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Wondering how many MBA programs you should apply to? The answer depends on your goals, preferences, and application strategy. In this article, we’ll explore key factors to consider, such as program selectivity, your career aspirations, and how to maximize your chances of success.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- Understanding the Factors that Influence Your Decision
- Scenarios and How Many Schools to Apply To
- Cost and Time Considerations
- Tips for Narrowing Down Your List
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s Next?
Understanding the Factors that Influence Your Decision
As you probably know, the business school admissions process is very competitive. In fact, it’s more competitive every year. This means you’ll need a strategic approach.
In addition to reviewing acceptance rates for MBA programs, you must decide which standardized test to take. Additionally, you should evaluate whether your GPA is competitive.
If you’re determined to attend an M7, top 15, or top 20 MBA program, consider your odds. There are no guarantees of admission, and you should ensure that your profile aligns with these programs. Then, decide whether you’ll expand your options or reapply.
Alternatively, if you want to enroll in any MBA program next season, diversify your risk profile. In other words, apply for reach, competitive, and safety programs.
To determine whether you’re competitive, research the class profiles for your target programs. For example, review the class profile for Fuqua’s full-time MBA program.
Additionally, your costs and time are important to the MBA application process. We’ll discuss those a little later in this article.
TTP PRO TIP:
Consider your risk profile and willingness to reapply when selecting target MBA programs.
Scenarios and How Many Schools to Apply To
There are numerous scenarios to consider when determining how many schools to apply to. Are you risk-loving? Or are you risk averse?
Here are a couple of very different scenarios:
- M7 or bust: Some candidates are determined to attend an M7 program. However, the M7 programs are very competitive from an admissions standpoint. As a result, you may not get an admit. If you’re willing to reapply, you might find this scenario appealing.
- A diversified risk profile: Other candidates are determined to attend any MBA program next fall. Often, these candidates create a diversified risk profile. In other words, candidates target MBA programs across reach, competitive, and safety profiles. This scenario helps secure an admit.
These are just two scenarios to consider when determining how many MBA programs you should apply to. Ask yourself: how does my thinking align with these scenarios? What is my risk tolerance?
There is no “perfect” scenario for all candidates. However, there may be a perfect scenario for you. If you’re stuck, consider MBA admissions consulting. TTP’s experienced MBA admissions consultants will talk through your options with you and create an MBA application checklist.
TTP PRO TIP:
TTP’s seasoned MBA admissions consultants will help determine the best application scenario for your goals.
Cost and Time Considerations
Let’s face it — applying for MBA programs is expensive! Therefore, you must consider costs such as application fees, test prep services, and MBA admissions consultants. Additionally, factor in the time required to create competitive business school applications. Finally, you must account for MBA application deadlines.
Knowing the costs and time involved may help you narrow your options. Further, this will help determine what’s worth your time and investment.
If you’re still stuck —and overwhelmed —here’s how you can narrow down your list.
Tips for Narrowing Down Your List
If you’re struggling to narrow down your list, here are a few key points to consider:
Define What You Want and Need
First, assess your risk profile, desired format, and goals:
- Risk profile: Are you risk-loving or risk-averse? If you’re intent on attending an M7 MBA, then your list is no longer than 7 schools. However, you may want to optimize your chances of admission. If so, select reach, competitive, and safety options.
- Program format: Are you interested in pursuing a full-time, part-time, weekend, executive, or online MBA? Make sure that your target programs offer your desired format. This should also align with your career objectives and time investment.
- MBA career goals: Do your target programs have a strong track record in your career path? Do the career offices have strong relationships with recruiters at your target companies? Make sure that your target programs are aligned with your career objectives.
TTP PRO TIP:
If you want to optimize your chances of admission, select reach, competitive, and safety options.
Research Your Target Programs
Next, consider the characteristics of various MBA programs:
- Academic offerings: Do your target programs offer a curriculum related to your goals? Dig into the academic offerings across MBA programs to learn more. Ensure that the elective courses excite and inspire you.
- Alumni networks: Research where alumni are based, which industries they work in, and how that aligns with your plans. For example, a large majority of Berkeley Haas alums stay on the West Coast, particularly in the Bay Area. Therefore, if you’re focused on the East Coast, know that you’ll have fewer Haas alums in your area.
- Geography: Do you want to attend a program in a city, college town, or rural area? Additionally, it’s important to consider where you might want to live post-MBA. Make sure that recruiting opportunities align with your intended geography post-MBA.
- Student culture: Are students collaborative or competitive? Chat with students to learn more about their experiences at your target MBA programs. Determine which programs have student cultures that appeal to you. Additionally, decide where you see yourself succeeding.
Hopefully, these factors help narrow down your list. Ultimately, you’ll arrive at a comfortable number for how many MBA programs you should apply to.
There are no official stats on how many MBA programs candidates apply to. However, we work with hundreds of MBA candidates each year. Most of our clients apply to a minimum of 4 programs each season.
KEY FACT:
The majority of TTP’s MBA admissions clients apply to at least 4 programs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s important to select programs that will set your applications up for success. If you do not choose wisely, you might be disappointed.
Here are some of the common mistakes to avoid when selecting MBA programs:
- Applying to the most selective programs with a non-competitive profile: If you have a low GPA and low test scores, you’ll struggle to compete for a spot at the most competitive MBA programs. Review the class profiles for your target programs and align your expectations.
- Failing to understand the application requirements: Learn the requirements so that you can create successful applications. For example, if you take the Executive Assessment test, remember that only a handful of MBA programs accept this score. You’ll need to apply with a GRE or GMAT to most MBA programs.
- Applying to too many — or too few —MBA programs: If you’re applying to too many programs, you might be stretched too thin to develop competitive applications. Conversely, if you’re applying to just a couple MBA programs, you might not get an admit. Therefore, consider diversifying your risk profile and apply to at least 4 programs.
These are just a few of the common mistakes we see when selecting MBA programs.
TTP PRO TIP:
TTP’s experienced MBA admissions consultants will help you determine the right number of applications and create an MBA application timeline.
Key Takeaways
So, how many MBA programs should you apply to? There is no “magic number.” You’ll have to determine your goals, along with how much money and time you have to spend.
Consider the points we’ve discussed in this article and determine what makes sense for your situation. Then, develop a plan to tackle your applications. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get into business school?
To get into business school, you must meet the requirements and complete an application. Most programs require a bachelor’s degree, and many recommend full-time work experience. Review MBA applications to understand each program’s requirements.
How competitive are MBA programs?
The most reputable MBA programs are very competitive. For example, Harvard Business School enrolled just 9.4% of applicants.
However, not all MBA programs are as competitive. Review the class profiles for each of your target programs to determine whether you’ll be competitive.
How many business schools do most people apply to?
The majority of candidates we work with apply to at least 4 MBA programs. However, the number of programs you apply to depends on your goals, time, and investment.
How many recommendations do you need for an MBA?
Many of the top MBA programs require two letters of recommendation. However, some MBA programs require just one letter. Additionally, some MBA applications do not require a letter of recommendation.
Why get an MBA?
Candidates pursue an MBA to accelerate or pivot in their careers. MBA programs provide an advanced business education, networking opportunities, and access to higher-paying roles.
How many MBA programs in the U.S. are there?
According to Hot Courses Abroad, there are 277 MBA programs in the U.S.
What’s Next?
The process of applying for an MBA is time-consuming and challenging. If you need advice on your applications, we can help! Target Test Prep’s experienced MBA admissions consultants will help you create the best MBA application strategy for your goals.
