There are many things to juggle when you're filling out your application to a top MBA program.
Being honest, making yourself standout, and identifying the right business school can all be tricky, particularly with only a limited amount of words and time to express yourself.
In an exclusive interview, BusinessBecause caught up with David Simpson, MBA admissions director at London Business School, and Joel McConnell, executive director of admissions at Imperial College Business School, who give their top pieces of advice on how to nail your MBA application.
WATCH THE VIDEO:
Joel's biggest piece of advice is something very simple—apply early.
"The sooner you apply, especially if you are an international student, the better," Joel remarks.
He also suggests good ways to make yourself stand out to the admissions team, who have a clear idea of the type of student they want on the program.
David says applicants should do their research about the program at LBS and communicate why they are the right sort of candidate. Part of this is understanding yourself—and why exactly you want to do an MBA at this time.
Find out more about applying to these two top business schools by watching our video.
The program at Imperial College Business School is exceptionally informative and beneficial for students. Each session is not only engaging but also inspiring, fostering a dynamic learning environment. I appreciate how the content is carefully tailored to cover complex yet practical topics, ensuring that we can apply what we learn in real-world scenarios. We have several classes each week, and the structure includes a mix of group and individual assessments. This approach not only enhances our understanding but also encourages collaboration and critical thinking among peers.
Sakshi
Verified
5/11/2023
On Campus
Innovative, Immersive and an Excellent Curriculum
The MSc Strategic Marketing course opens many avenues into the business world at Imperial. The coursework consists of group-based assignments, individual reports, and sometimes, examinations. The Careers team helps you with your CV, Cover letters, and other job application support. Imperial truly lives up to its name!
Shiyun
Verified
19/05/2020
Very applicable courses
I enjoyed studying here for my master degree as I could feel that I was surrounded by very clever people, and I did learn a lot of knowledge that I could directly put into use into my current internship
Student
Verified
9/05/2020
Diversity and Professional Development
Imperial College London is an innovation hub with expertise across multiple industries. The international student body exposes students to endless cultures and experiences. Furthermore, the Careers team at Imperial is second to none as directors help guide students to the career paths of their dreams.
Student
Verified
20/04/2018
Business School
Imperial college business school has amazing facilities, amazing staff. I particularly like the business school cafe although it would be nice if they added a few more power sockets in the open space and heating for winter.
The course is really good too. Very interactive classes and highly diverse environment.
Student
Verified
8/07/2020
Career Services
Very strong university with good quality faculty and a very strong career services team that prepared students well for the jobs market.
Very nice facilities in the city center. Good sessions organised with employers.
Student
Verified
29/05/2020
Chinese students majored in English- now strategic marketing
My undergraduate major was English back in China and now an MSc student in strategic marketing at Imperial. For Chinese students who share similar experiences with me, you can get as much/deep as you want about marketing with some challenging group works and inspiring lectures. At the same time, if you just want to get the degree anyway with less effort, it's possible as well... ...
Student
Verified
3/11/2024
On Campus
Academic Modules and Environment
The program at Imperial College Business School is exceptionally informative and beneficial for students. Each session is not only engaging but also inspiring, fostering a dynamic learning environment. I appreciate how the content is carefully tailored to cover complex yet practical topics, ensuring that we can apply what we learn in real-world scenarios. We have several classes each week, and the structure includes a mix of group and individual assessments. This approach not only enhances our understanding but also encourages collaboration and critical thinking among peers.
Sakshi
Verified
5/11/2023
On Campus
Innovative, Immersive and an Excellent Curriculum
The MSc Strategic Marketing course opens many avenues into the business world at Imperial. The coursework consists of group-based assignments, individual reports, and sometimes, examinations. The Careers team helps you with your CV, Cover letters, and other job application support. Imperial truly lives up to its name!
Shiyun
Verified
19/05/2020
Very applicable courses
I enjoyed studying here for my master degree as I could feel that I was surrounded by very clever people, and I did learn a lot of knowledge that I could directly put into use into my current internship
Student
Verified
9/05/2020
Diversity and Professional Development
Imperial College London is an innovation hub with expertise across multiple industries. The international student body exposes students to endless cultures and experiences. Furthermore, the Careers team at Imperial is second to none as directors help guide students to the career paths of their dreams.
Student
Verified
20/04/2018
Business School
Imperial college business school has amazing facilities, amazing staff. I particularly like the business school cafe although it would be nice if they added a few more power sockets in the open space and heating for winter.
The course is really good too. Very interactive classes and highly diverse environment.
Student
Verified
8/07/2020
Career Services
Very strong university with good quality faculty and a very strong career services team that prepared students well for the jobs market.
Very nice facilities in the city center. Good sessions organised with employers.
Student
Verified
29/05/2020
Chinese students majored in English- now strategic marketing
My undergraduate major was English back in China and now an MSc student in strategic marketing at Imperial. For Chinese students who share similar experiences with me, you can get as much/deep as you want about marketing with some challenging group works and inspiring lectures. At the same time, if you just want to get the degree anyway with less effort, it's possible as well... ...
Student
Verified
3/11/2024
On Campus
Academic Modules and Environment
The program at Imperial College Business School is exceptionally informative and beneficial for students. Each session is not only engaging but also inspiring, fostering a dynamic learning environment. I appreciate how the content is carefully tailored to cover complex yet practical topics, ensuring that we can apply what we learn in real-world scenarios. We have several classes each week, and the structure includes a mix of group and individual assessments. This approach not only enhances our understanding but also encourages collaboration and critical thinking among peers.
