Top Business Schools

About Top Business Schools

Top business schools are schools that have achieved some sort of prestige based on the programs that they offer, as well as other factors like career placement records and business influence.

Schools like Harvard, Wharton, Stanford, Kellogg, Tuck, and Columbia, are considered top business schools. These schools have great "branding" and are popular among students and recruiters alike.

Because the school that you attended is almost as important as the degree itself, many business school students work hard to gain admission to a program that has a strong reputation.

Business School Rankings

Business school programs are ranked more often than any other school programs. Each year, a variety of organizations and individuals release new rankings. Although these rankings can be helpful in determining which schools are considered the "top business schools", such lists should be viewed with a grain of salt.

You never know what criteria an organization may have used to compile their rankings. Their focus may not actually have anything to do with the criteria you would use to complete the same kind of list. Therefore, it is never a good idea to choose a school based on rankings alone. You are better off choosing a school based on the programs they offer, their placement records, the cost of tuition, location and size of the school, etc.

But, if you need a starting point, here are some rankings worth checking out:

• Business Week Rankings
• Forbes Rankings
• USnews.com Rankings

Gaining Admission to Top Business Schools

Getting into business school isn't easy. The admissions process is competitive, especially among top business schools. You need to have both credentials and determination.

To increase your chances of success, you find a business school that has a program suited you academic needs and career goals. A good match will be much more likely to accept you than a school that doesn't quite fit.

Admissions committees at top business schools use a variety of factors to assess a potential student. Although the admission requirements vary by school, most applicants will be asked to supply essays, a resume, several letters of recommendation, test scores, and school transcripts. Below you will find a summary of each of these application elements.

Admission Essays

Your admissions essay can make or break your chances of getting accepted into top business schools. A good essay will be an asset to your applications, while a bad essay will significantly lower your chances of acceptance. Most business schools require anywhere from one to four essays on specific topics.

Resume

If you plan to attend a graduate business school program, you will need to supply a resume that highlights your work experience. Most graduate programs require you to have at least two years of work experience before you will be considered for admission.

Letters of Recommendation

Most business schools will ask to see at least two letters of recommendation. These letters must be written by someone who knows you well enough to provide specific information about your personality, work ethic, or academic experience.

Test Scores

If you want to attend an undergraduate business school, you will be asked to supply SAT scores. To attend a graduate level program, you will need to submit GMAT scores. The higher your scores, the better off you will be.

School Transcripts

Business schools will need to see that you can keep up academically before they will consider you for admission. This is why you will be required to submit full transcripts for the school or schools that you attended previously.