How to Shortlist Universities for MBA?

So, you’ve decided to pursue an MBA. Now the question you might have in mind is, how to shortlist universities for the MBA? With thousands of b-schools spread around the globe, choosing a university might be a daunting task, and most of you might feel confused about how to go about this. There are many factors which you will have to look for before finalizing the colleges you would like to apply to.  So, let us discuss some factors that will influence this crucial decision.

Factors to Consider While Choosing Universities for the MBA 

Choosing the right business school is one of the most important decisions you have to make as an MBA aspirant. This is because the university or college in which you study plays a major role in your professional as well as your personal development. 

Here are some factors that will help you make an informed decision on where to study. So, let’s see how to shortlist universities for MBA. 

• Courses offered

This is one of the most important factors you must consider while selecting a university. Selecting the right specialization is essential as academic knowledge is something that drives you towards your career in the future. You will have to go through the college websites to find out if they are offering courses in the specializations of your choice. This will help you narrow down the list of universities. Once you finalize this list, you can move on to researching the facilities available at each of these universities. Here, some of the key deciding factors should be – good library, up-to-date course curriculum, great research opportunities, well-qualified faculty, scholarship options, extracurricular activities offered, etc.

• Job opportunities after graduation 

This is another factor that you have to consider before finalizing where you want to study. Most universities post statistics regarding their job placement history on their website. You can browse through these websites to get information regarding the placements. Besides, you can also connect with the alumni of the universities to get an overview of the same. They will be able to assist you in this regard by providing you with valuable information about job fairs that the college hosts or the companies with which they have tie-ups, etc. If the university has an effective on-campus career placement team,  you could utilize the same for your benefit as well. 

• Fee Structure 

Before shortlisting the b-schools for your MBA, it is important to check the fee structure for the courses you are going to apply for. Pursuing a Master’s degree is an expensive affair and you shouldn’t burn a hole in your own pocket by choosing universities that have an exorbitant fee structure. Hence, spend some time to create an estimate of the total expense of the course and find available funding options such as scholarships, collateral-free loans, etc.

• Extracurricular Activities 

While academics play an essential role in shaping your career, it is also necessary to indulge in some extra-curricular activities. If you have any particular special interests like – playing a sport, participating in literary or cultural events, playing a musical instrument, taking photographs, etc., then look for colleges that have the necessary amenities to help you follow your interests. Most universities prefer candidates who are not only academically proficient but also possess unique talents. You can even mention your extra-curricular activities on your SOP and state that you selected that particular university because you believe it will help you hone your skills further academically, professionally, and personally.

• Location of the University 

You must also consider the location of the university before you finalize where to pursue your MBA. The location of the university will affect other elements which you would be concerned about, such as the expenses of study, travel, etc. If the university is situated in a very expensive neighborhood or town, that can create an impact on your overall living expenses. The cost of living must be within your budget so that you don’t face any difficulties at later stages. You must also check for the accommodations available near the college where you would be studying. Staying closer to the university or even on campus is more cost-effective since you’ll be saving on the commute time and expenses. 

• Quality of Education Provided 

Quality of education creates an impact on your knowledge level, skills, as well as the career trajectory. When you seek jobs after your course, it is imperative to have a firm grasp on the field of your study. For this, your fundamentals need to be strong. Hence, check for the colleges which offer the best course content and have renowned faculty.

• Tie-ups with esteemed firms 

Good connections with global companies will provide you with good employment opportunities. Hence, select a college where the placements are assured. You can speak to the alumni of that university or check on their web pages to gain more insights on this.

• Duration of the program 

If you are keen on completing the program quickly, you should prefer courses with a shorter duration such as one-year or ten months programs, than the typical two-year MBA programs. Many universities offer such time-specific courses catering to every individual’s requirements. Visit the university websites to get the information regarding this and choose the best one that suits your needs. 

• Ranking of the college 

The value of your degree also depends on the ranking of the universities. Hence, it is recommended that you thoroughly check the ranking of the colleges, create a list of top colleges based on this, and then take a final decision.

We hope that this article on how to shortlist universities for MBA helped! Every MBA aspirant wants to pursue an MBA from a renowned university. However, it is hard to select the right college from amongst the multitude of options you have. It is essential that you make informed decisions before finalizing where you would want to study. All of the above factors are sure to assist you in your quest to shortlist universities for your higher studies. Good luck!