TL;DR

• MBAs are generalist degrees covering a broad range of business fundamentals, and are usually aimed at professionals with at least four years of experience
• It can be useful to consider rankings when deciding which school to study an MBA at, but location, culture, alumni network, and career and salary outcomes are also important
• An MBA application typically includes your resume, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, and an interview

Typically aimed at those with at least four years of experience, an MBA covers the broad fundamentals of business, including strategy, data analytics, finance, and leadership.

Studying an MBA remains the top choice for business school applicants, according to our 2025 GMAC Prospective Students Survey, with 52% ranking the MBA as their preferred degree. Upon graduating, MBA students can expect to land jobs including mid to senior management roles at corporates across a broad range of industries.

An MBA also comes in different formats. Full-time MBAs require you to take time out of your career in order to study, with courses in the US typically lasting two years—however, part-time, hybrid, and online MBAs are widely available for those who wish to continue working alongside their studies or who have other personal or professional commitments.

Unlike traditional MBA programs, Executive MBAs are aimed at business professionals with a higher level of experience, looking to progress toward c-suite or executive level careers.

Although an MBA is a generalist degree covering a broad range of business fundamentals, many programs offer the opportunity to specialize in a particular area or function. For example, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and AI.

With all the types of MBAs available, it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you. From whether you choose to study full or part-time to where a school falls on a ranking, there’s a lot of factors to consider. An MBA is also a significant investment, so it’s important to weigh up the ROI of an MBA—from career outcomes to salary progression.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to apply for an MBA.

How to decide which school is best for an MBA

There are many factors to consider when choosing where to study your MBA—from location to prestige, and career outcomes to culture.

Rankings can be a useful place to start. Each year, a number of MBA rankings are released, including the Financial Times, QS, US News, Bloomberg Businessweek, and LinkedIn. Different rankings use different metrics, however, so it’s important to weigh up which criteria are most important to you. The Financial Times, for example, ranks schools based on 21 criteria, including income, value for money, and effectiveness of alumni network. US News focuses heavily on employment rates and starting salaries, while the QS ranking is largely based on employability and value for money.

Rankings aren’t the only thing you should base your decision on—the school’s location, the program’s curriculum, and graduate career outcomes are just as important.

Researching the school’s website, reading student blogs, speaking to alumni, and attending networking events can be great resources for information, helping you make a more informed decision. This research is also crucial to your application, as it proves you know the school, and why you want to study there.

How long does an MBA application take?

Most business schools have three application rounds. Deadlines for Round 1 for many top schools in the US are generally between September and October of the year preceding admission, while European schools have varied Round 1 deadlines, so it’s important to check the website of your target schools.

Round 2 deadlines at US schools are typically between November and February, while deadlines for Round 3 generally come in March and beyond. If you’re applying later in the MBA admissions season, you will need to research which schools are still accepting applications.

Which round you apply in depends on a variety of factors, including your entrance exam score, how strong your application is, and how prepared you are. For example, if you have a high GMAT score and strong resume, applying in Round 1 might increase your chances, as there will be more places available. Applying early also shows your commitment to the program and allows an admissions committee more time to review your application.

However, that doesn’t mean you should rush your application to meet the Round 1 deadline—it may be better to wait until Round 2 if you need more time to make your application as strong as possible.

If your GMAT score needs improvement, delaying until Round 2 will give you more time to study and retake the test. Similarly, if you have not had the time to develop your application, demonstrate your fit for the program, and build your network of students and alumni, it may be worth waiting until Round 2 for the best chance of success.

Whichever round you apply in, it’s essential to be prepared. By building a 12–18-month preparation timeline, you can begin to study for the GMAT, refine your resume, and gather your letters of recommendation in plenty of time.

What are the main components of an MBA application?

GMAT score

Many business schools require you to take a standardized test, such as the GMAT exam, as part of the application process. This is to assess skills relevant to business and management—including logic, critical reasoning, and data analysis—so performing well in the exam will show an admissions team you’re prepared for the challenges of an MBA.

It can be helpful to check your target school’s website for the average GMAT score of the current class, as well as a range of previously accepted scores, as this can act as a guideline of the score needed to secure your spot on a program. There are resources available to help boost your application, including a GMAT Prep 6-week study planner, online practice questions, and full-length exams.

Academic transcripts

An important part of the application process is retrieving your academic transcripts, which include every class you took at the university at which you achieved your degree, and your grade for each class. Your transcript should clearly show your name, the name of your university, the name of your degree, and the date your degree was conferred. Transcripts are often available to download from your university’s website or through contacting them directly.

It can be helpful to research the average GPA range of the current class of the program you’re applying to, to see whether your GPA is in line with the range of scores the school generally accepts. However, remember admissions committees will review applications holistically—as long as your application is strong as a whole, a lower GPA might be accepted.

Resume

Another part of the application is your resume, showing all of your professional experience including your functional job skills, demonstrated leadership, and your potential for growth. An MBA resume is typically between 1 and 2 pages, highlighting your skills and achievements concisely. Remember to include the key lessons you’ve learned in the workplace, and how they will help you contribute to an MBA classroom.

Once you’re happy with your resume, make sure you proofread it for accuracy, spelling mistakes, and grammatical errors. It can also be helpful for a colleague to check your resume, to make sure you’re highlighting your skills and expertise in the best way possible.

Letters of recommendation

You’ll also need to provide at least two letters of recommendation. When choosing your recommenders, make sure they know you well, and can provide a strong and credible reflection of your performance. Reach out in plenty of time and make sure the recommender has a full understanding of what they need to draft, alongside why you want to embark on an MBA, and which areas of your experience you would like them to highlight. Schools will typically ask your recommenders to rate you across a range of skills and personal qualities, as well as your strengths, weaknesses, and achievements.

What does a good MBA application look like?

MBA essay

Your MBA essay is a crucial part of your application, as it gives you a chance to show off your personality beyond your resume, transcripts, and GMAT score. Although essay requirements vary between schools, you will typically be asked two to four essay questions. These often ask about different aspects of your background, skills, and goals, providing the school with a well-rounded view.

The main types of MBA essay questions include open-ended essays, ‘why MBA?’ essays, leadership experience essays, and personal story essays, though some schools also include videos and images as part of their essays. The word limit of your essay will also depend on the school you’re applying to—on average, MBA essays range from 250 to 500 words, so it’s important to be concise and directly answer the question.

To craft a compelling essay, you should research the school’s values, so they come across in your essay, alongside your own personal values. Identify and convey your personal narrative and brand, and ensure you focus on your goals—while making sure you answer all parts of the question. It’s important you give yourself enough time to write your essay, especially as it can take several drafts before you’re completely happy.

MBA interview

If you’re application is successful, you’ll be invited to either an in-person or virtual interview. Admissions committees will already have an understanding of your previous work experience and achievements through your resume and essays, so this is a chance to show off who you are as a person—highlighting why you want to study an MBA, and why you’re targeting that program specifically.

An interview is a great opportunity to demonstrate how you would contribute to an MBA cohort, from bringing unique perspectives to diversifying the classroom experience. Interviewers will ask you to explain your career goals—including a post-MBA target industry, your target companies, and a specific role—and how an MBA will help you achieve them.

Most importantly, the interview should be an authentic conversation. Don’t just read from a script but be ready to show your enthusiasm for the program, answer questions you haven’t prepared for, and even ask questions to show you’re curious and engaged.

What happens after you apply?

After you submit an MBA application, the school will typically acknowledge receipt, and the status of your portal may change to under review. Each school will have a different timeline for responses, while an admissions committee reviews your application, but you may receive interview invitations within a few weeks. In the meantime, it’s worth preparing for interviews, engaging with the school through events and alumni networking, and continuing to build your profile.

Application outcomes typically include admission, waitlist, or denial. If you’re waitlisted, you may be asked to include updates, including a new GMAT score or any recent promotion, and should demonstrate your commitment to the program through a letter of continued interest. If accepted, you’ll need to confirm enrollment and submit a deposit by a deadline. There are many merit and need-based scholarships on offer, to provide financial support in the form of tuition waivers and other expenses. If your application is unsuccessful, review any feedback provided, assess your weak spots, and consider reapplying—but only after making meaningful improvements, such as raising your GMAT score, refining your career goals, and gaining more valuable experience.