mba.com - The Official GMAT® Web Site

Ask The School Expert

• Ask Schools What They Think About Integrated Reasoning (Live Twitter Chat)

  Tweeting Admissions Advice for Prospective Students On April 17, 2012, GMAC (@OfficialGMAT), Oli Ashby (@LBS_Masters) Senior Manager for Recruitment and Admissions at London Business School and Diane A. Sharp (@WHARTON_EMBA) Director, Marketing &... Posted on May 07 2012 with no comments

• Can I get an MBA even if I do not have work experience?

  Judy O'Neill Associate Dean and Director of Admission Atkinson Graduate School of Management Willamette University Yes, you can. MBA programs are changing. Different MBA programs are designed to meet different goals. Students who want to complete... Posted on May 07 2012 with no comments

• How do I decide between an MBA and a Masters of Finance?

  What should you consider when weighing an MBA versus a Masters of Finance? These admissions experts offer their insight into what should factor in your decision. Posted on May 04 2012 with no comments

• What 3 things would you recommend to a student applying to your program?

  What are the top things you should consider when applying to a graduate management program? These admissions experts share their advice. Posted on Apr 27 2012 with no comments

• What do admissions committees look for in work experience?

  When admissions offices consider applications, and in particular someone coming right out of school, they'll want to know if you're pursuing a graduate management degree for the right reasons. They'll want to know about your work and leadership... Posted on Apr 20 2012 with no comments applications, admissions, admissions committees

• Can you provide some tips on things to do or not do at information sessions and MBA fairs?

  Aaron D. Anderson, Ph.D., Acting Executive Director, Graduate Business Programs, San Francisco State University We at San Francisco State University’s Graduate Business Programs are very happy to have an opportunity to answer the prompt posed by... Posted on Mar 26 2012 with no comments

• “Will I be able to juggle school with work and life at home?”

  Beth Flye Director of Admissions University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Kenan-Flager Business School At one point or another, prospective MBA students ask themselves “Will I be able to juggle school with work and life at home?” This question... Posted on Mar 12 2012 with no comments school selection, b-school choice

• “Now that I've been accepted to more than one school how do I pick?"

  Melissa Holland Director, MBA Programs College of Business Administration Georgia Southern University http://coba.georgiasouthern.edu/mba/ There are many things to consider when choosing a b-school. Obvious attributes to consider would be the school’s... Posted on Feb 27 2012 with no comments

• What do you look for in MBA candidates for your program?

  Wendy Flynn, Director of MBA Admissions, Texas A&M University The Three Things We Seek In Every MBA Applicant In the MBA Admissions Office, we're often asked, "What do you look for in MBA candidates for your program?" Here's the... Posted on Feb 10 2012 with no comments

• I am considering who to approach for letters of recommendation and wonder...what are some of the things I should think about?

  Provided by Pat Harrison, Associate Director of Admissions at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth Dartmouth University, Tuck School of Business http://www.tuck.dartmouth.edu/admissions/ Letters of recommendation provide the committee insight into... Posted on Jan 30 2012 with no comments

• Why is the GMAT an Important Admissions Requirement for Executive MBA Programs?

  Anjani Jain Vice Dean, Wharton MBA Program for Executives University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School The GMAT is an important admissions requirement for several reasons. At Wharton, EMBA students receive the same education as our full-time MBA students... Posted on Jan 16 2012 with no comments

• How does Tippie use social media in the application process?

  Lydia Fine Associate Director, Recruiting & Admissions Tippie Full-time MBA at The University of Iowa You’re getting ready to apply to your chosen list of top business schools. Is this the time to lock down your Facebook profile? To protect... Posted on Jan 05 2012 with no comments

• What is the difference between majoring in Accounting within an MBA program and a Master of Accounting?

  Written by Robert Chabot, Director of Admissions, Specialized Masters Progams The Ohio State University, Max M. Fisher College of Business, www.fisher.osu.edu/macc If you’re looking to pursue a graduate degree in business and concentrate in accounting... Posted on Dec 19 2011 with no comments

• What will it take to make me stand out as an applicant?

  Shrim Bathey, Associate Director of MBA Recruitment and Admission Lorry I. Lokey Graduate School of Business at Mills College ( www.mills.edu/mba ) Each contact point that you have with a school is an opportunity to stand out or be remembered. But beware... Posted on Dec 05 2011 with no comments

• What is the value of a graduate degree in Public Policy?

  Provided by David Eber, Director of Admissions & Financial Aid at Carnegie Mellon University’s H. John Heinz III CollegeCarnegie Mellon University, H. John Heinz III College: www.heinz.cmu.edu Students who study public policy are driven to serve... Posted on Nov 21 2011 with no comments

• It's difficult to determine how much weight I should put on the rankings. What should I consider when reviewing them?

  Written by Carrie Marcinkevage, MBA Managing Director, Pennsylvania State University, Smeal College of Business Rankings are great to help you get an initial sense of program types, yet dangerous if used to make sweeping comparisons among schools. The... Posted on Nov 07 2011 with no comments

• I have a job gap in my resume. How do I approach explaining this in my MBA application?

  Provided by Pat Harrison, Associate Director of Admissions at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth Dartmouth University, Tuck School of Business http://www.tuck.dartmouth.edu/admissions/ Don’t Leave us Guessing Over the summer I spoke with an... Posted on Oct 24 2011 with no comments

• How do I decide between an MBA and Other Masters?

  Written by Debra Gonda, Associate Director Argyros School of Business and Economics Chapman University Chapman University, Argyros School of Business and Economics http://www.chapman.edu/argyros/ With the burgeoning number of MS programs, the question... Posted on Oct 10 2011 with no comments

• I’ve narrowed my search to a few b-schools I’d like to visit. What key questions should I ask during my visit?

  Written by Stephen J. Skripak, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and MBA Program Director, Pamplin College of Business, Virginia Tech There are a lot of great MBA programs in the world, but of course you can attend only one. Most offer similar course... Posted on Oct 03 2011 with no comments current students, school selection, b-school choice

• I am a couple of years out of undergrad and am planning to pursue an MBA in the next year or two, what should I be thinking about/focusing on as I plan for an MBA?

  Provided by Pat Harrison, Associate Director of Admissions at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth Dartmouth University, Tuck School of Business http://www.tuck.dartmouth.edu/admissions/ Take quantitative classes while you still have the opportunity... Posted on Sep 12 2011 with no comments

• Do schools care how recently a GMAT exam was taken when evaluating candidates?

  Written by Cristina M. Raecke, Director of Recruiting and Admissions, Graduate Business Programs, University of Miami School of Business Administration The University of Miami requires full-time MBA applicants to have taken the GMAT within the last five... Posted on Aug 30 2011 with no comments

• What should I know about student and other loans that can help me pay for my graduate degree?

  Written by Brian T. Lohr, Director of Admissions, MBA Program, Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame At most universities, loan opportunities can be broken down into two primary buckets: Federal Loans and Private Loans. Federal Loans Graduate... Posted on Aug 02 2011 with no comments

• I’m starting graduate business school this fall. What should I do to prepare academically?

  Written by: Frank Fletcher, Executive Director of Graduate Programs, Baruch College Zicklin School of Business One of the aspects of graduate management education that makes it truly unique is the diversity of academic and professional backgrounds its... Posted on Jul 18 2011 with no comments mba, boot camp, business school prep

• You have been accepted to more than one MBA program. Now how do you choose?

  Written by Gail DePriest, Director Corporate Relations & Leadership Development, Clemson MBA, Clemson at the Falls First of all, congratulations on your decision to get an MBA! Here are two key areas to think about: will the program meet your overall... Posted on Jun 13 2011 with 1 comment(s)

• How do I research and negotiate scholarship opportunities and loans?

  Written by Natasha Kobrinsky, Director of Student Financial Services, Pepperdine University, Graziadio School of Business and Management Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is always a good start. Having completed the FAFSA... Posted on May 30 2011 with 1 comment(s)

• I'm starting a program this fall. How do I start networking with my new classmates?

  Written by David W. Frasier, Assistant Dean, University at Buffalo School of Management For a committed MBA networking is like the nervous system in your body. It keeps you in touch with all that is going on around you and is a constant systems check... Posted on May 16 2011 with 1 comment(s)

• Do I really need work experience prior to enrolling in an MBA program?

  Written by Stephen L. Gauthier, Associate Dean, Crummer School of Business, Rollins College In the past, most MBA schools would report that they required three to five years of full-time work experience prior to enrolling in an MBA program. Programs would... Posted on Apr 27 2011 with no comments

• How do I decide between an MBA and other masters programs?

  Written by DeAnn Steinle, Administrative Director of Masters Programs, University of Kansas, Graduate School of Business You’ve completed your undergraduate education, have some work or internship experience under your belt, and have come to the... Posted on Apr 18 2011 with no comments

• What is the admissions committee really looking for? (Part 2)

  Written by Monica S. Powell, PhD, Associate Dean, School of Management , University of Texas, Dallas Although most programs look for similar attributes—intelligence, drive, experience—there are slight differences, especially after the basic... Posted on Apr 04 2011 with no comments applications, admissions committees

• Join us at The Official GMAT Blog!

  Have you read The Official GMAT Blog ? Since 2009, it's been a great place to pick up news and tips about the GMAT exam and preparing for graduate business school. Starting this month, we're making it even easier to get all the info you need about... Posted on Apr 04 2011 with no comments

• I’m not happy with my GMAT score. What will schools think if I’ve retaken the GMAT? (Part 3)

  Written by W. Bruce DelMonico, Director of Admissions, Yale School of Management Whether to retake the GMAT is a decision many candidates struggle with during the application process. Because the answer to this question is so dependent on the specifics... Posted on Mar 14 2011 with no comments applications, admissions, GMAT scores, retesting

• Will visiting the campus improve my candidacy?

  Written by Marisa Cox, Director, MBA Admissions, Eller College of Management, University of Arizona In most cases, yes. Here are three positive things you can accomplish through a campus visit: Demonstrate real interest. Admissions staff love to host... Posted on Feb 28 2011 with no comments admissions, campus visit

• What is the admissions committee really looking for?

  Written by Derrick Bolton, MBA Admissions Office, Stanford Graduate School of Business There are two processes happening as schools admit an MBA class. One is evaluation, and the other is selection. The difference is more than semantics. Evaluation Evaluation... Posted on Feb 21 2011 with no comments applications, admissions committees

• I was denied admission at my first choice school. What do I do now?

  Written by Laurie Wilson, Director, Graduate Business Degree Programs, Baylor University The path to an MBA degree is often different from what you first expect. There are so many opportunities in the MBA arena that an admissions denial will often cause... Posted on Feb 14 2011 with no comments

• How long should I prepare/study for the GMAT?

  Written by Andrew Verner, Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Charles H. Lundquist College of Business, University of Oregon When it comes to GMAT-related questions, this is probably the second-most common one, right after “How high a score do I... Posted on Feb 07 2011 with no comments GMAT scores, test prep

• When selecting my recommendations, what should I consider?

  Written by Arthur Redillas, Director of Admissions and Recruitment, Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia While the letters of recommendation remain the one aspect over which MBA applicants don’t retain full control, you can... Posted on Jan 31 2011 with no comments applications, b-school application, recommendation letters

• I’m not happy with my GMAT score. What will schools think if I’ve retaken the GMAT? (Part 2)

  Written by Amanda Barth, Director of MBA Admissions, College of William & Mary, Mason School of Business These are two important questions that I receive frequently from candidates who are disappointed with their GMAT score. Before you decide to retake... Posted on Jan 24 2011 with no comments applications, admissions, GMAT scores, retesting

• What is the best way to study for the GMAT?

  Written by Melanie Yeager, Director of Graduate Programs, The Florida State University College of Business Preparing to take the GMAT can be a daunting task. Those who succeed on the GMAT know the test, have a true picture of their strengths and weaknesses... Posted on Jan 17 2011 with no comments GMAT scores, test prep

• I’m not happy with my GMAT score. What will schools think if I’ve retaken the GMAT?

  Written by Peggy Conway, Director of MBA Admissions, TCU - Neeley School of Business Should I repeat my GMAT? Even though it’s a question that admissions officers frequently hear, it’s not one that has a quick single answer. The GMAT is only... Posted on Jan 06 2011 with no comments applications, admissions, GMAT scores, retesting

• How should you answer the application question: Is there anything else you want us to know? Part 2

  Written by James J. Frick, Director, MBA Admissions, Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University I tend to be very enthusiastic about essays—they present an incredible opportunity for candidates to reflect, share their goals, and articulate... Posted on Dec 17 2010 with no comments admissions, interview, b-school application, essay

• How many schools should I apply to? (Part 2)

  Written by Bill Sandefer, Director of Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid, Freeman School, Tulane University This is one of the questions I get most frequently. Ideally, applying to an MBA program should be a process of discovery—about you, and... Posted on Dec 08 2010 with no comments applications, school selection, timeline

• How do I know which school is best for me? (Part 2)

  Written by Kurt Ahlm, Sr. Director of Full-Time Admissions, Chicago Booth You’ve already decided that you want your MBA; now it’s time to think about which program might be right for you. Your plan should include researching and choosing specific... Posted on Nov 17 2010 with no comments school selection, b-school choice, Rankings

• How do I know which school is best for me?

  Written by Wendy Flynn, Director of Admissions, Mays Business School, Texas A & M University Pursuing an MBA is one of the most significant professional, personal, and financial investments you’ll make. It’s critical to select the program... Posted on Nov 10 2010 with no comments school selection, b-school choice, Rankings

• Three questions to ask after admission

  Written by Lawrence P. Ward, Associate Dean for Academic Programs, Kogod School of Business, American University You have been admitted to a graduate program in business or management and need to make an important decision about where to enroll. First... Posted on Nov 03 2010 with no comments school selection, acceptance, b-school choice, cohort

• When comparing full-time, part-time, accelerated, and online programs, what should I consider? (Part 2)

  Written by Kevin D. Malecek, Director, Part-Time MBA Program, Case Western Reserve University, Weatherhead School of Management When weighing the different formats of business education, you need first to examine yourself, your interests, and your needs... Posted on Oct 27 2010 with no comments school selection, program type

• When comparing full-time, part-time, accelerated and online MBA programs, what should I consider?

  Written by: Kate E. Klepper, Associate Dean, Graduate Business Programs College of Business Administration, Northeastern University To narrow down your search of MBA programs, you need to consider many factors and options like the ones outlined in the... Posted on Oct 22 2010 with no comments school selection, program type

• B-school rankings: Should I pay attention to them?

  Written by: James Stevens, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, University of California, Davis, Graduate School of Management As admissions officers, we are often asked about the importance of rankings in evaluating schools. In my opinion, rankings can... Posted on Jul 07 2010 with no comments admissions, school selection, Rankings

• I'm starting a program this fall. How do I start networking with my new classmates?

  Written by: Consuela Knox, Senior Associate Director / Diversity Recruiting Manager, MBA Admissions, Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management Attending an admitted students event on campus, hosted in late March or in April at most schools, typically... Posted on Jun 02 2010 with no comments admissions, enrollment, pre-program, cohort, networking

• So, you’ve applied to several MBA programs and didn’t get in. Now what?

  Written by: Alison Merzel, Director of MBA Admissions, Graduate Programs Office, Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University Look at your consideration set Consider applying to a couple more schools. Maybe you’ve limited yourself and chose... Posted on May 04 2010 with no comments applications, admissions, denial, reapply, denied

• Now that I’ve been accepted to more than one school, how do I choose which school is best for me?

  Written by: Deirdre M. Kane, Assistant Director, MBA and Master of Finance Admissions, MIT Sloan School of Management As an admissions officer, my job is to find the future experts and bring them to my school, but I am by no means an expert myself; however... Posted on Apr 21 2010 with no comments alumni, acceptance, b-school choice

• How do I research and negotiate scholarship opportunities?

  Written by: Alison Hope Jesse, Senior Associate Director, MBA Admissions, Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Paying for your MBA—what is your plan? A good place to start is by asking friends who have completed... Posted on Mar 31 2010 with no comments women, paying for MBA, military, scholarships, minority

• After I’ve sent my application, what should I expect from schools?

  Written by: Marisa Cox, Director, MBA Admissions, Eller College of Management, University of Arizona You’ve labored over the essays, polished your resume, taken the GMAT, rounded up transcripts and letters of recommendation, and now you may be wondering... Posted on Mar 04 2010 with no comments applications, admissions, timeline

• How many schools should I apply to?

  Written by: Angel J. Burgos, Director, MBA Programs, School of Management, George Mason University Take time to define realistic career goals and learn as much as you can about the career or job you wish to pursue. Then, all of the decisions you face... Posted on Dec 15 2009 with no comments applications, school selection, timeline

• How should I use alumni and current students to my advantage in the application process?

  —Julie R. Barefoot, Associate Dean and Director of MBA Admissions, Goizueta Business School, Emory University There are several ways that you can proactively use alumni and current students to your advantage: Speak with alumni and students at an... Posted on Nov 04 2009 with no comments applications, recommendation letters, current students, alumni

• How should you answer the application question "Is there anything else you want us to know?”

  Written by: Stephen J. Skripak, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, Pamplin College of Business, Virginia Tech Open-ended questions like this one pose perhaps the greatest interview risk and opportunity to a prospective student. A weak answer could... Posted on Oct 15 2009 with no comments admissions, interview, b-school application

• Welcome to mba.com’s Ask the Expert Blog!

  Ask the Expert is mba.com’s second blog—visit The Official GMAT Blog for a behind-the-scenes look at the GMAT exam policies, procedures, and prep materials, as well as advice and announcements. At Ask the Expert, we’re teaming up with... Posted on Oct 15 2009 with 2 comment(s) mba, applications, admissions, b-school experts