5 Tips for choosing the right business school for you

Are you considering studying abroad but unsure about which business schools to apply to? Here are 5 tips that will help you choose the right business school:

 

1. Find the right course: Begin by identifying the course you want to study and the reasons behind your choice. Although core subjects are similar in similar programmes across schools, the pedagogy of these core courses and the variety of electives can vary significantly across schools. When it comes to electives, each school typically provides a selection of courses for you to choose from. However, if you have a specific field of interest and wish to specialise, it is advisable to seek out schools that offer specialised programmes or concentrations in that domain.
2. Evaluate post-study career opportunities: Research countries that have thriving industries in your field of study and evaluate the stability of those industries. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of different countries in terms of supporting international students, visa accessibility, return on investment potential, and more. Check if your school of choice has a track record of alumni working in your industry & function of choice in some of your dream companies.
3. Rankings & reputation: Consider university rankings, globally as well as within the school’s country. Look at the brand recognition and reputation of the school as well as within your home country in case you plan to return home post studies. However, don’t limit yourself to just the rankings. They can be a good starting point for your research, but not the endpoint. Look at factors beyond rankings like the reputation, alumni & industry network, co-op opportunities, key programme highlights, faculty strength, and most importantly the fit with your aspirations.
4. Benchmark against the class profile: When applying to business schools, comparing your profile to the admitted class is crucial. Besides acceptance rates, there are other factors to consider. Look at the school's average GMAT and undergraduate GPA to gauge competitiveness. Aim for a GMAT score of 20-30 points above the class average. A low GPA can be offset by a strong GMAT or GRE score. Also, consider the average work experience. If you are significantly above or below the average experience, then identify what you can do to stand out in the application process to win that coveted spot.
5. Research, research, and research some more! Prioritise what you desire from your course. If the faculty in a specific department is important to you, connect with a professor to learn more about their expertise and associated opportunities. If location outweighs other factors, consider universities in distinguished cities with thriving economies. Connect with current students or recent alumni to understand the career support provided. LinkedIn research on profiles and companies that the alumni work in, is super important these days. Webinars, online or in-person masterclasses, and third-party events like the SEED Business School Festival, all are great opportunities to connect with Admission Directors of your dream school and to ask them detailed questions about your profile fit, the programme features they see adding value to your requirements, and more.

Once you’ve identified your target schools, it’s time to start work on your applications. Be aware of deadlines, rely on reliable sources, and consider applying early for advantages like scholarships. Keep in mind that business schools, particularly for MBA programmes, may have multiple deadlines. Applying in the early rounds increases your chances of acceptance. An early application also improves your scholarship prospects.