April | 2011 | Ask the Expert

Do I really need work experience prior to enrolling in an MBA program?

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Graduate Management Admission Council

Written by Stephen L. Gauthier, Associate Dean, Crummer School of Business, Rollins College

In the past, most MBA schools would report that they required three to five years of full-time work experience prior to enrolling in an MBA program. Programs would state this would make your MBA educational experience a much more enriching endeavor. Current admissions practices have changed dramatically and even Harvard Business School no longer requires work experience in order to apply.

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Filed under: Admissions Requirements, Work Experience, Work-Life Balance | Leave a Comment »

Join us at The Official GMAT Blog!

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Graduate Management Admission Council

Have you read The Official GMAT Blog? Since 2009, it's been a great place to pick up news and tips about the GMAT exam and preparing for graduate business school.

Starting this month, we're making it even easier to get all the info you need about the GMAT and business school in one place. Ask The Expert, home to excellent insights and recommendations from admissions professionals, will be a regular feature on The Official GMAT Blog. We hope you'll join us there to stay up to date on what b-school admissions professionals are expecting from you. Come on over and subscribe today!

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What is the admissions committee really looking for? (Part 2)

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Graduate Management Admission Council

Written by Monica S. Powell, PhD, Associate Dean, School of Management , University of Texas, Dallas

Although most programs look for similar attributes—intelligence, drive, experience—there are slight differences, especially after the basic attributes are displayed. At UT Dallas, for instance, we have the luxury of being a small program and, as such, can spend a great deal of time discussing each applicant. We are primarily trying to determine if the applicant will contribute to the class. Will they speak up? Will they want to participate in social or community service activities? Do they have valuable insight to a specific industry or function? Is this someone we would want on a team? In a program of 60 students, having each and every one of them contribute is essential.

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