International candidates submit more than half of MBA applications, yet the international student population across the top 20 U.S. MBA programs is roughly 35%. Do the math—it is super competitive. If you are an international candidate, here are nine things to consider as you prepare to submit your MBA applications:
1. Timing
Most top MBA programs have three admissions rounds. Many require that international applicants submit in one of the first two rounds. This will allow you sufficient time to process visa paperwork in advance of starting the program. (You may want to read this article on programs with a STEM designation, which allows international students with F-1 visas the eligibility to extend the optional practical training [OPT] period to work in the United States from 12 months to 36 months.)
Do yourself a favor and don’t wait until Round 3 to apply. If you can, submit your application in Round 1, when none of the seats in the class have been filled. Get started in the spring so you have plenty of time to reflect, research, and write in advance of the September deadlines.
2. Testing
GMAT or GRE? Most MBA programs are test agnostic, so play to your own strengths. Take a practice exam for both the GMAT and the GRE and see which suits you. Next, create a plan for studying and set a date to take the exam.
Give yourself time to retake the test at least once so you can present your very best score. Depending on what country you are from, your competition could have average test scores well above the program averages—plan accordingly.
3. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Many international MBA applicants will need to take the TOEFL or another standardized test that evaluates their English language abilities. Some MBA programs (most notably HBS) have a minimum required TOEFL score. Check the requirements for each program to which you are applying. Indian applicants whose undergraduate education was conducted in English might be surprised to discover that Berkeley Haas and UCLA Anderson require the TOEFL.
If you are not required to take the TOEFL, don’t. I’ve seen otherwise outstanding international applicants ruin their chances of being accepted by highlighting their inability to understand spoken English with a low Listening Comprehension (LC) score.
4. Transcripts
Admissions committees at top U.S. MBA programs are intimately familiar with grading scales around the world. They know that a 76% from an Indian university is outstanding. They also know that a lower GPA is better in Germany. And they know that a “D” in Australia actually means “Distinction,” not practically failing. Unless you are from one of the smallest dozen or so countries in the world, don’t waste your time or money getting World Education Services (WES) to convert your transcript to a 4.0 scale.
5. Translation
If your transcripts were not issued in English, get them translated by a certified translator. You will need to submit both the original version in your native language and the English translation. This is just busy work, so get it done early! In the weeks leading up to submitting your applications, you don’t want to discover that you lack the appropriate transcripts.
If your recommenders are not strong English writers, ask the admissions committee about requirements for submitting letters of support in their native language accompanied by an official translation. This is outside the scope of most online MBA applications, but it’s worth asking about!
6. Trajectory
Although many newly minted MBAs go into management consulting and investment banking, there are other post-MBA career paths. Leverage your existing industry or functional knowledge to establish a post-MBA goal that aligns with what you have accomplished to date. Assess what skills you have at this time and what areas you might develop through an MBA program. I’ve reviewed hundreds of applications from IT engineers who want an MBA to go into investment banking but failed to connect the dots. Most of them were not accepted—even if they had a 770+ GMAT.
7. Talking
Yes, talking. To identify the MBA programs that are the right fit for you, you need to connect with individuals who are familiar with school-specific resources. Attend information sessions and tour events. Speak to admissions representatives. After reading blogs, ask meaningful questions to get a sense of the feel of the program. Connect with students who are involved in activities that interest you. Identify alumni in your local area, and reach out to learn about their experiences.
8. Thinking
Think about it. MBA programs want to create diverse classes to enable their student bodies to learn as much as possible. What value will you add to classroom discussions, team projects, and outside activities? Do you have a perspective that differs from that of other applicants? Highlight how your unique life experiences will enable you to be an integral part of the program during your two years on campus and as an alum.
If you seem similar to a lot of other candidates from your geography, you might consider expanding your list of schools to include ones where you will stand out and bring a unique perspective.
9. Thank You
Be respectful and humble when engaging with students, alumni, admissions committee members, and office staff. Your cultural norms for expressing appreciation, such as the Japanese practice of offering a small gift such as a snack or a trinket as a thank you, may allow you to make a memorable impression on someone who hasn’t had much interaction with individuals from your country or region. A little gratitude can go a long way.