Most undergraduates typically work for at least two years before applying to an M.B.A. program. Many decide to apply only after knowing:

1. That they had enough career experience and insight to set practical goals, and
2. How their M.B.A. investment would pay off personally and professionally.

Business schools do not favor one industry over another for work experience, so look for opportunities in an area that most interests you where you can demonstrate accomplishment and leadership in that field.

HBS 2+2

HBS 2+2 is an “early admissions” program unique to the Harvard Business School. It allows you to apply as early as the summer you become a senior or on any of the other three application due dates during your senior year. If you are admitted, you are expected to work for two years prior to matriculation at HBS.

Joint-degree programs

A joint or dual degree program is a full-time M.B.A. program that is combined with another full-time graduate program of study, such as:

• law
• medicine
• healthcare administration
• engineering
• technology
• international studies
• public policy

You must apply separately for each program. While both programs are usually at the same school, some cooperative relationships between schools do exist. The second program determines total program length, but joint degrees generally take three to four years to complete.

Advantages

• Joint degree programs are most attractive to individuals who want to work at the intersection of both professions. For example, an aspiring healthcare entrepreneur may seek a joint degree for a career developing new healthcare resources or managing a healthcare organization.
• Students who want to make a career transition may like that the joint or dual degree option allows them to earn two degrees faster than if they pursued the degrees separately, because some courses will fulfill requirements in both programs.

Limitations

• Joint degrees require an extensive absence from the job market—usually three or more years. Therefore, this may not be the best choice for those who plan to continue along a career path and need to maintain current job skills and professional knowledge.
• Prospective employers may not have a clear understanding of why you chose to pursue either or both disciplines.

Timeline

Most U.S. business schools have three rounds of admissions deadlines:

• fall (September/October)
• winter (January/February)
• spring (March/April)

Check each school’s admissions schedule. When a deadline arrives, the admissions committee reviews all completed applications submitted before the deadline. All subsequent applications are held until the next deadline, or “round.” Some business schools operate on a “rolling” calendar, reviewing applications as they arrive and continuing to admit students until all spaces have been filled.

Admissions Testing

Most M.B.A. programs require at least one graduate admissions test score.

Consult the individual school website for requirements. Many graduating seniors complete their graduate school admissions test during their senior year when they are most comfortable with testing and have the flexibility to adequately prepare. Most applicants prepare on their own using one of the test-preparation publications available at most bookstores or on the test website.

Essays and Personal Statements

Most business schools require one or more essays in their application. Essay prompts may include a range of subjects such as leadership, long-term career goals, professional accomplishments, and community engagement. When preparing your essays, make sure that together they tell one story. You, as the candidate, are the story. Your essays should reflect different aspects of your character, accomplishments and aspirations that will allow the admissions committee to know you better.

• Write to express, not impress. Admissions professionals can tell when you’re just writing what you think they want to read. If you have done your homework, you know why you want an M.B.A. degree and how that fits into your overall career game plan.
• What will you bring to the classroom? Being part of a business school community is a give-and-take proposition. It’s not only about what you can gain from business school, it’s also about what you’re willing to share. Candidates are often judged by what value they can bring to the classroom and the community experience as well as how well they match entrance requirements.
• Why this school? Much like applying for a job, know why you want to pursue an M.B.A. at a particular school or program. Show that you are familiar with the given school and why you are a good fit.
• Reality check: Is this the right time for you? You’re going to business school to advance your career, right? Your job success as an M.B.A. graduate may rely to a large extent on what you did beforehand. Find out what M.B.A. employers look for in candidates by talking to students, alumni, and the school’s career office. If you don't have enough experience right now to benefit fully from an M.B.A., further define your goals and apply later.

Letters of Reference

A recommendation letter needs to:

1. Support how well you can manage the academic demands of the M.B.A. program and your potential to succeed in your chosen career.
2. Validate or expand on your credentials, strengths, and aspirations.
3. Help the admissions office to get an overall sense of you as a candidate.

Source: ocs.fas.harvard.edu