Considering graduate school?

We are… here to help. See the resources below to get started.

Every university and program is unique, just like every graduate student. In addition to the checklist below, some programs may require supplemental materials such as work or project samples, a portfolio, or English Proficiency Test Results (for international students).

  • Online Application

Many top ranked business schools use a centralized university application portal for all their graduate programs. Even if you are applying to two programs within the same university, for example the residential MBA program and the EMBA program, it is important to determine whether the university requires a direct application for each program.

  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

As part of the application, candidates will be asked to submit a resume or CV. A resume is typically limited to one page and provides a tailored summary of your qualifications for graduate business school.

A CV is often multiple pages with no page limit and is typically used when applying for academic, research, education, and scientific positions.

  • Essay

Graduate business admissions essays are a critical component of the application process. To save time and effort, applicants are often inclined to use the same essay for all programs for which they are applying. A slightly modified “stock” essay becomes obvious to admissions committee readers, especially when not all prompts are addressed, are not answered in sequential order, or do not align with the graduate program’s strengths and values. While it takes more reflection and time, it is best to answer the essay prompts, in relation to the program, and explain your sincere interest as an applicant. Because plagiarism detection software is used by some programs, your essay should reflect your individual motivation and goals. Be sure to cite sources!

  • Letters of Recommendation

Requiring two to three letters of recommendation is common for most graduate business program applications. To assess your professional work experience, industry knowledge, and program fit, admissions committee members often prefer letters of recommendation from supervisors rather than professors. Be sure to provide recommenders with sufficient lead time when requesting a recommendation letter. To write a strong letter of support for your candidacy, recommenders will need time to review the graduate program and consider your relevant strengths and achievements. Providing a copy of your resume and essay will help your letter writers align their recommendation with your professional career goals.

  • GMAT or GRE

Not all graduate business programs require a GMAT or GRE score. For programs requiring the GMAT or GRE exam, some of the most competitive programs do not require a minimum score. Instead, they offer average exam scores which are often used for rankings.

If you intend to attend graduate school within a few years after graduating with your bachelor’s degree, consider taking the GMAT or GRE while you are still in “test taking” mode as a student. Business schools consider your GMAT or GRE score valid for five years.

Take time to understand test formats and reporting. For the GMAT, you must send your free score report to (up to five) schools within 48 hours of your official score being made available on mba.com. For the GRE, you may select up to four schools to send your results to at the end of the exam on your test day. Additional score reports for the GMAT and GRE cost $35.

  • Application Fee

Application fees range from $50 to $300 per application (Griffith, 2023). Fee waivers might be available if you attend a recruitment event, work through a partnership program or alumni connection, are part of an underrepresented group, or demonstrate need. Be prepared to submit documentation if you would like to be considered for an application fee waiver.

  • Transcripts

Most graduate applications allow you to upload unofficial transcripts for all prior credit bearing academic work. Once you are admitted or matriculate, you are usually required to submit official transcripts. Official transcripts are housed and sent by a registrar’s office. You will need to contact your baccalaureate college/university and complete a form to pay for and authorize the release of your transcripts. You will need to provide the recipient’s delivery method which is normally electronic and outlined as part of the graduate application.

  • Interviews

Some programs require interviews in-person or by video while others make interviewing optional. Be prepared for video interviews and an increasing use of AI. Take advantage of mock interviews with career coaches to help prepare. Dress the part of a business professional and wear a suit to make the best first impression.

Applying to graduate programs is a time commitment and requires research and a thoughtful approach. Financial costs may include application fees, exam fees, study preparation materials or courses, possible travel expenses for interviews, transcript fees, and a deposit. When you make a match that works for you and your long-term career goals, the price is worth it

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GMAT Preparation

The GMAT includes four sections:

  • Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): 1 essay (30 minutes)
  • Integrated Reasoning (IR): 12 questions (30 minutes)
  • Quantitative Reasoning: 31 questions (62 minutes)
  • Verbal Reasoning: 36 questions (65 minutes)

Popular GMAT Test Prep Resources

GMAT Official Prep Store provides a range of prep materials such as free practice tests, practice questions for each of the four sections, and study collection bundles.

GMAT Club offers free GMAT material and a free profile evaluation along with an interactive MBA community for applicants to exchange information and build their network.

Magoosh boasts GMAT test prep at a fraction of the cost of their competitors with practice questions and tests, video lessons, and MBA admissions support.

Manhattan Prep offers a free trial class and advertises “Trust #1 Rated GMAT Prep.” Test takers can select from an assortment of packages and choose to “study now, pay later.”

Princeton Review offers a comprehensive set of study materials and various learning formats such as live classes, self-paced online courses, and private tutoring.

Target Test Prep provides one-on-one tutoring and a free consultation.

For more information see the How to Prepare for the GMAT: Test Prep Resources blog post here.

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GRE Resources

The GRE includes three sections:

  • Verbal Reasoning: Reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. (2 sections, 18 questions each, 18 minutes per section)
  • Quantitative Reasoning: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. (2 sections, 18 questions each, 21 minutes per section)
  • Analytical Writing: Analyze an issue and analyze an argument. (30 minutes)

The exam takes about two hours total to complete.

Popular GRE Test Prep Resources

ETS (Official GRE Prep) offers free and low-cost tools to prepare for the GRE.

Kaplan advertises the most realistic GRE practice.

Khan Academy is an excellent resource for practicing math problems.

Magoosh provides practice questions and tests and video lessons at a low cost.

Manhattan Prep select from an assortment of packages and choose to “study now, pay later.”

PrepScholar offers adaptive learning plans and personalized coaching.

Princeton Review presents a comprehensive set of study materials and formats such as live classes, self-paced online courses, and private tutoring.

Target Test Prep focuses on GRE quantitative preparation.

Many top ranked business schools use a centralized university application portal for all their graduate programs. Even if you are applying to two programs within the same university, for example the residential MBA program and the EMBA program, it is important to determine whether the university requires a direct application for each program.

For more information see the How to Prepare for the GRE: Test Prep Resources blog post here.

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LSAT Resources

The LSAT includes four sections:

  • Logical Reasoning – Tests your ability to evaluate, analyze, and break down arguments (35 minutes).
  • Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games) – Tests deductive reasoning skills through structured puzzles (35 minutes).
  • Reading Comprehension – Tests your ability to understand and analyze complex passages (35 minutes).
  • Experimental Section – An unscored extra section used to test new questions (35 minutes).
  • The Writing Sample is separate from the main test. While it is not scored, it is sent to law schools (35 minutes).

The exam takes about three hours (which does not include 10 minutes breaks and the writing sample).

Popular LSAT Test Prep Resources

LSAC (Official LSAT Prep) – provides registration dates, products and services for the law school admission process, and a Law School Job Board.

Blueprint LSAT – live classes, online courses, and tutoring.

Kaplan – offers personalized courses to help increase your score.

Khan Academy – an excellent resource for practicing critical thinking skills.

Lawhub – offers free practice tests.

Manhattan Prep – an assortment of self-paced online courses.

Princeton Review – offers a comprehensive set of study materials and various learning formats such as live classes, self-paced online courses, and private tutoring.

7sage – free logic games and drills, full-length courses, and a test question database.

Visit Penn State University Libraries for more information about Test Prep Resources for common standardized tests.