![\"How-to-Research-MBA-Programs\"](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/How-to-Research-MBA-Programs-1024x512.jpg\")
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There is a sea of information out there: Make sure you\u2019re not swimming in circles.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ve defined your goals<\/a> and assessed your qualifications. Now it\u2019s time to move on to the program research stage of the MBA admissions process. There is a sea of information out there: rankings, books<\/a>, MBA program websites, MBA fairs, Poets & Quants<\/em><\/a>, newspaper and magazine articles on MBA programs, student and adcom blogs, school open houses, etc.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s dive right in!<\/p>\n Here is some advice to help you add structure to the process so you\u2019re not swimming in circles after you dive in.<\/p>\n Use the Rankings\u2026 Sort of.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve read our blog posts, vlogs<\/a>, etc., you know we caution against relying exclusively and uncritically on rankings to decide where to go (so that means no - \u201cI\u2019m just gonna apply to the top 5\u201d). Well, here we\u2019re going to suggest the opposite: use the rankings\u2026at the beginning of this research phase. They\u2019re helpful at the start.<\/p>\n Below you\u2019ll find 6 key steps for doing MBA program research in a way that a) yields meaningful<\/em> info for decision-making and list-making, and b) is efficient and focused \u2013 conserving and respecting your precious time.<\/p>\n Step 1 \u2013 Look at Rankings<\/strong><\/p>\n With your competitive profile in mind, look at several broad MBA rankings. Determine what levels\/ranges of programs for which you\u2019re competitive generally (taking into account reasonable reaches, on-pars, and maybe safeties). Note the plural \u2013 rankings \u2013 as each has its idiosyncrasies (U.S. News, Financial Times, Bloomberg Businessweek<\/em>, etc.). Sometimes a program will be below or above your target competitive range, but it still might make sense to apply for some reason (it\u2019s in the following steps that you\u2019ll gain the additional info needed to make this decision).<\/p>\n Step 2 \u2013 Talk to People<\/strong><\/p>\n At this point it\u2019s good to start talking to people with MBA experience \u2013 colleagues, friends, mentors, etc. \u2013 and add a qualitative dimension to the above step. Ask about their impressions and experiences, and assess how their views align (or not) with what you gleaned from the rankings vis-\u00e0-vis competitive fit.<\/p>\n Step 3 \u2013 Search Industry\/Function-Specific Rankings<\/strong><\/p>\n Research industry- and\/or function-specific rankings in your area(s) of interest. Identify programs from these rankings that overlap with those from Step 1 (and factoring in any learning from Step 2).<\/p>\n There may be programs in your competitive range that do meet your academic needs but don\u2019t<\/em> show up on specialization rankings (e.g., Kellogg isn\u2019t known as a finance school but offers much in this area and might be great for someone in PE who will be doing a lot of managing; Columbia doesn\u2019t often appear on entrepreneurship rankings but is quite strong in it). So indulge in some unstructured exploring, to \u201csee what you might see.\u201d<\/p>\n Step 4 \u2013 Start Digging Deeper<\/strong><\/p>\n Go to the source \u2013 the websites of programs that interest you. Look for specifics that you care about (structure of curriculum, flexibility, strong concentrations, students from a given industry or geographic region, etc.). Listen to your gut as well as an objective response; does it feel like a good fit<\/a>?<\/p>\n Step 5 \u2013 Go to MBA Fairs and Visit Schools<\/strong><\/p>\n What better way to understand your fit with a school than to see the students, professors, and administrators in action? You will get the most out of MBA fairs<\/a>, school information sessions, and school visits at this point in your research, after you already have a good idea of what each program offers and how you\u2019d fit in competitively.<\/p>\n Step 6 \u2013 Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together<\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019re narrowing and refining a list. Now you can spend time meaningfully (i.e., with informed focus) on adcom and student blog posts, searching the web for articles and information, and attending school information sessions, and of course continuing to talk to people with MBA program experience and insight. You should now have a finalized or near-finalized list of programs to apply to. You can continue refining the list and deciding on other programs to add later.<\/p>\n NOTE: This is a guideline, not a rigid process. Always<\/em> stay open to discovery \u2013 maybe you\u2019ll come across a school in a blog or a respected colleague suggests a program you hadn\u2019t considered. Maybe you thought you wanted to stay in the U.S. but got seduced by INSEAD<\/a>\u2026Who doesn\u2019t love a pleasant surprise?<\/p>\n Do you need help discovering the MBA programs that are the best fit for you, or assistance on any other element of the application process? Review our MBA Admissions Services<\/a> and work one-on-one with an expert advisor who will help you get ACCEPTED.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Best MBA Programs: A Guide to Selecting the Right One<\/a>, a free guide This article<\/a> originally appeared on blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"MBA](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/MBA-selectivity-index-CTA.jpeg\")
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<\/a><\/em>Cindy Tokumitsu<\/a>\u00a0has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 15+ years with Accepted. She would love to help you too.\u00a0Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
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