So your cousin, who graduated from Anna University and worked for an IT major for 5 years is heading abroad for his MBA and you think, why don’t I give it a shot as well? Well, if you are confused, don’t know how to go about it, what to study, how to prepare, which university to select etc. this blog should answer most of your questions.
So let’s start with the basics. Almost every B-school requires a GMAT (Graduate management Aptitude Test) score. The highly competitive GMAT tests not only your verbal, analytical and quantitative skills, but also your ability to handle pressure. Indians and Chinese candidates are able to score heavily especially in the quants section. The downside to this is that even though a 700 score is considered as good for a Caucasian or American, it is considered par for Indians.
An alternative to the GMAT is the GRE, which is slowly gaining acceptance amongst a number of b schools, primarily to diversify their application pool. The GRE is perceived as an easier exam, especially for non-native English speakers. The GRE tests English vocabulary, which is better suited to non-native speakers, compared to the GMAT, which tests English Grammar, and is difficult to master in a short period of time. GRE math is also considerably simpler than GMAT math. However, think of GMAT as the golden standard and aim your eyes on scoring that as a preference.
Most B-schools also need proof of your English Proficiency, if you are not a native speaker. There are several tests such as TOEFL, IELTS and PTE. The TOEFL is more popular with US B-schools, while the IELTS is more popular with British and Australian ones. The TOEFL is not mandatory for many US schools, if the medium of instruction in your undergrad was English. Yet it is advisable to take it so that you don’t miss out applying to some b-schools which demand an English proficiency test.
The selection process and criteria of an Indian B-school compared to an international one is completely different. For a start, the latter requires a minimum of 2-3 years of full time work experience. The average hovers around 4-5 years in US b-schools, whereas European counterparts are known to accept candidates with more work experience, around 5-7 years. The schools do not focus on what you have achieved technically at your work place, but on the business and management sides of things. They want to know for instance how well you perform in a team environment or the leadership you have demonstrated at work.
Second, b-schools look for a candidate with consistent academic performance. This does not mean that you will need >90% for each exam that you have taken, but your performance should be consistent. If you have a low GPA, there is nothing really you can do about it, but you should try to mitigate that with a high GMAT score and impressive work experience.
Third, you need to showcase your personality 360 degrees. Adcoms lay special emphasis on your extra-curriculars, be it drama, arts, sports or dance. However, they are seeking passionate, not occasional participation in these activities. They want a multi-faceted personality in the class and not a boring nerd. Your application should also focus on your organizational abilities and your involvement in the various clubs in college. If you have a patent or a paper-publication, this can be a differential in your application.
Fourth, if you volunteer at an NGO, Red Cross or even for the CSR at your office, make sure you include that information in your application. Adcoms like to see consistent involvement in volunteering activities and community development.
The next important question in your application process will be which b-schools? It is critical to apply to schools that suit your profile. There are several factors such as, class size, alumni network, teaching method, school’s relationship with companies on your wish list, which you need to consider. Your fit with the b-school’s culture and with the rest of its student body is most important. As an international candidate it may not be possible for you to visit b-schools, but learn about them by attending info-sessions, online chat events; by reading up admissions & student blogs; viewing You Tube videos and by talking to students and alumni.
Most B schools have three rounds of applications. For some B-schools, R1 can be as early as September, so you need to plan your GMAT dates accordingly. There are some for e.g. IE Spain, which has rolling admissions. At most b-schools scholarship money is available in R1 and R2, so its beneficial to apply in these two rounds.
So after you have your list of B-schools ready, you need to start the application process. Most B-schools ask for at least 2-3 essays to gauge your work experience and personality. The application essays have evolved over the years, with some B-schools asking for video essays. The video essays help the Adcom understand your personality even before you the actual face to face interview. You will also need to prepare your resume in a standard one page format. Last, but not the least, you will need at least two professional recommendations from a supervisor / client with whom you have worked directly.
Interviews are scheduled after your complete application has been received by the admissions committee(Adcom) and if they decide to invite you for it. The interview is a great opportunity for you to know more about the school and also for the Adcom to understand your overall personality. The key to doing well here is to prepare well.
You should hear from the adcoms with good news in about 3-4 weeks. So finally the extremely taxing admissions process, from the GMAT preparation to the interview has borne fruit. Next, you will need to arrange your finances and get the necessary paper work for your I20. Most of you will apply for the F1 visa (the student’s visa) and hop on a flight to your b-school destination in the late summer/ autumn.