Which college is good for MBA?Is it ok to study MBA I'm an average student?Is it necessary to give GMAT for MBA?

Asked by Dhruv almost 3 years ago

5 Answers

When considering which college is good for an MBA, especially if you feel you're an average student, it's crucial to assess your career goals and educational needs. A top-tier MBA program like those at Harvard or Stanford is renowned for competitive admissions and rigorous coursework but may not be the only path to success. Many respectable business schools offer valuable networking opportunities and excellent education, potentially with less pressure.


For students who are concerned about the academic demands, seeking programs with a supportive learning environment and resources for academic support can be key. It's essential to visit campuses, talk to current students, and possibly attend a few classes to gauge the atmosphere and see if it feels like a fit for your learning style.


Regarding entrance exams, the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is commonly required for most top MBA programs. However, a growing number of schools now also accept the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations), and some may waive entrance exams for candidates with significant work experience or an exceptional academic record. On average, MBA programs look for GMAT scores around 650 or higher, but scores vary widely by school.


Moreover, for an "average" student, it's important to highlight unique professional experiences or leadership skills in your application. These can weigh significantly in admissions decisions and sometimes compensate for less-than-stellar test scores. Always consider the return on investment, too, by evaluating the potential salary uplift and career opportunities post-graduation.

 


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paul larsenee

paul larsenee

Head of Capital Markets at Williams Trading, LLC

Hey Dhruv,

I have some friends who did their MBA abroad and based on what I’ve heard from them, you should always consider the topmost b-schools for your journey. Because only then, you would be able to grab the best career opportunities. 

I have mentioned the best b-schools that you can target for your MBA. These universities are considered best not just because of their world rankings, but because of the kind of student support facilities, industry-relevant curriculum, expert faculty, state-of-the-art infrastructure, exceptional recruiters, etc. that they have. 


Top B-Schools for MBA

  1. Stanford Graduate School of Business
  2. INSEAD
  3. London Business School
  4. Harvard Business School
  5. HEC Paris
  6. Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
  7. MIT Sloan School of Management
  8. Columbia Business School
  9. IE Business School
  10. UC Berkeley


I know it can be a bit overwhelming for you to choose amongst the best options, but the main thing that you should keep in mind while narrowing down your options is eligibility. You need to make sure that your academic background matches the university’s requirements. 

Coming towards the second part of your question, GMAT is the essential exam which tests your academic capability to pursue MBA. While there are various universities that have GMAT as the absolute requirement to pursue MBA, there are some which have waived off GMAT as well. 

Do you want to know about your eligibility and the colleges that you can apply to, without GMAT?

Don’t worry, you can evaluate your profile for free at https://bit.ly/3JLXrwB and get a list of your ideal schools which you can apply based on your eligibility and your entrance exam preference. 

Was my insight helpful? Let me know if you want me to help you in applying to any of these universities.

 


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When choosing a good college for an MBA, it really depends on what you want from the program. 

Schools like Harvard, INSEAD, or London Business School are often the top choices, but there are many other great options as well. You should consider factors like your career goals, the program's network, and what industries the school is strong in. 

Even as an average student, you can succeed in an MBA program if you’re committed. Many students with average academic records thrive by focusing on personal growth, internships, and networking.

As for the GMAT, it’s not always required. Some schools now accept the GRE, and others may even waive tests based on work experience. 

It’s best to check the specific requirements of the schools you're interested in. Don't be discouraged by being “average”; an MBA is about more than just grades!


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The best MBA college for you depends on your career ambitions and personal preferences. 

While schools like Stanford or Wharton are highly ranked, what really matters is finding a program that aligns with your goals, whether that’s in finance, entrepreneurship, or consulting. 

For an average student, don’t worry! MBA programs often look beyond academic performance. Work experience, leadership potential, and personal motivation are highly valued.

Regarding the GMAT, not all schools mandate it. Some accept GRE scores, and a few even offer waivers based on professional achievements. While the GMAT is important for some top-tier programs, there are plenty of great schools that offer alternatives. 

Focus on building a well-rounded application, and you’ll find that an MBA is within reach!


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K S Saini

K S Saini

Education Expert

Choosing the right college for an MBA depends on your goals, budget, and where you want to study. If you're aiming for top-ranked schools like Harvard, Stanford, or INSEAD, they often look for strong academics, leadership experience, and high test scores. However, many excellent colleges also cater to students with average academic backgrounds and focus on practical skills and work experience. Schools like Babson College, Michigan State University, or regional universities may offer great programs with a balanced workload.

Yes, it’s absolutely okay to study an MBA as an average student! MBA programs are designed to build your skills, not test what you already know. Many students with average grades thrive because they bring unique perspectives, work ethic, or experience to the table. Admission committees look beyond grades—they consider your essays, recommendations, and professional background.

Now about the GMAT—it depends. Many top programs require it, as it helps assess your readiness for the MBA curriculum. However, there’s a growing trend of GMAT waivers, especially if you have significant work experience. Some schools also accept alternatives like the GRE or offer admission based on your academic and professional achievements. You can even find excellent MBA programs that don’t require standardized tests at all.

 


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