CHOOSE THE RIGHT MBA

7 easy steps
Free GMAT Consultation

The key to choosing the ideal MBA program is understanding your needs and goals. Ranking systems sort schools based on statistics that may not be relevant to you. So take some time to think about what YOU want.

Aiming to develop emerging markets or lead current top companies? Planning to work in Europe, Asia, or bridge global gaps? Prefer one-on-one guidance or large cohorts and alumni networks?

There are many factors to consider! Therefore, follow these 7 steps to find out which MBA suits you the best!

1. Really get to know yourself

“Knowing yourself to improve yourself” – Auguste Comte

What defines you? The key milestones in your life? Any situations/stories you would like to showcase? How many languages do you speak? How was your leadership defined? Do you have any anecdotes? What are your biggest failures?

Did you graduate from a top tier university or not? What was your GPA? Did you take a semester (or more) abroad?

How many years of work experience do you have? What managerial role (s) do you have? Any direct reports and budget responsibilities? What qualified achievements can you list? Overseas work experience? Do or did you work for a top tier firm such as a leading consulting firm, investment bank or tech giant? Did you have a fast career progression?

2. Define your project

“The clearer you are on where you want to be post graduation, the more the school can help you” – Sheryle Dirks, Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business associate dean for career management

What industry are you targeting? What function would be your ideal job? Would you like to work overseas or not? Do you want to go for entrepreneurship? Do you want to join a startup?

You need to approach your career plan in a very strategic manner. List at least 3 potential post-MBA exit strategies.

Understand which industries you could transition to. Consulting firms hire alot of MBA graduates every year. But it doesn’t mean that every MBA graduate has a shot at it.

3. Start your research

“Research is creating new knowledge” -Neil Armstrong

Look at each of the programs career statistics. To ensure that you pick programs that are relevant to what you want to achieve after graduation.

To compare your profile to recent graduates from the programs you are targeting.

What is the GMAT average? What is the GPA average? What’s the percentage of international students? Women?

4. Finalize school selection

“The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do”-Micheal E.Porter

Even if it is a stretch. You do not want to have any regret. This is your only chance.

Your choice must reflect your strategy. We strongly recommend you to apply for at least 3 MBA programs.

Applying to MBA programs is an intense and time consuming process.

5. Get your GMAT done

“There is no substitute for hard work”-Thomas A.Edison

Consider taking classes at a well-known prep center near you or consider the online classes alternative.

Use a software such as Spreeder to improve your reading speed to up to 350 words per min.

1 hour a day will always beat 6 hours on both Saturdays and Sundays.

While the GMAT is the preferred test, it would always be better to present a great GRE score than a bad GMAT score.

6. Apply

“Showcase who you truly are through the lens of who the school truly wants to see”-admissions.sg

Each school has unique specificities. You need to address those specifically in your application.  Their locations, career stats, top employers or class profiles are some of the many parameters that you can showcase to build the fit.

It’s a long process, so make sure to work with your referees closely.

Admissions committees are looking at specific information: budget responsibilities, direct reports, quantified achievements. Your CV is the most critical part of your application and unfortunately often the one applicants spend the least time on.

Proofreading is essential. Get at least 2 persons to review your application. You wouldn’t want to submit an application with grammar errors.

7. Choose your program

“Choice, not chance, determines your destiny”-Aristotle

Take into account the financial aspect of the offer as well as the career opportunities.

You can take advice from friends, family and colleagues. But you must make your decision on your own ultimately.