Choosing an MBA Program

Applying to business school is a difficult and stressful process with the GMAT, essays, application and interviews. Now that you’ve been accepted into programs, it’s time to decide where you’ll be spending the next two years of your life.  Here are some factors to consider when making that big decision. Location While it’s true that you’ll be spending a large chunk of your time in the classroom, especially during the first year, you will need an outlet or even some time away from the school environment. You’ll get more out of your two years if you have an outlet and have a better school/life balance. Career Services Finding a job is an extremely important part of your MBA. Finding an internship or a full-time job can be made even more difficult if Career Services does not provide the support you need. Look at hiring statistics, alumni connections and resources available to you. Finances An MBA is expensive and before committing to a program, examine how much dent those two years will put in your budget. Cost of living is an important factor to consider especially when deciding in what city you’ll study. Research scholarships, average rent and overall cost of living. The more scholarship money and grants you can get, the less debt you’ll have at graduation. For more information on choosing the MBA program right for you, check out this article from Bloomberg Businessweek.   Cacilda Teixeira Forté Fellow and MBA Candidate 2015 University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler Business School)