Evaluating MBA Programs

When you're looking at a bunch of brochures, all the MBA programs probably look the same. They're not. In order to make a great decision about which MBA programs to apply to, you'll need to carefully evaluate MBA programs. The best way to start your evaluation is to gather all the documents on the various schools and sit down with a paper and pen.

Pros and Cons

Maybe it's childish, but making a pros and cons list can make all the difference when you are trying to make a tough decision like choosing a MBA program. Go through all your materials and make note of all the important pros and cons of each school and program. Although you may be looking at some great schools, the actual program might be subpar. At the same time, there may be an excellent program at a school that overall may not be that great. Remember that you won't only be attending the school, but also you'll be part of the specific program.

Call With Your Questions

After you make your pros and cons list and go through all the materials, you will likely have a few questions. Go ahead and call with your questions. Once you get the answers you need, add these to your list as well. If the program officials seem hesitant to give you the information, find out why - maybe you've tapped a weakness in their system.

Narrow Your List

After you've completed your pros and cons list, narrow it. You shouldn't be considering more than five schools, and that's the maximum. For some people, the pros and cons list may have given you all the insight you need, and you can go ahead and make your decision. For others, you may need to do a little more investigative work.

Visit the School

Now that you only have five or fewer schools on your list, you should consider visiting the schools. Sitting in on classes, meeting professors and students, and taking in the campus environment can give you all you need to know about a school. You want to feel comfortable in the school environment and be confident that you will fit in well with the people in the program as well as the program's requirements. If you have final questions, ask while you're on campus or give the school a call after you get home.

Make Your Choice

You should now have everything you need to make your choice. At this point, most people will have one school that sticks out from the others. Prioritize the other schools just in case your first choice doesn't work out. Once you've made your choice, you'll finally be able to open this new chapter of your life - getting your MBA.

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