Do you need prerequisites for an MBA?

Yes, MBA applicants need to have completed a bachelor's degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university. Other MBA prerequisites may include graduate admissions exams, essay responses, and an application fee.

How competitive are MBA admissions?

The competitiveness of each MBA program depends on the number of applicants it receives and the school's reputation. In years when interest in MBAs declined, the top 15 schools, as determined by US News and World Report , accepted more applicants.

What are the odds of MBA acceptance?

According to US News and World Report data, the average MBA program acceptance rate was about 50% in 2023. The 15 most selective programs had an average acceptance rate of 18.5%.

What GPA do you need to get into an MBA program?

Many schools look for students who achieved an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. However, a high GPA isn't a requirement for admission to most MBA programs. MBA schools also look for students with diverse educational backgrounds, so prior work experience and glowing professional references may influence admissions committees as much or more than your undergraduate GPA.

What is most important for MBA admissions?

Submitting a complete application is crucial for acceptance into an MBA program. Not submitting all the required information could reflect poorly on your commitment to success and negatively influence the admissions committee's decision.

How to meet MBA admissions requirements: A step-by-step guide

By: Shelby Campbell, Edited by: Valerie Black

Published: January 27, 2025

Applying to a master of business administration (MBA) program may be the first step toward growing your business career. But does your application meet MBA admissions requirements? Meeting all the MBA requirements is necessary to enroll in a program and earn your degree.

In this guide, explore how to meet common MBA requirements, such as a minimum GPA threshold and a request for an updated resume. Discover the importance of curating these materials to improve your chances of being accepted into a program.

What are MBA admissions requirements?

MBA requirements include the information and materials prospective students must submit in their applications. Admissions faculty use these materials to assess your qualifications for the program.

Application requirements often include:

Undergraduate GPA and transcripts
Proof of relevant work experience
Updated resume
Professional references
Personal essay responses
Application fees
Admissions interviews
Exam scores

Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree

Most MBA programs require applicants to possess a bachelor's degree. Many MBA students have bachelor's degrees in business fields like accounting, marketing, or tech. However, students can have bachelor's degrees in other disciplines and still gain admission to an MBA program.

Step 2: Gain work experience

Submitting proof of relevant work experience in your application can bolster your chances of acceptance. Whether you've participated in internships or worked for a few years after earning your bachelor's degree, your professional experience proves you can thrive under real-world pressure.

Step 3: Determine each MBA program's specific requirements

Not all MBA programs require the same materials. For instance, each school's essay prompts are unique, and application fees vary. Plus, some institutions may require you to take a graduate admissions exam. Be sure to familiarize yourself with each school's unique requirements before you apply so you can be prepared.

Step 4: Take the GRE or GMAT

Some schools require MBA applicants to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). These admissions exams demonstrate your ability to complete a graduate program. Although MBA applicants can take both exams, most MBA programs require the GMAT, per the Princeton Review.

You can send your GMAT results for free to up to five schools and your GRE results to four schools.

Step 5: Write your essays or statements of purpose

Many MBA programs ask you to submit essays or statements of purpose along with your application. Some schools may require students to respond to specific prompts, while others ask applicants to explain their reasons for applying. You can make your essay stand out by outlining your personal experiences and aspirations and showcasing your dedication.

Step 6: Ask for letters of recommendation or professional references

Most MBA programs require at least one letter of recommendation or professional reference in your application package. Consider asking former employers, coworkers, or professors to write letters for you. These connections have firsthand experience with your professional and academic strengths.

Don't forget to include your references' contact information along with their letters.

Step 7: Update your résumé

Submitting the most recent version of your résumé is an excellent way to demonstrate your professional experience. Make sure you include qualitative and quantitative evidence of how your work benefitted your past employers.

Step 8: Collect undergraduate transcripts

A standard MBA requirement, your undergraduate transcripts show you have the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in a graduate program. Some universities can send your undergraduate transcripts directly to your MBA program, while others may send them to you to include in your application package.

Step 9: Send in your application

Although the submission process varies between schools, many have adopted online application portals where you can upload digital documents. You may also have to pay an application fee — often between $50 and $300 — and schedule any necessary in-person interviews at this time.

Requirements for international students

International students may have to meet a few additional requirements set by schools and the US government:

Student and exchange visitor program schools: Students who come to the US to study must choose federally designated SEVP schools.
English language proficiency exam: Some programs require students whose prior education wasn't in English to pass a proficiency exam.
Student visa: Upon acceptance to an MBA program, international students must apply for a student visa through the US Department of State.

Frequently asked questions about MBA admission requirements

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