1. Pick the perfect MBA degree

When applying for an MBA you have various options at hand. You can opt for an online MBA or an on-campus programme, depending on your schedule and possibilities.

The advantage of an online MBA is that you can study at any university around the world without needing to actually travel. Some example of universities that offers online MBA degrees are:

EMAS Business School, from Russia

London School of International Business, from the UK

Aston University Online, from the UK

St. Bonaventure University Online, from the USA

RMIT Online, from Australia

If you want to combine your studies with the experience of discovering a new culture and to expand your professional network, you can always apply to on-campus degrees to universities like:

Geneva Business School - Geneva Campus, in Switzerland

University of Portsmouth, in the UK

ISM University of Management and Economics, in Lithuania

PSB Paris School of Business, in France

Cranfield University, in the UK

2. Prepare your transcripts

An accredited undergraduate degree is an essential prerequisite for your MBA application. Do take time to prepare official transcripts as evidence of your degree. Depending on the country you come from and the university you are planning to apply to, there will be other materials that you will need to cover. The most required documents are passport and proof-of-identity documents and/or their copies.

For most business schools, you don’t need to major in Business itself to get in an MBA. Such places intentionally look for students with diverse backgrounds to join their ranks.

3. Consider if you need a high GPA for your MBA

Your GPA or grade point average is the number representing the average value of your final grades earned in your previous courses. Your GPA is calculated by adding up all accumulated final grades and dividing that score by the number of grades awarded. The GPA is awarded on a 0 to 4.0 scale. A 4.0 score represents the “perfect” GPA score.

Usually, business schools ask for a GPA score ranging between 3.5 and 3.7. Check with your specific higher education institution to find out the exact score you should be aiming for.

Tips about your GPA from a Pro:

Personal qualifications and professional experiences can help overcome a mid- to low GPA. Karen Marks explains how she has helped candidates with 2.4 or 2.6 GPA get admitted and funded at top-tier business schools:

4. Take the GMAT and GRE scores seriously

Most MBAs will require the GRE or GMAT as part of the application process. As Stacy Blackman, an admissions consultant told The Economist: “In a sea of highly qualified candidates, the GMAT is an important screening tool.”

You should also consider the GRE test. Especially if you feel the GMAT is too strict, the GRE or Graduate Record Examination is a viable alternative. The GRE test features questions that reflect the kind of thinking you'll do in graduate or business school.

5. Prepare your resume and professional experience

Strong professional experience indicates that you are ready to upscale your skill-set. That is why it is important for you to come up with a clear and sharp resume, presenting your professional achievements.

What needs to stand out in your CV is your unique selling point. What is the one thing that makes you THE candidate for your dream business school?

6. Write a professional motivation essay for your MBA

Crafting your motivation essay is not exactly like meditating while standing on one foot on top of a mountain, but it’s no piece of cake, either. Start by putting down your ideas for the essay in a draft.

Leave some space to edit your essay and even ask for input from your friends. By combining different feedback points, you’ll create a nuanced, strong motivation essay.

Motivation essay pro tip:

Stacy Blackman suggests putting together a “brag sheet” at this stage in the process. “Write down all of the things about you that would not necessarily appear on a résumé: languages you speak, all extracurricular involvements, family traditions and more. This can also be mined for essay content.”

7. Don’t dismiss your recommendation letters

Professional endorsements increase the credibility of your MBA application. At the same time, this is a great opportunity for you to reflect on yourself as a professional. Make sure that the person who is recommending you is familiar with your personal achievements.

Connect with these people well in advance, in order to leave them time to write their input. Be sure to give them at least 4-6 weeks time to reply to your request. Additionally, check if the school needs these recommendations in a certain format.

Feel free to ask me in the comment box if you are having any further doubts

hope you find it helpful

Good Luck!