How to Choose an MBA School?
Review the GMAC website, which contains information about
applying and has a school
search database
Read Peterson’s Guide to MBA programs.
Check out the website from any school that interests you.
Find out if the schools in which you are interested require
prior work experience. Most
schools suggest two to five years work experience and are usually
strict about this requirement.
Meet with MBA representatives, who are available during the
GMAC fall forums held annually
in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta,
Washington,
D.C., and Toronto. Forums also offer workshops about applying to
business schools.
Decide if you want to study full or part time. Make sure the
schools to which you are applying
offer evening or part-time options if this is important to you.
Compare your GPA and GMAT scores to those of students accepted
at the schools
you’re considering; each school publishes this information. If your
grades and scores are
outside the range that a school usually accepts, be sure you have
back-up options.
Visit business schools. Attend classes and talk with current
students and professors.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a School
Ask about the size, composition, and diversity of the student
body, including minorities, women, and international students.
Determine the strength, composition, and accessibility of the
faculty.
Consider the number/variety of courses offered in the specific
areas you intend to study.
Methods of teaching vary among MBA programs. Some schools use
lectures, some use
the “case method” (studying hypothetical business situations to
teach concepts), and
some use both. Ask yourself what kinds of classes you enjoyed most
at Smith (lectures?
round table discussions? seminars?) to help you decide what style of
teaching you’d prefer
in business school.
Ask if the school helps students find employment during the
summer months between
classes. Ask about graduate placement. Each business school
publicizes the number of
graduates placed in jobs in different areas. Do these fit your
interests?
Consider the atmosphere and location of the school.
Make sure the school is accredited by the AACSB.
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