Getting into business school to study for a master's program, whether it’s a MBA, MSc in finance, or other degree, can be an extremely stressful and overwhelming experience.

Not only do you have to make the very important decision about where to study, there are a number of things you need to do to apply for a program, including completing a series of requisites, tests, and documentation. Then, there are funding, housing, and visa considerations to make as well.

At Unify, we’re passionate about helping people fulfill their dream of studying abroad at their top choice business school. Our team of career coaches and college counselors have racked their brains to come up with their best advice to help students get into business school.

Here we’ve put together 111 tips focusing on the different stages of the application process for business school. While not all may be helpful for you, we hope that our list is thorough enough to give you at least a few pieces of advice that you’ll use during the application process and help you get into the school you’re aiming for.

It’s broken up into the following sections, so feel free to skip to the ones that will help you the most in your journey of getting into your top choice business school.

• Choosing the Right School & Program
• Preparing for the GMAT/GRE
• Nailing the English Language Test
• Networking & Making Connections
• Navigating the Application Process
• Answering Application Questions
• Funding Your Education
• Figuring Out Visas, Housing, & Beyond

Here are 111 tips from our most experienced college counselors!

Choosing the Right School & Program

1. Consider the pros and cons of full-time vs part-time.

When deciding on whether to go full-time or part-time, it usually depends on if you want to work while studying. If you do, a part-time program would be a better option, but if you want the full studying experience, full-time may suit you. There are also financial aspects, admissions requirements, and opportunities for networking and internships to consider.

2. Think about the different durations of programs.

Business school programs can have different durations with the most common being one or two years. Normally, one-year programs will be cheaper because you’ll only have one year of living costs to pay for, but they’re more academically intensive and have less credits available for electives.

3. Check your undergrad degree meets entry requirements.

Different programs can require you to have certain undergraduate degrees in order to be eligible to apply. For finance-intensive programs, universities often ask for related degrees or experience in the field.

4. Understand the difference between pre-experience and post-experience programs.

Pre-experience programs don’t normally ask for any or much work experience, and students typically use them to specialize in certain areas right after finishing their bachelor’s degree. Post-experience programs ask for 3+ years of work experience, and the value they bring stems from the interaction of a diverse group of students with several years of working experience.

5. Think about whether you want an online, in-person, or blended program.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online programs have flourished, and this has also brought forward more blended courses. But it’s important for you to consider whether online, in-person, or blended programs are best for you.

6. Take intake periods into account.

While most programs have their intake in September or October, there are plenty of schools that offer additional intakes throughout the year, such as in January or May. And rather uniquely, Schiller International University offers intakes in January, February, May, June, September, and October.

7. Figure out what universities are known for your specialism.

Some universities are known for certain programs and specialities. For example, Stanford is known for innovation and entrepreneurship, while London Business School is known for finance. Do your research and ask alumni to figure out what a university you’re interested in is known for to make sure you choose a school with a focus in what really matters to you.

8. Look into a university’s balance between academics and career development.

There are universities that are entirely focused on academics and have an intensive curriculum, while others leave more time for club activities and coaching sessions. Look into this and think about what you would prefer to be the focus.

9. Dive into the diversity numbers.

When searching for diversity in programs, don’t only look for the number of nationalities enrolled. Also, look at the proportion they have in the program. While a cohort in a program may have 100 nationalities, if 50% is only from one country then the program won’t be that diverse.

10. Decide on the importance of practical experience to you.

Some programs are condensed into a short amount of time, so there may be no time for practical experience. However, there are other business schools that include an internship in their programs.

11. Consider universities with multiple locations.

Is there more than one location you want to study in? Don’t worry! There are many universities with the opportunity to study in multiple locations. There are a number of benefits and drawbacks to this, but for the right student, it can be very rewarding.

12. Take cultural differences into account.

When thinking about the location you want to study in, consider the cultural differences that it can have with your local area. And factor in how that can affect you and how much you’ll enjoy living there.

13. Be willing to learn the local language.

While most international programs are in English, remember that the country may have a different national language. For example, if you study in Spain, even if your program is in English, you should expect that everything else in the city will be in Spanish, and if you don’t know or learn the language, it could undermine the experience.

14. Make sure you’ll enjoy living in the location.

Do you see yourself living in the location of the program for at least one year? Research what it’s like living there and seriously think about if it’s the right location for you.

15. Research the visa requirements.

Some student visas allow you to work in the country while you’re studying. For example, Germany and the UK usually let students work up to 20 hours a week and 40 hours during breaks. In other countries like the US, work permits for students often have more restrictions, and some visas only allow students to work in campus facilities such as cafes.

16. Check if you can work after studying.

Don’t only think about if you can work during your studies but after them as well. Countries like the UK allow master’s students to work full-time for up to two years after finishing their studies. In the US, it’s not as straightforward and depends on the agreements your home country has with the US.

17. Research scholarship options.

While tuition fees are an important factor to help you pick a program, keep in mind that many universities have scholarships that can lower these costs. So, don’t discard a programme just due to their tuition fees without researching the scholarship options they have first.

18. Factor in a university and program’s employability.

When choosing a university and program, factor in their employability. The QS Global MBA Ranking has employability as one of the variables that you can order the top Global MBA programs by.

19. Look at university rankings (but it’s not everything).

University and program rankings, such as the FT business school rankings, are one of the main factors that prospective students look at. Don’t worry if a university you’re interested in isn’t at the top. Every university has its own value, and rankings aren’t not everything.

20. Consider the reach of the alumni network.

Another factor to consider is the reach of the alumni network. Is it a network that will help you internationally? Or if you’re thinking of going back to your home country after graduation, is the local alumni network big enough?

21. Browse websites on business schools.

Read popular blogs like TopMBA, Poets&Quants, and Unify for helpful information on business schools across the world.

22. Always keep your career prospects in mind.

When shortlisting a university or program, always think about how studying this subject at this university will elevate your career.

23. Make a shortlist of universities.

It’s normal to apply to more than one business school. Try to have a shortlist of at least three. One should be your top choice that you think you could be accepted to. Another should be your safest option, and your main target should sit in between those two.

Preparing for the GMAT/GRE

24. Decide whether you’ll take the GMAT or GRE.

It can be hard to decide whether you should take the GMAT or GRE. Both tests are accepted by a number of business schools, but there are major differences between the two. As a general rule of thumb, the GRE is considered easier in the math section but more difficult in the verbal section.

25. Find out which test is preferred by the university and program.

If you’re still struggling on whether to take the GRE or GMAT, it can be beneficial to contact the university and see if they have a preference.

26. Look into how you want to take the test.

If you don’t see enough options to book an in-person test in your local area, you could consider taking it online. During COVID-19, the GMAT and GRE both launched a test you can take from home.

27. Consider schools that don’t require tests.

If you don’t want to prepare and take either of these tests, there are a growing number of business schools that don’t require GMAT or GRE scores.

28. Utilize free resources.

There is a lot of free material online so make use of them. For example, ETS provides two free practice tests for the GRE. The GMAT also provides free practice tests on their official website at mba.com. Additionally, you can search for GMAT/GRE free material online to find other free resources.

29. Watch educational videos on YouTube.

YouTube can be an amazing source of material to learn more about the tests and get insightful tips. If you’re planning to take the GMAT, check out the videos by PrepScholar.

30. Figure out how much study time you need.

To figure out when you should start studying for the GMAT or GRE, first think about what score you’re aiming for and what score you get on a practice test. This will help you understand whether you need a month to study or a couple of months if you need to improve your score by more than just a few points.

31. Schedule your test soon.

Do you find you’re constantly procrastinating and saying you will start studying next week? An easy solution is to schedule the test soon. This will give you a target goal and may help provide you with the motivation you need to get started studying.

32. Carve out time to study.

If you’re having issues with finding when to study, particularly because of work or other commitments, try to find a consistent time for when you can study. For example, if you normally stay up too late for work, try studying for an hour in the morning.

33. Utilize practice tests.

Practice tests are a great way to see how you’re progressing and find where you need to improve. Once you’ve used the free tests available, consider buying more. Magoosh offers some practice tests for less than $18 each.

34. Review your practice test results.

The secret to effectively using your practice tests is to spend at least an afternoon after finishing each test to review your results. This will help you discover what your main weaknesses are and what you should be focusing on.

35. Evaluate your progress.

On top of that, you should schedule a biweekly session to evaluate your progress against your goal score so you can plan accordingly and make changes when you need to.

36. Improve your vocabulary.

Vocabulary is a common area test-takers need to improve on. There are a number of helpful resources online for this.

37. Find other resources to help you.

If you need to improve your score by a couple of points and are looking for extra help, consider online platforms like Magoosh or Manhattan Prep.

38. Consider working with a tutor.

If you’re really struggling to improve your score, or you need to increase your score by more than 20 points, consider finding a private tutor to help you.

39. Find group study lessons.

If you feel more comfortable studying with others, consider going to group study lessons. There are often a range of institutes that offer them. There are even some group lessons that are fully virtual!

40. Chat to your friends about it.

Speaking with friends that have taken the test to learn their approach and how they prepared is always helpful. They may be able to give you specific feedback on how you’re approaching and preparing for the test.

41. Think about switching tests.

If you get to the point where you don’t have any more chances to take the GMAT or GRE in a set period of time, consider switching from one test to another. While it’s not ideal, this would provide the opportunity to have more chances to improve your score.

Nailing the English Language Test

42. Understand the test format.

With English language tests, it’s not just about your level of English. You also need to understand how you’re expected to answer the questions. You can find more information about this on the TOEFL and IELTS websites.

43. Choose the right test for you.

Choosing the right test for you is key. The TOEFL and IELTS are the most common English language tests. Research their differences and figure out which one is right one.

44. Consider alternative tests.

There are also other tests that are increasingly being accepted by universities, while some even offer their own tests. Many schools have started accepting Duolingo English Test, Password English Language Test, PTE Academic, and Cambridge Assessment English.

45. Check if you can get the test waived.

Make sure you check whether you really need to take one of the tests as there are waiving opportunities. If you’ve lived, studied, or worked in an English-speaking country, you may be able to demonstrate your proficiency through that instead of having to take the test.

46. Plan how you’ll study.

English is not something you can improve drastically in one week or even one month. That really needs to be taken into consideration when you plan your studies and how you’ll prepare.

47. Figure out how to perform well on the test.

At the same time, it’s important to understand that speaking the language doesn’t mean knowing how to perform best in the exam, so you need to take the time to understand how the test works.

48. Assess how long you need to study.

You need to assess how much time you need to prepare for the test. To do that, it’s similar to preparing for the GMAT or GRE. Start by understanding your target score and the score you’re currently at when taking a practice test.

49. Utilize free resources.

There are a range of free resources to help you prepare for an English language test. ETS, the TOEFL creator, has some free practice tests, and the IELTS also offer some free resources here.

50. Get tips on YouTube.

YouTube can be an amazing source of material to learn more about English language tests and to get insightful tips. For the IELTS, a good channel to subscribe to is FastTrackIELTS.

51. Get extra help from online platforms.

If you need some extra help to boost your score, consider using online platforms like Magoosh or Manhattan Prep. Magoosh even guarantees a +4 TOEFL score increase.

52. Consider working with a tutor.

If you’re really struggling to improve your scores or are really far from your target score, consider working with a private tutor.

53. Build your stamina for the test.

The TOEFL can take up to 2.5 hours to complete, and other tests can even take much longer. Build your stamina up before taking the official test. This can be done by taking practice tests in the allotted timings without any distractions.

54. Record yourself speaking.

Almost any phone has video and audio recording available nowadays. While it can feel odd to record yourself and listen to it, it’s the best way to find your pitfalls and improvement opportunities for the speaking section of English language tests.

55. Practice your listening skills every day.

Watch YouTube videos and movies in English without subtitles and listen to podcasts. But no matter what you’re listening to or watching, ask yourself what’s the topic, what are the most important points or arguments, who’s talking, and what’s my opinion about it.

56. Use Grammarly.

A great tip from our friends at FluentU is to use Grammarly as an alternative to having someone review your grammar. However, don’t use it while you’re writing. Use it after you finish writing to see which mistakes you made and then correct them.

57. Talk with friends who’ve taken the test.

Speaking with friends who have taken an English language test to learn their approach and how they prepared can be really helpful. They can give you specific feedback on how to approach the test and studying.

58. Evaluate your progress.

When preparing to take an English language test, you need to evaluate your progress along the way. Do this biweekly and assess your progress against the goal you’re aiming for so you can plan accordingly.

59. Consider getting a conditional offer before you take the test.

If the application deadline is near and you’re confident about getting the score required, many universities provide conditional offers for those who haven’t taken the test yet. You’ll then be required to get the necessary score before a certain date. If you choose this route, tell the university that you’ll take the test after the application submission.

Networking & Making Connections

60. Don’t underestimate the power of networking.

Network with alumni of the university you’re planning to apply to. Universities love to hear that you talked with their alumni, and you may even be able to get them to refer you!

61. Go to in-person university events.

Often universities have in-person events in different countries. Check their websites to find events that are happening the closest to you.

62. Attend university webinars.

If you can’t attend an in-person event, universities are also constantly running webinars. This provides a great opportunity to ask questions, show your interest to study there, and get a couple of names to reach out to. At Unify, we also run webinars with universities to reach applicants interested in studying abroad.

63. Identify who you want to meet.

Identify the people you want to meet and build relationships with. You need to build these before you need them as this naturally takes time.

64. Plan each meeting.

Design a strategy for each meeting with alumni to help you achieve your goals.

65. Prepare questions.

Prepare a large set of questions, but don’t stick to them rigidly. You want to be able to fill the time they’re giving you. However, you also need to be flexible and see where the conversation goes.

66. Practice your pitch.

Work on and practice your pitch. It should be no more than a three-minute introduction about yourself.

67. Write thank you notes.

Follow up every networking meeting with a thank you note. This is a personal touch that will also help the people that you meet remember you.

68. Find alumni from your network.

Start with talking with alumni from your close networks – friends of friends or friends of family. They may be able to give you more people you could reach out to.

69. Identify someone with a good network of connections.

Sometimes you don’t need to identify just alumni but a “gatekeeper” or someone with a large network of connections that can help you get connected to alumni.

70. Don’t get disheartened.

Some people you reach out to on LinkedIn or through email won’t respond. Don’t get discouraged by this.

71. Track interactions.

Create a list of people you’re reaching out to and track each interaction. This will make the process easier to keep up with.

72. Remember people’s names.

This is a simple and easy thing to do, but it always makes a difference.

73. Focus on what you can give to the conversation.

Don’t focus on what you’ll get but what you can give to the conversation. You’re more likely to get the best results when you’re ready to give rather than the other way around.

Navigating the Application Process

74. It’s never too early to start.

It’s helpful to start preparing your business school application as soon as possible. Early prep can make sure you’re on top of everything that’s required and ensure you have the time to improve your application.

75. It’s never too late to start.

While the application process can be overwhelming and daunting, it’s still never too late to get started. It’s often about getting started, and there are organizations, such as Unify, who can help you with your application for free.

76. Define your priorities.

If you’re applying to multiple schools, prioritize applying to your top choice program and allot more time on this.

77. Identify required documents.

Additionally, if you’re applying to multiple schools, identify the required documents for each, and start with the ones that are common between them.

78. Get transcripts translated.

Some universities offer transcripts in English. However, if not, there are a series of translating services available to help you get your transcript and degree translated. Get this done as soon as possible.

79. Mark your calendar with deadlines.

There may be a number of different deadlines you need to be aware of and keep up with when it comes to applying to business school programs. Add the deadlines to your calendar early on so you don’t miss any.

80. Set reminders for deadlines.

But don’t only mark the deadlines in your calendar. Set reminders for each of them a couple of weeks before so you can be reminded of them well in advance.

81. Put together a roadmap.

Prepare a roadmap of how you’ll approach the entire application process. Consider any tests you need to study for as well.

82. Carefully select references.

Put some thought into who you pick to be your references. They should know you well enough to be able to write a good and honest reference about you.

83. Prepare your references.

If you’re asked for multiple references, plan with them. It’s recommended to select which topics they’ll each highlight. You want them to say how great you are but not repeat the same story!

84. Write a one-page CV.

As Ellin Ollis Consulting recommends, stick to one page when writing your CV. Even if you think you have too much experience to fit on one page, business schools value applicants being clear and concise.

85. Prepare for an interview.

Many universities include an interview in their application process, so prepare for this in advance! Think about why you want to study there, what makes the university special, and how it will help you achieve your goals.

86. Reach out for help.

There’s nothing wrong with reaching out to someone to help guide you through the application process. At Unify, we help students like you, so reach out to us by filling out this form.

Answering the Application Questions

87. Think through why you’re taking a masters.

You need to be able to answer the question of why you want to take a master’s degree. Think about this before sitting down to write answers to the application questions.

88. Consider why the university should choose you.

It’s important to also think about why the university should choose you. Think about what makes you different and sets you apart from other applicants.

89. Put into words why you’re choosing this university.

And you need to be able to write down why you’re choosing this specific university. Make sure you’ve thoroughly researched the university and program before writing this.

90. Think beyond work experience.

Business schools love diversity. Find something that makes you special or that will make you memorable and stand out to the admissions committee. It’s not all about work experience!

91. Study the university.

Look at the university’s website in depth. Study what the school offers and prioritizes, and use this information in your essays.

92. Use insight you received from talking with alumni.

While we’ve talked about the importance of networking with alumni, make sure you use any information and insight they’ve provided when answering the application questions.

93. Mention if you’ve talked to alumni.

If you did talk to some alumni, make sure you mention it! It shows that you’re really interested in the university and that you went out of your way to talk to people who graduated from there.

94. Use the STAR approach.

STAR stands for situation, task, action, result. Use this when developing your answers to the application questions. Here’s a resource to help you adopt this approach.

95. Prepare to record a video.

Some universities ask you to answer questions in a video. Take time to prepare for this and get your best camera face ready!

96. Consider contacting an educational consultant.

If you’re struggling with drafting your answers and writing your personal statement, consider contacting an educational consultant to help you.

Funding Your Education

97. Research university scholarships.

Check out a university’s website to find out what scholarships they offer.

98. Apply for scholarships early.

If the university is offering scholarships you’re eligible for, apply early to increase your chances of getting one.

99. Research government financing.

Look for loans in your home country and country you’re planning to study in. They’re usually cheaper and easier to get than other student loans.

100. Start with a budget.

Figure out what your budget is. Start with this rather than the scholarship need as there are hundreds of more affordable schools and more affordable countries to study in.

101. Contact universities about funding options.

It may also be worth asking a university directly to see if there are any additional funding options on offer.

102. Consider the cost of living.

If you plan to take out a loan to pay for business school, it’s important to consider the cost of living and not just the tuition cost.

103. Research loan options.

There are also specialized companies, such as Prodigy, that give loans to business school students, so research these options too.

Figuring out Visa, Housing, and Beyond

104. Use accommodation services offered by universities.

Many universities offer services to help you find accommodation. Use these services when they’re available to make finding housing easier.

105. Consider the help of companies that can speed up the process.

There’s a lot to figure out when it comes to visas, housing, and preparing to go to business school abroad, so it may be helpful working with a company that can help speed the process up for you.

106. Reach out to future classmates.

In many cases, you’ll be able to reach out to future classmates, and some of them may be willing to share bigger properties so you can save money on accommodation.

107. Contact your local embassy.

It may be helpful to get in touch with your local embassy in the country you’ll be studying in.

108. Factor in visa delays.

Make sure you have ample time to get through the visa process. There could always be delays in processing your visa application.

109. Start the visa process at least three months in advance.

If you need to apply for a student visa, it’s recommended to start the process at least three months in advance.

110. Be prepared to show your ability to pay for school.

You may need to show this through your bank account balance or a sponsorship letter.

111. Join student groups on social media.

This can help you get information, advice, and tips from fellow students, and it can provide a way to connect with students before you even start the program.

Get the Right Help Throughout the Application Process

We hope this list of 111 tips will help you throughout the different stages of the application process for business school! While it can be overwhelming to study abroad, it can bring so many amazing experiences and opportunities.

Unify streamlines the entire admissions process for students looking to apply to business schools across the globe. We can help you browse and compare different schools, match you with programs, find ways to improve your application, and apply to your top schools.

We want to help people find the perfect school and to spend less time on tedious application tasks. We can even provide guidance throughout the entire admissions process. Sign up for access to our platform, and get in touch for free expert guidance from our top admissions counselors.