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With some 800 MBAs offered in the English language, finding the one that
best meets your needs is not an easy task. Based on our experience, here
are some general tips and the steps you should follow to make the
selection process easier.
Step 1: English.
Obviously, one needs an advanced level of English to do an MBA. You will
have to take one of two English test: the
TOEFL or IELTS.
The TOEFL is:
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required by
all US and Canadian universities. |
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accepted by some universities in Europe, New Zealand, the UK. |
The IELTS is:
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required by
universities in Australia, Europe, New Zealand, the UK. |
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also accepted by some universities in the US and Canada. |
Minimum Scores:
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173 TOEFL, IELTS 5.5. |
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It is much preferred that you have a 213 TOEFL or 6.0 IELTS. |
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Take the test a year prior to the date you plan to begin your
MBA. This will allow you to retake the test if your scores
do not meet the requirements of the MBA program you seek. |
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REMEMBER: You need to be able to use the English
language. Even with high English test scores, you will
find the first several weeks of an MBA program stressful. |
Step 2: GMAT (Graduate Management
Admissions Test)
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Not required by all MBA programs in the USA Usually not
required by Australia, UK, and Swiss MBA programs. |
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Top line programs will usually require a minimum of 600. |
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Do not take the GMAT if your TOEFL score is below 213. |
Step 3: Finances
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Although you may be able to obtain financial assistance, you
must assume that you are going to have to support yourself. |
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Calculate the maximum amount of money available for your
program. (MBA, books, housing, food, insurance, travel,
miscellaneous.) and then add 10% for unexpected expenses. |
Step 4: Time Abroad
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There are two-year and one-year MBAs. You must determine how
long you can stay abroad. If you can only stay one year, focus
only on the one-year MBAs. |
Step 5: Geographic Location
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This is important as it influences the overall cost of the
program. For example, the cost of living in London or San
Francisco is more expensive than Sydney and much more than
Oklahoma City or another city in the Central or Southern USA. |
Step 6: What kind of MBA
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Besides a General MBA, most programs offer what are called
"tracks" or areas of specialization. These can include:
Marketing, Finance, Information Technology, Public
Administration, among others. Knowing which area you wish to
specialize in will facilitate your search. |
Step 7: Begin the Search
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You should apply to between five and ten programs ranging from
programs you think you have little chance of being accepted to
those you are very confident of being accepted. |
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Top line MBAs: TOEFL 600+, GMAT 600+, 3-5 years work experience,
minimum of US$40,000 per year for all expenses. You still can
apply even if you do not meet these requirements, but your
chances of being accepted are minimal. |
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Other MBAs: This is where you really have to work hard. If you
have followed the previous steps, then it should be easier to
focus on the programs that best meet your needs. |
These general guidelines should help you get pointed in the right
direction. Let the search begin, and good luck. |
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