How to Get into Top MBA Programmes | Step-by-Step Guide
Your Guide to Getting Into Top MBA Programmes
Considering an MBA? Getting into top MBA programs can be highly competitive, with thousands of applicants vying for limited spots. Prestigious schools like Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, and Wharton reject nearly 90% of candidates. So, how do you improve your chances? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the application process, GMAT requirements, and strategies to stand out.
How Do I Apply to Top MBA Programs?
Exciting that you want to study for an MBA! We’ll guide you through some information on the top UK MBA programs, top US MBA programs, and top European MBA programs. Plus, we’ll introduce you to our award-winning MBA consultancy, which helps applicants gain admission to their dream business schools.
Which Are the Best Business Schools/Top MBA Programs?
Here are the top 15 business schools globally for 2024: Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB)
UPenn Wharton
Harvard Business School (HBS)
London Business School (LBS)
HEC Paris
MIT Sloan
Columbia Business School
IE Business School
Cambridge Judge
IESE Business School
INSEAD
Northwestern Kellogg
UC Berkeley Haas
Chicago Booth
UCLA Anderson
(Ranking based on QS 2024 rankings.)
How Do I Get into Top Business Schools/MBA Programs?
Applying to MBA programs is a long journey with multiple steps:
Research a list of target schools
Ace your GMAT
Conduct in-depth research on each school
Strengthen your application profile
Secure strong references
Prepare for MBA interviews and post-interview reflections
Ensure your CV and essays are polished
Develop an early application strategy
But checking off these steps isn’t enough! You must showcase your uniqueness and personal story to stand out. Admissions committees read thousands of applications—let your authentic self shine through. Reflect deeply on your career, motivations, and life experiences. Ask yourself:
Why do I want an MBA now?
What experiences have shaped me?
What are my long-term goals?
Instead of guessing what admissions committees want, focus on your personal story and career vision.
How to Find the Best MBA Admissions Consultants?
The best MBA admissions consultants are much more than advisors - they’re business experts and powerful storytellers, who will help you find the unique points in your own story and demonstrate your skills, talents and ambitions. In short, they’ll work with you to make your MBA application stand out and mentor you to achieve your MBA dreams.
J&J Education’s award-winning MBA admissions consultants will guide you through the MBA applications journey and support you with all aspects of MBA applications. We’ve recruited the world’s top MBA consultants - graduates of HBS, Stanford GSB, Yale SOM, Imperial, Cambridge and many more, with extensive industry experience and are passionate about guiding you into your dream MBA programme. We’ve worked with hundreds of students happily studying at top programmes around the world. To find out more, reach out to us here today.
How Can J&J Education’s MBA Consultants Help You?
Our consultants have worked with hundreds of candidates like you. They’ll take you on a journey to understand your career and life, work systematically through the application process, mentor you and show you how to stand out. How to portray your story and how to bring your character to life. How to sift through years of education, professional and life experience to bring out the major themes. The themes that will demonstrate who you are and how you’re different. We’ll show you how to maximize your chances to enter your dream MBA. Getting into a top business school can change your career and life trajectory. Don’t leave this important journey to chance!
What GMAT Score Do You Need for Top Business Schools?
Here is a sample of average for some top business schools.
The average GMAT score for Harvard Business School (HBS) is 730 and the average GRE score for Harvard Business School is 326.
The average GMAT score for UPenn Wharton is 728 and the average GRE score for Wharton is 162 in quantitative and 162 in verbal.
The average GMAT score for London Business School is around 700 and LBS preferred GRE scores are above 160 in quantitative and verbal.
The average GMAT score for Columbia Business School is around 740 and the average GRE score for Columbia Business School is 168 in quantitative and 162 in verbal.
When Should You Apply to MBA Programs?
MBA application deadlines differ for each business. Round 1 MBA applications in the US are usually around September, with notification by December and round two by January, with notification by March. Some MBA schools, such as Stanford GSB, UChicago Booth, Yale SOM, have further rounds; third round dates usually require applications by April, with notification by May. Insead have application rounds in September, November, January and March. Our specialist MBA consultants will work with you to build a personalised timeline and give advice on which business schools to apply to when in order to increase your chances.
