MBA Requirements You Must Meet Before You Apply

Getting an MBA is a big decision that can impact your career trajectory and salary for years to come. Finding the right school and program takes time.

I often encourage professionals to first think about their motivation for going to business school, says Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez, associate professor of management at Loyola Marymount University. It is an appealing degree for various reasons, but having a compelling reason for applying is important. It’s something admissions officers look for in reviewing application essays.

Read on to learn more about MBA requirements and the steps you need to take to get admitted into the school that is right for you.

While an undergraduate degree in business is common amongst MBA students, many schools and universities are happy to recruit students from diverse fields. Graduates with degrees in economics, humanities, engineering, and communication are also frequent MBA candidates.

If you are a non-business major, you may need to demonstrate relevant background knowledge before acceptance into an MBA program. Some schools will require prerequisite coursework in accounting, statistics, or finance, while others are looking for on-the-job experience.

A majority of MBA programs will require a bachelor’s degree and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. According to Gutiérrez, a low GPA can be remedied with other aspects of your application, such as high scores on the GRE or GMAT and work experience that shows strong evidence of leadership.

One of the best ways to showcase your talent and potential to MBA admissions counselors is with actual work experience. Though not a strict MBA requirement, many business schools prefer incoming students with 2-3 years of on-the-job training.

When assessing an applicant’s professional profile, committees are looking at work experience, says Gutiérrez. More specifically, evidence of leadership, discipline, and teamwork.

Whether you are focused on your career or other volunteer and extracurricular activities, highlighting your leadership, communication, and project management skills will help your MBA application stand out.

Hundreds of business schools offer MBA programs, says Gutiérrez. It’ll be important for the applicant to research and determine which are the best fits depending on the applicant’s needs and goals.

That being said, it’s helpful to know what you want from your MBA as you research schools and programs.

Answering these questions will help you focus on the school that is right for you. It will also help you understand if there are prerequisite courses you must take or if you have to sit for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

GMAC hosts a program finder on MBA.com where you can explore schools and programs from around the world. Look for accredited MBA programs during your search since these degrees have higher academic standards and may boost your job prospects.

While some business schools waived the GMAT during the COVID-19 pandemic, many have started to request test scores again. All M7 schools require a test score from the GMAT or a comparable exam like the GRE.

The 64-question test runs for 2 hours and 15 minutes and costs between $250-$310 a session. The average score was 660 in 2022 on a scale between 205 and 805. Students attending the M7 schools averaged 725 and above. Many students study for 2-3 months for the GMAT.

Online MBA requirements are generally more flexible. Many online programs don’t require the GMAT at all. Some will waive the test if your undergraduate GPA is a certain level or if you have significant professional experience.

There is an added benefit to taking the GMAT even if it’s not necessary for your application. According to Gutiérrez, it can help qualify you for scholarships or other funding opportunities.

Once you have decided which schools interest you, it’s time to prepare your applications and apply for financial aid. Make sure you give yourself enough time to submit a high-quality application.

While there is no specific amount of time that’s considered ideal to prepare for business school applications, earlier is better, says Gutiérrez. I have found that preparation takes at least a year of researching programs, preparing for the GMAT or GRE, soliciting letters of recommendations, and identifying funding sources if covering costs is a concern, which it is for many applicants.

Pay close attention to each specific program’s requirements and deadlines. Many MBA programs will require you to interview with school administrators either in-person or online. In addition, you will likely have to provide your undergraduate transcripts and test scores for review.

You may need to provide letters of recommendation or contact information for professional references. Gutiérrez suggests requesting them either from current employers or previous professors since they are in a position to assess your academic or professional performance.

Many schools will also ask you to write an essay and prepare a resume as part of the application process. If you want your essay to stand out, Gutiérrez says, Share experiences you’ve had or challenges you’ve encountered and the skills or lessons you’ve learned. Help committees understand how these experiences have shaped not just who you are but who you aspire to be.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

International students wanting to earn an MBA in the U.S. face additional requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of State’s Education USA program.

To succeed in a U.S. MBA program, proficiency in spoken and written English is necessary. Students who complete their undergraduate degrees from non-English-speaking countries may need to take a proficiency exam to prove their language skills. Check your preferred school’s MBA admission requirements and compare language exams to find the right test for you.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a popular assessment used to gauge English language skills. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is also widely recognized.

Before going through the entire application process mentioned above, you must look for federally designated Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) schools. If you do not plan to attend an SEVP-approved school, you cannot get a student visa to sponsor your travel.

Any non-citizen wanting to study in the U.S. will need to apply for a student visa with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs. Once accepted into an SEVP-approved MBA program, you will be asked to pay a fee and complete the I-20 form, your “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”

After that, you will be granted an interview with American officials at a nearby embassy or consulate. It can take 2-3 months to schedule an interview, so plan accordingly and take into account the academic calendar of your preferred school.

There are many documents you must obtain ahead of your meeting to secure your student visa, such as your undergraduate transcripts, standardized test scores, and evidence of academic intent. Some documents must be certified and translated.

You will also need to show U.S. officials how you will pay for tuition, living costs, and travel. If family members are coming with you, they will need to complete the visa process as well.

Securing a student visa can be a long, costly, and complicated ordeal, but the payoff of an MBA from the U.S. can be worth it. Many schools have international student admission advisors in place to help you. Rely on their support as much as possible.

Online and hybrid MBA programs are seeing a surge in interest from applicants who want flexibility. Many of the most prestigious business schools are now offering online degrees.

These programs cater to mid-career graduates and tend to be more affordable, allowing students to learn additional technological skills while they pursue their studies.

Many online business schools have less stringent MBA requirements, especially when it comes to GPA and test scores. Some programs have open admissions and accept all applicants. Others have waived the interview, essay, or GMAT score from the application process all together.

Typically, international student visa holders are restricted from entry into fully online programs at U.S. universities and colleges. However, international students are eligible for hybrid degree programs.

Asynchronous, online course options can be beneficial to international students who travel often. Any international student considering an online MBA should first speak to their school’s international admissions advisor to ensure visa compliance.