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How to Strengthen Your Online MBA Application

August 2, 2024

From advancing your career to increasing your salary potential and job mobility, an MBA offers undeniable benefits. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), more than 85% of graduates say their investment in business education yielded a positive return. U.S. employers expect demand for MBA grads to stay consistent through 2028 and 37% anticipate an increase in hiring demand. MBA graduates’ futures look bright. 

Enrolling in an MBA program like the Online Master of Business Administration at Stevens Institute of Technology can prepare you to meet the steady demand for MBA grads in as little as two years. However, MBA programs typically maintain a selective admissions process. To increase your chances of admission, you must submit a robust application that outlines your strengths and experience. This article guides you in creating a competitive application for the Stevens Online MBA program.

Get to Know the Stevens Online MBA 

The Online Master of Business Administration at Stevens equips students with analytical skills and emotional intelligence, focusing on the advanced technologies driving business innovation. Students can customize their education by choosing from one of seven in-demand concentrations to develop specialized expertise. Or, they may take a multi-disciplinary approach by selecting elective courses across the concentrations.

Industry-leading faculty teach the flexible part-time program using Stevens’ award-winning online platform. Students enhance their creativity and critical thinking skills and collaborate with their peers through group projects and presentations. Two on-site immersions with industry leaders in New York City augment the coursework, providing experiential learning and professional networking opportunities.

An MBA opens doors to leadership roles across industries and offers opportunities for diverse career tracks. Stevens alumni have secured jobs with prominent employers, including Microsoft, American Express, Cisco, and Verizon.

Assess Your Qualifications for an Online MBA Program

While MBA programs attract a variety of candidates, students typically demonstrate these attributes:

  • Motivation and ambition
  • Strong academic background
  • Professional experience
  • Desire to enhance skills and advance their career
  • Aim to make a significant impact in the business world

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The admissions committee values professional experience and may consider students with lower GPAs but extensive work experience. 

You will need to submit the following application materials for the Stevens Online MBA:

  • Online application
  • Academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended 
  • Professional resume that emphasizes your experience and aspirations
  • Letters of recommendation

The program does not require standardized test scores.

Look for opportunities to feature your academic achievements, leadership experience, and extracurricular involvement. Review your record for successes you can include — such as an above-average GPA or awards you’ve received — that demonstrate your dedication and capability. Emphasize professional roles or specific projects that showcase your leadership abilities and organizational contributions. Include extracurricular activities and internships that illustrate your character and ability to balance multiple responsibilities.

By emphasizing your academic success, professional experience, and extracurricular engagements, your application will showcase your unique strengths and readiness for an MBA program.

Explore the Application Requirements 

After covering your academic and professional experience, you can further strengthen your application with a compelling personal statement and strong letters of recommendation.

A personal statement allows you to tell your story and explain why your qualities, skills, experience, and aspirations make you a good fit for the Stevens Online MBA. To write a personal statement that stands out, consider these tips:

  1. Preparation: Think about what makes your life story compelling or unique and the events or people that have influenced you. Consider what sparked your interest in business and your desire to seek an MBA.
  2. Engagement: Grab the reader’s attention with a compelling introduction. Include specific details and anecdotes to keep the reader engaged.
  3. Demonstrated fit: Include relevant academic achievements and professional experiences that show you are a good fit for the program and clarify why you want to pursue the Stevens Online MBA and how it aligns with your career goals.
  4. Editing: Carefully check for errors, seek feedback from others and make revisions to improve clarity and impact.
  5. Conciseness: Don’t pad your essay! Get to the point using clear, precise, direct language. 

Letters of recommendation play an essential role in your graduate school application. A strong Stevens Online MBA application includes letters from a current supervisor and a former supervisor or previous employer attesting to your leadership potential and professional performance. To secure impactful recommendations:

  1. Choose individuals who can speak to your strengths and fit for the program.
  2. Provide your recommenders with ample time and clear submission instructions.
  3. Share your resume, accomplishments, relevant experience, and extracurricular activities with your recommenders.

Gain Individualized MBA Application Guidance 

Enrollment advisors (EAs) guide prospective students through their program research. EAs provide insights into the program’s requirements, explain the online student experience, and answer your questions. They offer one-on-one support, helping you assess your academic and professional history and career aspirations to determine whether the program aligns with your goals. 

Enrollment advisors also support you through the application process. They understand the qualities sought by the admissions board and can help you tailor your application to highlight your strengths. They can create an application timeline to ensure you meet deadlines and submit all necessary documents. Many Stevens Online MBA candidates have successfully gained admission by utilizing this personalized support.

Start Your Application with Confidence 

An Online MBA from Stevens can provide a competitive edge by developing in-demand skills and focusing on the technology that drives business. If you’re interested in applying, schedule a one-on-one application walkthrough with an enrollment advisor. They will guide you and provide assistance every step of the way.