While it may seem like preparing for an MBA can be an arduous process, it doesn’t have to be. With some preparation, a clear roadmap and goals in mind, you can land in the best possible MBA program for your career aspirations.
We spoke with two University of Denver MBA experts: Bryce Kirchhausen, program director of the Denver MBA, and Samantha Nesper, director of graduate admissions, to create a comprehensive guide to MBA prep (and nailing your application).
Bryce Kirchhausen
What do I need to know before applying to an MBA program?
Kirchhausen said the most successful MBA candidates are those who are entering programs looking to develop as a person or leader—not just those looking for the credential. As a first step in preparing for an MBA, he encouraged applicants to build a list of skills they hope to learn during the program and a series of goals to go along with it.
Ultimately, this activity will help you determine if an MBA program is right for you.
“The end goal is to set you on a path for which, hopefully, you’ll be compensated well and you’ll be happy at your job,” he said.
Once you decide to start preparing for an MBA, be sure to familiarize yourself with the deadlines to apply, the requirements for admission, application fees and the program start dates. At Daniels, applicants are required to submit transcripts, essays, a professional resume, work experience and an application fee. Applicants will also be invited for an admissions interview and sometimes be asked to provide professional recommendations.
Our Top Tips for MBA Prep
The MBA preparation process can look different for everybody, but we have some key tips and tricks to make your decision as simple as possible. Whether it’s networking or interview prep, we’ll guide you through the best way to approach your MBA application.
Update your resume, references and recommendation letters
Applicants should treat applying for an MBA just as they would applying for a job. Make sure your resume is up to date and organized and that your LinkedIn accurately reflects your employment history and proficiencies. Alert your professional references and solicit recommendation letters if it will strengthen your application. It is also crucial to use your application to paint the full picture of your education and work experience to advocate for your acceptance, Nesper said. If you have a gap in your resume, be sure to have a reason for why it exists. Overall, your application should be thorough and encompass your experience and background.
“Candidates should look at their application as a narrative,” Nesper said. “It is helping us understand where they have been, where they are and where they want to be. Leaving anything up to the application is not a good idea.”
Start MBA prep early
Outside of completing the required application documents, Kirchhausen said it’s important for students to envision their experience early in their MBA prep to help guide them forward. He encouraged applicants to set goals around their experience and really understand the ‘why’ behind their decision to apply for an MBA program.
“Ask yourself, ‘Why am I doing this? Why am I taking the financial investment and time investment?’ and start there [with your thinking],” Kirchhausen said of his advice to applicants. “That’s going to be unique for everyone.”
And, given the fast-paced nature of MBA programs, Kirchhausen said the earlier you can set this roadmap, the quicker you’ll be on the path to success.
“The students that tend to be most successful [are those who] map that out and go all in,” he said.
Prospective applicants should also familiarize themselves with the program start dates and ensure their application is completed well before deadlines to give themselves the best chance for acceptance. At Daniels, we encourage all students to apply as early as possible for best consideration. Our admissions team reviews applications as they receive them, and there are multiple application deadlines for the spring and fall academic quarters, when Daniels’ programs begin.
Study for the GMAT
While many institutions, including Daniels, have gone test optional in recent years, standardized exams like the GMAT can boost your application if you score well. If you do want to take the GMAT, there are online and in-person prep courses that can help you prepare for the exam and learn valuable tips. As a GMAT/GRE-optional institution, Daniels encourages candidates to determine whether one of these exams will support their candidacy and merit. Scores from these standardized tests can be submitted with your application if you feel that they will strengthen your application.
Networking is key
Much like in the business community, networking can be a crucial differentiator in your MBA application. Whether you’re reaching out to current MBA students, graduates or program faculty and staff, there are key perspectives to be gained from networking. These groups can provide you additional context to support your decision to pursue an MBA or can guide you to the program that best fits your needs. In addition, having a strong network can help improve your professional references and recommendation letters. Daniels offers a variety of networking options once you’re on campus and enrolled in a program, but the College also has opportunities for prospective students. From our current students, faculty or staff, as well as our alumni, the personal connection is crucial to your Daniels MBA experience.
Talk to current MBA students and alumni
Whether you’re looking to learn if a program is right for you or hear about graduate outcomes, many MBA programs, including Daniels, have student ambassadors that are eager to share their experience. It can be beneficial to email an ambassador from a program of your interest with your questions or to arrange a time to come to campus and meet with them. Alumni will also give you a good idea of the potential outcomes available to MBA graduates. They can provide you with recommended courses, trusted faculty advisors and tips for navigating your MBA journey.
Talk to a Daniels admissions advisor
Nesper said that her team of admissions advisors often serve as a key stakeholder in the early success of prospective MBA students. She encouraged applicants to be honest and transparent with their advisors, as they are looking to promote your candidacy.
“Your admissions counselor is sincerely your best advocate, they want you to be successful,” Nesper said. “The worst thing you can do is hide things or not be explicit in your needs or concerns.”
Whether you’re concerned about your lack of prior business education or a lagging GPA, Nesper reiterated the importance of honesty to help craft your application story.
“It is best to seek candid feedback on your candidacy because they’re going to be honest with you, and they’re going to give you your best chance of success,” she said.
With access to all the University’s resources, admissions advisors can also introduce prospective students to faculty members to help provide context or share graduate success stories to help cement their decision to pursue an MBA.
“There is an incredible amount of personal connection that candidates get as they reach out and ask for help,” Nesper added. In other words, contacting graduate admissions is never a bad idea.
Apply when you’re ready
With a rolling application deadline and a quick turnaround time on MBA admissions decisions, students should submit their applications when they’re ready. Nesper said the admissions process can be completed in as few as two weeks after an interview is scheduled. Her team doesn’t scrutinize applicants based on when they apply.
“The deadlines are there for students to gauge the next point to apply, it’s giving them a target,” she said.
Additionally, students shouldn’t rush an application just to make a deadline if their application isn’t at its strongest. Applicants are much better off waiting for the next program start date if it means they will be returning with a more complete and robust application.
Read up on business, leadership and critical thinking
As a member of the business community, the more well-rounded you are, the stronger your application will appear—and the more prepared you will be entering an MBA program. By being proactive in your business and leadership reading, Kirchhausen said you’ll understand your strengths and weaknesses better entering an MBA program. With that at your disposal, he said, you’ll become a stronger, more prepared candidate and ultimately a stronger student.
“It’s OK to not know something and not be proficient in some area,” he said, adding that these deficiencies can help you determine where to focus your time during MBA prep.
Daniels professors and staff bring a wealth of business experience to the University’s MBA programs, and frequently share their findings and opinions on our blog. We encourage prospective students to follow the Daniels blog page to learn more about our professors’ research opportunities, our partnerships with local businesses and our student outcomes as they prepare for an MBA program.
Students should also read the local business publications near their MBA program to familiarize themselves with the people, companies, issues and trends that are impacting the business landscape around them.
Choosing the right MBA program
Whether you’re looking for a full-time program or night classes after work, there are a variety of formats and focuses for MBA programs. It is important to prioritize what is most important to you in receiving this degree and look for programs that match that need.
Are you hoping to keep your current job and gain additional skills through an MBA program? Look for night or weekend offerings that fit your schedule and contribute to your business acumen. Hoping to complete a course quickly to set yourself on a new career path? Consider full-time MBA programs that can be completed in less than two years. Additionally, be sure to decide whether you’re looking for an in-person, online or hybrid program.
Daniels offers four MBA programs designed for the individual needs and experiences of modern business professionals. Whether you’re looking for an online or in-person experience that offers classes full-time or part-time, Daniels has the MBA program to fit your schedule and aspirations.
All our MBA programs provide students with personalized academic support, career advising, a connection to Daniels’ global network of 40,000+ alumni and more. Compare our MBA program offerings to find the perfect fit for you.
