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 |
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Duration |
One to two years |
Eligibility Criteria |
|
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:
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Education: A bachelor's degree from a reputable college or university with a good percentage.
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Job Experience: Although some programmes may accept recent graduates, many MBA programmes prefer applicants with a few years of job experience.
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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.
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English Proficiency: International applicants must prove their English competence by passing exams like the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo.
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Application Materials: These comprise the application form filled out completely, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume.
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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:
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An undergraduate or bachelor's degree in any discipline like engineering, science, commerce, business management arts, etc.
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A masters or postgraduate degree holder can also apply for an MBA in the USA
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A full-time degree from a reputed university is acceptable.
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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:
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Why do you need to join an MBA course
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What you wish to study at a specific college
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Goal and career perspective after MBA
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Strength and weakness
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 |
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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 |
11 |
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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 |
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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!
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We can help you shortlist the best MBA colleges based on your profile.
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We can help you with preparation for exams like GMAT, GRE, IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic.
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We can help you prepare for your MBA SOP and Letter of Enrollment (LOR).
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We have years of experience in sending students to the top US universities so we can double your chances of getting admission.
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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.
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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!