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How do I Choose a Business School?

Carol Francois
Carol Francois

There are four items to consider when choosing the best business school: education level, internship programs, admissions requirements, and faculty. A business school can be part of a larger university or college, or a separate school. The best business schools are affiliated graduate level programs or have a wide assortment of job placement and internship opportunities.

Business school courses are available at the university or college levels. At the university level, programs are focused on the theory and development of business structure and organizations. There is a significant amount of reading required, and candidates are expected to write a large number of essays, review papers, and complete business case studies. This program provides the groundwork for graduate education or to go to work in the business world.

Many business schools have guest lecturers and instructors who are leaders in industry.
Many business schools have guest lecturers and instructors who are leaders in industry.

College level courses are more task-oriented, providing the skills, techniques, and training required to actually run a successful business. There are business case readings and reviews, but not as much focus on historical information as with the university program. The business programs prepare candidates to join the workforce.

Selecting the best school should be based on your own goals, achievements and skill levels. An honest review of your high school marks, level of effort and dedication is a strong indicator to help you decide which school is best for you. Select a school where you will be both challenged and successful.

The best business school should include a wide range of internship and job placement opportunities. Students should be actively encouraged to volunteer with local organizations, assist with charity drives, and other business-related activities. Only through active participation can students gain the experience and skills required to be successful in business.

In order to qualify for admission to business school, you must have high school courses in math and English. If you are looking at the best business school in the country or state, take note that the admissions standard is higher to reflect the increased demand. These schools often require students to have a combination of high marks and letters of recommendation from former instructors.

Most business schools provide the biographies of their faculty or instructors on their website. The information listed typically includes the academic credentials, work experience, special training, and any awards they have received. Review the information with care and learn more about the types of programs that the business school offers. Invest the time required to learn about the experiences and areas of expertise of your course instructions. Many schools have guest lecturers and instructors who are leaders in industry; make sure to attend these lectures to hear their stories firsthand.

Discussion Comments

cafe41

@Oasis11 -I know that some of these courses are hard but the investment is worth it because many graduates from a top business school get offered very high salaries. For example, if you went to Stanford business school or even Harvard business school you will find that many firms will court you and it is not uncommon for Harvard business school graduates to start off with a six figure salary because employers know how hard it is to get into a school like that.

In fact the business school admission for Harvard rejects about 90% of the applicants that apply.

oasis11

@Sunshine31 - I agree with you and I wanted to add that at my school our finance class was considered the eliminator course and really separated those people that had an interest in getting a business and those that had a strong desire.

A business degree is a well rounded marketable degree but some of the financial courses that you have to take can be tough. I know that there are online business schools but the only thing that I don’t like is that you have to check the accreditation of the school and you also have to make sure that you get enough support from the professor teaching the course because some of the courses are more difficult than others.

sunshine31

I think that if you are looking for undergraduate business school rankings many schools grant you acceptance to the university and after your sophomore year you can apply for acceptance to the business college.

There are prerequisites that you will have to take in your freshman and sophomore years in order to be considered. Courses like macroeconomics and microeconomics, business statistics, accounting, an introductory management and marketing course along with business calculus.

I know many people that are interested in a getting a business degree, but in order to get into a good business school program you will really have to have a strong command of those subjects.

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    • Many business schools have guest lecturers and instructors who are leaders in industry.
      By: llhedgehogll
      Many business schools have guest lecturers and instructors who are leaders in industry.