Making the decision to get your MBA is no small feat, so if you’re here, then congratulations! You’ve already taken the most important step toward enhancing your future job prospects.
But there are more decisions to be made, including the decision about which MBA program you should choose. To find the school that’s right for you, you’ll need to do a fair amount of research and a good deal of question-asking: You’ll have questions to ask MBA admissions counselors, questions to ask MBA alumni, questions to ask current MBA students, and questions to ask at MBA information sessions. You simply can’t find out everything you need to know on your own — gathering facts and opinions from a variety of sources will give you a more complete picture of the MBA programs you’re considering.
Read on for the most important questions to ask every step of the way.
Questions To Ask At A Graduate Fair
There are a lot of schools and very little time at graduate fairs, so preparation is key. Glisery Colon, associate director of graduate admissions at Bentley University, suggests making a list of important things you’re looking for in a program — like flexibility or financial assistance — then making the rounds and asking about those particular things. At this stage, it’s important to have a clear idea about what type of program you’re seeking to help expedite your research and narrow down the possibilities to a select few. Depending on your priorities, you might ask:
- Does the school offer flexible program options? If you intend to keep working while you get your degree, this should be high on your list of priorities. Can you take classes part time? Is there more than one way to participate in class? Is there any type of online format, and how does it work?
- What scholarships or other forms of financial aid are available? Many schools offer a variety of financial aid programs, including graduate assistantships and graduate work programs. A limited number of graduate scholarships may also be awarded to candidates with exemplary educational achievements, test scores, or specific skills.
- Does the school offer transfer credits and waivers? Most schools have a process that allows students to request waivers based on courses previously taken or relevant equivalent work experience. And if you’re transferring to a new school, make sure your prior coursework will be assessed for potential transfer credits.
- What is the application time frame? Many schools have a specific application deadline — if you miss it, you won’t be considered until six or seven months later. Know when you’d like to start and narrow down your options based on their answers.
Don’t take a chance on missing your top school’s application deadline! Use this free step-by-step application guide to ensure you’ve done everything you need to do, by the time you need it done.
Questions To Ask Admissions Officers
Your meeting with an admissions officer will be one-on-one, allowing you to find out about a school in greater detail and see if it’s a good match for you. Some questions to ask here include:
- What types of resources are available once I’m a student? The school’s technological resources, library and research services, and career services are all critical to your success in the program. There may also be course-specific resources that add value, like Bentley’s Trading Room and User Experience Center.
- Will I have an academic adviser or a program adviser? Find out how much access you’ll have to advising staff who can help design your academic program to fit your career goals and provide information on internships, student employment, and study abroad opportunities.
- What kind of collaboration will I have with students or professors? Working closely with your cohort and professors will help you get more out of the experience.
- What experiential learning projects have been done in the past at the school? Global experiences, hands-on projects, and real-life business experiences are the meat of any good MBA experience. Asking this question will give you a good vantage point from which to compare schools.
- Can I sit in on a class? One of the best ways to see how you feel about a school is to experience it first hand. Ask about your options for sitting in on a class or two, and then be sure to take advantage of the opportunity.
Questions To Ask MBA Students
Current MBA students are a great source of information about the school itself; they can also be a valuable source of advice on the MBA experience.
- What was your professional and academic experience prior to entering the MBA program? Danielle Goodroe, associate director of graduate admissions at Bentley, says many students in MBA programs come from a non-business background. If that’s the case for you (and the person you’re asking), find out what skill sets they have that they felt could translate into a business role. Hearing someone else’s perspective might help you clarify your own reasons for wanting to get your MBA.
- How did you make the transition from professional life to academic life? Being aware of the challenges others encountered is useful; it’s even more valuable to know how they addressed them.
- How did you determine that an MBA was possible for you on a full-time or part-time basis? Along with this question, ask why they decided to get an MBA at that point in their life or career. The answer could be enlightening for your own decision-making process.
- Why did you choose this school? Ann Marie Larese, senior associate director of graduate admissions at Bentley, notes that many MBA programs are geared toward particular industries or functional areas. Be aware of the school’s strengths, and make sure it’s a good fit for your career goals.
- Tell me about your experience here. School-specific, the answer will give you a good idea of what it might be like to interact with the faculty, the types of projects you’ll be doing as a student, and what classes are most valuable.
Questions Specifically For MBA Students With Less Than 5 Years Of Work Experience
- What growth did you experience as an undergrad? If you’re heading into an MBA program with less than five years of work experience, find out how others set themselves apart during that time. Were they in organizations, did they do volunteer work, or did they have a leadership role somewhere?
- In your view, is the program giving you substantial real-life experience that will be useful for job interviews? With little-to-no prior work experience, you’re banking on the fact that an MBA program will give you the competitive edge in a job interview. Find out what experiences the school offers (internships, global experiences, consulting projects, etc.) to decide if that’s what you need and want in a program.
Questions To Ask MBA Alumni
- Tell me about your experience at school. Was it enriching? Was it worth it?
- How helpful was the career center in getting a job? The answer to this question will reveal the level of commitment the institution has when it comes to helping its graduates find job opportunities.
- What kind of job opportunities did you have after graduation? If the person you’re asking is in the field you’re interested in, the answer will tell you whether the program will lead to the job you want. But even if the alumni isn’t in the same field, their response will give you insight into the school’s reputation in the business community.
- Did you or do you utilize former students for networking? If the answer is no, find out why. If he or she isn’t aware of networking opportunities, it could be a red flag that the school isn’t actively working to nurture valuable professional relationships — either immediately upon graduation or years after.
Once you’ve found the right school for you, it’s time to apply! To prepare for the next phase, take a look at the questions you might be asked in your MBA interview.
Bentley University has three MBA programs, each tailored to students with specific academic backgrounds and professional experience. For more information, see our website.