Business School Admission Process

Similar to any other admissions procedure, getting into business schools, commonly called B-schools, begins with taking entrance tests.

For B-schools, the primary exam required is the GMAT. Certain institutions might also accept the GRE, but if you have taken neither and plan to apply exclusively to business schools, taking the GMAT is the safer choice. If you intend to apply for alternative programs that solely take GRE scores, verify whether your chosen business schools accept the GRE. If they do, proceed with the GRE.

Regardless of the situation, international candidates must submit proof of English language proficiency. This means you will need to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.

Please note: GRE and GMAT results remain valid for five years, whereas TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE results stay valid for two years.

The standard sequence of steps to follow when applying to overseas business schools includes the following:

1. Research

Before initiating applications, extensive research is necessary. This involves selecting the universities you want to target, understanding their admission criteria, noting deadlines, and finding application links.

(You can read about the top 20 B schools in the world here)

All application deadlines are listed on the official university website. For instance, if you plan to apply for the Fall term, you should submit your applications by October. Certain premier B-schools, such as Harvard, set their Round 1 deadlines as early as September. European institutions like HEC Paris may even have deadlines as early as June. Therefore, begin your research early!

2. Exams

Once your research is complete, you will be aware of all application prerequisites, including any required test scores.

For the GRE or GMAT, allocate roughly six months for preparation. These examinations demand consistent study and practice.

For the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE, approximately two months of preparation is usually sufficient, though this depends entirely on your current language proficiency.

As a general trend for gaining admission to top-tier b-schools, aiming for a 730 on the GMAT, over 7.5 on the IELTS, 109 on the TOEFL, or 75 on the PTE is recommended.

You can read our exam preparation guides here (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT)

3. Filling the application form

Application forms are accessible on the university website. Submitting your application requires the following documentation:

1. Academic transcripts from every post-secondary institution you attended.
2. Test scores and official reports (GRE/GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS/PTE)
3. Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
4. Resume/ CV
5. Personal Statements/ Essays. The required number of essays varies by university.
6. Application fees.

Submitting your application as early as possible is strongly recommended!

Upon finishing this stage, your sole task is to wait while the admissions committee evaluates your paperwork.

4. The Interview

This represents your initial direct communication with the admissions committee. You may receive an invitation for an interview conducted over Skype or telephone. Alternatively, you might be given a set of questions to answer while recording yourself. Formats vary across different schools.

This stage holds immense importance in the procedure. While securing an interview invitation is a positive sign, it does not guarantee acceptance. You must continue to impress the committee to secure a spot!

You can read about frequently asked MBA questions here.

5. Post interview

Certain colleges implement a post-interview reflection step, typically consisting of a short form. Comprehensive instructions will be provided to help you complete it.

Once every step is finished, you simply need to await the final decisions. During this interval, you can gather paperwork for your visa and apply for an education loan.