Learn about financial literacy early on -- attend a financial literacy class or possibly study economics, finance, business and accounting in high school or community college. Visit the NEFE High School Financial Planning website. Click on the link that reads "Students," then choose "Unit 1" to learn about developing a financial plan, for example. Use the "Contacts in Your State" link, then choose the name of your state to obtain contact phone numbers and emails for NEFE representatives about finance-related subjects, too.
Develop relationships with classmates, career or guidance counselors and teachers -- the input they may have to offer future college recruiters may prove to be invaluable. Maintain a high grade point average (GPA), as well. Join organizations, business clubs or even campaign for a seat in student government -- leadership skills is one quality quite relevant to a future MBA candidate. The Future Business Leaders of America is also one organization that specializes in helping many students develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills vital in a successful business career.
Attend an accredited four-year university and obtain a bachelor's degree. Before you can get an MBA in finance, you have to study at an undergraduate level -- course prerequisites vary from school to school. Observe that many admissions recruiters also look for college applicants with a history of proven academic performance, leadership or even entrepreneurial skill -- abilities most likely acquired through club, student government, volunteering or mentoring, for example. According to a 2010 report from "Forbes," Harvard, Columbia, Stanford and Yale are all top-rated U.S. business schools that award MBAs.
Take either the graduate management admissions (GMAT) test or the graduate record exam (GRE) -- both are designed to assess a student's potential for success in graduate-level programs. Know that most top-tier business schools, such as the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, require a GMAT, however. Contact the admissions office of the facility you wish to attend to find out which test is required. Expect to pay approximately $250 for either test, as well.
Apply to an MBA in finance program. Obtain a school checklist to ensure the application process goes smoothly -- each school's process may vary. Attend informational events -- the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton MBA program sponsors a series of seminars across the county throughout the year, for example. Visit any number of other college events -- Columbia Business School, in conjunction with the Ten School Diversity Alliance (TSDA), features an "On-the-Road" tour that encapsulates information about MBA programs at MIT, Northwestern and even Harvard, as well.