MBA Admissions Tips
Read these 10 MBA Admissions Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Business Degree tips and hundreds of other topics.
Preparing For An MBA Admission Interview
Until you know yourself, don't even consider walking into an admission interview to obtain an MBA degree online. Of course, we all think we know ourselves pretty well. We know our strengths and weaknesses in a general sense, but can we articulate what we know into meaningful dialogue that reflects our goals, challenges and triumphs?
There are nationally and internationally recognized programs and workshops available that illuminate personality and temperament styles. These workshops help undercover unique natural strengths, talents, and individual learning styles. There is a charge, but the fee is well worth discovering who you really are, not just who you think you are. A quick Internet search using keywords like “personality styles” or “personality strengths” may set you on the path to discovering some of these workshops.
When it's time for the mba admission interview, you'll be ready and confident to answer questions like:
- Why did you apply to this school?
- What makes you stand out among other applicants?
- How do you plan to use your degree?
- What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- What will you contribute to the program?
- How would your colleagues describe you?
International Students
If you're considering working toward a business administration degree or diploma through an international college or university, there are a few things about the application process you should be aware of including:
- The possible need to submit specific language test results if your first language is not the language spoken at the college/university
- The reality that the application process may take longer.
- Even if submitting an application online, you'll still be required to mail copies of official transcripts which may take some time to get to their destination.
- Increased tuition costs for international students.
Business Administration - Accounting Concentration
Accounting is a lot like putting together the pieces of a puzzle. When you first look at that puzzle, its pieces strewn about so that you can't see the whole picture, it's easy to imagine a business in the same situation, except its money that's strewn around. Without a method, it's difficult to see where you've been, or where you're going. Sound like any businesses you know?
Students interested in taking a two year Business Administration diploma with a concentration in accounting will find entry-level employment in the field of financial accounting, cost accounting, financial management, taxation, auditing, payroll, or office management.
Courses in this concentration typically include financial accounting (manual) along with computerized accounting (electronic) and are specifically geared toward the retail, government, banking, manufacturing, and other service sectors.
It's important to note that there's a big difference between taking a second year concentration in accounting, and actually getting your designation as a Certified General Accountant (CGA). That type of designation requires further study at a university (either traditional classroom or through online learning).
Accountants and bookkeepers play an important role in industry. They make sure all of the financial checks and balances are in place to meet auditing expectations, perform budget analysis, financial planning, investment planning, information technology consulting and sometimes manage limited legal services.
Business Administration - No Concentration
Does the thought of diving right into a Bachelor's degree overwhelm you? Maybe you'd rather start out a little slower, work in industry for a while, and build on your education a little later. That's great! For some people, attending a community college to pursue a one year Business Administration diploma is the perfect opportunity to test the waters. After one full academic year, you could be out working for public or private industry sectors.
Graduates with a diploma in Business Administration typically find entry-level positions as administrative assistants, bookkeepers, data entry associates, etc., with even further opportunities for graduates with concentrations in accounting, marketing, management, or finances. Even without a second year concentration, graduates wind up with the right balance of skills to understand how business works. They get a taste of business ethics, management principles, how financial accounting is utilized in business and how sales, marketing, and promotions work.
Although there may be some classroom requirement, check with the college to see if obtaining that second year concentration is possible while you're working. Some colleges may offer certain courses, or even the whole thing, through online training. It might just be the perfect way to fine tune the area of business you're most interested in.
Business Administration - Investment Management Concentration
Who doesn't like money. There have been numerous quotes throughout history about money being the root of all evil, money making the world go ‘round, and money buying a ticket to freedom. For some people, the fast-paced, intense world of high finance is enough to get the juices flowing. For those people, obtaining a Business Administration diploma with a second year concentration in Investment Management is the way to go. Graduates find employment in banks, credit unions, investment firms, and brokerage companies.
The types of courses offered in an Investment Management concentration include things like Securities, Applied Financial Planning, Professional Financial Planning, Principle and Practice of Insurance, Conduct and Practices for Securities, and sometimes an opportunity to take specific securities certifications through workshops, testing and examinations. For the “extras”, contact the college and find out if the cost of securities exams are included in tuition or not.
In addition, you may be required to join certain associations related to financial securities which may cost more money above the regular tuition. Also, ask if there is an opportunity to work towards national certification in any particular area of financial securities.
Students who opt for this type of diploma are usually the kind of people who like to see money grow through investments. Graduates must have excellent communication skills and a sound understanding of financial market trends to find success in this industry.
Business Administration - Management Concentration
There are some people who say they could never handle a management position, and others who say they couldn't handle work any other way. For those students, the option of taking a second year Business Administration Management concentration might be the perfect choice.
Students who take a management concentration learn the basics of overseeing an organization including its revenue, expenses, employees, etc. Graduates with a management concentration usually start out in entry-level, supervisory positions, with the opportunity for some advancement. It's at this stage when it may be time to consider going back to school (full or part-time) to build on that diploma. Attending university online could lead to a Bachelor's degree, and eventually a full-fledged MBA.
Then there are other graduates content to find their way with the two-year Business Administration Management diploma. There's no written rule as to what career path you'll end up taking, and it's not always necessary to continue on to university. What's important is finding the career path that's right for you, and building on your education if you find yourself a crossroads.
If you've decided to take a Business Administration Management program online, find out if there is any on-the-job training. Work placement is a great way to test the waters, network with employers, and put your newfound skills to work.
Business Administration - Marketing Concentration
Were you the type of kid who sold lemonade by the side of the road and actually made money at it? Maybe you were the adolescent always making up catchy jingles at a moment's notice, or selling toys to make a profit. If this sounds like you, a two-year Business Administration diploma with a concentration in sales or marketing might just be the perfect fit.
The first year of a Business Administration program gives you a broad set of skills and experiences applicable to the modern office environment. The second year is where you really hone in on your passions by choosing a concentration that suits your personality and skill sets. Marketers spend their careers researching demographics, products, and services. They work on strategic planning to most effectively sell a company's product or service. In addition to exercising a global perspective on sales strategies, marketers must also be able to communicate clearly, create and present key concepts through reports, manage sales, and work on product development.
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- Management Principles
- Sales & Advertising/Promotion
- Logistics
- Market Research
- Customer Relationship Management
- Computer Training
Waiting On The Waitlist
You've been waiting weeks to hear back regarding the status of your college/university application only to discover you've been wait listed. Wait listing can happen in both traditional college settings and online-only colleges. In order to maintain the integrity of the program, class sizes are usually kept to a maximum number. While it's disappointing, there are a few things you can do:
- Contact the school
- Ask if it would help to submit further documentation
- Ask how far down the waiting list your application is. You could very well be next in line for a seat.
- Ask how long the school typically holds the wait list
- Ask what the chances are of making it off the wait list
- Do you have a second program choice? If so, you may qualify for entry into that one.
The Financial Savings Of Taking An MBA Degree Online
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the projected number of student enrollments in degree granting institutions (in the United States), including programs to earn an MBA online, was estimated to be 13.4 million in 2006. That's a lot of people interested in obtaining an mba degree. Are you interested in becoming a full or part-time mba student? If so, you may be wondering about costs. Below is a comparison of tuition costs (including approximated living expenses, student health coverage, etc.). These are the estimated total costs, for the year 2007 – 2008, for students attending regular mba classes. Knock anywhere from $12,000 to $15,000 off of these estimates, and you'll have a rough idea of what it'll cost you for your first year of online mba studies:
WHARTON MBA ADMISSIONS: Tuition and fees are $42,180 the total estimated cost for first-year students is $66,171
HARVARD MBA ADMISSIONS: Tuition and other fees for first year students $73,300
Remember, this is just a sample of the tuition costs and living fees you'd be paying if you were to take traditional classes. Working towards an mba degree online, could end up saving you money.
Deciding Where to Apply for an MBA Degree Online
Don't let geography deter you from applying for mba distance learning, or completing an mba degree online. Some of the most prestigious colleges and universities work hard to promote their online programs. Admissions departments of some of the country's top business schools travels literally all over the world what they have to offer. The best way to find out if they're coming to your city is to visit the school's website and look under Admission Events.
During these events, you'll have an opportunity to find out what the mba admission requirements are while participating in a bit of an informal mba admission interview. This is a great time to inquire about mba distance learning, or mba online training. From the moment you first enter your username and password to begin your mba online, you'll already have a sense of truly being a valued student. Why? Because you've met with people, you've spoken to people who've been in your situation, who sat in class or in front of a computer with similar expectations and goals. It's that connection that will help you succeed.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Jerry Mayo |
