letters of Rec

  • 2-3 letters required based on program
  • (letters often come from work supervisors or professors - professional letters are preferred to academic ones)

Recommended Experience

  • 1-2 years of full-time work experience
  • 1-2 leadership experiences (work/extracurricular)
  • Volunteering and community involvement

Typical Essay Requirement

  • Personal Statement (ranging from 500 words to 2-3 pages)
  • Supplemental essays (some schools)

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Timeline

6+ Months Before Applying

  • Take all pre-requisite courses (finishing by the date you apply is ideal)
  • Decide whom to ask for letters of recommendation
  • Make a GMAT and/or GRE Prep Plan
  • Sign up for a GMAT and/or GRE test date
  • Last chance to boost your profile by getting additional exposure to the field, leadership positions, etc.

0-3 Months Before Applying

  • Write your personal statement (allow yourself at least six weeks if possible)
  • Identify a list of schools to apply to - 4-6 is ideal
  • Order official transcripts from all undergrad institutions to check for errors and help fill out applications
  • Fill out applications
  • Touch base with letter writers
  • Submit your applications early - the earlier the better!

After Applying

  • Send official test scores to schools (if necessary)
  • Complete school-specific essay questions
  • Practice your responses to sample interview questions, and do at least one mock interview
  • Update schools with any developments in your grades, employment, or activities
  • Fill out financial aid paperwork
  • Send in deposit to schools of your choice

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Links

Program Search Engine

Calendar of Deadlines

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