Is the business school you are targeting on the A-list?
Getting an MBA and getting an A-list MBA are two different things. What is an A-list MBA? Pretty much anything in the top tier, or the top 30. Given that there are over 1000 MBA programs in the US alone, being in the top 30 is impressive indeed.
Does is really make a difference if you go to a top tier school or not?
The answer, like most things, is it depends. In order for business schools to offer an MBA degree, they must be accredited by the AACSB, so any MBA program you attend will offer you the same kinds of core classes . So why should it matter where you go?
The better the school, the better the faculty.
Just like Fortune 50 companies attract top talent as employees, so do top business schools attract star faculty. Top faculty in turn get high profile publications and further enhance that school’s reputation. The reputation is what attracts top students to apply and the momentum builds. This is why it’s so hard for schools who are not already in the top tier to break in. Once a school establishes itself as a top institution, it becomes very hard for other schools to knock it down. The money that flows in only adds to the school’s fortified position.
Why should you care about how well your school is ranked?
In a word, jobs. Most companies limit the schools where they recruit. Top companies recruit from top schools, so if you think all MBAs are created equally, you will be in for a big shock if you try to go get a job for a big company like Amazon or Coca-Cola only to be told your school is not on the list. Make sure you do your research on which schools your targeted employer recruits from before you waste time applying. Career centers are more than willing and able to provide you with a list of their most prolific recruiters. The tough part, of course, is getting in.
For information on how we can guide your business school applications, email us at mba@amerasiaconsulting.com or go to http://www.amerasiaconsulting.com/contactProvide