{"id":47821,"date":"2020-01-21T18:30:14","date_gmt":"2020-01-22T01:30:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=47821"},"modified":"2020-01-19T13:31:37","modified_gmt":"2020-01-19T20:31:37","slug":"which-mba-program-is-right-for-me-the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-an-mba-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/which-mba-program-is-right-for-me-the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-an-mba-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Which MBA Program is Right for Me? The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an MBA Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/reports.accepted.com\/mba\/where-you-should-apply\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Which_mba_program_is_right_for_me.jpg\" alt=\"Which MBA program is right for me?\" class=\"wp-image-67198\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In 18+ years of MBA admissions consulting, I have found that otherwise highly capable and focused people often basically wing it when it comes to creating their target list of business schools. I\u2019ve heard things like:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/busting-2-mba-myths\">\u201cI\u2019m just applying to all the top ten.\u201d<\/a>&nbsp;Top ten according to what source? And this: \u201cI realize now [after R2 deadlines have passed] I was overreaching. Are there any good schools I can still apply to?\u201d Probably. And even this: \u201cI\u2019m applying to H\/S\/W, with Duke as my safety.\u201d Duke as your safety?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By starting to develop your list of prospective schools now, you can avoid these and similar problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why it\u2019s so important to choose the right MBA programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>By approaching school selection thoughtfully and systematically, you will save time, money, and effort in the long run (even if you expend more of all three initially). You will conserve precious energy for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/mba\/services\/essay-editing?utm_campaign=Blog&amp;utm_medium=intro_best_mba_programs&amp;utm_source=article\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the nitty-gritty work of the applications<\/a>. You will also be able to devote time to planning school visits and recommendations, two things that often get neglected in the heat of the application season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this post you\u2019ll learn about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/which-mba-program-is-right-for-me-the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-an-mba-program\/#assessing\"><strong>Assessing your MBA admissions profile<\/strong><\/a><br><br><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/which-mba-program-is-right-for-me-the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-an-mba-program\/#determining\">Determining your needs and wants in an MBA program<\/a><br><br><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/which-mba-program-is-right-for-me-the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-an-mba-program\/#reaches\">Reaches, on-pars, and safeties<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/which-mba-program-is-right-for-me-the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-an-mba-program\/#initial_list\">Putting together your initial list of b-schools to apply to<\/a><br><br><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/which-mba-program-is-right-for-me-the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-an-mba-program\/#examples\">Two examples of how to choose which MBA programs to apply to<\/a><br><br><\/strong><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/which-mba-program-is-right-for-me-the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-an-mba-program\/#adapting\"><strong>Adapting your list of b-schools to apply to as the season progresses<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s jump right in and develop a strategy that will get you accepted to your top choice b-schools!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4 steps to jumpstarting the b-school selection process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are four things you can and should do right now to get started on the school selection process for next season:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1.&nbsp;<strong>Take notes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Write down those random thoughts that have been floating around in your head, for example, \u201ctop 10,\u201d \u201cfriendly to older applicants,\u201d \u201cstrong quant focus,\u201d \u201cneed to be within an hour by plane from my ailing mother,\u201d etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2.&nbsp;<strong>Surf social.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read blogs and scroll through newsfeeds on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube of MBA students not just at schools you\u2019re already interested in but from a wider array of schools \u2013 both the substance and the tone of those blog posts will give you a subjective feel for different programs and your own responses to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3.&nbsp;<strong>Talk to MBA students, current and alumni.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If possible, talk to MBA students and ask them about their school selection process, about what went well and what proved difficult or problematic. Also ask what they would do differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4.&nbsp;<strong>Visit schools.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/top-6-tips-for-visiting-business-schools\/\">Visit schools you know you are interested in<\/a>&nbsp;(you can always revisit later), schools you might be interested in, and even schools on the margins. The best time to visit is when schools are still in session and when you\u2019re not pressed by the application process yet, but when it\u2019s still close enough to application time for your insights from the visits to be relevant if you discuss them in essays. Take advantage of travel you may do for business or pleasure to schedule a visit, rather than trying to cram everything in the fall \u2013 when you\u2019ll be even busier than usual with applications plus work. Moreover, visiting early on (like in the spring) gives you time to digest and reflect on your campus experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll delve deeper into each of these topics in the upcoming sections of this post, so keep on reading!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/cs\/c\/?cta_guid=7ab2a5fd-38fb-4d93-9590-ebda28d92be3&amp;placement_guid=9bb31be0-3cf6-45f0-be3d-3791cc1bd9bd&amp;portal_id=58291&amp;canon=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.accepted.com%2Fwhich-mba-program-is-right-for-me-the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-an-mba-program%2F&amp;redirect_url=APefjpGXxKAqpXRuPW5wgHnchB8Ep2PFh9QjrDlPzY-dSP8UQ5CphwaasaUvVmFLsvP9Wp1_vEcAY5ZB9Pg9X2DuwhMaY15uMW8WwtNpb0PNNv2_1fk4UPb-E0rhqXqBiJh_rAw33Mj7YoTl-fsyYrdSIIk6ONS8Ou9rFSwimBOadH9qEMX_9RewcuQUqQbHqaS0aWLo49wGQiZjBNhhk3wZDq1a0xYa-QqB2xds4kojZgRmQwQFUxg-NtIWMMzIyiAbxH56OXlvWWvMGHtMHwytdp8VZzVCfPnBV5QVM84DBLH_LacYcqI&amp;click=7f95950f-3aed-4ca0-9597-aa18a1850562&amp;hsutk=563e47b25a2a4d68b9e8132f8e1b91e3&amp;signature=AAH58kFttGTasr9qMUu6JGiiBDADDtoWjQ&amp;utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.accepted.com%2F&amp;__hstc=76425034.563e47b25a2a4d68b9e8132f8e1b91e3.1565627464200.1579454169536.1579462553877.355&amp;__hssc=76425034.34.1579462553877&amp;__hsfp=342614922&amp;contentType=blog-post\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn2.hubspot.net\/hubfs\/58291\/hub_generated\/resized\/73331226-7705-4883-9a48-f8a7b2c412a7.png\" alt=\"Team up with an admissions expert. Schedule a free discovery call >> \"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"assessing\">Assessing your MBA admissions profile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Thinking about what you want and need in an MBA program is the fun part. Before you do that, though, you\u2019ll need to tackle the less fun part:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/mba\/services\/consulting?utm_campaign=Blog&amp;utm_medium=which_mba_program_right_for_me&amp;utm_source=blog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">assessing your profile<\/a>. Knowing a program has everything you\u2019ve ever dreamed of is nice, but if it does not welcome applicants like you, it\u2019s just a fantasy, not something to expend effort and money applying to. Conversely, learning that a seemingly so-so program would likely value your candidacy might prompt you to take a closer and warmer look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5 factors to consider when evaluating your profile<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Break down your assessment into several basic areas, as follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1.&nbsp;<strong>Work experience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many dimensions to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/how-an-admissions-committee-views-mba-work-experience\/\">the work experience element<\/a>: your industry and company, your role overall, how you compare to accomplished peers, how fast you\u2019ve advanced and\/or how impressive your impact has been, and your leadership (formal and\/or informal).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What are your strengths in this area, and what are the weaknesses or challenges? A challenge might be, for example, that you\u2019ve increased responsibility significantly but because you work for a \u201cflat\u201d company you don\u2019t have promotions. Another challenge: You work in the tech side, so you have to illustrate your business knowledge and exposure. One more: You\u2019re a successful consultant or financial analyst, but how do you differentiate yourself in this group?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Strengths would be distinctive roles or industries, visibly rapid advancement, clear leadership.&nbsp;<strong>[For more information, check out&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/how-an-admissions-committee-views-mba-work-experience\/\">How an Admissions Committee Views MBA Work Experience<\/a>]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2.&nbsp;<strong>Academics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This part includes your undergrad GPA and transcript, grad GPA and transcript (if any), and GMAT or GRE score(s).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What are the strengths and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/reports.accepted.com\/mba\/get_accepted_with_low_stats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">weaknesses in each area<\/a>, and how do they add up overall?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, a weak undergrad GPA and solid GMAT will not be great if your GPA trended down and the quant section of the GMAT was under 80%. However, if the GPA trended up and your GMAT quant was 90%, you\u2019re in much better shape. A strong grad GPA won\u2019t completely neutralize a low undergrad GPA but it can go a long way to doing so. (NOTE: If your GPA is low and you have time to take a class or two and earn A\u2019s, this can help mitigate your lower GPA \u2013 I recommend doing this even if you have a high GMAT.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3.&nbsp;<strong>Post-MBA goals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask yourself these questions when evaluating this aspect of your profile:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>What industry and function are you currently in? What industry and function do you envision yourself in after you receive your MBA?&nbsp;<\/li><li>What specific position(s) are you considering immediately post-MBA? Is it a major career change? A slight career shift?&nbsp;<\/li><li>What is the link between your current work and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/reports.accepted.com\/mba\/why-mba\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">your goals<\/a>?&nbsp;<\/li><li>If it\u2019s a career change, how will you build the bridge between here and there?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>4.&nbsp;<strong>Extracurriculars<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the least, extracurricular activities will round out your profile. At most, they will set you apart and give your application extra sparkle. They will be more important to some programs than to others. And the weight they have in any individual application will vary depending on the other factors, as adcoms review the applications holistically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5.&nbsp;<strong>Other miscellaneous factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Honor code infraction, DUI, DWI, academic probation \u2013&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/can-you-get-accepted-after-doing-something-stupid\/\">all clear negatives<\/a>, but again, how negative they truly are will vary. Perhaps the worst is the honor code infraction. On the positive side: obstacles overcome, extraordinary level of achievement in almost any area, and military experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a clear understanding of your profile and your competitiveness, you can determine which schools are likely safeties, on-pars, and reaches.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Have your profile evaluated by an experienced MBA admissions consultant who will help you\u00a0determine the best schools to apply to and craft a strategy that will get you accepted.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/how-can-we-help\">Click here to get started! >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"determining\">Determining your needs and wants in an MBA program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ve assessed your academic and professional profile. You now know who you are; but do you know what you want? Now it\u2019s time to focus on the future: what you want and need in your MBA program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/top-6-tips-for-visiting-business-schools\/\">visiting schools<\/a>&nbsp;now, the visits can help you sort through these points and see them in a new light. For example, you might have thought you could never spend two years outside a city, but stopping by Tuck on a ski trip opened your eyes to the abundant diversity and culture the campus and town offer, and you give the excellent program a closer look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How important are these 7 factors to you?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether or not you get a chance to visit schools before compiling your school list, consider the following factors and decide what\u2019s important to you in each category:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1.&nbsp;<strong>Academics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This category includes the curriculum structure and approach (for example, preset concentrations versus flexible), strength in particular disciplines, professors in your areas of interest, degree of analytic rigor, opportunity to take courses outside the b-school, and study abroad options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2.&nbsp;<strong>Recruiting and career services<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recruiting for both internships and post-MBA positions should be relatively strong for your goals. But students\u2019 actual need for this service varies depending on their existing contacts and resources. Similarly, some people have more need than others of career services\u2019 support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3.&nbsp;<strong>Extracurricular opportunities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people will want to see that the school hosts clubs and activities in their areas of professional interest. Other than that, do you want certain volunteer activities, arts or cultural activities, religious resources, or political opportunities? Are you looking for people who share your interests? If you don\u2019t find something you need, would it be easy to initiate a club or activity?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4.&nbsp;<strong>Brand<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This factor is critical to some, insignificant to others, and somewhere in between for most. There is brand in your own perspective, and brand in the eyes of your prospective employers. Probably the latter is more important and less open to compromise. Do not mistake \u201cbrand\u201d for \u201cranking.\u201d If you need a highly competitive program such as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/columbia-business-school-mba-essay-tips-deadlines\/\">Columbia<\/a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/wharton-mba-essay-tips-deadlines\/\">Wharton<\/a>, that\u2019s fine. But the issue isn\u2019t \u201ctop 5\u201d; it\u2019s the value of the specific school brands for your context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5.&nbsp;<strong>Environment and ambiance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you prefer a warm and fuzzy or a hard driving learning environment? Everyone wants diversity, it seems, but what kind: geographic, professional, functional, ethnic, religious? Do you prefer a small, close-knit campus or a large, teeming one? Does it matter to you if the student body has a more conservative or liberal orientation?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>6.&nbsp;<strong>Geography<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Where would you like to be? Start broad, like continent. Many non-US applicants think globally, considering programs in Asia, Europe, or the US. Many Americans however remain fairly US-centric almost reflexively. If you are an American traveling abroad, try to visit some of the overseas MBA programs. You will be pleasantly surprised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>7.&nbsp;<strong>Other personal factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you need quick access to an international airport? Special medical resources? Resources for a spouse or partner? Or maybe you\u2019re really into bobsledding and want a track nearby\u2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve established what you\u2019re looking for, you\u2019ll have an even easier time narrowing down your choices and selecting the programs that are just right for you. But first, you\u2019ll need to weigh those items that you\u2019ve deemed important or unimportant.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Let\u2019s break it down<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Break down your likes and dislikes into four categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>What are the things that you absolutely cannot live without?<\/li><li>What is important to you, but you\u2019d be willing to settle without?<\/li><li>What would be nice to have but not entirely necessary?<\/li><li>What do you really not need at all?&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s delve deeper into each of these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the things that you absolutely cannot live without?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>These are your Essentials. This category applies to things that you must have no matter what \u2013 without them, you can\u2019t attend a program. If you are making a career change into marketing, you need a program with strong marketing curriculum and recruiting. Period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is important to you, but you\u2019d be willing to settle without?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This category applies to the things that are highly important to you, but are not \u201cmust-haves\u201d like those above. Things that you would consider compromising on if you really, really had to, but really, really don\u2019t want to. For some people that might mean a geographic location, for others a warm and open community, for others the chance to take courses in the university\u2019s law or public policy program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What would be nice to have but not entirely necessary?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>These are things that would make a program more attractive to you but wouldn\u2019t necessarily be a deciding factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What do you really not need at all?&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This category means simply not a factor. Some people would just as readily have curriculum flexibility or structure or would just as readily live in Palo Alto or Fontainebleau, strange as that may seem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The importance of defining your priorities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The main purpose of this exercise is to think about and define your priorities. Some people may be comfortable keeping these rankings in their head as they go through the next steps; others will make a spreadsheet with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Work with an experienced MBA admissions consultant to craft a strategy that will get you accepted to your dream school.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/how-can-we-help\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Click here to get started! >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"reaches\">Reaches, on-pars, and safeties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now it\u2019s time to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/mba\/services\/consulting?utm_campaign=Blog&amp;utm_medium=which_mba_program_right_for_me&amp;utm_source=article\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">determine what types and levels of MBA programs you\u2019re competitive and qualified for<\/a>, and what if any are out of reasonable reach.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I use the following categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1.&nbsp;<strong>Reasonable reach:<\/strong>&nbsp;Acceptance is not likely, but with a great application, is within reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2.&nbsp;<strong>On-par:<\/strong>&nbsp;With a great application you\u2019ll have a solid chance of acceptance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3.&nbsp;<strong>Safety:<\/strong>&nbsp;You will likely be admitted if you present your case credibly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s also a fourth category: out-of-reaches. Conceding the wisdom and validity of \u201cnever say never\u201d and \u201cnothing\u2019s impossible,\u201d there are still much, much better ways to spend your energy and time than applying to such schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3 main factors to consider when determining your reaches, on-pars, and safeties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that these factors all work together holistically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1.&nbsp;<strong>GPA and GMAT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s start with the basics. How do your stats stack up versus the mid 75-80% of students in a given program? To be fundamentally qualified you\u2019ll want to be in the higher two-thirds of that range at least. If you\u2019re above or in the upper one-third of this range, you\u2019re competitive in this area. If you\u2019re in the middle third you\u2019re qualified, and if you\u2019re in the lower third or below, you\u2019re reaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2.&nbsp;<strong>Work experience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the next factor to consider, specifically,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/reports.accepted.com\/mba\/importance_of_work_experience_when_applying_for_your_mba\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the quality of your experience<\/a>. The more competitive the MBA program, the more important it is to have strong and demonstrable advancement, impact, and leadership relative to your accomplished peers, regardless of your function, industry, or organization. Quality of work experience is a key factor in determining the level of program you would be competitive in; top-tier programs turn down many applicants with near perfect stats who lack the requisite professional accomplishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3.&nbsp;<strong>Diversity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Being in an overrepresented or underrepresented industry, demographic group, or global region\/country will affect your competitiveness. Perhaps the largest&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/what-to-do-if-you-belong-to-an-overrepresented-applicant-group\/\">overrepresented group<\/a>&nbsp;is Indians in technical fields, a group that also has relatively high average stats. Schools that might be reasonable reaches for others will be almost out of reach for many in this group. On the other hand, no matter how underrepresented you are, if the adcom doubts you can handle the program, you won\u2019t be admitted. As you can see, this factor influences what programs would be reasonable reaches, on-pars, and safeties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other factors to consider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A myriad of other factors will also affect your qualification and competitiveness. Having fewer than three or more than eight years of work experience or already holding an MBA from another program usually makes you less competitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have an unconventional background, such as teaching or airline pilot, you face extra burdens in making your case. However, if you successfully make the case for your qualifications and need for an MBA, your nontraditional background may become a plus in this competitive process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you research and visit MBA programs, determine how qualified&nbsp;<em>and<\/em>&nbsp;competitive you are for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to research and choose the best MBA program for you<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You may be researching schools already. Going through the steps we\u2019ve already mentioned will help you do so efficiently. It will also help you remain objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That means that you should eliminate from consideration:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Programs that lack elements you consider essential<\/li><li>Programs where you are not qualified<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Some applicants will immediately run into a dilemma here: What if you need a globally recognized brand, yet you don\u2019t qualify for schools that carry the desired panache? In some cases, you might find it worthwhile to apply to such schools\u2019 part-time or EMBA programs. Or you may target programs recognized globally in your niche, but not for overall brand. Or you may decide it\u2019s not worth it to pursue an MBA. Luckily, most people can find programs that offer their must-haves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Let\u2019s define our terms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cQualified\u201d means you meet the basic standards of a given program. You can be fully qualified but not competitive \u2013 this is exactly the problem that many excellent Indian IT applicants face. \u201cCompetitive\u201d is more nuanced; it encompasses the preferences and character of the program, the commonality or distinctiveness of your background, and even sometimes political and\/or economic trends and events. When you happily conclude that you are qualified for Columbia, don\u2019t forget to ask yourself whether you are also competitive there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quantitative factors<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When you identify schools that meet your needs and important wants, determine whether they are reasonable reach, on-par, or safety schools. First examine the GMAT and GPA ranges, and analyze student profiles. How do you compare?&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/mba\/selectivity-index\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The numbers are easier to compare<\/a>; it might take some digging and some thoughtful self-critique to determine how you stack up in terms of quality of work experience and leadership. This aspect is at least as important, if not more important, than the numbers for competitive programs, so buckle down and do the&nbsp;<em>qualitative<\/em>&nbsp;evaluation of your work experience and compare it to the level of achievement of students in your desired schools. Otherwise you won\u2019t know where you really stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/mba\/selectivity-index\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&lt;&lt; Check out the MBA Selectivity Index to see if you are competitive at your dream schools! &gt;&gt;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Qualitative factors<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Then look at other qualitative factors that would make you a great fit or a challenging fit for the school. One main point is status in an underrepresented or overrepresented group. Then there are the individual qualitative factors. For example, you\u2019re a finance professional and one program you\u2019re considering has a great finance curriculum but is not reputed for it. Your finance status would be a plus for such a school, whereas you might not stand out from the army of finance applicants at a known finance school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, combine all these factors \u2013 your scores, qualitative analysis of your work experience, and any other issues pro or con \u2013 to refine your determination of reasonable reach, on par, or safety for each school of interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">It\u2019s not ALL objective\u2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s true that you should be objective. Still, don\u2019t ignore the subjective factor in your research. If you find yourself falling for a school that doesn\u2019t seem like a great fit \u2013 you wanted intimate campus and yet when you visited NYU while on a business trip to the Big Apple, you found its downtown vibe utterly scintillating \u2013 well, great! It\u2019s possible you\u2019re momentarily infatuated, and it\u2019s also possible that there\u2019s a side of you that this environment has opened up and brought to light.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Allow yourself to be enchanted and surprised in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">So, how many MBA programs should I apply to?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At this point in your school research, you know what you\u2019re looking for in an MBA program, but what\u2019s the magic number? How many is too many and how many is not enough?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Deciding how many schools to apply to is another often shortchanged step in the pre-application process. It\u2019s something that people seem to think just happens. And it will just happen, but not necessarily in an advantageous way, unless you take control of the process. Your specific situation and needs should drive your choice of how many schools to apply to \u2013 in each category:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/reaches-on-pars-and-safeties\/\">reasonable reach, on-par, and safety<\/a>. Having a clear idea before you start your applications of how many schools you\u2019ll be targeting will help you plan and allocate your resources. (By \u201cnumber\u201d I mean roughly; a short range such as \u201cfive or six\u201d is fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many business schools to apply to: Let\u2019s talk numbers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A \u201ctypical\u201d applicant would apply to about five or six programs: 2-3 reasonable reaches, 2-3 on-pars, and 1-2 safeties. The rationale for this scenario is that it yields a decent possibility of acceptance at a reach, likelihood of acceptance at an on-par program, and certainty through the safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This typical case doesn\u2019t apply to a lot of people though. Here are some common exceptions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You\u2019re on the older side, so getting in this year is essential \u2013 next year you will be solidly in EMBA territory. Consider applying to more programs \u2013 as many as you can manage.<\/li><li>You\u2019re fairly young, have a spectacular career and stats, and don\u2019t think it makes sense to take off two years now if it\u2019s not HBS or Stanford. You should apply to those two only, because you can reapply next year if need be without worrying about age.<\/li><li>The brands you require are all reaches, some reasonable and some almost out of reach. It wouldn\u2019t be worth it to you to attend other programs. Apply to as many as you can that fit your criteria and offer some realistic hope of acceptance to increase the possibility of a hit.<\/li><li>You are applying with a handicap \u2013 a DUI or honor code infraction, were fired for cause, etc. If you&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/your-past-doesnt-define-you-episode-209\/\">write a frank and compelling essay about growing from the situation<\/a>&nbsp;(and if it didn\u2019t happen yesterday), you should have a shot. But because it\u2019s such an unpredictable factor and adcoms often react defensively, apply to more schools than you otherwise would need to.<\/li><li>You\u2019re unsettled about geographic region and want to keep options open. Apply to more programs to keep options open.<\/li><li>You\u2019re pressed for time. Maybe you can\u2019t devote more than two hours a week, or maybe you must have all your apps done by a given deadline. Select a number that will allow you to deliver the strongest quality applications, even if it\u2019s fewer than you would normally do under other circumstances.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Last but not least, this number isn\u2019t written in stone. The application process is dynamic, and you are not closing off opportunities by deciding on a number to target now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"initial_list\">Putting together your initial list of b-schools to apply to: Which MBA programs are right for me?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you have gone through the previous steps in this process, a group of feasible and appealing programs most likely has evolved almost organically. It\u2019s time to firm it up in preparation for the hands-on application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Break it down into categories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Establish your desired balance among our three categories:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/reaches-on-pars-and-safeties\/\">reach, on-par, and safety<\/a>, remembering that these categories have variations within them. Whether you are applying to ten programs or two, you should be clear about where each falls on this continuum vis-\u00e0-vis your profile. Out of the total number of programs you\u2019ll apply to, how many do you want in each category, and why? Answer this question based on your previous evaluations, and make your list accordingly. This allocation should be deliberate and informed, not accidental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mix and match with your wants and needs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Now take the list of schools that meet your needs and, ideally, fulfill your important wants, and that also are viable targets (meaning, they are not out of reach), and sort these schools by reach, on-par, and safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your research yielded more programs than you want to apply to, you\u2019ll need to further whittle down the list. Which programs in a given category meet the most of your wants and\/or best meet your needs? You can also factor in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/mba\/selectivity-index\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">where you have the better chance of admission<\/a>, since the programs within a category will vary in competitiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Balance your scales<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What if this process results in an imbalance? You wanted two reaches, three on-pars, and one safety. You ended up with no safeties, one on-par, and an overabundance of reaches. It\u2019s not uncommon. Remember, competitiveness will vary within category. So some reaches might be close enough to on-par to almost fit in that category or straddle the two. If not, you have some hard choices to make:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You can proceed with this less than ideal balance, fully aware of the situation and doing your best.<\/li><li>You can research more programs: Look again at some you previously rejected and\/or broaden your scope; maybe consider other geographic regions or part-time programs.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Especially if you are applying to numerous programs, consider balance within categories as well, and try to widen your scope of programs. Say you\u2019re a consultant. The majority of consultants will gravitate to the known consulting programs (e.g., Kellogg); but you\u2019ll stand out more in programs renowned for other areas (e.g.,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/reports.accepted.com\/mba\/chicago_booth_mba\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chicago Booth<\/a>). This balance within categories is especially helpful because the vicissitudes of the upcoming admissions season are still unknown. If a flood of consultants apply, your breadth of programs will be all the more important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now you should have your list of MBA programs. Or, I should say, your preliminary list. Since you continue to learn as you go through the application process, it\u2019s quite possible that you will modify this list. This list should be firm but not rigid; you shouldn\u2019t veer from it on a whim (otherwise, what would have been the point of all of this work?), but you should be open to change for a solid reason that engages your initial assumptions or preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"examples\">Two examples of how to choose which MBA programs to apply to<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s get practical. How can all of this information be practically applied? Here are two examples that illustrate how this school selection process works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example 1: Ted<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is Ted?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>25-year-old American male of Korean ethnic background<\/li><li>Industry: finance<\/li><li>Work experience: two years as an investment banking analyst followed by one year in private equity<\/li><li>Stats: combined GMAT score of 710 and a GPA (from a strong but not elite college) of 3.45<\/li><li>Post-MBA goal: to return to his present employment at a higher level<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More about Ted<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>His career track record of impact and accomplishment is solid but not exceptional; similarly, he demonstrates clear but not outstanding leadership. His&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/your-extracurricular-activities-in-your-mba-admissions-profile\/\">extracurricular activities<\/a>&nbsp;are consistent but do not elicit a \u201cwow.\u201d MBA brand is important to him, but he accepts that he may not be competitive at Wharton or Columbia. Given his age, he would rather reapply (at least he knows where he can improve if need be \u2013 leadership, impact, and GMAT) than attend a program that does not excite him or that represents a steep compromise, and since no safety schools excite him, he selects only reaches and on-pars. Still, he\u2019d love to get in this year, so he decides to apply to eight programs over Rounds 1 and Round 2 to widen his chances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which MBA programs does Ted apply to?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>During his research he was surprised to find a few on-pars that interested him, and he put all three on his list:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Georgetown McDonough (when he visited, he was unexpectedly thrilled by the extensive campus resources and the high caliber of students)<\/li><li>USC Marshall (a lot more intense than he\u2019d believed, and he was invigorated by the Asia focus)<\/li><li>Cornell Johnson (where his private equity experience will be a slight differentiating factor, and Cornell actually straddles reach-level).&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The five reaches vary in competitiveness:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/reports.accepted.com\/columbia_bschool_webinar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Columbia<\/a><\/li><li>Wharton<\/li><li>Chicago Booth<\/li><li>NYU Stern<\/li><li>London Business School<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example 2: Joyce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is Joyce?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>30-year-old female<\/li><li>Work experience: a junior manager in manufacturing operations, with a record of solid advancement and leadership<\/li><li>Stats: a GMAT score of 680; an undergrad GPA of 3.3 from a second-tier state school; and a graduate (supply chain and IT) GPA of 3.65 from the same school&nbsp;<\/li><li>Extracurricular activities: significant leadership in her church<\/li><li>Post-MBA goal: to acquire a mid-level management position in global operations at a top-tier manufacturer that will lead to senior management within several years<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More about Joyce<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Joyce needs to get in this year because of her age, since she knows that chances of acceptance become increasingly difficult for each year after the age of 30. Her work experience is a strength, in part because women in operations are relatively few, but also because core manufacturing related experience isn\u2019t highly represented in many programs. She doesn\u2019t have the time, the resources, or in fact, the desire to apply to more than six schools, and she feels she should be able to gain acceptance to an exciting program if she approaches her list thoughtfully.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which MBA programs does Joyce apply to?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Joyce targets two reaches:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Michigan Ross<\/li><li>MIT Sloan&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Two on-pars:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Indiana Kelley&nbsp;<\/li><li>CMU Tepper<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And two safeties:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>York Schulich (in Toronto)<\/li><li>Purdue Krannert<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For both of the above hypothetical applicants, objective assessment of their profiles, thoughtful examination of their needs and wants, extensive school research, and consideration of the number of schools to apply to yield promising lists of targeted MBA programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"adapting\">Adapting your list of b-schools to apply to as the season progresses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you know, your initial school list isn\u2019t set in stone. It is a firm starting point that allows you to plan and to proceed efficiently and systematically through the often unwieldy application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you progress through your applications, continuously assess and respond to any new developments that might warrant revising your list.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Examples of situations that may impact your school list:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>You receive evidence that your initial assessment of reaches, on-pars, and safeties was off.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you applied to reaches and on-pars with competitive interviewing and you don\u2019t receive interview invites even from schools you considered on-pars, it\u2019s a sign that you may have miscalculated your competitiveness. On the other hand,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/mba\/services\/interview-assistance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">if you receive an interview invite<\/a>&nbsp;from a high reach that you really didn\u2019t expect, a reassessment might reveal the advisability of adding another reach or two in the second or third round. In either of these cases, revisit your list. Changing it may involve replacing some programs, or simply adding some.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Your plans or needs change.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As the application season progresses, life goes on. Personal needs change: geography, partner and family issues, personal interests. Professional needs and goals change \u2013 perhaps you lost your job; perhaps a new healthcare project intrigued you and you now want to consult in this area. Revisit your list, see what works and what doesn\u2019t, and adapt it accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>You encounter a program that appeals to you that you didn\u2019t initially consider (like in the NYU Stern example earlier in this post).<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Look at your list: Would this program replace another one on your list? Or would you want to add it? Either option is fine, depending on your needs and resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">We\u2019re here to help<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>By following the steps in this post, you will create a list of MBA programs that meet your needs and will yield admission to desirable programs. This systematic approach will also help you keep sane during the application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You can significantly increase your chances of getting accepted by applying to the programs that are the best fit for your unique qualifications, goals, and preferences. Our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/mba\/services\/consulting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">MBA Admissions Consulting Services<\/a>\u00a0will provide you with the one-on-one guidance you need to submit the best MBA applications to the best MBA programs for YOU! Are you ready to GET ACCEPTED?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/cs\/c\/?cta_guid=0e8c0447-67d2-439a-9b98-1ccbc03b1d0e&amp;placement_guid=6f59af66-a942-476e-a35a-feafe5c6a5c2&amp;portal_id=58291&amp;canon=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.accepted.com%2Fwhich-mba-program-is-right-for-me-the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-an-mba-program%2F&amp;redirect_url=APefjpFCIxePrSTyWNQQHfluCCijRp2rbKgz0W7rMWqCInp_Wt5Obxvj9Zgauu6bb-b332GBrioUGH43wrg3r1POjyyL9Q55OUH_2bL44OiZniCppgMcm2g8YA09Sbo0j_pc4el25SMfDQLT41V30GNY1xmaS6vRqg2Pq5s9h-DLQqBCxMwLjdZ8cGi0f-pamOih6jhoG4X7viD-1GiFvnKFom2reHIyGyfqYg1o5SaOuwOrLDPJbQfL2Ev1ZkibjPEA4P316modUxNcHP29j3oxqEZ2fiJkwM41yCiEHPd5ht1btSaukK8&amp;click=32b61e2b-b5b1-44a6-aaed-a7e8808be95f&amp;hsutk=563e47b25a2a4d68b9e8132f8e1b91e3&amp;signature=AAH58kHQsknuOGW-qnTLxZt6uLMi1IymQQ&amp;utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.accepted.com%2F&amp;__hstc=76425034.563e47b25a2a4d68b9e8132f8e1b91e3.1565627464200.1579454169536.1579462553877.355&amp;__hssc=76425034.34.1579462553877&amp;__hsfp=342614922&amp;contentType=blog-post\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn2.hubspot.net\/hubfs\/58291\/hub_generated\/resized\/3f0f2e2b-d5f3-4a02-80bd-f79604cd1017.png\" alt=\"Best MBA Programs: A Guide to Selecting the Right One - Download your copy today!\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/cindy-tokumitsu-accepted-consultant\/\" alt=\"Cindy Tokumitsu, admissions expert\" class=\"wp-image-64552\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Cindy Tokumitsu has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 20 years with Accepted. She would love to help you too.\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/service-request-cindy\">Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/which-mba-program-is-right-for-me-the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-an-mba-program\/#top\"><em>Back to the top &gt;&gt;<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/reports.accepted.com\/9-secrets-to-stand-out\" target=\"_blank\">9 Secrets to Standing Out<\/a>, an MBA Admissions Guide<\/li><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/mba\/what-is-business-school-like\" target=\"_blank\">Interviews With Current MBA Students<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/harvard-stanford-wharton-whats-the-difference\/\">Harvard, Stanford, Wharton: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/a>, a short video<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/which-mba-program-is-right-for-me-the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-an-mba-program\/\">This article<\/a>\u00a0originally appeared on\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>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\n\n\n<p><em>Contact us, and get matched up with the consultant who will&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/mba\/services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">help you get accepted<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In 18+ years of MBA admissions consulting, I have found that otherwise highly capable and focused people often basically wing it when it comes to creating their target list of&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,939,775,113,243],"tags":[1263,296,472],"class_list":["post-47821","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-mba","category-accepted","category-admission-consultants","category-applications","category-blog","tag-business-school-selection","tag-fit","tag-mba-program-selection","entry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47821","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47821"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47821\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47822,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47821\/revisions\/47822"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47821"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47821"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47821"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}