In order to narrow down the list of schools to which you want to apply, you might consider your geographical preferences and specific areas of interest; for instance, some schools offer a concentration on sustainable business or media whereas others do not. It is sometimes useful to refer to rankings (e.g., Business Week and U.S. News and World Report), as well, if you wish to see how programs stack up against one another. Your local library should offer an array of MBA-focused books to help you select a school and prepare to apply.
Finally, you should think about whether you would like to attend school full time or part-time, or whether you seek an executive MBA (usually for managers and other higher-level professionals) or even a dual degree that pairs an MBA with a law, medical or other graduate degree.
Once you have selected the schools to which you wish to apply, you will want to check into each school's application timel ine and perhaps schedule a campus visit or plan to attend a recruiting event in your area. Many schools accept applications in the fall for admission the following summer. This type of information should all be available on each school's website. Many applications may have similarities to one another, but each school has its own forms and guidelines, often including recommendations and essays.
Over 1,900 graduate business schools around the world require students to submit GMAT scores as part of the application process. The GMAT is a standardized test that measures basic mathematical, verbal, and analytical writing skills and is administered through testing centers around the world. The exam costs $250 to take, and your scores are valid for five years. GMAT preparation materials are available online and at libraries and book stores.
Schools may be in touch with you as the process progresses and request that you schedule an in-person or phone interview. Decisions will either be mailed or delivered to you online with a verdict of accepted, denied, or waitlisted. If you accepted and decide to enroll, the school will provide the specifics regarding payment, housing, coursework and what to expect.
Your program may range from one to over four years in length. Many schools require that you complete 60 credits towards the MBA degree. Some of these credits may often be completely abroad or in other graduate areas within the school. Once you have fulfilled all of the requirements for the degree, the school will confirm your eligibility for graduation. For a full-time program, students typically graduate after two years.