mba application essays

If you’re planning to take your career to the next level, get into the best business schools that can give you top-notch education. Here are three of the best MBA schools in the US for 2008.

University of Chicago Booth School of Business

An illustrious institution that has produced the likes of Kraft, Nabisco, Gillette and Oscar Mayer top honcho James Kilts is located in the heart of good old Windy City. Founded in 1898, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business takes pride in instilling effective guidelines and innovative approaches to business in its students. These students have then went on to become the greatest professionals in the business arena, and some have even become Nobel laureates. Check out the official website of Chicago Booth and choose among the full-time and part-time schedules and executive, Ph.D and MBA course offerings.

Harvard Business School

One of the more famous and top-ranked business schools in the country has churned out approximately 42, 012 living alumni, most of whom are respected leaders in their industries. Founded in 1908, the Harvard Business School (HBS) is best known for the quality education and training that it gives to its students. Its students have gone on to become renowned businessmen and leaders of trade, while some even went back to share their knowledge in the academe such as World Bank Senior Advisor John. H. McArthur and Ford Foundation Director of Investment and Financial Policies and current HBS Dean Jay O. Light. Visit the HBS website to check out the school’s MBA programs and schedules.

Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University)

Set your sights on one of the exceptional business schools in Chicago, the Kellogg School of Management of the Northwestern University. Established in 1908, the Kellogg School of Management is famous for instilling values such as teamwork and leadership among its students. Excellent instruction regarding business and trade strategies are taught in the MBA programs of Kellogg School of Management. Check out the school’s website for requirements such as MBA application essays and other requisites per program. Students can either take classes on a full-time or part-time basis.

The 2008 BusinessWeek MBA Schools List ranks Leonard N. Stern School of Business, Anderson School, and Kelly School of Business in the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth spots. If you plan on going to these schools, check out the brief profiles of each school below.

Leonard N. Stern School of Business (New York University)

Though NYU may be better known for its academic prowess in the arts, it is also becoming notable for its academic exploits in the business and trade side through the NYU Stern School of Business. NYU initially established Stern as the NYU undergraduate School of Commerce, Accounts, and Finance in 1900. In 1916, the school eventually offered graduate studies to individuals looking to pursue higher and specialized studies. The school was renamed the Leonard N. Stern School of Business in 1988 following the philanthropist and alumnus’ generous donation to the school. Check out the school’s official website for more details on class schedules and types of programs offered.

Anderson School (University of California–Los Angeles)

Seventy years ago saw the birth of one of UCLA’s business schools, the Anderson School of Management. Aside from the usual MBA, PHD, and executive MBA programs, Anderson also offers the Master of Financial Engineering. Other notable distinctions offered in Anderson are the UCLA-NUS Global Executive MBA program, Riordan programs, and Management Communications programs among others. Pay a visit to the schools’ official website to find out the requirements such as MBA application essays and other requisites for each program.

Kelley School of Business (Indiana University)

Indiana University established its School of Commerce and Finance in 1920, where students got to focus on trade and business strategies. In 1997, the school was renamed the Kelley School of Business when E.W. Kelly donated $23 million dollars to the institution. Despite the various changes in names, the Kelly School of Business still retains the quality education taught by impressive faculty to students pursuing undergraduate, MBA, and doctoral degrees. Kelley also offers full-time, online, and specialized MBA programs to its students. Check out the school’s official website to apply online.

Darden Graduate School of Business, Kenan-Flagler Business School, and Cox School of Business have been ranked as the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth placers in the Best MBA Program ranking of BusinessWeek for 2008. Take a peek into each school as short profiles are listed below.

Darden Graduate School of Business (University of Virginia)

Darden Graduate School of Business is just one of the many departments of the University of Virginia. Thomas Jefferson, the University’s founder, wanted to educate people in different aspects such as the arts, sciences, law, medicine, and business. Darden was inaugurated in 1954 to serve the needs of students who wanted to focus on the trade and business sector.  This institution is famous for implementing a two-year MBA program on a case-based method, similar to the program instilled by Harvard. Check out the school’s website to get the gist on the application process and requirements.

Kenan-Flagler Business School (University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill)

The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill initially established the Department of Commerce in its College of Arts in 1919. Through the years, the facilities expanded but it was in 1991 that the school received a generation that bolstered the institution even more. Because of the donation made by  Mary Lily Kenan-Flagler and Henry Morrison Flagler, the school changed its name into its present label. UNC Kenan-Flagler offers MBA and executive programs as well as undergraduate degrees in Business Administration. Log on to their website to check for requirements such as MBA application essays and other requisites.

Cox School of Business (Southern Methodist University)

Considered by the Wall Street Journal and BusinessWeek among others as one of the most excellent business schools in the world, Cox School offers superb education in trade and business strategies. Founded in 1920, this institution has been able to produce notable alumni who have gone on to be the best leaders in each of their own ventures. Cox offers undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs as well as MBAs. Pay a visit to the school’s website for more information on the application process and guidelines.

One of the most coveted lists of the top MBA schools for 2008 slate Columbia, Fuqua School of Business, and MIT Sloan in the seventh, eighth, and ninth spots respectively. If you’re planning to take up an MBA or a business course in any of these schools, check out the profiles below for an overview of each school.

Columbia Business School

One of the big names in the academe is Columbia University. It’s MBA degree-granting body, the Columbia Business School, was established in 1916 and has given rise to many of the country’s best professionals in the field of business. At present, Columbia Business School has a diverse student body,  made up of individuals who are of different national and ethnic backgrounds. Outstanding curricula are taught in the MBA, doctorate, and executive programs in Columbia by a stellar faculty comprised of experienced individuals and talented leaders of trade and business. For more information and a detailed application guideline, check out the school’s official website.

Fuqua School of Business (Duke University)

The Fuqua School of Business of Duke University is a fairly young institution compared to its contemporaries, having only been established in 1969. However, as with all schools under the Duke University system, Fuqua has greatly prospered and has helped many  business-minded individuals strike it rich. Cross-continent and joint degree programs are just a few of the programs offered in Fuqua that equip students with the proper knowledge and the most effective business strategies. Pay a visit to the school’s official website to learn more about what this institution can offer and for application guidelines and requirements such as MBA application essays.

MIT Sloan School of Management

Though MIT is more famous for being a premiere institution for science and engineering in the US, its MIT-Sloan School of Management brings in a different yet equally excellent program of study. Established in 1914, the MIT Sloan emerged from what was then just the MIT Department of Economics and Statistics. Currently, MIT Sloan lists programs for MBA, Master of Finance, and doctoral degrees for students interested in honing their business acumen. Drop by their admissions office or visit the school’s official website for detailed application guidelines.

An online MBA program provides students with a lot of convenience. But before you decide to enroll in this kind of distance learning program, evaluate your options. An online MBA program can be very beneficial to you if you list down factors on your current situation and needs.

What are the factors you should consider before enrolling in an online MBA program?

To avoid fraudulent online schools, check if the school you are applying for is accredited. Checking their accreditation will ensure that you are not wasting your money and time in a diploma mill. Take note of the teaching methods being employed by the online school. If you have a tight schedule, it might be best to enroll in a class that will allow you to have your own study schedule. Also, take into account the amount of time needed for completing your online MBA degree. The cost of tuition may also be a consideration.

What are the advantages of an online MBA degree?

An online MBA degree offers you the chance to study at your own pace. This kind of graduate program will not require you to quit your job. Getting an online MBA degree is also cheaper than enrolling yourself in a brick-and-mortar university. It is because you will not need to budget money for transportation expenses. There are also online schools that have forums for their students so you can have the chance to socialize with your virtual classmates.

Bear in mind that you should weigh the pros and cons of having an online MBA degree. Although this kind of graduate degree is widely accepted, there are still employers who prefer candidates that have earned their MBA degree from a brick-and-mortar university. Also, try getting the opinion of people who have graduated through the same program. Doing so will let you have a clear picture of what is in store for you.

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Getting an MBA degree can be the defining step in your career. It gives you the proper skills, experience, and increases your chances of getting a promotion and getting paid better. Choosing an MBA program can be quite tricky. There are a lot of universities out there that offer an MBA program and it is important to do the proper research to find out which one suits you best. Prepare your admission essay with the help of sample MBA application essays and look into the top ten business schools in the US.

Harvard Business School

The Harvard Business School was founded in 1908 and has grown to be one of the most prestigious institutions that offer great MBA programs. One of the notable alumni who received a degree from Harvard is the 43rd president of the United States — George Bush.

Stanford Graduate School of Business

The Stanford Graduate School of Business is known to offer a wide array of courses, thus creating different experiences for its students. One notable person that went through this MBA progam is Dr. Jean Pierre Garnier, the CEO of GlaxoSmithKline.

Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is known as the first business school in the world. Its alumni include the famous real estate juggernaut Donald Trump.

Haas School of Business

The University of California, Berkley has the Walter A. Haas business school to be proud of. This business school offers different types of programs such as full time MBA programs, evening or weekend MBA programs, and the Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA program.

MIT Sloan School of Management

The MIT Sloan School of Management was ranked number 1 in various disciplines by US News and Businessweek. This business school is known for its wide range of electives and its MBA program is indeed one of the best.

Columbia Business School

The Columbia Business School is known for its excellent teaching methods that help students address real-world business issues through its MBA program. Receiving an MBA degree from this University would surely land you a great job or a better chance of getting promoted.

Ross School of Business

The Ross School of Business is previously known as the University of Michigan Business School. It has been known for its solid MBA programs and advanced electives.

Kellogg School of Management

The Kellogg School of Management has been ranked number one for its executive MBA program and number three for its full-time MBA program by Businessweek.

University of Chicago

The  University of Chicago Graduate School of Business offers excellent programs and courses in economics, finance, accounting, and others.

Darden Graduate School of Business Administration

The Darden Graduate School of Business Administration’s MBA program makes use of case-based teaching methods. Getting an MBA degree here would give you a great deal of real-world experience.

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It was in 1925 when a group of businessmen met at the Bohemian Grove to discuss the possibility of establishing a graduate school in business. And since this was actualized, the schools hasn’t stopped producing great additions to the business world.

Stanford University: The Alumni

Stanford University prides itself with a number of distinguished alumni. Among them are Henry A. McKinnell (1967, Pfizer, Inc.), Philip H. Knight (1962, NIKE, Inc.), Jeffrey L. Bewkes (1977, Time Warner, Inc.), Steve Ballmer (1981, Microsoft ) and Omid R. Kordestani (1991, Google, Inc.).

Stanford University: Application
Applicants for the Stanford University MBA Program are evaluated based on three main criteria: intellectual vitality, demonstrated leadership potential and personal qualities and contributions. Think you’ve got what it takes? Then read on for some of the things that you need to know.

Stanford University: MBA Admission Requirements

College seniors and bachelor’s degree holders may apply for the Stanford University MBA Program. But before applying, make sure that you have the following for the Stanford University MBA Program requirements:

-Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or  Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
-Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if you attended a non-English speaking college/university, (Scores should be at least 250 for computer-based test (CBT), 100 for Internet-based test (IBT), or 600 for the paper-based test (PBT).
-educational history
-Academic Record or Transcript
-Employment History, except for applicants who are college seniors
-3 letters of reference (2 professional, 1 peer)
-2 essay questions and 2 short-answer responses (*see below)
-and non-refundable Application Fee

Fee waivers may only be granted to college seniors who are receiving financial aid. Interviews are held only by invitation.

You don’t need work experience or extra-curricular activities to be able to apply for the Stanford University MBA Program. There is also no language and minimum GMAT score requirement.

Applications for the Stanford University MBA Program are done online

*Stanford University MBA Application Essays

The MBA Application Essays required serve to introduce you as a person. It is through this that the evaluators of your application get to know your values, priorities and dreams.

The topics for the application essays vary every academic year. The questions are provided by Standford University. You are given four topics for the short application essays, but you only need to choose two.

Stanford University Admission Essay Formatting:

Your MBA essay should:

-use a 12-point font
-be double-spaced
-include the question that you are answering at the start.
-include page numbers.

Save all your essays as one document. The total number of words for all your four admission essays must not exceed 1800.

You may include the following in your essays:
-a statement of purpose
-other crucial information that the other requirements could not tell
-a description of your extra-curricular activities and employment history

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Mens et manus (“mind and hand”) goes Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan’s motto. Carefully weaving theories and practice through the years, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan has been a home to learners and leaders. With its MBA Program. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan
also helps people who want additional knowledge to be able to keep up with the pace of the competitive world of business.

An MBA diploma from could be your ticket to be among these notable graduates of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan MBA program

-Kofi Annan (1972 , Former U.N. Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize winner)
-Carly Fiorina (1989, Ford)
-Jeffrey Shames(1983, NTT Mobile Comm. Inc.)
-and Benjamin Netanyahu (1976, Former Israel Prime Minister).

Once, these big people were also among the many people wanting to be part of Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan:. If you want to follow their footsteps, here’s a head start:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan MBA Program: Application Requirements

Earning yourself an MBA diploma from Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan starts with an application. Here are the things that you need:

–2 RECOMMENDATIONS
Each recommendation should composed of at least 2 pages. The recommendations must speak of the following:
-how the recommender has known the applicant,
-how long the recommender has known the applicant,
-how the applicant stands out from those with the same abilities as his or hers,
-how the applicant has affected a person or group,
-an example of how the applicant socializes and deals with others,
-the applicant’s personal or professional characteristics that the recommender wants to change,
-and other things that the recommender might want to say about the applicant.

Recommendations may be submitted online or through mail.

–ACADEMIC RECORDS (TRANSCRIPTS)
Transcripts may either be scanned and uploaded, or self-reported to Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan.

–ONLINE APPLICATION
Accomplish the online application form and submit it before 12 noon of the Pacific Standard Time (2000 Greenwich Time) on the deadline date. Remember to print a copy for yourself.

–ONE-PAGE RESUME
Your resume should include your educational background and employment history.

–COVER LETTER
Your cover letter should be a statement of purpose, describing your accomplishments and impact on a group. Your letter must not exceed 500 words, and must be addressed to the director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan MBA Program.

–4 MBA ADMISSION ESSAYS
Your Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan MBA admission essays must be about your experiences In the last three years. Each of your admission essays should be limited to one page. The first three application essays must not exceed 500 words. The fourth application essay should not exceed 250 words. You are supposed to describe how you felt and what you said or did in relation to the topics or questions given by Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan.

–SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
This should be limited to only one page, consisting of 250 words or less.

–GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

–APPLICATION FEE
This is payable online through a credit card. The application fee may only be waived for Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan MBA applicants who are college seniors.

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