How to get into a top business school

The Financial Times global ranking of MBA courses in 2017 provides a list of the top business schools in the world for the study of business administration. The ranking is as follows:

1. Insead (France/Singapore).
2. Stanford Graduate School of Business (US).
3. University of Pennsylvania: Wharton (US).
4. Harvard Business School (US).
5. University of Cambridge: Judge (UK).
6. London Business School (UK).
7. Columbia Business School (US).
8. IE Business School (Spain).
9. University of Chicago: Booth (US).
10. Iese Business School (Spain).

 

These business schools – scattered across Europe and North America – are the world leaders in business education; attracting the brightest and best students and helping them to become the global business leaders of tomorrow. These institutions not only provide the best preparation for corporate stardom that money can buy, but they also give you the opportunity to network and build relationships with people who will become invaluable contacts in your future career, and attract recruiters from all the top international companies.

 

Competition for places at these business schools is fierce, and only around 10% of applicants are successful each year. So if you want to stand a good chance of getting into one of these high-flying institutions, what do you need? Here is our list:

 

An exemplary academic record

The course of study required by an MBA is intensive, rigorous, and challenging. Top business schools expect a proven track record of academic achievement at undergraduate level – First class honours or a GPA of 3.7 or above – and a top score in the GMAT or GRE, as this will demonstrate that you will be able to keep up with the academic workload.

 

An impressive CV

One of the key things you need to demonstrate is that your application to study business is an informed choice. Many business schools stipulate a certain number of years of professional experience for all applicants – but even if they don’t, a CV peppered with internships and positions in the sector in which you wish to work is an asset.

 

Personal recommendations from people who matter

A written recommendation from a senior colleague is an important aspect of any application, as it helps the admissions team at the business schools to get behind the numbers and form an objective assessment of your qualities. The best thing is to ask people who are well-respected in the industry within which you wish to work, and – ideally - with whom you have worked closely.

 

Strong leadership qualities

An MBA is first and foremost preparation to take on a senior role within the business community. Leadership qualities and strength of character are a crucial part of this – experience in volunteering, serving in the armed forces, or playing a role in student government are great ways to demonstrate this competency.

 

A powerful sense of purpose

This final, secret ingredient is the thing that pulls your application together, and will propel you forward through your studies - passion. Even when the workload is heavy, and the material is challenging, your passion for business and your drive to succeed will push you to successfully complete your degree, and achieve great things in your career. Through a moving motivation letter, that gives the admissions team at the business schoola clear sense of who you are and what drives you, you can convince them that you have this special fire in your belly.

 

Click here to see the full ranking