How to Meet MBA Requirements for Admission

Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree allows you to pursue various exciting career opportunities and develop new skills. If you're interested in pursuing this educational path but are unsure where to start, learning about MBA admission requirements can help. 

Discover the steps you need to take to be eligible for entry to an MBA programme. 

1. Research entry requirements

Entry requirements vary from university to university, as does the application process. For this reason, you must know exactly what each university requires. Some universities will ask for testimonies, a statement of purpose, standardised test scores, and transcripts. Most will ask you to complete an entry exam, which can be state-level entrance exams or the institution’s own entrance test. Do your research to find out if you meet your chosen university's entry requirements before applying. 

2. Earn a bachelor's degree

You will need to have earned your bachelor's (or equivalent) degree before applying for an MBA programme and obtained a score of at least 50 percent. While some candidates choose subjects in business-related fields like marketing, management, or finance, don't let a degree in a seemingly unrelated subject stop you from applying to an MBA programme. Business schools consider candidates from all fields if your undergraduate degree is from an accredited college or university.

3. Take your entrance exams

Each university has its own requirements for entry regarding entrance exams. You’ll want to decide on your course beforehand so you know which entrance exam to study for and take. CAT, XMAT, and CMAT are popular entrance exams, but business schools may also have their own national-level exams. You can prepare for your entrance exam with practice tests, coaching, and self-study.

Some common entrance exams for MBAs are as follows:

• Common Admission Test (CAT)

• Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)

• Management Aptitude Test (MAT)

• Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)

• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

• Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test (NMAT)

• AIMS Test for Management Admissions (ATMA)

• ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test (IBSAT)

• Maharashtra MBA Common Entrance Test (MAH CET)

4. Get relevant work experience 

Depending on the type of MBA you’re applying for, acquiring several years of work experience might be a requirement or can at the least support your application. 

If you've supervised employees or volunteers or have any leadership experience, that's even better. When considering prospective MBA students, admissions officers look for personal growth, self-discipline, and leadership skills. 

To get work experience before getting an MBA, try starting with an entry-level job or internship in a business-related field. As you build up your career over the next few years, look for opportunities to develop your skills and advance your responsibilities. Any experience that highlights your skills is good to note.

A few examples of entry-level positions include the following:

• Sales representative

• Administrative assistant

• Marketing assistant

• Market research analyst

• Fundraiser

5. Secure letters of recommendation

Depending on your university, you might have to submit letters of recommendation. Before asking for a letter of recommendation, consider what this person might say about you. As a good rule of thumb, ask for testimonies from people with whom you have worked closely, such as professors of previous or current academic courses, employers, and mentors.

To be relevant, choose people you've worked with over the last 10 years or less instead of reaching too far back into your past to come up with references.  

6. Add your academic transcripts

A common request as part of your application for an MBA is your academic transcripts.

Most MBA programmes expect applicants to have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 50 percent.

7. Submit your application

Submitting your application for an MBA programme is an important step, which should supply relevant information such as the following:

• Name and address

• Details of previous education 

• Degree, results, and GPA

• Past work experience

• Entrance exam results

With your application, you might also need to pay an application fee to the university you are applying to. 

8. Include your resume

When creating a resume for an MBA programme, keep the length to one or two pages. Always list work experience in reverse chronological order, showing your current or most recent job first. Expand on a few of your most recent jobs and list company names and dates for the rest. In addition to your academic background and work experience, make sure to add the following:

• Education, including GPA

• Work experience, including duties and responsibilities

• Key skills

• Achievements, awards, and certifications

If you're sending your resume electronically, save it as a PDF file to avoid formatting issues. 

9. Prepare for admission interviews

Some institutions may have an additional screening process for shortlisted applicants. This can be in the form of group discussions or personal interviews. Your performance in these rounds can significantly impact the outcome of your application. Make sure to brush up on your communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills before you appear for this round. 

Pursue your MBA on Coursera

An MBA is a prestigious business qualification and opens the door to a range of career options. If now is the right time to continue your business education, consider the iMBA from the University of Illinois Gies College of Business. This competitively ranked programme offers you the flexibility to learn from anywhere with an internet connection at a breakthrough price.

Explore specialisations in digital marketing, strategic leadership, financial management, and more to start building your MBA skill set today.