How to Prepare for the Business School Application Process

If you are thinking about applying to business school there are a lot of things you have to go through in order to make that happen. From standardized to tests to rankings, there are elements of the business school application process that are very different from your last post-secondary application.

However, before you register for the GMATs and book that plane ticket to visit Harvard, there are a few things you should consider before you get involved the business school application marathon.

1. What type of program do you want?

Not every business school has the same curriculum. Yes, they all cover the basics of business, but you don't pursue an MBA for the basics, you pursue it for the electives and extracurriculars! Make sure the programs you are going to consider incorporate what you want out of your business school experience. For example, if you want to go into media, a strong media focus is a rarity at MBA programs, and the best media programs are located in New York City and Los Angeles. Another example would be if you're interested in hi-tech industry. Once again, this is a focus that not every school caters to, and many of the best programs require a strong interests/background and consulting or science-related industries.

2. Is it financially viable?

Let's face it; most people pursuing MBAs do so because they want to make more money. However, not everybody is going to achieve that goal. First of all, the school you attend has more to do with your post-MBA salary than almost anything, and attending a non-top-tier school will make it hard to earn much more than someone who has the added work experience you missed out on while you were in school. Also, some industries don't really value MBAs. The entertainment industry is one of those industries, so even though an MBA might help you get a better job within the industry, it may not offer you much more compensation than your last employer.

3. Is it right for you?

You know how they say college isn't right for everybody? Well, neither is business school. You really have to decide if this is what you really want? Most people who enter business school have been in the workforce for 5 or 6 years and want a break from the daily routine and a means to re-focus their career paths. But for some, business school isn't the answer. There are many occupations out there that don't require business school. There are even some industries that look negatively upon MBAs, even if they do bring some added value to their companies. You just have to really research and understand the career you want out of life, and then do your best to see how an MBA is incorporated into that industry.

Also, the business school lifestyle isn't for everyone. If you thought working 60-hour weeks were bad, you haven't seen anything yet. Business school may open you up to more free time, but then again, it may not. And even if it does, chances are, you will feel a lot busier, because of all the different ways business school can stretch its students. From clubs and classes, to projects and business plans, there is always a different activity to partake in while at business school, and the options can eliminate all of your free time. So if you're thinking about business school as a way to see more of your family, go out more or sit on your butt, you may want to reevaluate your plans.