At the end of March, U.S. News & World Report published its annual list of top MBA programs. Not surprisingly, this year’s top ten schools are basically the same ones as in previous rankings. You can dig into the methodology to understand why the list doesn’t change dramatically year over year.
Business school applicants often tell me that they want to go to a “top ten” school. However, when we look deeper, we discover that less than a handful of business school programs in the U.S. News top ten would meet their needs. As you consider the programs to which you might apply, I encourage you to use the following framework to help focus your efforts on business schools that will help you achieve your goals—regardless of their ranking.
Career
Before you start compiling your own top ten list of business schools, consider where you are trying to go in your career. What position(s) do you see yourself taking after you complete an MBA program? Your response should include industry, function, and geography as well as a short list of target companies. Take the time to find job postings for these positions so you can determine what skills and knowledge you need to be a viable candidate, and then identify the development areas that you need to address through an MBA. If you already have most of the required skills, perhaps you don’t actually need to go to business school. Alternatively, you might want to set your sights a bit higher!
Competitiveness
You need to understand whether or not you are a competitive candidate for the programs you are considering. There is nothing you can do now to change your undergraduate GPA or where you went to college. Once you have your GMAT or GRE score (see “GMAT, GRE, or Even EA—Which Test Should I Take?”), take a look at class profiles from your schools of interest to see how your stats stack up.
The M7 (or “Magnificent 7”) business schools are a “stretch” for just about everyone. If your stats are around a program’s averages, then it might be a “target” for you. A business school could be considered “likely” if you are solidly above its averages. Your own top ten list should contain three to four stretch schools, three to four target schools, and two or three likely schools.
Curriculum
Not all business school curriculums are the same! Keep your previous experience and career goals in mind as you research course offerings. Many programs offer a general management degree, while some allow students to focus through majors, concentrations, certificates, or pathways. If your goals are in health care, be on the lookout for health care–specific course offerings. Typically, business schools have core or required courses and electives. At some schools, like Harvard Business School, everyone takes the same courses during the first year. Even if you have a CPA, you will be taking the same intro accounting class as peers who have never heard of LIFO or FIFO. At other programs, you can place out of core courses or take a higher-level course if you have a background in a subject.
Finally, think about how you learn best. Some programs use primarily the case method, while others offer a mix of teaching styles such as lectures, cases, and experiential learning. Make sure the programs on your list offer the learning opportunities you need to develop the skills and knowledge that will put you on track to achieve your goals.
Clubs
In business school, a lot of learning happens outside of the classroom. Clubs, conferences, case competitions, career treks, speaker series, and consulting projects offer fantastic opportunities for students to test their classroom learning in a safe space. Many clubs are student led and provide aspiring business leaders the chance to lead others while managing teams and budgets. If you are interested in technology, you might look for programs that organize a fall break “Tech Trek” to a geography with a lot of tech companies. If your goals are in consulting, perhaps you can represent your business school in case competitions. Think beyond just the professional clubs; you can also develop your skills by taking a leadership role in a fun group such as a wine club or rugby club. Similarly, diversity clubs offer opportunities to engage with peers who have a shared identity.
Culture
You will only get one MBA, so you should choose wisely. Your classmates (and the alumni who came before you and will come after you) will be your people and network for the rest of your career. This is not just a two-year decision, but a 20-, 30-, or 40-year decision. You want to surround yourself with people who value you and around whom you can be yourself.
Do you want to be on a campus or in a city? Are you looking for a competitive environment or one that’s more supportive and collaborative? Are you comfortable wearing khakis and a button-down shirt, or would you prefer to be wearing flip-flops and jeans? Take a look at each program’s mission statement and values. What resonates with you?
Communication
To learn about a school’s curriculum, clubs, and culture, you need to engage with those who are familiar with the program—students and alumni. After you have explored websites and attended webinars for business schools of interest, reach out to their students to learn more. Ask targeted questions about a school’s curriculum and clubs as they relate to your career goals. Most MBA programs have student ambassadors who are available to answer such questions for prospective students. Also consider reaching out to alumni from your undergrad institution or former employees from your company if they attended business schools on your top ten list. Send an email to leaders of clubs that you see yourself participating in to learn about the initiatives of those organizations. Engaging with students will give you a nuanced understanding of a school’s resources and your fit.
Cost
Getting an MBA is likely the biggest investment that you will make other than purchasing a house. If you are considering a typical full-time MBA, you will be giving up your salary for two years while paying ~$70,000 per year in tuition. Think about your willingness to pay sticker price or take out loans to cover the costs. Merit scholarships are rare at the very top business schools. Many MBA programs offer generous scholarships to attract students who will improve their profile (read: strong stats) or whose experience and goals align with the program offerings. Would you turn down a full ride at a top 15 program to attend a business school that is slightly higher in media rankings?
Join Susan Cera and Jennifer Jackson for How to Maximize Your MBA Scholarships on Wednesday, May 12 at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Business school offers so many wonderful opportunities for personal and professional transformation. For two years, you will engage with like-minded peers as you learn and grow to set yourself on a new or accelerated career trajectory. Take the time up front to think about where you want an MBA to take you so you can identify the programs that will be the best fit for YOU. Don’t rely on U.S. News or Bloomberg Businessweek to rank the schools—create your own top ten list!