MBA Admissions: What You Need to Know to Get In

When you’re applying for an MBA, a postgraduate business degree designed to prepare students for leadership and management roles. Also known as a Master of Business Administration, it’s one of the most sought-after degrees for professionals looking to climb the corporate ladder or start their own company. But getting in isn’t just about having a good GPA or a fancy job title. Schools care about your goals, your clarity, and whether you’ll add value to their classroom.

MBA admissions entrance exams, standardized tests used to assess readiness for graduate business programs. Also known as GMAT or GRE, they are a key part of the process—but they’re not the whole story. Top programs also look at your work experience, recommendations, essays, and how well you articulate why you need an MBA right now. Some schools even care about your extracurriculars, volunteer work, or how you’ve handled failure. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being real and intentional.

You don’t need to be a tech billionaire or a Fortune 500 executive to get accepted. Many successful applicants come from mid-level roles in manufacturing, healthcare, education, or even small businesses. What matters is showing growth, impact, and a clear plan. If you’re switching careers, explain why. If you’re staying in your field, show how an MBA will help you lead better. Schools aren’t just buying your resume—they’re investing in your future.

There’s also a big difference between full-time, part-time, online, and executive MBA programs. Each has its own admission standards, target audience, and timeline. A full-time MBA might ask for 3–5 years of work experience, while an executive MBA often wants 8–10. Know which one fits your life before you start applying.

And don’t ignore the essays. They’re where most candidates slip up. Too many write generic statements like "I want to lead a company" without saying why, how, or what they’ve already done to prepare. The best essays answer one simple question: Why you, why now, and why this school? That’s it.

Below, you’ll find real advice from people who’ve been through the process—how they prepared for GMAT, picked schools, wrote essays that worked, and handled interviews. No fluff. No hype. Just what actually helped them get in.

By Nolan Blackburn
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29 Jul 2025

How Many MBA Schools Should You Apply To? Practical Guide for Success

Wondering how many MBA schools to apply to? This guide unpacks the real numbers, offers tips, stats, and clear advice for shaping your MBA application strategy in 2025.

By Nolan Blackburn
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10 Jun 2025

Easiest MBA Schools: Where Getting In Isn't a Nightmare

Not every MBA program asks for sky-high GMAT scores and a perfect résumé. This article explores the lesser-known business schools where getting admitted is much easier, breaking down what makes a school 'easy' in the first place. You'll see real examples, key stats, and surprising reasons why these programs might be a solid career move. Expect useful tips on what to watch for before you hit 'submit' on your application. If you’re worried your stats aren’t Ivy League material, you’ll find a path forward here.