EMBA Bootcamp 3: The Application Process

It may seem like a daunting process, but get through the application process and you’re well on your way to achieving your first Executive MBA goal.

1. Get support

You may be the one who has decided to embark on an Executive MBA, but you won’t be experiencing this qualification alone. The time, energy and attention you’ll need to apply to your coursework will mean sacrifices have to be made elsewhere. Therefore, it’s important you get support from family, friends, and colleagues, you’re going to need it!

Top tip from EMLYON: Find a sponsor in your company so you will have someone with whom to share what you are experiencing in the EMBA in the context of your organization.

2. Visit business schools

Organize a visit to the different campuses of the schools you’re applying to and explore the student environment. Sit in on a lecture or two and soak up the atmosphere.

Top tip from IESE: Do not submit an application without having experienced the program and met the school and staff.

3. The application form

Fill it out correctly! When downloading the application form, download the instructions as well. Every school is different so make sure you tick the right boxes and sell yourself to that institution. Business schools are looking for the right fit just as much as you are.

Top tip from Leipzig: Show us your motivation and clear career goals. Create a carefully thought-out and structured application. Take your time in preparing a tailored application for each school you are applying to.

4. Test prep scores

An Executive MBA application is likely to include a GMAT score, but just as each application is different, so too is the test prep score and result for each business school. Be sure to find out what your school requires and then get to it. As many students and alumni will tell you, it’s not something you want to leave to the last minute.

Top tip from INSEAD: Set aside sufficient time for your GMAT. A GMAT score is valid for five years.

5. Documentation

From academic transcripts to your CV, an EMBA application requires a lot of paperwork. This helps the admissions directors to get an initial impression of you as a candidate, so make sure your CV is applicable, it demonstrates your relevant work experience, and once again, you provide all the relevant documentation the business school has asked for.

Top tip from W P Carey: Provide the best possible application, including résumé and essays. Emphasize your experience in managing people, projects and budgets and have your application reviewed by others before you submit it.

6. Admissions essays

For most candidates, this is the most challenging part of the business school application process. It may be some time since you last wrote an essay, so don’t expect it to be easy. However, answer the question the school has provided, and most of all, make it personal. Put your own unique take on the question to make yours stand out from the crowd.

Top tip from Chicago Booth: Ensure you answer the essay questions directly.

7. Financial support

In recent years, securing finance for an Executive MBA has become increasingly difficult, but that’s not to say there isn’t any out there. Companies are still sponsoring EMBA candidates, scholarships offered by business schools are increasing, and there has been a growing trend of self-financed candidates. If you’re serious about your EMBA, you’ll find the money, you just need to show the business school you are capable of doing so.

Top tip from Fordham: We are telling our EMBA students to speak with their accountants as some of our current executive students have been getting about a third of their tuition expenses back within their tax refund.

8. Letter of recommendation

This is an important part of your Executive MBA application, so think carefully about who you ask to provide your letter of recommendation. It needs to be someone who can give an accurate account of you as an individual and as a professional. Once chosen, make sure you give him/her sufficient time to write the letter.

Top tip from IE: Don’t get recommendation letters from high-level managers who don’t actually know you.

9. The interview

If you’ve been called to a business school interview, congratulations, you’re one step closer to the EMBA classroom. Your application has obviously made the admissions directors notice you, so be sure your interview does the same. Speak confidently, prepare your answers in advance and be honest. This is your opportunity to really let the admissions directors know how much of an asset to their business school you will be.

Top tip from Emory: Don’t be late for your interview (call ahead if there is a problem.)

10. Acceptance!

The most rewarding part of your application will be the notification of acceptance, then your EMBA experience can really begin. If for some reason you’ve been unsuccessful, take it as a learning curve. Perhaps now isn’t the right time to do an EMBA, but in a few years with some more experience under your belt, it will be. For those entering the business school classroom, enjoy! It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Top tip from Sabanci: You have a wonderful opportunity to study highly interesting topics together with highly qualified classmates and professors. Realize that this is a privilege and opportunity, so take good care of it.

Read Part 1: Golden rules and fair etiquette, Part 2: How to prepare for an EMBA and Part 4: The interview process