How to Get Into an MBA Program

7 Steps to Getting Into a Master’s in Business Administration Program

Returning to school to earn your MBA is a major investment of your time and money, and you want to make sure you select a program that suits your needs and supports your goals. As you go about reviewing your options, break your research into the following phases.

1. Define Your Goals

Before beginning the application process, set some time aside to outline your career goals, your strengths and weaknesses and how earning an MBA supports your overall professional development. This helps you identify programs that align with your aspirations and eliminate those that do not suit you and your objectives. 

2. Research Available MBA Programs

Now that you have identified what you want to accomplish in your career and through earning your graduate degree, you can dive into reviewing MBA programs.

When researching an MBA program, look into all aspects of the learning experience an institution offers. Consider the curriculum, the diversity of course offerings, what specializations are available, if there are hands-on opportunities like internships, what types of expertise the faculty provides and their student resources. All of these contribute to the quality and versatility of your education.

It’s also important to consider the practicalities of the program, such as the cost of tuition, the program format and the average time of completion — all of which impact your finances, ability to work while attending school and the timeline of your career advancement. 

3. Review Prerequisites and Build Your Résumé

Once you’ve selected the MBA programs you want to apply to, you can review the admissions requirements. During your program research, it is advisable to see how your academic and work experience aligns with the eligibility requirements for your MBA program.

If you mostly meet the prerequisites but have a few gaps, now is the time to plan how you can fulfill them. Whether you need to take a prerequisite course, prepare for and take the GRE or GMAT or round out your work experience through an internship or volunteer opportunity, these take some time to complete, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

If you meet the prerequisites but want to further distinguish yourself from other applicants, look for the chance to get involved in local businesses and organizations, take on leadership opportunities at your current work, find a business veteran who can offer guidance and mentorship or acquire additional work experience to expand your skill set. Making this extra effort showcases your passion for learning, and willingness to get involved and commitment to your community.

No matter your academic background, Iona encourages you to apply to our Master of Business Administration. Our program has a streamlined application process and is open to students from any academic background. We believe that your unique personal, educational and professional experiences bring a new perspective to tackling real-world problems and helps cultivate a diverse classroom. Not only that, but our program can be tailored to students from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds. For students who have no academic background in business, the program will include a broad and solid foundation in business disciplines, while those who already have professional or academic experience in business will be able to broaden their knowledge and further their expertise with more specialized options.

4. Assemble Your Application Materials

After taking the necessary measures to boost your eligibility, it’s time to gather all of your application materials. Along with the application, each MBA program requires different supplemental documents that showcase your experience, ability to perform in a rigorous academic setting and goals for the program and the future. 

These application materials may include an assortment of the following: 

• Transcripts from baccalaureate degree programs
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Letter of recommendation
• Personal statement 
• GRE/GMAT scores (NOT REQUIRED AT IONA)

If you’re an international student and plan to pursue your MBA in the US, there may be additional application steps such as submitting proof of English proficiency via TOEFL or IELTS test scores and having your transcripts evaluated by a NACES-approved member.

It can take time to gather and compose these documents, so create a reasonable timeline, which helps you stay organized and on track. 

5. Drafting a Strong Personal Statement

While it can be challenging to write about yourself, creating a well-written personal statement may have a major impact on your admissions decision. This statement serves as your first impression — an opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee in your own words and highlight your experience and why you are a prime candidate for their program.

Draw direct examples of how a specific MBA degree aligns with your professional goals, ways in which you want to get involved academically and in extracurriculars and what you want to accomplish during your time in the program. By underscoring your past accomplishments and painting a clear picture of your post-graduate career, you distinguish yourself as a competitive candidate who will excel in the MBA program.

When applying to Iona’s MBA program, students are not required to compose and submit a personal statement. If they choose to do so, we take them into consideration and look forward to better understanding our prospective students.

6. Securing Letters of Recommendation

A compelling letter of recommendation can be a vital component of your MBA application. When deciding who to approach for a recommendation, choose someone with whom you have a professional or academic history, such as a boss, professor or mentor. They should be able to speak to your strengths and potential and provide clear examples of your skill set, work ethic and ingenuity in action.

Iona only requires applicants to submit one letter of recommendation if their GPA is below 3.0. However, we welcome students to send in a letter of recommendation from an academic or professional source and will take them into consideration.

7. Submit Your Completed Application

After satisfying all the prerequisites, building your résumé and gathering your application materials, you are ready to send in your application.

Before submitting your documents, we recommend doing a final review of your materials to ensure all minor mistakes are found and corrected. Since you’ve worked hard on your application, it may help to have a trusted friend or family member read through your items to catch any errors you may have missed.

Once reviewed, press “submit,” and your MBA application is complete!