How to Get Into a Top MBA Program

Obtaining an MBA from a top-notch university not only prepares you to be an excellent business leader, it also sets you up to command a higher salary than someone without an MBA. Although completing a top MBA program requires a considerable investment of time and money, your increased earnings potential means you could recoup your investment in two years or less.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Improve your GMAT score. If you scored less than a 650 on your test, consider retaking it. A score of 560 is average, which is only acceptable if you wish to apply to an average MBA program.

2. Obtain excellent letters of recommendation from influential people. Most schools require sealed letters, so you must be confident that your mentor will write a letter that praises you, not one that questions your skills.

3. Demonstrate your real world work experience with a flawless resume. You must show that you've taken initiative and ever-increasing responsibility at a reputable company.

4. Prepare for your MBA admissions interview. Anticipate open-ended questions, such as, "Discuss your goals." Do your soul-searching at home so you don't reply to these questions with a blank stare.

5. Write an outstanding essay. You must focus on accomplishments that highlight your leadership potential. Digging ditches sounds like a plebeian task, until you share that it was part of your Peace Corps work to provide clean drinking water in sub-Saharan Africa.

6. Maintain a high college GPA and take challenging classes. If you keep a 3.8 grade point average while taking courses like calculus, this means more to an admissions committee than maintaining a 4.0 while carrying a load that includes classes like "fashion appreciation."

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