The Essay

The essay is designed to demonstrate your writing ability and your grasp of the English language. It also is meant to provide the reader an insight into your experiences, interests, and possible contribution to the program. It should be well structured, logical, and grammatically correct. The essay should present the strengths you will bring to the MBA program and also include what you hope to learn and how the program will help you achieve your own goals.

Letters of Recommendation

The letters of recommendation are important because they show another person's view of you and your capabilities. Select individuals (supervisors, co-workers, clients, etc) who know your work background and professional accomplishments and/or individuals (professors, advisors, research partners) who know your academic performance and capabilities. It is more important to select a reference who knows your experience and background than an individual who has an important title but cannot demonstrate their first hand knowledge of your accomplishments and capabilities. You may brief them and give them a copy of your resume so they know what to focus on, but do not tell them what to write.

GMAT or GRE

Most graduate schools also require the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) or the GRE (Graduate Records Exam). Some graduate schools have a minimum score required for admission consideration and some look at the GMAT or GRE score as part of a package that consists of your cumulative undergraduate GPA, experience and references. These tests are offered on-site at testing centers throughout the world.

TOEFL or IELTS

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Learning Testing System) test an international applicants ability to read, write, listen and speak the English language and is required by most graduate schools for admittance to their MBA programs. Generally, if an international student is from a country whose official language is English or if they have a degree from an American university then the TOEFL or the IELTS may be waived. Check with a desired school to see what their requirements for the TOEFL or the IELTS may be.