MBA Application Process Advice

[BFulton]

Hello,

I'm looking for some advice on selecting and applying for MBA programs. Has anyone been through this recently or have any inside advice you're willing to share?

Thank you!

[Alumnus who cares]

My MBA applying experience was actually pretty simple. I live and work in St. Louis, so the choices narrowed down to two: Washington University and St. Louis University. Wash U is one of the top 20 business schools in the country, so I wasn't sure if I wanted a program that intense. So I ended up only applying to St. Louis U. It was pretty simple: just the application; a 1-2 page essay explaining my goals, what I hoped to get out of the MBA program, etc.; and two recommendations, which I got from people I worked with. It was much easier than the undergraduate applying process, that's for sure. I'm in my final year of the program now. Looking back on it, it's kind of gone by quickly.

There are choices to consider, such as if you want to go to school full-time or part-time. I go part-time in the evenings after work, which can be quite taxing. If your $$$ situation would allow you to go full-time, that might be a better option. I need income, so that's why I work full-time and only go to school part-time. That's what most people at my school do. Also, a lot depends on the school you choose. If you have a full-time job that you want to continue, you would probably want to choose a school that is close to where you live and work, to make commuting easier. If you don't have a job tying you down, you'd have a wider choice of schools, because you would be able to relocate and go full-time.

Good luck!

[BFulton]

AlumnusWhoCares,

Thanks! Are you getting out of the program what you'd wanted?

[Alumnus who cares]

So far, I guess I have. The MBA program has already helped me land one job that I might not have been able to get on just my bachelor's degree. Of course, the real payoff remains to be seen...what kind of job I get when I complete my degree. Overall, it's been a very good experience and I know I made the right decision at the right time. I've been much more motivated than I was in undergrad, I've taken lots of courses that will actually amount to something, and I've met lots of people who may be good contacts in the future.