Earning an MBA could be the ticket you need to a better job, higher pay, and leadership roles in your career. It could be the best decision when considering your job path. However, choosing a school is not an easy task and should not be taken lightly. There are many features to consider before choosing the school that is right for you. Here are the top 4 things to look for when considering an MBA school
Accreditation
This one is key. Any academic institution worth their academic salt has received some form of accreditation. A school with accreditation will ensure it is well run, organized and competent in areas of coursework and academics. Gaining accreditation is no easy task for a school, but it does give you, the potential student, some degree of confidence in the school's ability to give you a trustworthy degree.
Reputation
Think about the reputation of the MBA school that you select. Every school has a reputation; just be sure the school's reputation is the right one. You can determine a school's reputation pretty easily by doing several things. First, check out business magazines for their rankings of various business schools. Depending on the publisher or the ranking system, the levels can vary quite a bit. Take the rankings with a grain of salt, since different ranking systems may be looking for different things. Also, do some simple searches on news articles that cover the MBA school which you are considering. Scandals, financial shortcomings, dropping enrollment, and a rapid turnover in leadership are red flags. The press a school gets is very important as perception is everything. Be sure the school you earn the MBA from, which you will add to your name at the end of your degree, is recognized as a quality institution.
Entrance requirements
Usually, good schools have entrance requirements. Don't be disappointed if the ask for a certain GMAT, a college degree from an accredited institution, or a GPA above a certain level; be grateful. A good school will protect the quality of the degree by limiting the number of approved applicants. To avoid being pegged as a diploma mill or an institution of cheap and meaningless degrees, schools must set entrance requirements. It's not necessary that the school have Ivy League requirements. Simply look for a school that will not just accept anyone and everyone who applies.
Flexibility
School is important, but we all lead very busy lives. Recognizing the need for flexibility, many MBA schools are now offering online degrees. Others may offer programs requiring only minimal residence requirements. In addition to giving you a quality education, the MBA school you select should also offer a flexible education. Many MBA candidates aren't just getting a degree; they're also engaged in a high pace business career. MBA schools