Universities generally require MBA applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college. Some schools may require individuals to have a bachelor's degree in management, a master's degree in a related area of study or a doctoral degree. Applicants must provide transcripts from each of the colleges that they have attended to complete their degree. GPA requirements for admission vary according to the specific MBA program and may not be disclosed on the school's Web site.
Most MBA programs require applicants to take the Graduate Management Admission Test, which is generally referred to as the GMAT exam. Some schools may be willing to accept the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, in place of the GMAT. The scores that an individual is required to earn will vary according to the university and how competitive their master's degree in business administration is. Some schools may be willing to waive GMAT or GRE scores as a requirement for applicants who have doctoral degrees.
Individuals who apply to MBA programs are generally required to submit a resume, which contains detailed work history information. Applicants should include their job history, certifications and any professional accomplishments. While a resume may not be an MBA admission requirement for all programs, most colleges give preference to individuals who have a demonstrated history of success. On the other hand, some colleges require applicants to have a certain number of years of work experience before they will consider admitting them into the program.
Like any other graduate school applicant, MBA applicants are generally required to write a personal statement of their career objectives. This should outline their reasons for wanting to pursue the degree and their long-term professional career goals. Most schools require MBA applicants to provide letters of recommendation. These can be from professors or employers who are able to recommend applicants based on their academic performance or work ethic. If the applicant is considered, an interview may be required. International and non-English speaking students may need to meet additional admissions requirements.