In order to get into an MBA program, the Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is required. At Stanford University, the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, can be substituted for this test.
At some schools, such as Montclair State University, the GRE cannot be substituted for the GMAT for admission purposes. However, if a student has completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.5 from Montclair, he may be exempt from the GMAT. Exemptions are also given to students who have applied for one and have received a terminal degree or Master of Science degree in a study such as math or engineering from the school.
If students applying to the MBA program of certain colleges, such as Stanford University, have a degree from a university where the primary teaching language is one other than English, students may have to take other qualifying tests. These tests include the Test of English as a Foreign Language, International English Language Test and the Pearson Test of English.
In order to be admitted into the MBA program at any university, students must have an undergraduate degree of some kind. This degree does not need to be in business but a business degree might help students gain advanced standing from such universities as Montclair State University. College-level calculus is also required for the MBA program at Montclair. While no minimum grade point average is required for many MBA programs, including the one at Stanford University, students that showed a greater variety of courses and activities in their undergraduate careers were admitted more often than students without as large of a variety.
Many MBA programs require letters of recommendation for admission. For Stanford University, three letters of recommendation are required. These three letters must consist of two professional and one peer. At Montclair State University, two professional letters of recommendation are required. These letters are supposed to reflect applicants' accomplishments and achievements according to professional associates.
Some MBA programs require extra forms and pieces of information for admission. At Stanford University, students applying to the MBA program must provide a complete academic history from high school on, an academic record, unofficial transcript, resume, employment history and an essay. At Montclair, students must provide a resume, personal statement and official transcripts from previous universities once accepted.