Admission requirements of MBA in the US

The US continues to be the destination of choice for Indian students seeking an MBA from a foreign university. Undeterred by the post 9/11 visa restrictions, Indian students constituted the largest group of foreign students in the US for the fifth consecutive year in 2005-2006, according to the Open Doors Survey of the US based IIE (Institute of International Education).

Selection for an MBA program is based on a consideration of educational background and academic achievements, basic skills in English, professional experience and personal statements.

Eligibility for admission in an MBA program in the US

The basic minimum requirement in most US universities is a degree from an accredited US four-year undergraduate college/university or its equivalent. For an Indian aspirant this means that a three-year degree program does not meet the eligibility criterion. To be considered for admission in US, an Indian student must have a post-graduate degree or a professional four-year degree like engineering or a degree from a recognized one-year university affiliated program. Completion of the first year of a two-year degree course may not meet the eligibility criterion of most US business schools.

GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test)

GMAT is a must not only for admission but also for getting a student visa. Both quantitative and verbal scores are considered separately. A good score will give you an edge above the others.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

TOEFL is another requirement for Indian students from non-English speaking universities. It is a measure of one’s reading, listening, speaking and writing skills in English. There are facilities both for paper-based test as well as internet based test. The minimum scores required for most universities range from 550 to 600 on the paper-based TOEFL and 213 to 250 on the computer based TOEFL.

Letters of recommendation/ references/ assessment reports either academic or/and professional are required. Usually two or three such letters are required from individuals other than family members assessing the applicant’s performance either in an academic institution or at the work place. It is advisable to get references from both academic as well as professional sources.

Personal statements/admission essays have to be submitted. These essays are a very important component of the admission form. Care should be taken to explain how a master’s degree in that particular school fits in with the applicant’s career plans. It is recommended that both essays as well as letters of recommendation be fine tuned with the respective vision of the particular school.

Work experience

Work experience, usually between 3 to 5 years, is an important consideration in most schools. This has to be relevant. An interview may be required with the Admission Committee.