< Back to Pre-Grad menu

The Masters in Business Administration (MBA) is a professional degree that enhances your experience and skills and often paves the way to new avenues and career advancement. The key word in admissions is EXPERIENCE. Most competitive graduate programs in business are looking for at least three years of business-related experience, and while exposure in large companies and corporations is attractive, experience gained as an entrepreneur or in small business is equally valuable. As you take on your first job, consider the ways you can contribute to the workplace, by accepting challenges, learning new skills, showing initiative and cooperating harmoniously with both supervisors and colleagues. Keep in mind that the quality of you work experience will will play a major role in admissions decisions.

Application Requirements

Letters of Recommendation - Most MBA programs require three letters of recommendation primarily from employers. However, there are some programs that require one faculty letter so don't leave the university without one letter from a professor in your credential file. To open up a credential file at Career Services, stop at the reception desk. You may also consult with a graduate school advisor at Career Services, for more information on reference letters and policies and procedures for requesting letters of recommendation. When you ask a professor or employer to write you a letter of recommendation, furnish them with information; a transcript, an example of your class work will enable a professor to write a more substantial letter. In similar fashion, outline any accomplishments, work projects, promotions for an employer you have asked to write your recommendation. And be sure to select work references from someone at a higher level than you and has observed you at work and knows you well.

Transcripts - You can arrange to have your transcript sent to MBA schools through the registrar's office in the Franklin Building by mail or in person. The voice mail line (215-898-6411) includes complete instructions for requesting transcripts by mail.

Essays - Applicants to business school often disregard the importance of essays in the admissions process. MBA programs read essays carefully. The manner in which you express your work experience and portray your motivations in an essay can have a major impact on the final outcome. Budget a substantial amount of time to writing your essays. Most MBA applications require at least four essays, but some schools such as Harvard require even more. Some essays may be similar among schools, but in general you will discover quite a variation. A graduate school advisor in Career Services can help you with essay content and critique your essays.

Resume - Be sure to include a current and well organized resume in your application. While you will have an opportunity to discuss your work experience in your essays, the resume helps the admissions committee to easily review and summarize your experience.

Interview - Many business schools require or offer optional interviews. Just like a job interview, an MBA admissions interview gives you the chance to highlight your accomplishments, skills and abilities, strengths and personal qualities. There is nothing mysterious about the interview; just be yourself and be prepared to talk about your work experience, future career plans and why you want to pursue an MBA. It is also wise to carefully research the program prior to an interview, so that you are clear as to why you wish to pursue an MBA and why their program fits your goals. Some business schools may arrange for an alum living in your area to conduct and admissions interview. These alums are specifically trained to interview applicants for admissions and their evaluation of your candidacy is of equal importance to an interview conducted by an admissions director.

Researching Programs

Often applicants to MBA programs are so concerned about their chances for acceptance, that they neglect to carefully consider which programs are the best match for their interests and goals. There are differences among MBA programs. Schools vary on teaching methodologies; one program may stress case study as opposed to a more theoretical base, or another may present a happy medium of practical and theoretical. If you are a Wharton graduate, you may want to consider schools that will allow you to replace the courses you have already completed at the undergraduate level that may also be required for the MBA program, with more challenging courses. A few schools such as Northwestern offer an accelerated, one year program for applicants who have an undergraduate degree in Business.

Helpful Books in Career Services Library

While application deadlines for business schools tend to fall between March and April, many schools have a rolling admissions policy. This means that they will begin to review applications early on and begin to make decisions even before an official deadline. November is usually the time that application reviews begin, but be sure to read each schools information bulletin regarding deadlines and rolling admissions. In recent years the competition for acceptance to top business schools has been fierce and those applicants who send their applications in early are at a definite advantage.

The best way to improve your chances of admissions to business school is to prepare for your application at least a year in advance. Know what the requirements are and thoughtfully review where you are now and where you want to be in the future. Talk to employers who have earned MBA's and current MBA students to assess whether this is the path you want to take. As you look at different programs, consider size, geographic area, accessibility to faculty, resources, internship and placement opportunities and the learning environment.

Take advantage of the advising resources at Career Services. A counselor is available to help you locate resources for researching programs and counsel you on any part of the application process.