LBS MBA Application Guide

London Business School seeks MBA candidates who demonstrate leadership potential, a global mindset, strong team skills, and a clear understanding of their career goals, with a focus on international experience and a desire to contribute to the school’s diverse community.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what LBS looks for:

• Leadership Potential: LBS values candidates who exhibit leadership qualities and have a track record of taking initiative and influencing others
• International Outlook: The school emphasises the importance of a global mindset and experience collaborating with diverse teams and cultures
• Team Working Abilities: LBS seeks individuals who can collaborate effectively and contribute positively to a team environment
• Clear Career Goals: Candidates should have well-defined career aspirations and a realistic understanding of how an MBA from LBS can help them achieve them
• Motivation for LBS: Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest in the school’s program, culture, and community, and explain how they will contribute to the LBS experience
• Fit for LBS: LBS aims to build a diverse and high-performing class, so candidates should show how they will contribute to the school’s global classroom and community

Transcripts

• Candidates must submit transcripts of their grades from all universities they have attended. If the transcripts are not in English, a certified translation into English is required. Upon receiving an offer, LBS will request either the original or a certified copy of the academic transcript from the candidates

GMAT/GRE scores

• GMAT, GMAT Focus, and GRE tests are accepted. Candidates must submit their official test taker copy of their score with their application
• The average GMAT score for LBS MBA students is approximately 700, with most scores falling between 600 and 800. When it comes to the GRE, LBS looks for scores exceeding 160 in both the verbal and quantitative sections. For those taking the GMAT Focus, a target score of 645 is recommended, although the MBA program requires a minimum score of 555 or higher
• Candidates who are taking the GMAT Focus test or have previously completed a GMAT test may not have the ability to download a copy of their score. In such instances, they should take a screenshot of their score and include it with their application
• Note: The Admissions Committee may ask candidates to retake the test before receiving an offer

Proof of English language ability

• If candidates are not a native speaker of a majority English-speaking country, they will need to submit proof of their English language ability
• Accepted tests and minimum scores include:

• Other ways as evidence of English language ability: At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, the requirement to provide English language test scores may be waived. Candidates can apply for an exemption if they meet one of the following criteria:
  • Candidates are currently working in a professional role in a majority English-speaking country (at least 2 years of experience), or
  • Candidates have completed a degree-level course (undergraduate and/or masters – no exchange program accepted) that is:
    • • full-time
      • undertaken entirely in English, in a majority English-speaking country
      • completed no more than 5 years prior to the course start date

The LBS MBA program requires applicants to submit a one-page CV. Candidates should also provide explanations for any significant gaps in their employment history on a separate document.

On average, LBS MBA candidates have around 5.5 years of work experience; however, participants from certain countries may have less due to longer undergraduate programs or national service, which can delay their entry into the workforce. Candidates with fewer than three years of work experience may still be considered for admission if they can showcase exceptional academic achievements and remarkable leadership qualities through their professional and personal experiences.

Military service is recognised as valid work experience, and LBS actively encourages individuals with military backgrounds to apply.

The essay questions for LBS MBA program are:

What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these? (500 words)

• This essay invites candidates to detail their career goals following their MBA and to reflect on how their past professional experiences have prepared them for these ambitions, while also considering the role of an MBA from LBS in their future plans. It’s wise to concentrate on one or two significant accomplishments, sharing relevant details thoughtfully
• A compelling response will effectively cover all essential elements, including the specific position the applicant intends to pursue immediately after their MBA, while also indicating the larger career path this position signifies
• Candidates should clearly express how their previous experiences have provided them with the necessary skills and insights for their target role, while also emphasising specific elements of the LBS MBA program that will facilitate their career shift. Applicants should aim to allocate at least 200 words to explore how an LBS MBA will specifically prepare them for future achievements. Instead of general statements about the program, focusing on particular courses and clubs of interest will enhance the impact of their comments. Engaging with the program through information sessions or discussions with current students and alumni will provide valuable insights

What makes you unique? (200 words)

• This year, several prestigious MBA programs have introduced essay prompts asking candidates to describe their unique qualities. These questions likely aim to help schools achieve a diverse incoming class without directly addressing race or ethnicity
• To determine the most compelling topics for this essay, candidates can start by listing the distinctive traits that define them. Seek input from friends and family, as they may highlight qualities candidates often overlook or undervalue but others find admirable. Focus on one or two traits that truly represent who they are today and align with the culture and values of LBS
• Whenever possible, candidates should enhance their essay by sharing a brief story for each quality or skill they mention. This approach will allow the Admissions Committee to visualise how the candidate’s uniqueness can contribute to the LBS community, making this essay more impactful and memorable

Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (Optional) (500 words)

• Candidates often use the optional essay to clarify any confusing aspects of their application, such as a low GPA, subpar test scores, or gaps in employment. While LBS allows for this, it’s essential to first review other sections of the application that may already address these concerns, like academic performance or disciplinary issues. If candidates can tackle their concerns in those areas, it’s best to do so rather than reiterate them in this essay
• If candidates believe their application does not require clarification, they can consider using this essay to present a more comprehensive and positive view of themself. However, avoid simply reusing an essay from another institution. Instead, reflect on what the Admissions Committee already knows about them and craft a narrative that adds depth to their character
• Given the open-ended nature of this question, candidates have a wide range of possibilities. It’s important to evaluate whether this essay genuinely enhances the overall application or if it merely adds unnecessary content. Be considerate of the Admissions Committee’s time and resources, ensuring that this submission is meaningful and provides valuable insights into the applicant’s candidacy

To finalise the application, one reference is necessary. This reference should ideally come from the candidate’s current employer or a colleague, should the candidate prefer not to involve their direct manager at this time. Alternatively, it may be from a previous employer, a long-term client, or another individual who is familiar with the candidate’s professional background. It is important that the chosen referee knows the candidate in a work-related context.

The LBS MBA program will only accept a single reference and will not consider any additional materials. Candidates are advised to inform their referee ahead of time that they will receive an email from LBS containing a User ID, password, and detailed instructions for completing the online reference form. General letters of recommendation will not be accepted by LBS.

As a component of the application process, candidates selected for an interview are required to provide two brief video submissions to enhance their application. These videos are distinct from the alumni interview, and the interviewer will not view them. Candidates will have a period of 10 to 14 days to respond to their interview questions using the Kira platform.

Each candidate will have 45 seconds to prepare their response and then 90 seconds to record it. The Kira platform allows for unlimited practice, so candidates are encouraged to use this feature to familiarise themselves with the video format.

Video Essay #1: “What will you gain from the London Business School MBA Programme that you won’t gain from another MBA programme?”

• This question emphasises the importance of thorough research on LBS MBA’s courses, faculty, events, and club that align with the candidate’s aspirations. Candidates should be detailed in their response and avoid relying on generic information from the website. For instance, if a specific elective seems exciting, explain why it is exciting, or if the applicant is eager to engage in one of LBS’s renowned Global Business Experiences, clarify how it will enhance their MBA experience
• Candidates might also highlight the advantages of studying in London, a significant factor that sets LBS apart. Consider why London is essential for them—this could include access to specific companies, local industry experts, the city’s diverse sectors, and its status as a major financial centre
• This question is given beforehand to candidates, so LBS would expect this answer should be well-crafted. It’s crucial for candidates to stand out. Reflect on what LBS can provide them, but instead of listing numerous activities, select a few that resonate with their personal goals and explain their significance. Additionally, candidates can frame their response around the school’s mission to challenge norms and empower change, keeping in mind the time limit of 90 seconds

Video Essay #2 is selected at random and varies among candidates, making it impossible to predict the question beforehand. Prep Zone advises candidates to get ready for a broad array of subjects, including common MBA interview questions related to their previous experiences, such as “describe a time when…”. It’s important to note that candidates will have 45 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to respond, so they should make the most of the unlimited practice tests available on Kira before they record their actual responses.

 Interviews for the MBA program are conducted by alumni or senior admissions personnel, and they will be held in the candidates’ respective regions. Depending on the availability of the interviewer, candidates might need to travel to complete their interview.

At LBS, interviews are non-blind, meaning that the interviewer will have reviewed all written application materials submitted by the candidate, excluding the video essays. Therefore, candidates should anticipate questions that relate to their application essays.

Typically, an LBS interview lasts between 45 to 60 minutes. In addition to standard MBA interview questions, candidates will also face a presentation question. They will have approximately 5 minutes to prepare and another 5 minutes to present, akin to a case study presentation. The purpose of this exercise is to evaluate the candidate’s ability to convey a clear idea and showcase strong critical thinking skills, rather than simply providing the “correct” answer. Consequently, candidates should concentrate on guiding the interviewer through a logical and well-structured response to the prompt.