INFORMATION ON MBA PROGRAMS
Where to get information on MBA programs?
How to check out a program?
How to compare programs?
posted by MBAblogger @ 8:24 AM
2 comments
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Friday, April 29, 2005
How to check out a program?
How to compare programs?
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2 Comments:
Is question, in my opinion, is closely linked with the ‘Choosing an MBA program’ question as it requires you to consider what you want before you get very far into looking for information.
Certainly there is no shortage of information on MBA programs and Business Schools, but that is not to say that it is easy to get to know what you need as an aspiring MBA student. Where do you look? The answer depends on what you need, and when. Here is a simple guide – the steps that most people looking into MBAs will go through –more or less. We start with the need for a general understanding and end with the final choice of where to apply for entry.
-What is it all about?
What type of MBA programs are there? How do they differ? What are the key things to look at?
A good starting point is a comprehensive ‘catalogue’. There are many – e.g. printed MBA guides and on-line/Web sources. The printed guides, such as ‘Which MBA’ (http://MBA.eiu.com) probably provide more info on each program, but the web sources, such as http://www.MBAinfo.com are far more comprehensive and probably more up to date. Be sure that the sources you use fully cover the parts of the world that you are interested in. Some are essentially national or regional publications - but my not say so.
Studying such sources will give you an understanding of the diversity of types of MBA program. You will appreciate the difference between types of attendance, duration, level, focus, location etc.
-What's for me?
What type lf program do I want? What will fit my situation?
You will now want to narrow down the alternatives types of program. Where do you want to study and for long? Will you study full or part time, or at home. Are you and experienced managers or not etc. In short, now you need to fit a type of program to your needs and circumstances.
The same type of sources as above should suffice, but in addition you will probably want to know what it is actually like to be a student on certain types of program, e.g. if a part time and also a on line program would suit your needs – try to find out a bit more by asking around. Some sources will give you contacts with previous students, alternatively try one of the clubs/groups of MBA graduates e.g. the Association of MBAs (http://www.mbaworld.com). You may also know people who have completed or are following a program, or you can contact some Business Schools locally to ask for contacts (it does not matter that they may not be the Schools to which you might wish later to apply, as you are only interested in what it is like to study on a type of program, at this stage)
-My ‘long list’ of possibilities.
Now you will aim to draw up a list of actual programs that seem likely to suit your needs. Your list will comprise all those that satisfy you needs and circumstances.
This is a search job. One way is to use the search facility at MBAinfo.com. Select the criteria that you have chosen, e.g. program structure, country, start date, focus etc. and get a list of those programs that fit your requirements. The more stringent your criteria, the shorter will be the list and you may have to do this search more than once if your list is too long.
-My short list.
Now you have to consider feasibility. In short – which of your ‘long list’ programs are real possibilities for you.
You should consider the reputation of a program. Get some indication of this by comparing the Rankings (http://www.MBAinfo.com/rankings) The better the ranking (provided it is consistent i.e. the School is regularly ranked highly) the more likely it will be more competitive to get in i.e. tougher. This is one of the considerations – entry.
Could you get into a program? Does the program require management/business experience for entry, if so do you have enough? Does it require entry tests – e.g GMAT and of so might you make the required score.You can get some of this info by looking at web databases, but you are now approaching the time at which you need to check directly with the Schools – i.e. look at their web sites or contact them.
The second consideration is can you afford a program? What are the fees and what will be the likely additional costs (accommodation etc). You will only get adequate information direct from the Schools.
-Where to apply.
Now you should be in direct contact with a few Schools. Study their Web sites carefully but also get their prospectus, i.e. make direct contact. Ask questions. Ask around – then make your choice, which for most people will be a very short list, probably in priority order.
International students can get free advising and school recommendations based on their academic qualifications and goals from Universal Placement Program at:www.uppcolleges.com
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