Admissions Process

The MBA Admissions Process

Most top schools have a rigorous admission process to select students into their programs. Admission decisions are not formula-driven but depend on the applicant's overall profile.

The application procedure should be carefully completed with all requested information showing the qualifications and suitability that the schools have requested. The admission selection process is highly competitive-with the best candidates competing for a restricted number of school openings. A candidate's undergraduate performance, GMAT® and TOEFLTM test scores (when required), length and quality of work experience, career goals, resume, personal essays, and recommendation letters are different elements of an MBA application. All Business Schools require candidates to hold at least a Bachelor's Degree or its equivalent. It is not mandatory to have earlier exposure to business studies to be accepted into an MBA Program. Academic results form a vital component of one's application.Any area that positively reflects one's past interests and experiences is a definite plus. Extracurricular activities that are considered a past success should be emphasized.

Because of the rigors of Business School, admissions committees look for students who are able to motivate and discipline themselves to learn and to balance academic pursuits with their personal lives. Good responses to essay questions and the length and quality of the applicant's work experience contribute in making a strong application.
Financial assistance and loan programs for non-US citizens are available though they are very limited. Some of the larger, well-established programs have more funding available or at least more programs in place to help students finance their MBAs. All Indian banks give education loans at nominal rate of interest, and it is a good idea to avail of these loans in case one is looking for external sources of funding.

The evidence of financial support is required by universities to issue the documents needed for visa application. Applicants are also required to submit a bank statement demonstrating their financial capacity to support their education.

Read More: Importance of work experience in an MBA application

Admissions Procedures FAQs

To find out about the American university and colleges, the best source of information is the Internet. Most institutions have web pages that contain a wealth of information and instructions on how to submit an application for admission, including special instructions for international students. Alternatively, if you do not have access to the Internet, you can find information by visiting the nearest USIEF, British Council or other country-specific education centres. You can also avail services of the Jamboree admission cell to help you get information on colleges and universities abroad.

First, you must have a clear idea of what you wish to study and what kind of school you are looking for. There are also financial considerations to take into account, and the cost can vary enormously from institution to institution. The field of study, geography, and cost will help you narrow down your selection.
The next step is to contact the universities that appeal to you and obtain information from them. As it can take some time to complete the application process, the earlier you begin the better it is for you. Start your search at least 12 months in advance; if you are planning to begin your studies in Fall 2016, you should start contacting universities in the Fall 2015. Most universities admit new students twice a year.

Once you have gathered all the information and application forms from the universities that interest you, read them carefully and follow the instructions. Most require you to fill an application form and submit it, along with your educational qualifications, test results, one or more letters of recommendation from former teachers or employers, personal essays and statement of purpose, financial affidavits, and applications for scholarship if any. They will also require that you pay an application fee.

The standardized tests required for admission vary from country to country and from course to course. All universities in the United States require applicants to take 'standardized tests' designed to measure students' aptitude for further study. Students whose native language is not English must also demonstrate their proficiency by taking the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Graduate schools of business and MBA programs usually require the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT); post-graduate programs in other disciplines require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Students going right after their class 12th for undergraduate programs need to take the SAT I and SAT II tests.

Admissions Process

The MBA Admissions Process

MS, PhD Admissions Process

Undergraduate Admissions Process

Admissions Procedures FAQs