How to Apply for an MBA in USA?

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Cyril Zachariah
Updated on Jul 18, 2023 07:01 PM IST

Interested to know how to apply for MBA in USA but unsure of how to begin? Here is the ultimate guide to help you learn about MBA courses in USA. Read further about MBA in USA requirements for admission, average fee, top MBA colleges in USA, and more.

How to Apply for an MBA in USA?

How to Apply for an MBA in USA: Are you a student from India hoping to study for an MBA in the USA? The Master of MBA is one of the most sought-after postgraduate courses that offer an array of career opportunities to students across the globe. The USA has several advantages, including top-notch business schools, a varied student body, and numerous networking opportunities. 

But it's important to understand how to go around the application procedure as well. This article will guide you through the necessary procedures to successfully apply for an MBA in the USA as an Indian student, including studying top business schools, getting ready for exams like the GMAT or GRE, and creating appealing essays. Unlock your potential and take advantage of the chances that an MBA from a renowned USA university may offer for your professional development and exposure to a global audience.

If you are considering applying for an MBA in the USA, know how to complete the application process in detail:

Highlights of an MBA in USA

A universe of opportunities becomes available as you start your MBA adventure in the United States. The benefits of doing an MBA in the USA include exposure to top-tier management schools, illustrious faculty, varied student cohorts, intensive networking, and entry to a burgeoning employment market. This transformational educational experience will help you learn important information, develop your leadership abilities, and broaden your professional network.

The following table highlights the details of an MBA programme in the US:

Particulars Detailing

Duration

One to two years

Eligibility Criteria

  • Bachelor's degree from a recognised university

  • Two to three years of work experience*

Test Requirement

GMAT or GRE

English Language Test Requirement

IELTS exam, TOEFL or PTE Academic

Average Course Fee

USD 65,000 ( varies)

*- Although itis preferable that the applicant should have previous work experience in a relevant field, it is not mandatory. For detailed information, check out how can youStudy MBA in USA Without Work Experience.

Eligibility Criteria for Pursuing MBA in USA

Several factors determine whether an applicant is eligible to study MBA in USA. Before knowing how to apply for MBA in USA, here are some of the most important characteristics that international students should know:

  • Education: A bachelor's degree from a reputable college or university with a good percentage.

  • Job Experience: Although some programmes may accept recent graduates, many MBA programmes prefer applicants with a few years of job experience.

  • Standardised Tests: GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination) results are often required by institutions. Some individuals could also accept the Executive Assessment or other comparable exams.

  • English Proficiency: International applicants must prove their English competence by passing exams like the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo.

  • Application Materials: These comprise the application form filled out completely, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume.

  • Financial Resources: International students must demonstrate that they have the money to pay for their education, including tuition and living costs.

Planning to Study an MBA in USA?

How to Apply for MBA in the USA?

The MBA admission process in the USA is time-taking as the complete process is divided into various stages, as illustrated below:

Step-by-Step Guide to MBA in USA Application Process

The following is a step-by-step in USA application process:

Step 1: Choose the MBA Specialisation

The MBA degree programis vast and it is offered under various specialisations. Before you even start applying to a college in the USA, make sure you know the area of interest and specialisation you want to opt for. Spend some time identifying the reasons why you study for an MBA in the USA and the scope of the MBA degree program you wish to pursue.

Step 2: Shortlist B-Schools in the USA

Be mindful of the MBA college and MBA specialisation that you choose as this is what will help you build your career. Spend some time exploring the best MBA colleges in the USA.Research the popular universities in the USA that offer the MBA specialization of your choice. Shortlist MBA colleges to apply for admission.

Step 3: Check MBA Admission Requirements in the USA

The number of international applicants for an MBA in the US is always high. Hence you must have a good academic background and skills to get accepted at B-Schools in the US. However, several other factors determine the acceptance of a candidate in an MBA programme in the USA. The minimum requirement for a top B-School is higher than other B-Schools in the US. Thus, you must apply to multiple colleges at a time to increase your chances of admission.

Know the minimum Academic Requirements and Test requirements to apply in B-Schools in the USA:

Academic Requirement for MBA in USA

To apply for an MBA course in the USA, you need to fulfil the following academic requirements:

  • An undergraduate or bachelor's degree in any discipline like engineering, science, commerce, business management arts, etc.

  • A masters or postgraduate degree holder can also apply for an MBA in the USA

  • A full-time degree from a reputed university is acceptable.

  • A high GPA will increase the chances of getting shortlisted for further admission process.

Test Requirements for MBA in USA

Here are the two test scores that you need to apply for an MBA in the US. One is to analyse your readiness to join an MBA course and the other is to analyse your English language skills.

1. GMAT/ GRE

TheGMAT exam is a standard test that is specially designed for management courses. Most universities and colleges in the USA require a GMAT score for MBA admissions. However, some schools also accept GRE scores for an MBA course admission.

2. IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic

The language of instruction at B- schools in the USA is English. Hence, universities and colleges have an English language test requirement to analyse students' proficiency in the English language. The two most popular English Language test scores at most B- Schools in the USA are IELTS, TOEFL exam, or PTE Academic. Both these tests cover all aspects of the English language i.e Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.

3. Work Experience for MBA in the USA

Most B-Schools in the USA require candidates to have relevant work experience of 2 to 3 years. A job role that demonstrates leadership qualities and management skills is an additional advantage. No work experience requirement to study in the USA is exceptional as an MBA course is specifically designed for a higher career goal vision and one who is willing to take up responsible and independent job roles in a company, organisation or association.

Step 4: Complete the MBA Application Process

The MBA Application process has three main components: MBA Application Form, MBA Essay and Recommendation:

Fill MBA Application Form: The first step to complete the MBA application process is to fill in the MBA application form. Complete the basic profile date by adding Name, Date of Birth, MBA Programme, Academic qualifications etc.

Upload MBA Essay: The MBA Essay is an important part of the application. It is a descriptive document and must highlight the following points:

  • Why do you need to join an MBA course

  • What you wish to study at a specific college

  • Goal and career perspective after MBA

  • Strength and weakness

  • Any projects were undertaken to demonstrate your leadership or management skills

MBA Essays must be well written. An impressive MBA increases your chances of being shortlisted for further admission rounds.

Add Letters of Recommendation (LOR): B- Schools usually require two work recommendations. A letter of recommendation must be written by a manager or subordinate with whom you have worked previously. It must-have details on why you are a good fit for the MBA programme in the college.

Track MBA Application Deadline in the US

Make sure to complete the application on time. The MBA application deadline may vary for each college in the USA. Make sure to visit the MBA page of the university website to confirm the application deadline for MBA for a specific term.

Pay MBA Application Fee

Once you complete the application, make sure to pay for the MBA application fee before the final submission. No application is submitted until the payment is done.

Documents Required to Apply for MBA in the USA

You must present a variety of documents to demonstrate your eligibility to study for an MBA in the USA. Candidates must keep these documents handy while applying. Check the list of important documents you will need to complete the MBA application process in the USA:

  • Academic Transcript: An Academic Transcript is a set of documents to show the students' records of studies like the courses completed, grades obtained, subject-wise marks, degrees and awards. It is an official document awarded to students by schools, colleges and universities. It is popularly known as a mark sheet and pass certificate in India and is also referred to as an academic record, school transcript, college transcript etc. The official academic documents are printed and have the valid signature of the counsellors, registrar or principal and have a stamp of the academic institution.

  • Academic Certificate: Academic certificates, such as diplomas, degrees, undergraduate certificates, and master's certificates, are typically paper-based documents that are presented to students upon successful completion of a particular course in higher education. It includes Class 10th & 12th Pass Certificate and Degree Certificate of previous qualified degree programmes.

  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR): A letter of recommendation (LOR) or a recommendation letter is a document used to add extra weight to one's college or university application. In a LOR, the writer assesses the qualities and potential of an applicant or the person being recommended to join a particular course at a particular USA university. This often includes details about the applicants personality, community involvement, work ethic, academic achievements, character references, personal details and more.

  • SOP for MBA: An SOP for MBA is written by the applicant to tell the admissions committee who they are, what their academic and professional interests are and how they can add value to the program and university. Typically, this is submitted as an essay, however, some colleges may only accept question-based submissions. A strong SOP gives institutions a picture of your total and utter personality. This is your chance to explain to the committee why they should select you over the other applicants. With a strong SOP, you may make up for inadequate academic credentials by emphasising your long-term aspirations and objectives. A well-articulated SOP also demonstrates how well you can communicate your ideas through writing.

  • MBA CV or Resume: An MBA CV or resume differs from a standard employment resume that does not display functional abilities or specialised credentials, but rather highlights your business acumen, leadership potential, and collaborative skills. It is a tangible outline of your accomplishments and experiences that convey a story about your fit for business school. It acts as an introduction to your life, experiences, accomplishments, and abilities. In the application process, it performs two crucial functions.

  • Personal Statement: The most central part of your application for admission and financial assistance may be your Personal Statement. This piece of paper gives you a chance to promote yourself while also differentiating your application from those of other similarly qualified applicants. It conveys to the college their most personal and important impression of you as a person. Your personal statement should outline your motivations for applying to the particular programme, how your training and experience align with the programme of interest, as well as your hobbies and long-term professional aspirations.

Step 5: Check the MBA Application Status

Once the application is submitted successfully, keep tracking the status of the application. The university sends further rounds of MBA admissions through an email or the same is updated on the application portal of the university. Accept the invitation for an interview.

Step 6: Attend MBA Interviews

You can attend the MBA interviews only if your application is accepted at the college. You will receive a notification about the interview rounds from the respective college once the application is processed and you are shortlisted for further rounds. The interview process for MBA is a face-to-face interaction between you and the interviews. Apart from the general questions on career, goals and achievements, you can also expect psychometric tests and real-time situation questions.

Step 7: Wait for the Acceptance Letter

After completing all rounds of the application process, wait for further communication from the Admission Office of the College. Check the email ID for the receipt of the Acceptance of the Letter for the MBA programme. Accept the letter within the defined timeline

Step 8: Deposit MBA in USA Fees

After accepting the admission, pay the initial fee for the MBA course at the university to book the allotted seat. You may have an offer from more than one university. In such a case, choose the college that is most suitable for you and then make the payment.

Step 9: Apply For a US Student Visa

Once the final admission is confirmed, you can apply for a US Study Visa. Check out the link to get detailed information about USA F1 Student Visa. You will have to prove the financial support to study in the USA while applying for a Students Visa. In case you need financial assistance to Study MBA in the USA you can arrange for funds by applying for a study abroad education loan or you can look for scholarships to study in the USA.

You can start applying for scholarships while filling out the application form for an MBA course. To apply for a study education loan, you need to receive the Letter of Enrollment issued by the college.

Top MBA Colleges in USA

The following are the top 10 business schools in the US according to the US News & World Report MBA rankings for 2022:

Top Universities for MBA in USA

QS Global MBA Ranking 2023

Stanford University, Graduate School of Business

1

Harvard University, Harvard Business School

2

University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business 

3

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management

6

Columbia University, Columbia Business School

8

University of California-Berkeley (Haas)

11

Northwestern University (Kellogg)

14

University of California-Los Angeles, Anderson School of Management

15

Yale University, Yale School of Management 

18

New York University (Stern)

19

Can You Study for MBA in USA Without GMAT?

Yes, students can study for an MBA in USA Without GMAT. It is now possible as many US universities have decided to evaluate students' profiles based on other methods such as work or research experience. GMAT is a big-budget standardised exam and students have to dish out more money if they need to re-take the GMAT exam. MBA in USA without GMAT helps students to gain commercial insight while experiencing cutting-edge research and techniques and that too without having the burden to take the GMAT exam. Around 1,300 business schools in USA do not require GMAT for MBA admissions. They focus on other aspects of admission while turning a blind eye to GMAT scores.

You might have a look at the following list of MBA colleges in the USA without the GMAT:

Top Universities for MBA in USA Without GMAT

Name of the Course

MIT Sloan School of Management

Executive MBA, Sloan Fellows

Rutgers Business School, Rutgers University

Full-Time MBA, Flex MBA, Executive MBA

Colorado State University

Full-time MBA

University of Hull

Full-time MBA

Darden School of Business, University of Virginia

Full-time MBA

Howard University

Full-time MBA

Texas A & M University

Full-time MBA

University of St. Thomas

Full-time MBA

Ross School of Business, University of Michigan

Full-time MBA

Foster School of Business- University of Washington

EMBA

Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California

MD/MBA dual degree program

Georgetown University

Full-time MBA

Lake Forest Graduate School of Management

Immersion MBA and Leadership MBA

DePaul University

Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, Weekend MBA

Pace University

Full-Time, Executive MBA, Part-Time MBA

Suffolk University

Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, Global MBA, and Executive MBA

University of Delaware

Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA

La Salle University

Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, One-Year MBA, Saturday MBA

Golden Gate University

Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA

Florida International University

Flex and professional MBAs

Stern School of Business, New York University

EMBA

Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

EMBA

Michigan State University

Full-time MBA

Loyola University Chicago

EMBA

Kenan–Flagler Business School, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Full time

How to Apply for MBA in USA With the Help of Our Experts?

With so many options in terms of MBA specialisations and colleges, you might get confused while applying for admission. Let us take some load off you!

  • We can help you shortlist the best MBA colleges based on your profile.

  • We can help you with preparation for exams like GMAT, GRE, IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic.

  • We can help you prepare for your MBA SOP and Letter of Enrollment (LOR).

  • We have years of experience in sending students to the top US universities so we can double your chances of getting admission.

  • With us, you do not have to worry about timelines or deadlines. We will take care of that and make your entire application process hassle-free.

  • We also provide visa assistance and guidance on how to go about cracking your interviews.

In case you still need help applying for an MBA program in the USA, you can write to us atabroad@collegedekho.com.

Know How to Apply for MBA in USA With the Help of Our Experts!

FAQs

What exam is required to study for an MBA in USA?

Generally, to study for an MBA in USA, the GMAT exam or Graduate Management Admission Test is required. The MBA entrance exam determines whether or not you are ready to enter an MBA program. Almost exclusively used for MBA programmes for over 60 years, GMAT is the most widely used exam. However, several business schools in USA do not mandatorily require applicants to take GMAT for MBA admissions.

What scholarships are available to study for an MBA in USA?

Several scholarships are available to study for an MBA in USA. Some of them are the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship, JN Tata Endowment for the higher education of Indians,  University of Pennsylvania, Wharton - Emerging Economy Fellowships,  Chicago Booth - The India Trust Fellowship,  Harvard University- Need-Based Fellowships,  Akhtarali H. Tobaccowala Fellowship, etc.

What is the duration of an MBA programme in the USA?

The duration of a full-time MBA programme in the USA is at least two years. Furthermore, many US business institutions offer one-year MBA programmes. In addition to this, all business schools provide evening or weekend MBA courses for those interested in pursuing a part-time MBA in USA.

Is studying an MBA in USA worth it?

Definitely, studying an MBA in USA is worth it. The MBA is excellent for people who desire to work in senior positions or highly competitive management professions. After completing an MBA in USA, students have a wide range of employment opportunities. After graduation, students can work as IT Managers, System Engineers, Accounting Managers, Data Analysts, Marketing Managers, Chief Financial Officers, Executive Directors, Operations Managers, etc.

What are the top MBA specialisations to study in the USA?

There are several top MBA specialisations to study in the USA that can help aspirants build a lucrative professional career. Some of the specialisations include MBA in Marketing, MBA in Entrepreneurship, MBA in General Management, MBA in Consulting, MBA in Operations Management, MBA in Business Analytics, MBA in Accounting, MBA in International Business, MBA in Econometrics and Statistics, MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, MBA in Actuarial Sciences, MBA in Economics, MBA in Analytical Finance, etc.

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