MBA Application Tips: Program Type and School Selection
If you are a prospective MBA applicant in the very early stages of research, you will likely be thinking about what type of program you would like to attend. Shortly after you determine your program type you will be focused on identifying the schools you would be interested in applying to.
If you choose to work with an admissions consultant, one of the first steps will be formulating your approach to school selection and fitting your overall profile to a set of potential programs that are right for you. To make your work with a professional as productive as possible, understanding your own criteria and goals will be crucial.
An admissions consultant will certainly steer you towards the type of program that is most appropriate for you, whether International, US based, part-time, full time, executive or a joint MBA. Clarity about your own career goals (do you want to work internationally or in the US? What type of organization do you plan to join?) and your personal criteria (would you prefer an urban or rural location? Small or large school?) will help your consultant lead you in the right direction.
Program Types
While many applicants around the world hold a US based MBA in high regard, there are many reasons to consider an international MBA program. If you are interested in working internationally, it certainly may be the right choice for your goals. However, a US MBA or one from a very well known international program such as INSEAD or LBS are ideal options if you are seeking to work in the US.
Your life stage and current job status will be key factors to consider if you are open to a part-time or executive MBA. If you are a more senior level executive, established in the industry you prefer to work in, an executive MBA is a great and flexible option. Part-time programs are excellent for applicants who prefer to stay in their current job, especially if the program is employer sponsored. Full time MBA programs are best for applicants who are fairly junior in their careers (about 5-7 years of experience) and are interested in the lifestyle of a full-time MBA program. Career switchers of any age may want to consider a full-time MBA for the time available for career advice and job hunting while you attend school.
School Research
Once you have identified the type of program in which you are interested, you will want to delve into school research and discuss your options with your consultant. Preliminary research on the internet might start with Businessweek.com’s MBA rankings and profiles and the Financial Times. Rankings are a good way to understand the reputation of a program, but you should treat them as a starting point only.
Personal touch points such as school visits, admissions events and networking are ideal methods to understand the intangibles of a program. The goal of your school selection is to choose a range of programs that fit your objectives and personal criteria. However, it’s the more qualitative research that will help you understand your fit with the program and community, and your interest in attending a particular school for the next two years of your life.
The AIGAC membership includes top-ranked MBA admissions consultants who are dedicated to advancing professional excellence in serving graduate and professional school applicants worldwide and who can help you with each step of this very important process.