What test do you take to apply for Business Schools?

Question

GRE? or something else? I'm looking into starting towards my MBA. Not sure where to start. Any advice is welcome.

Answer 1

The rule of thumb is: GMAT for the MBA & GRE for all other grad programs (PHD, MA etc.) There are many MBA programs around so the first crucial question is to ask yourself: What do you hope to get out of the an MBA? Do you simply want to spice up your CV, tap into a school's alumni network or gain additional business skills? A general MBA or a specialized one? Every school's program markets itself in a different way so knowing what you want will considerably make your search easier. The following factors will help you narrow your choices.

1) GMAT. Most credible schools (all Ivy League schools and state schools) will require a GMAT score of 600+ whereas other schools waive this requirement completely.

2) Cost. Going abroad will naturally set you back by close to S$100K (tuition fees + living expenses) so if cost is a heavy consideration, then a local MBA will be more affordable. Also European MBAs (INSEAD, IMD, IE) are slightly cheaper than American ones (Stanford, Stern, Columbia) because the duration is shorter.

3) Duration. With the exception of local MBAs, entering an MBA is a full-time venture. Most MBAs are between 1-2 years so you will need to consider the opportunity cost involved. Can you afford to stop working for this period of time?

4) Delivery of the program. Some programs like Harvard business school teach via case studies, others are more academic rigorous e.g. Stanford. Think about your preference on the delivery style, class diversity (American MBAs are traditionally less diverse than the Asian and European MBAs), support network (in terms of career guidance and alumni). A good idea is to visit schools that you are keen on applying to and speak to the students, faculty members and alumni.

Usually people will apply to 5-6 B-schools and not limit themselves to just 1 for pragmatic reasons. Once you have decided on the ones you want to apply to, get together a decent GMAT score, admission essays (often overlooked but important) and your referees. The application process will be a long and arduous one. Good luck!

Answer 2

try studying up for a GMAT first. the gre is normally taken for doctorates or other masters degree. when you get comfortable with the GMAT, take the test and find out your score. if you get 750+ then your sure to get in the top tier business schools. apply there and write a great essay, then go for it. of course i am assuming you have at least 2 years of relevant work experience already.

Answer 3

See if you can start working and get someone to sponser your MBA

yea it doesnt have much to do with your question but you said any advice is welcome

Answer 4

GMAT.

Here's a website you may find useful:
http://www.mbaprograms.org/