MBA Insider's Blog

Warm Wishes for 2023!

As 2022 is drawing to a close, we are filled with hope that 2023 will be a good year for all. Thank you for getting to know us this year and for sharing your stories and Anderson spirit in person, online, and in your applications. And a special congratulations to our recently admitted Round 1 students!

Please note that the MBA Admissions and Financial Aid Office will be closed during the University closure December 23, 2022 through January 2, 2023. During this time, we will check emails sent to the MBA Admissions inbox ([email protected]) but responses may be a little delayed. Regular operations will resume on Tuesday, January 3. 

You still have the opportunity to learn more about our MBA program throughout December directly from current Anderson students by signing up for a Virtual Student Chat.

 

We wish you a wonderful and healthy holiday season and all the best in 2023!

 

-- The MBA Admissions Team

 

 

 

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UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Choosing an MBA Program

This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

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APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:

Choosing an MBA Program

With our Round 1 decision release date coming up in about two weeks, we wanted to share some advice that you may want to think through as you consider your options. Below are some recommended action items to take to help you make a decision on which MBA program is the right one for you. If you are applying in Rounds 2 or 3, hopefully this post will give you a quick look into what to expect once the applications and interviews are all done!

(1) Connect (or re-connect) with current students, alumni, and future classmates: 
Once you have been admitted into a program, it's natural that the type of questions you have will change. Share the good news with people you interacted with along the way, and take this opportunity to set up follow-up conversations to discuss your questions. At UCLA Anderson, we pair you exclusively with a student buddy and an alumni buddy once you're admitted so there will be two more additional resources for you, too! We will also add you to a Slack Workspace to start making those connections early. This is a great way to meet future classmates and decide if this is the network you want moving forward.

PRO-Tip: Using Slack and getting those conversations early is also a great way to meet potential roommates should you be making the move to Los Angeles!

(2) Save the date for admit events:
We highly recommend participating in our many events and activities we host for admitted applicants! These events are the best way to assess a school's offerings, culture and overall environment, in addition to providing the opportunity to get to know your potential future classmates. Anderson's Round One Week (AROW) and Anderson Days (A-Days for Rounds 1 and 2) feature sessions with our top-ranked Parker Career Management Center, faculty spotlights, 1-on-1 loan advising sessions, and more. 

PRO-Tip: If you cannot make it to us, we come to you. Look out for days where we'll be in your city hosting Admit Lunches & Dinners.

(3) Consult your personal "Board of Advisors":
At the end of the day, you want to attend the best program possible for you and your goals. Assemble a list of the people in your life who are your personal and professional mentors that can advise you. Don't forget your "gut feelings", too -- those intangible qualities about a school that leave you feeling more empowered, inspired, and included can make the difference between an "OK" MBA experience and a life-changing one.

PRO-Tip: LinkedIn is a great place to continue looking for people in the UCLA Anderson network. It's likely you know someone or connected to someone who does.

We also encourage you to think beyond the immediate post-MBA job. Our alumni are proud to call UCLA Anderson their home because of what our school stands for -- sharing success, thinking fearlessly and driving change - and how we live those values every day. Classmates and professors pushed each other to a new level of potential, and we are so excited that UCLA Anderson could be a part of your journey!

Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!

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Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter
Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]

UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Frequently Asked Questions

This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

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APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:

Top 10 Applicant Questions

People are generally scared to ask questions -- but chances are if you're thinking about it, so is someone else! Throughout this past recruiting season, we compiled a list of our top Frequently Asked Questions to help you on your MBA information-gathering and your application journey!

Question 1: How can a prospective student learn more about the UCLA Anderson MBA program?
UCLA Anderson offers many group information sessions, student chats, webinars, and more throughout the week so prospective students can get to know us first-hand. These events range from on-campus to off-campus in various cities, and a lot are virtual! Needless to say, there is no shortage on ways to learn more about us. Visit our Admissions Events webpage to register for events that work for your schedule. If you are signed up to receive our information emails (if not, sign up here!), we will send out information about upcoming programming and special admissions events. Please note that some of these events have capacity limits so sign up to secure your spot.  

Note: We highly encourage you to reach out to our students! Our Student Ambassadors are excited to speak with you and we've made it very easy for you to reach out through our Connect with Our Students portal. All student clubs have a designated officer to speak with prospective students (usually the VP of Admissions/Student Outreach). With our 50+ clubs, you're sure to be able to find someone with specific career goals, interests, and backgrounds. Go ahead, shoot them that email and make that connection!

Question 2: Is UCLA Anderson back to in-person instruction?
Yes, this incoming class of 2024 began their MBA in-person on August 1, 2022. UCLA Anderson is hopeful that it will remain this way throughout the academic year, but will continue to follow LA Country Public Health guidelines should there be a rise in cases to best ensure the safety of our community. 

Question 3: Is there a minimum GMAT/GRE score or GPA required for admission? 
There are no minimum test scores or GPAs required to be admitted. Many factors are considered in our holistic decision process. Admissions decisions are not made solely on the basis of grades and test scores. However, you may want to note our average and range of scores in our most recent class profile and ensure that your GPA and/or test score represents your ability. If you do not believe your score reflects your ability, we recommend that you consider retaking the test if you are able.

Note: We do not offer waivers for the GMAT/GRE exam requirement. All applicants must submit either GMAT or GRE scores (only current UCLA School of Law JD or UCLA School of Medicine MD students have the option to submit the LSAT/MCAT scores respectively in lieu of the GMAT or GRE). We recommend you take the test you feel most comfortable with, as there is currently no preference for either exam in the admissions review process.

Question 4: Do you require work experience to apply?
No, we do not have a work experience requirement to apply. However, note that in our most recent class profile that the average work experience for the incoming class is 6 years with 90% of our students have 3+ years. Given that this is a professional degree where classroom discussions and projects are enriched through drawing from prior work experience, we find that work experience is critical to the admissions review process. Additionally, you will likely find that a lot of employers have work experience requirements during the recruiting process. However, there are still those exceptions and ultimately you will need to help the admissions committee understand why the MBA is necessary for you at this point in your career. 

Question 5: Do I need to submit my official transcripts and/or official test (GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS) scores when I apply to UCLA Anderson?
No, you do not need to submit your official transcript documents or official test scores when applying. For your initial application, uploaded scanned unofficial copies of your transcripts and documents, and self-reported test scores are perfectly sufficient for the Admissions Committee to begin evaluations. If invited for an interview, you will be asked to provide office copies of your transcripts and official test scores (more specific details will be provided at that time). It is crucial that you send in these official documents to be considered for admission.

Question 6: Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS English Language exams?
We require all international applicants to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores (with exception of some countries -- please contact the MBA Admissions office to check), regardless of the language of instruction during your undergraduate studies. This is a requirement from UCLA Graduate Division, which is the authority that oversees all graduate admissions. These exams are important to show the Admissions Committee that you have sufficient English communication skills to succeed in the classroom and in our program.

Question 7:  Can I submit updates to my application after I have submitted it?
Unfortunately, we do not accept official updates to the application once it has been submitted. If you do wish to add information after your application has been submitted, it can be added to your file but there is no guarantee it will be used in the admissions review process. Updates can be sent to [email protected]. If you would like, you can request that your application will be moved to a later round for consideration if you want to ensure any updated information is included during evaluations (assuming this request gets submitted in time). 

Question 8: Do you accept transfer students or credits from other MBA programs?
No, we do not accept transfer students or credits from other MBA programs. We believe that part of the Anderson experience is developing relationships with classmates during the two years of attendance in the MBA program. You may still apply, but you would be required to begin as a first-year student. It may be possible to test out of some core courses to be replaced by MBA elective courses of your choice.

Question 9: If I earned a three-year undergraduate degree, am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, you are still eligible to apply. We do admit students with 3-year degrees but the rest of your application needs to be strong to compete against other applicants. If you would like your academic records to equate to a 4-year degree, you would need to either complete a Master’s degree or other Post Graduate Degree/Diploma.

Question 10: Can I begin the MBA program in the winter or spring?
We do not offer spring or winter admission.  All students in the Full-Time MBA program start at the same time (end of summer).

 

>> Get more answers to your questions by visiting our Admissions FAQ webpage.  Still have questions? Ask them here!

 

We hope this information was helpful!

 

Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!

 

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UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Extracurricular Activities and Leadership Development

This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

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APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:

Extracurricular Activities and Leadership Development

UCLA Anderson is a student-run campus. A lot of the programming from the prospective student phase all the way to graduation is led by our student body of roughly 700 students. We look for those who want to be leaders on campus to "drive change" and leave an impact for not just their peers, but future students. So when you apply to UCLA Anderson, your extracurricular activities and leadership roles in your undergraduate studies, workplace and/or community can help to show us how you have exhibited qualities that leave an impact. There are multiple places to share your involvement in our application, including the "Activities" section, resume, essay, and interview.

In the "Activities section, you'll only be able to list 5 activities. We limited this because the Admissions Committee is looking for the QUALITY of your involvement and leadership roles, NOT quantity. We look to your prior involvement since we believe your past is a good indicator for how involved you will be during your time at UCLA Anderson. Did you know that our 50+ student clubs and leaders help to host over 400 events every year? Recruiters and employers also see your past leadership experiences and involvement at UCLA Anderson as signs of your future leadership interest and potential in their organizations. You can also take on these leadership role during your 1st-Year!

You may have been involved in activities you've since forgotten or have had varying levels of involvement in depending on other events in your life. Here are some examples to hopefully remind you of your involvement and even potentially inspire you to get involved again...it's never too late to start! -- 

University/College Activities

• Leadership roles in a campus club and non-profit organization
• Writer or Editor of a campus publication
• College athletics: Team captain? Most Valuable Player? Operations manager?
• Orientation leader or campus tour guide
• Volunteering
• Fraternity/Sorority involvement and leadership
• Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)
• Case competitions 
• Tutoring, mentoring and other community service

Post-University Activities

• Involvement/role in non-profits or professional organizations
• Leadership role in an alumni association or undergrad interviewing
• Workplace engagement teams and employee resource groups
• Volunteer team leader
• Public speaking or teaching roles
• Active role in political organizations or local campaigns
• Founder of a non-profit or community event

You may be asking why are your university and post-university activities are of relevance and of interest to the Admissions Committee?  If you think about it, these past experiences mirror the MBA program to some degree in that you will be be balancing many different priorities -- including career, social, and academics. In fact, the average UCLA Anderson student is involved with 8 different clubs while holding leadership roles in 3!

Your past involvement gives us some indicator of your ability to contribute to your community while succeeding in these other areas at the same time. That said, if you didn't have time in the past or could not balance these activities successfully, let us know how you have grown professionally and personally to be able to manage effectively as an MBA student. In the end, we value all contributions, big and small, that our students make to create the amazing environment and culture that we have on campus!

Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!

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Stay in Touch: Stay Connected
Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter
Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]

Return on Investment = ROI on the MBA

 

Potential students looking at the MBA degree are totally justified in asking, "What's in it for me?" Part of the reward comes quickly in salary jumps (and usually signing bonuses) after graduation. On average our students see an 85% increase in salary between their pre-MBA and post-MBA compensation. That's just the start of their lifelong trajectory of higher income.

The greatest value of the UCLA Anderson MBA comes from access to our network. Year after year we bring in classes full of amazing people representing the globe and diverse backgrounds and interests, so everyone can learn from each other in the friendly warm melting pot here. Our latest brochure shows the general range of students we invite to join us annually.

Enhanced job opportunities are just the start of personal growth here for our MBA students. Leadership skills and social activism flourish in our supportive community. Combined with intense academic learning and career coaching, the experience makes our students "masters of their own destiny" as they say. This spirit is what turns many Anderson alumni into successful entrepreneurs later in their careers as they create options for income and impact.  

Anderson access extends beyond the UCLA campus even for students, as our program empowers them to also get practical experience with internships here in one of the world's great cities. Then with boosted resumes they get post-MBA jobs all over the US and abroad as they spread our helpful contacts around the planet.

The four letters UCLA are a global brand, but our Anderson MBA alumni in particular have a tight network that believes in sharing success by helping each other and current students too.

Check out our latest employment report to see the fascinating variety of places where our alumni go, and visit our career pages to see the paths through UCLA Anderson that get them there.

It all starts with an application to come join our community, so please explore more, ask questions, and learn why you are worth the investment in a UCLA Anderson MBA!

UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Career Pathing

This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

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APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:

CAREER PATHING

Career advancement is the the driver for all applicants pursing an MBA. Whether you're looking to make an industry and/or functional pivot, or just looking to advance in your current company, you need to take the time to create a road map for yourself as you think about pursuing the MBA, what you hope to gain, as well as when is the right time for you to begin a program. To answer these three questions, we like to use a framework called "career pathing" to chart a course for your career development.

Step 1: Consider your past and present work experience -- what have you accomplished, what skills have you gained, what do you like most about your experiences, and what do you like least. Reflecting on your career to date will provide you with insight into what inspires you, your areas of strength as well as opportunities for growth. This information can inform your decision to pursue an MBA and potentially set the foundation for your post-MBA career goals.

Step 2: Think about the type of career that you hope to have post-MBA. Do you want to start your post-MBA career as a management consultant gain exposure to multiple industries before exiting into an in-house strategy role? Or do you want to become a senior product manager in a large technology firm with a long term goal to become a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)? Maybe you even just want to pursue your own entrepreneurial goals. The MBA is truly a flexible degree that can be applicable to almost any profession. However, it’s important to be specific and narrow down the function and industry that you would be interested in pursuing so that you can maximize your time and the resources offered by an MBA program. 

Step 3: Once you’ve taken a thorough look at your pre-MBA work experience and thought through your post-MBA goals, you can then focus on how to use your time in an MBA program. The many opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom at UCLA Anderson MBA will ultimately to allow you to explore interests both professionally and personally. This includes (1) networking building to get to know your classmates and our alumni network (2) leadership experience through club Board positions, (3) interest development through involvement in the interest clubs and case competitions, (4) socializing via our many interest clubs, all of which to support your career development.

An MBA will help you bridge the gap between where you currently are in your career and where you want to be in the future. You want to understand your motivations for pursuing an MBA, your current skillsets, and areas of development, so that you can pinpoint what resources you will need for your continued development and ultimately decide which MBA programs you are targeting. Creating an outline with this information will not only help you understand the impact that an MBA can have on your life and career, but it will also make it easier for you to write compelling MBA essays and support your MBA plan throughout the application process.

Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!

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Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter
Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]

UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Reapplying to UCLA Anderson

This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

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APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:

Reapplying to UCLA Anderson

With only 330 seats available for our in-coming class, admissions to UCLA Anderson can be competitive. Though we have many qualified candidates, we cannot admit everyone (even though we would love to!). Sometimes applicants are not admitted because we just don’t have room to admit all the aforementioned qualified candidates and other times, applicants miss their shot by a small margin for issues that could easily be addressed through some self-reflection or additional preparation. At UCLA Anderson, we love our re-applicants and we often see them succeeding the following admissions cycle.

The good news is that if you choose to re-apply, you already understand the process and are at an advantage! Though the applicant pool changes each year, you have the benefit of additional time and insights to present a stronger application. As a reapplicant, you start with a clean slate as we do not reference your previous application when re-evaluating your profile. 

We have streamlined the reapplication process to help those who submitted their full-time MBA application within the previous two years (note that if you applied earlier than the previous two years, you would be considered a "new" applicant and should follow the new applicant guidelines). The streamlined process means that you will only need to submit one new recommendation and you are not required to write a new essay. Instead, we give you the opportunity in your reapplication to highlight what has changed since you last applied across different categories – Test Scores, Academics, Professional/Employment, Extracurriculars, and "Other". These sections are a great place to show the Admissions Committee that you have taken additional time to strengthen your candidacy and direct their attention to your achievements and improvements.

• Here are some specific examples of what you could choose to highlight:
• Test Scores: Many of our re-applicants use the additional time to re-take the GMAT/GRE to help improve their candidacy. The higher the score, the better, but look at our class profile GMAT averages and 80% range to help you evaluate whether or not you should take the test again -- also remember that we admit individuals below (and above) these averages every year. Ultimately, if you believe you can do better on the exam, you may want to consider re-taking it if you believe it will improve your candidacy and is worth your time, energy, and money. We've also seen re-applicants take a different a different exam (e.g. the GRE if the GMAT was taken previously) as it was a better exam for them. 
• Academics: If you feel your academic performance was sub-par and/or that you didn't demonstrate your ability to handle quantitative work, you may want to consider taking additional courses though community college, extension, or other third party programs. This won't change your undergraduate GPA, but additional coursework may help demonstrate your ability to handle the academic rigor of our program. 
• Professional & Extracurricular Experiences: In the time since your prior application, you should have had sufficient time to build upon your professional experiences (i.e., new skillsets, accomplishments, projects, promotions, etc.) and extracurricular activities (i.e., new leadership opportunities, volunteering, etc.). Make sure to highlight these in your re-application.
• Self-Reflection & Research: There are times when an applicant has all the exam, GPA, and career metrics, but it's the softer aspects of the application that determined an unfavorable outcome. It's important that if this is the case, you take the time to think about what you communicated in your previous application and ask yourself some of these questions: Have my post-MBA goals changed or become more specific? Did I demonstrate why now is the right time in my career path to get an MBA? Do I have a better understanding of what UCLA Anderson's program has to offer me and how I can contribute? Your re-application will be a fresh start for you, meaning it is definitely OK to share your new goals if you feel they have changed. 

Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!

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Stay in Touch: Stay Connected
Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter
Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]

UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Resumé and Work Experience

This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

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APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:

RESUME & WORK EXPERIENCE

How you craft your resumé and your pre-MBA work experience will be instrumental to your application. Understanding that 85% of our graduates pivot industry and/or function post-MBA, we want to be sure that you will be successful in meeting your professional goals. Remember that you are not applying for your next job or promotion within your same industry, so your resumé should read like highlights that will signal your post-MBA potential. Be sure to think about career progression, career impact, and transferable skills. Below are some items to consider when sharing with us your work history:

• Your resumé visually conveys a sense of professionalism, clarity and structure. The standard business formatting is best. Don’t try to surprise your reader with very cutting edge or innovative formats, (e.g. no colorful blocks or photographs).
• Check your use of white space, spelling and avoid redundancy and repetition of information.
• Reverse chronological resumés are the most common for a reason. They are simple to read and they tend to be the most clear and concise.
• Your resumé should work like your personal sales rep. It needs to showcase your value and your potential, highlighting expertise, accomplishments and transferable skills.
• Use the S-T-A-R framework to convey your accomplishments, leadership and progression:
  • SITUATION ― mention the challenge/obstacle you had to overcome
  • TASK ― describe the purpose and task at hand
  • ACTION ― list the concrete actions you took and the skills it required to solve the issue.
  • RESULTS ― summarize the outcome in a quantifiable manner to show your direct impact.
• Don’t forget to include newly received responsibilities or promotions so we are current with your most recent accomplishments.
• Make sure to include some quantifiable or measurable descriptions to help us put things into context (sales, volumes, growth rates, percentages of improvement or cost reductions, etc.)
• Your extracurricular involvement and leadership can help round out your professional profile and can signal how likely you are of being involved in the future. Make sure to list your most meaningful undergraduate and post-grad involvement in the relevant section of your resumé (You can include the name of the organization, your position or role and dates of involvement).
• Remember to be strategic about the information that you choose to share with the committee on your resumé. Everything you are listing should be with the express purpose of supporting your application and how you would like to be perceived.
• Try not to use industry-specific jargon. You want your reader -- regardless of their background -- to understand what you have done. 
• And once again, because it is that important: Don’t neglect the basics. Proofread and avoid careless typos or grammar mistakes.

Consider using the "Optional Essay" should you have one of these two instances in your work experience: 

• If there are big gaps of employment, you should probably think about explaining them in the appropriate essay available in the application.
• If your resumé shows multiple job hoping after very short stints, you may also want to address this to avoid confusion or incorrect assumptions.

We hope you find some value on these tried-and-tested tips. Let us know if you think we missed a good one. We would love to add them to our list

Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!

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Stay in Touch: Introduce Yourself
Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter and Instagram
Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]

UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Core Qualities

This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

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APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:

CORE QUALITIES WE LOOK FOR IN APPLICANTS

You are likely looking at a lot of different MBA options at the moment. You are probably even thinking to yourself, "all these programs seem similar, so what's the difference?" The difference is in the students and the community in which you will join. Here at UCLA Anderson, we are rooted by three pillars: Share success, think fearlessly and drive change. These three values are in the DNA of our school and is what we also look for in having prospective students join the #AnderFam. Fit is important because a big portion of the MBA experience occurs outside of the classroom. At UCLA Anderson, we value people who not only share their success but look to actively leave an impact at the school.

When crafting a story for the admissions committee on why a program like UCLA Anderson is right for you, you must address three critical points: 

1. Why MBA?
2. Why MBA Now?
   
3. Why Anderson?

To make yourself a strong candidate for UCLA Anderson, think Poker and play your “ACE” card:

• Academic Profile: Our program is rigorous, especially the 1st-Year core which happens to be very quant heavy. We want to make sure you can handle the program so we expect our students to master the business fundamentals in order to be successful in their academics and eventually, their career. Within academics, we look at a combination of your test scores and your undergraduate grades. However, those are just two (or three) data points to a story within academics. For your test scores, we will take a look at your score in each section. At UCLA Anderson, we only consider your highest overall score, so you can take the GMAT or GRE (we really have no preference) as many times until you're satisfied. For academics, we will take a deeper dive in your academic profile by determining the rigor of your undergraduate school, major, and coursework, your trends in grades, as well as other academic achievements to get a better sense of the context of your achievements.
• Contribution to Anderson: Contribution potential is vital since being an active member of the UCLA Anderson community is part of our "shared success" culture. We need students who will engage with their peers in a meaningful and impactful way during their time here and after. Our students support one another by creating opportunities and changes that benefit all. This might mean taking on leadership roles in our Anderson Student Association (ASA) and 50+ clubs or leading one of our Anderson Career Teams. The average UCLA Anderson student is a part of 8 different clubs and holds leadership roles in 3. We will assess this by looking at your prior involvement and/or leadership on-campus during your undergraduate studies, in the workplace, and/or through your community. All students need to add something special to the class, so we look for those who will bolster the diversity of voices here from different backgrounds, regions, and interest areas. To gain a good understanding of our students, the average UCLA Anderson student is a part of eight different clubs and holds leadership roles in three. 
• Employability: Accelerating your career is one of the top reasons to pursue an MBA, so how prepared are you to achieve your goals? How focused and attainable are your goals? Your resume and letters of recommendations will guide us in determining which transferable job skills will carry you to future roles, especially if you are looking to pivot function or industry. We know that your goals may change during your time here, but the admissions committee will always be looking for three things when considering employability: (1) career progression, (2) career impact, and (3) transferable skills.

Through each of these areas, we can compile a complete picture of you and how your core qualities align with our community here at UCLA Anderson in sharing success, thinking fearlessly, and driving change.

Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!

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Stay in Touch: Introduce Yourself
Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter and Instagram
Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]

UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Researching MBA Programs

This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

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APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:

Researching MBA Programs

As application deadlines are approaching, how do you narrow down the schools you are applying to? There are several ways to research MBA programs.  As someone on the other side of the process, we also reach out to prospective students like you! 

Web Resources
For many of you, your search will like begin through the web. There is no better way to learn about MBA programs than though their websites like ours. Program websites offer plenty of information regarding the admissions process, curriculum plans, student life, and career placement data. Taking a deep dive into the website will give you a better feel for what we are looking for and if the program fits your needs. UCLA Anderson has a blog in addition to other social media accounts like Twitter and Instagram for you to check to get insights on who we are. You can also complete an inquiry form to find out about events.

Campus Experience
After 2 years away, many programs are bringing back their on-campus experiences. Here at UCLA Anderson, we are excited to do the same. Coming to campus will give you a better feel for the school and allow you to imagine if this is a place you can see yourself for two years. A campus experience can vary as it's very much a "choose your own adventure" type of day. The components of a campus experience can involved a class visit, coffee chat with students, a guided campus tour, and a general information session. With each touch point, you'll be able to here from a current 1st or 2nd year student to hear varying perspectives on what it means to be a part of the #AnderFam.

Virtual Meet-Ups
For those who cannot make it on to campus, most schools will also have virtual options to learn more about their programs. At UCLA Anderson, we also have virtual campus experiences. Like our on-campus experiences, they include virtual information session or virtual chats with our students. There's also a guided video campus tour for you to check out the campus and surrounding communities. 

Networking
The last suggestion to learn more about a program is to look at your own network. You may have colleagues or friends who have gone through a program or they may know someone who has. They are usually a great resource for information and can share about their experiences.

The above recommendations are only a sample of the many different things you can do to research MBA programs.  The more research you do, the better informed you will be about which schools to apply to and ultimately where to enroll.

Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!

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