MBA Admissions Q&A: Mannheim Business School

The city of Mannheim in the German state of Baden-Württemberg is home to one of the strongest options for those keen to undertake a full-time MBA in Germany.   

Mannheim Business School branched out from within the University of Mannheim in 2005, but has offered an MBA since 2002. As well as its own MBA program, the school also enjoys links to Tongji University's School of Economics and Management (SEM) in China and to ESSEC Business School in France, through which joint executive MBA programs can be taken. However, here to guide us through the admissions process for its full-time MBA is admissions manager, Gaby Silver:

What is a typical ratio of domestic to international students accepted into the program?

Typically, we have 80% international and 20% domestic participants for our full-time MBA program.

What are the most important aspects of the Mannheim MBA application process besides GMAT score, prior GPA, and current job position?

We seek highly motivated candidates who have shown academic excellence as well as career progression and who possess exceptional communication and teamwork skills.

What is a common mistake you see applicants make?

Not being authentic. We would always encourage you to be yourself.

What is something you would like to see applicants do more often?

Prepare thoroughly before the interview. This also means knowing the MBA program well and being able to ask questions of any aspects you are not yet clear about.

What does the Mannheim application process look like?

Application: Send the complete application package to the admissions manager electronically together with all the supporting documents. References should not be included in this package but should be sent directly to the admissions manager by the referees.

Selection: If your application documents look interesting, the admissions manager will contact you to start the selection process with you.

Interview: Your professional background, motivation, career goals and your match for the MBA at Mannheim Business School will be discussed and evaluated. The interview should also give a clear understanding of our mutual expectations. The applicant should also convince us of his/her personality. A decision follows some days after the interview.

What are some of the tests, official documents, and other hurdles that international students must negotiate?

All documentation should be in English. Degree certificates and transcripts as well as other documents are required to be translated by a certified translator if this is not the case.

How can a candidate overcome a lower GMAT score?

Each candidate's application will be considered as a total package – if you are less strong in one parameter, you may outweigh this with an outstanding result elsewhere. If the candidate is not successful in doing this, then he/she might be given the opportunity to retake the GMAT test.

MBA admissions tips

Essay(s)/letter of motivation: This is your chance to tell us about yourself and to address what we are most looking for - your commitment and motivation to do the MBA program.

Interview: Be yourself and be confident. It is your opportunity to make your application even stronger. In the case study part of the interview process, be sure to check your knowledge, research, resources, preparation and your presentation skills.

Letter(s) of recommendation: Choose your referees wisely and inform them beforehand about the program you are applying for.

CV/résumé: No more than two pages and add the month, not just the year when it comes to work experience.

School visit: We would encourage you to visit the school and meet with the admissions manager, current MBA participants and faculty and, if possible, sit in on a class. Although we hold regular open days, we are happy to arrange a personal visit on an individual basis.