How to Stay Focused and Apply for an MBA

Among the graduate degrees a person can earn, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree stands out for the potential advantages it offers. Forbes ranked the MBA degree among the six types of master’s degrees that led to the highest salaries in 2025. The business publication also highlighted how having an MBA can enable individuals to:

• Pursue employment in almost any industry
• Progress along any of a wide range of career paths
• Launch businesses

For those who are considering earning an MBA, the first step is to apply to an MBA program. To submit a high-quality application, aspiring MBA students should become familiar with what the application process for an MBA program entails.

What Do You Need to Apply to an MBA Program?

The exact application requirements for business graduate school vary from program to program. However, the MBA program application process typically involves submitting the following:

• A completed online application form
• A resume showing information such as education, work experience, credentials, and other accomplishments
• An essay describing the reasons the applicant wants to attend graduate school
• One or more letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s strengths and potential to excel in graduate school
• Transcripts from higher education institutions that the applicant has attended

Some MBA programs may require or encourage applicants to submit additional information, such as:

• Scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
• A personal statement that describes the applicant’s unique experiences or challenges and how attending graduate school could lead to their professional growth

Depending on the MBA program, an applicant also may need to:

• Pay an application fee
• Participate in an interview

Additionally, international applicants could be required to submit items such as:

• An affidavit of support and other documentation certifying the availability of funds for the applicant
• Documentation from international education programs the applicant has attended showing U.S. - equivalent grade point averages

All of the information that an MBA program applicant submits helps the higher education institution evaluate the candidate and their preparedness for an MBA program. Therefore, it is important that they be thorough and honest in completing their documentation so that the institution can get a clear picture of their strengths and experience and can review their eligibility for MBA program admission.

Tips for Completing Your MBA Application

After learning how to apply to an MBA program, it is time to start the process. The following are a few tips for prospective students to keep in mind:

• Create a schedule. Applicants need to stay focused on the process by becoming familiar with all due dates and drafting a schedule to ensure they meet them.
• Take the necessary time. The application process should not be rushed. Instead, applicants should set aside time for self-reflection so that they can craft a strong resume, personal statement, and essay that reflects their long-term goals, passions, and the genuine reasons they want to earn an MBA.
• Focus on strengths. Individuals should be sure they highlight their strengths in their application and what could make them unique among other program candidates.
• Engage with admissions staff. Applicants should contact admissions office staff with any questions or to seek guidance with the admissions process, and send notes of appreciation to staff members who assist them.
• Prepare for the interview. If an interview is required, individuals need to prepare by becoming familiar with the specifics of the MBA program, be ready to answer questions regarding their desire to attend graduate school, and develop a set of questions to ask.
• Get a second opinion. Applicants should ask another person to review the components of their application before they submit them to ensure they are well written and contain no errors.

What Sets Tulane’s MBA Programs Apart?

Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business offers several types of MBA programs, each of which provides students with a relevant and industry-driven business education. Students in these programs gain invaluable expertise that prepares them for career advancement and leadership roles in a wide range of business pursuits.

Full-Time MBA Program

Designed for students who can attend graduate school in person and on a full-time basis, the 21-month Full-Time MBA program provides hands-on, experiential learning. Students in the program can pursue a concentration in business analytics, finance, strategy and marketing, or sustainability.

Executive MBA Program

The Executive MBA program is designed for senior and midlevel executives who want to build their leadership skills while continuing to work. With weekend classes twice a month and two week-long sessions, the 17-month program offers concentrations in finance and management.

Professional MBA Program

Students who want to attend on a part-time basis can enroll in the Professional MBA program, attend classes in the evening, and continue working. The 33-month program enables students to pursue a concentration in analytics, energy, finance, marketing, or strategic management and innovation.

Online MBA Program

Offering the flexibility of online learning and on-demand coursework, the Online MBA program enables students to earn an MBA in two to four years. Students in this program can pursue a concentration in business analytics, finance, or marketing. While it is offered online, this program still enables students to learn in a collaborative atmosphere and to engage with fellow students and faculty.

Dual MBA Programs

Individuals who aspire to earn dual degrees can apply to one of Tulane University’s dual MBA programs:

• MBA/Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science
• MBA/Medical Doctor
• MBA/Master of Management in Energy
• MBA/Master of Health Administration

Apply to an MBA Program, and Gain Business Expertise

By deciding to apply to an MBA program, you are making the decision to invest in your future and acquire expertise you can use in leadership roles in business. The knowledge and skills you can gain in an MBA program can help you progress on the path to career advancement.

If you are interested in earning an MBA, explore the MBA programs that Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business offers to learn how one of those programs can help you reach your career goals. With an MBA program to match the unique needs of almost any student, the Freeman School of Business provides students with expertise that can help them stand out in today’s competitive job market.

Start working to achieve your career ambitions today.

Sources:

• ETS, “10 Tips for Applying to Grad School”
• ETS, “20 Questions About Applying to Grad School Answered”
• Forbes, “6 Highest-Paying Master’s Degrees to Pursue in 2025”
• Idealist, “Tips for Finishing a Grad School Application”
• SoFi, “Applying for Graduate School: Tips for Success”