Dispelling Myths About Business School

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Advice to help alleviate your concerns and dispel some myths about business school.

Myth 1. Business school is too expensive, especially in an uncertain economy. Consider these statistics:

  • More than 3 out of 4 alumni from the class of 2012 reported that their starting salary met or exceeded their expectations.
  • 92% of class of 2012 alumni had a job within three months of graduation, and three-quarters of them said their graduate business degree was essential for obtaining that job.
  • Classes of 2000—2012 alumni consistently recouped their full investment in graduate business school four years after graduation, on average.*

Myth 2. My GMAT® score might not be high enough. Most business schools consider your entire application, not just your GMAT score. Of course, if you're not satisfied with your score, you can retake the exam. To prepare, read our articles, Study Smart for Your Best GMAT, and Test Taking Strategies.

Myth 3: My undergrad record is weak. Your previous academic record and GPA will be considered in tandem with your GMAT score to gauge your academic preparedness. Be ready to explain if you think your undergraduate record does not accurately reflect your academic ability.

Myth 4: I don’t have the time or energy that business school demands. There are actually many program options that you can choose from to fit your lifestyle, from an intense, one-year program to a part-time program. Hear more about the rigors of business school from current MBA students.

Myth 5: I’m unsure of my future career plans. The skills you’ll acquire in business school are in high demand. In today’s knowledge-based economy, the more you can do to develop general management and quantitative skills, the more career options you will have. Learn more from employers about the skills companies seek.

 *GMAC (2012). Global Management Education Graduate Survey Report. Reston, VA: GMAC.

**GMAC (2012). Alumni Perspectives Survey Report. Reston, VA: GMAC.

***GMAC (2012) Application Trends Survey Report. Reston, VA: GMAC.