The MBA Program Information Site

Choosing a Business School - a Checklist

Choosing a Business School and choosing an MBA program are two related matters. So, in addition to these notes - read also the notes on choosing an MBA program.

Remember that getting an MBA is one thing - getting one that is respected and recognized might be a different thing. The respect and recognition that a program has is obviously related to the status of the School that provides it.

How well known is the School?

You will probably need to check on this in several ways - rather than relying on one. Here are some of them -

• Ask around - particularly in the communities that are of interest to you; so - if you are planning an MBA to get a job in a particular industry or sector of business - ask around in that sector.
• Check the rankings of Schools that are sometimes published in business magazines, many of which are summarized on the 'Rankings of MBA Programs and Schools' page in the Advice section of this site. (But, warning - see advice on the 'how to choose an MBA' page).
• How long has the School been established?
• Check the press - most major papers and journals carry regular features/surveys of management education etc. See how frequently the School is mentioned. Perhaps you can also do searches for a School in the 'On Line' versions of major papers/journals to see how frequently it is mentioned
• Check the quality of the School's 'brand name'. Check through 'On line' searches. Ask people and see how often they mention the Schools name.

How well respected is the School?

Prominence may not indicate respect - or vice versa, so check what people think about a School. The rankings will give you some indication - but remember that the criteria used in assessing Schools in this way may not be relevant to you. Also - does the School belong to the main representative/accreditation bodies - e.g. EFMD, AACSB, ABS (See Glossary page)? Also - is the School a member of any grouping of Schools - e.g., running joint programs, arranging student exchanges, etc. - if so, what is the standing of the others in its group? (Good Schools tend to work with other good Schools).

Does the School have a good reputation in other things?

The obvious things to check are - research and publications.

A major School will have a commitment to research, and research tends to result in publications. Be careful about both of these things - since a School which is primarily a research establishment may not give much attention to 'teaching' - but you will expect to find that at least some of the faculty are engaged in research in their subject area. You might also hope to find that that at least some of the faculty have published books. (Well known books do a lot for the prominence of the School from which they come, but as a student - dont expect to see a lot of a faculty member who is a also a well known author!)

What does the School do?

This might seem a rather odd question - as obviously it runs an MBA

But does it just run one - or several? Does it also offer non qualification executive programs, short courses, etc? Check out the School's full prospectus - not only the MBA literature, for in general the broader the range of activities -the more established and the better known the School will be. Be particularly careful if the School only does one thing - e.g. a Distance program - as there is a general belief that a Distance program will be better if derived from or based on a 'conventional' program. The same might apply if the School only runs a specialist program - unless it is a very specialized institution.

The above relate to the status of the School - but there are other things which will be important to you -

Is the School a separate entity?

Does the School have its own separate and dedicated facilities or does it share facilities with other activities in its parent Institution (e.g., University)? This will have a significant influence on what it will 'feel like' to be a student in the School.

Will the School provide good service?

There are two aspects - the academic quality, and the customer orientation of the School. The first is difficult to check without asking others who have some experience of the School and its program. The latter is easier to get a view on, and remember if the School does not treat you well when you are a potential customer - will it improve if you go there?

How easy does the School make it for you to contact them - e.g. from this site? How do they respond when you do contact them? Write, fax, or E-Mail the School and see how long it takes to get a reply. Phone them and ask to speak to the program director or administrator - and see if they put you through. Ask some difficult questions (See above and Checklist on choosing a program) and see what response you get. Ask if you can speak to some recent graduates - and will they give you names or contact details? Some may have a policy of not giving out names and addresses - but will they pass your name and details to one of their Graduates in your area and suggest that they might be willing to contact you? Ask if you can call in to see them - do they welcome this - will they arrange for you to see someone?

Will the School take an interest in your future?

If you are looking to change your job as a result of your MBA - you will want to know if the School will provide help to its students as they reach the end of their program - e.g., through placement opportunities, recruitment fairs, etc. Does the School make arrangements for recruiters to meet/get details on new graduates? Does the School maintain an active Allumni association? Does the Association provide support for graduates seeking new jobs?

What will the School expect of you?

Will you need a lap top computer? If you do not have one, does the School provide adequate facilities? Will you need to find accommodation - if so to what extent will the School help you? Will the School advise you on potential loans or scholarship funds?

The MBA: an introduction * Selecting an MBA Program * Choosing a Business School * Glossary of MBA terms
* Applying for an MBA program * Tips on taking the GMAT test * How the CAT Works ?
* 'Guest Opinion' feature on an MBA topic * Rankings of Programs and Schools * Funding (Grants & Loans)
* Books about MBAs * Pre-MBA program readings * Jobs and Careers

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