Taking a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is the best way to increase you competitiveness as you go up the corporate ladder. It does not just give you better chances to advance your career, but it will surely enhance your knowledge and expertise on the field as well. However, you may hear from an MBA degree holder that pursuing the degree is not an easy task. And while there may not be an effective or at least a sure way to really see who among the applicants are the best, most MBA schools just stick to the traditional way of selecting among students who usually have equal qualifications--the admission requirements.

Admission requirements for the MBA degree

The primary requirement for admission is passing the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). This is a standardized test in mathematics and English that will generally gauge the ability and skill of the prospective students in these fields. Another important requirement is the transcript of records of the prospective student along with the personal statement for MBA is another very imporatnt requirement. Not all MBA schools require work experience, but it does help boost the chances for admission. The personal interview, which is one of the last important steps into the admission process, may come after all the other requirements had been assessed. This means that the applicant is seen fit for the MBA program.

Choosing your MBA school

It is common knowledge that most schools that offer MBA programs follow the almost the same requirements. Therefore, it is vital that prior to setting up any goals, you should pick at least three desired schools so you can make a time frame and a concrete plan based on their admission requirements. You should choose a school that would be suitable to your personality, location, and other important preferences.

Based on the 2008 Best MBA Program ranking by Business Week, here are some of the best schools that you include your list:

Darden Graduate School of Business

This business school is part of the University of Virginia. Its MBA program is ranked 16th on BusinessWeek’s Best MBA Program list of 2008. It is considered as one of the most recommended business schools in the United States. You can apply by filling in the online application form on its official website.

Kenan-Flagler Business School

This school ranked 17th on the 2008 Best MBA Program of BusinessWeek. It is the business school of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Its programs include undergraduate and graduate business and management courses, including its renowned MBA program, of course.

Cox School of Business

Part of the Southern Methodist University, it is 19th on the Best MBA Program list of BusinessWeek. It is considered as one of the best business schools in the world by no less than the Wall Street Journal, the BusinessWeek magazine, and other major business publications.

Getting admitted into the MBA programs of top schools such as Darden, Kenan-Flagler, or Cox is not an easy process. Your academic records may not be enough. You should possess the skills and characteristics that will deem you personally suited for the program. Your personal statement for MBA will then give you the chance to show the admissions committee that you are fit for the program, in your own unique and personal way.