What are reasons for applying to a certain Business School?

Question

Hi,

This is a question some universities ask... I appreciate of you share your thoughts

Thanks,
Jack

Jerz · Answer

I'm not sure this is a question anyone other than yourself can answer. We all have different reasons for applying for an MBA, and for targeting specific schools. Schools want to know why *you* want to go there, not what the consensus viewpoint is on their strengths.

shaselai · Answer

yeah you gotta be able to answer it yourself... You could mention several things:
1. curriculum - exchange programs, professors, concentrations etc. what the school is strong at - top marketing school etc..
2. location 
3. recruiting - if you are in consulting and the school has top consulting companies to come recruit.
4. culture 
etc...

riverripper · Answer

read their literature, they will tell you why someone would want to go there. If that lines up with what you want then pitch those reasons but if not...well look elsewhere.

jakolik · Answer

Thanks to All,

shaselai, you answered my question. I was wondering whether reasons like living in a certain city, culture, learning a new language, and surely the curriculum are satisfactory reasons...

kryzak · Answer

Your reasons are good reasons, but they're not the best (other than culture/curriculum). You probably want to throw in the industry that is near/hires at the school, the students, the clubs, the special events/conferences that happen there, etc... Something that links directly to what the school offers.

shaselai · Answer

living in the city, culture are nice supplements but i would be weary to say those since it *might* sound like those are more important. I would play safe and go with curriculum, recruiting and student body which leads somewhat to culture. Not sure about the new language though unless you are going international?

aveekguha · Answer

Agree with most of above. Also, schools are all making big, strategic investments -- whether its a state-of-the-art financial trading center, new curriculum focus, etc.

If any of these new strategic investments align with your passion, I would mention them as reasons for your choice of school. It validates their positioning (and perhaps concern of standing out) and credentials your interest as more than superficial.

Good luck!
Aveek Guha, President, www.mbadaycamp.com

What are reasons for applying to a certain Business School?

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