How To Apply For An MBA | Affordable College Online
Updated August 29, 2023 · 5 Min Read
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A master of business administration (MBA) opens many opportunities for students seeking careers in management or leadership. Through graduate-level classes, students gain skills in finance, marketing, or international business. Earning an MBA demonstrates high knowledge and expertise.
Prospective MBA students first complete an application. Many MBA programs require applicants to submit an MBA application resume. Building a strong MBA resume can give prospective enrollees the edge they need to receive an acceptance letter.
This page provides MBA application tips to help prospective students create a strong resume.
MBA Application Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What Skills Should I Put On My MBA Resume?
Applicants can show their potential by including relevant skills on their MBA application resume. Learners with technical skills, such as coding, show an ability to think critically. Many MBA programs also look for communication, marketing, leadership, and project management skills.
Q. What Are the Requirements for an MBA Application?
Requirements for MBA applications differ by school. However, many similarities exist. For example, MBA applications typically require applicants' official transcripts. Some require students to include GMAT or GRE scores. Many also ask for a resume and personal statement. Applicants sometimes must provide professional or academic recommendation letters.
Q. What Skills Are Required for an MBA?
MBA programs look for applicants with certain skills. These skills may include strategic thinking, leadership, and analysis. Critical thinking and collaborative skills show a student's readiness for graduate-level work. Listing previous work experience on an MBA application resume also demonstrates desired skills.
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MBA Application Requirements
MBA applications include different requirements to help programs learn about applicants. Completing an MBA application can take several months. Applicants can avoid unnecessary stress by gathering application materials early.
Resume
Many MBA programs request an MBA application resume. Writing a resume may take several hours or longer, depending on length. Applicants also typically submit official transcripts. This process may take 2-5 days. GMAT or GRE scores also take time to arrive at the school.
Personal Statement
MBA applicants should prepare to craft a personal statement or other essay. These essays may prompt applicants to write about an interest in the field or knowledge on a subject. Applicants should write several drafts and budget plenty of time for the process.
Recommendation Letters
MBA applications ask for recommendation letters. Applicants should choose faculty or colleagues who know them well. They should also ask references to write recommendation letters at least three weeks before the deadline.
Top MBA Application Writing Tips
Completing an MBA application takes time and careful consideration. New applicants may feel overwhelmed at the task. The following list features some MBA application tips to help in the process.
- Understand What Is Being Asked
Reading the application prompts carefully helps applicants understand the program's requests. Reading carefully also ensures that applicants fully answer the questions. Properly answered questions provide MBA programs with important information.
When writing an MBA application resume, be clear and concise. MBA programs look for one-page resumes. This demonstrates effective communication skills. It also makes sure applicants include as much relevant information as possible.
- Double Check Your Work
Applicants should always double check their work. Review written materials for grammar or spelling mistakes. Applicants may ask a professor or colleague to edit their application. Professional proofreaders and editors can also provide helpful suggestions.
Writing centers at schools typically offer proofreading services for written materials like essays. College career services can also help students prepare resumes. Staff members can provide helpful tips to writing a concise and effective resume.
- Write for Clarity
MBA programs look for clearly communicated written materials in an application. Clarity ensures the reader fully understands what is being communicated. This also demonstrates developed written communication skills. These skills can help with MBA courses and business experience in the field.
Writing clearly takes practice. Applicants can consult with school writing centers or professional editors to develop written communication skills. Writing multiple drafts also helps applicants learn from their mistakes.
- Consider How You List Your Experience
MBA application resumes typically list an applicant's work experience, education, and skillset. Listing this experience can pose some challenges. This especially rings true when writing work experience descriptions. Applicants should write these descriptions clearly and concisely. Using strong action words in the description helps applicants focus on their strengths and skills.
Prospective students should list their work experience in reverse chronological order. This ensures that MBA programs see an applicant's most recent experience.
- Consider Listing Projects if You Lack Experience
Applicants without work experience can highlight other projects on a resume. Including relevant volunteer or school projects can help demonstrate skills. This shows MBA programs an applicant's potential and prior accomplishments.
Rather than including work experience on a resume, applicants can create a class project section. This section may include concise descriptions of their project responsibilities. Applicants can also highlight working with others on this project. This demonstrates collaboration experience.
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