Welcome to your one-stop resource for all things MBA. From choosing a school, to the application, to deciding how to prepare once you're admitted, this lens will eventually point to all the resources you'll need to get your journey started. (warning: this is a work in progress)
TOEFL, GMAT or GRE
Early on in the MBA application process, it's important that you take the GMAT and TOEFL (if necessary). Some schools accept GRE scores instead of GMAT. Your scores do not necessarily tell you where you should apply. but they do offer a partial analysis of the competitiveness of your application. High scores are appealing to AdCom officers, although you need to keep in mind they compose just one portion of your application.
- TOEFL
- The TOEFL test is typically required for non-native speakers of English.
- GMAT
- The GMAT is a required test for most MBA programs. It includes a verbal section, a quantitative section, as well as an analytical writing section.
- GRE
- The GRE is accepted by some schools as a replacement to the GMAT, for a variety of reasons.
School Selection
Apply where you want to go!
One of the most time-intensive elements of the application process is simply choosing the schools you want to apply to.
Aren't all MBA programs basically the same?
This is not true. Different schools offer entirely different approaches, methodologies, courses, network access, and strengths. It's important that you research schools to find the ones that provide the types of educational opportunities you need in order to achieve your goals. The lists below provide the names of some popular MBA programs in most regions of the world.
Isn't it important to go to a top 20 program?
Top 20 programs often have brand appeal, and this is certainly important. However, it's also important to assess which programs will meet your unique requirements and educational needs. Different people will therefore have different lists of THEIR top 20 schools.
Should I apply to 'safety' programs?
Certainly, applying to more than just your dream program is a good idea if getting an MBA is really important to you. However, you should only apply to schools you would be happy to attend. Otherwise, what's the point?
Aren't all MBA programs basically the same?
This is not true. Different schools offer entirely different approaches, methodologies, courses, network access, and strengths. It's important that you research schools to find the ones that provide the types of educational opportunities you need in order to achieve your goals. The lists below provide the names of some popular MBA programs in most regions of the world.
Isn't it important to go to a top 20 program?
Top 20 programs often have brand appeal, and this is certainly important. However, it's also important to assess which programs will meet your unique requirements and educational needs. Different people will therefore have different lists of THEIR top 20 schools.
Should I apply to 'safety' programs?
Certainly, applying to more than just your dream program is a good idea if getting an MBA is really important to you. However, you should only apply to schools you would be happy to attend. Otherwise, what's the point?
US MBA Programs
Top 20 (by general consensus)
- Harvard Business School
- Harvard University
- Stanford GSB
- Stanford University
- Wharton
- University of Pennsylvania
- Chicago GSB
- University of Chicago
- Columbia Business School
- Columbia University
- Kellogg School of Management
- Northwestern University
- Ross School of Business
- University of Michigan
- Tuck School of Business
- Dartmouth College
- Haas School of Business
- University of California Berkeley
- Stern School of Business
- New York University
- UCLA Anderson School of Management
- University of California Los Angeles
- Fuqua School of Business
- Duke University
- Yale School of Management
- Yale University
- Kenan-Flagler Business School
- University of North Carolina
- The Johnson School
- Cornell University
- Goizueta Business School
- Emory University
- Marshall School of Business
- University of Southern California
- Tepper School of Business
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Darden School of Business
- University of West Virginia
Canadian MBA Programs
- Rotman School of Management
- University of Toronto
- Richard Ivey School of Business
- University of Western Ontario
- Schulich School of Business
- York University
- McGill DeSautels School of Management
- McGill University
- Sauder School of Business
- University of British Columbia
- Queen's School of Business
- Queen's University
England MBA Programs
- London Business School
- London Business School (2yr program)
- Judge Business School
- University of Cambridge (1yr program)
- Said Business School
- Oxford University (1yr program)
- Warwick Business School
- University of Warwick (1yr program)
- Cranfield School of Management
- Cranfield University (1yr program)
- Manchester Business School
- University of Manchester (18 month program)
More US Programs
in alphabetical order
- Babson College
- Babson College (1yr or 2yr program)
- Boston University School of Management
- Boston University
- Foster School of Business
- University of Washington
- Katz GSB
- University of Pittsburgh
- Olin Business School
- Washington University in St.Louis
- Thunderbird School of Global Management
- Thunderbird School of Global Management
Spain MBA Programs
- IESE Business School
- University of Navarra (2yr program)
- ESADE Business School
- Ramon Llull University (1yr or 18 month program)
- IE (Instituto de Empresa) Business School
- IE University (13 month program)
France MBA Programs
- HEC School of Management
- HEC School of Management (16 month program)
- INSEAD
- INSEAD (1yr program)
Other European MBA Programs
- IMD
- IMD (Switzerland; 1yr program)
- Rotterdam School of Management
- Erasmus University (Holland; 15 month program)
Asian MBA Programs
- Hitotsubashi ICS
- Japan (1yr or 2yr program)
- CEIBS
- China (18 month program)
GMAT Products at Amazon
The Official Guide for GMAT Review, 11th Edition
Amazon Price: $22.17 (as of 10/11/2008)
Kaplan GMAT Premier Program, 2009 (Book & CD-ROM)
Amazon Price: $27.72 (as of 10/11/2008)
The Official Guide for GMAT Quantitative Review
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 10/11/2008)
MBA Books at Amazon.com
How To Get Into the Top MBA Programs, 4th Edition (How to Get Into the Top Mba Programs)
Amazon Price: $19.80 (as of 10/11/2008)
The Ten-Day MBA 3rd Ed.: A Step-By-Step Guide To Mastering The Skills Taught In America's Top Business Schools
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 10/11/2008)
The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management (Portable Mba Series)
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 10/11/2008)
