The traditional pathway to getting a Masters in Business Administration has changed over time, and applying to top US MBA programs as a college student has become an increasingly popular option.
Many schools offer a deferred or early admission program for talented college seniors.
And it’s not just an option for business majors–MBA programs want diverse classes in terms of academic focus and student demographics.
MBA graduates make high starting salaries at consulting firms, banks, private equity shops, tech giants, consumer packaged goods companies, retailers and tech start-ups.
The MBA is a very flexible degree, allowing graduates to change jobs and industries over time. And MBAs are increasingly staffed even in the non-profit world, sports leagues, and government agencies.
Working after college at a demanding job, you may find it hard to dedicate time to studying for the GMAT or GRE. And the application essays and other requirements will consume much of your free time.
One of the goals Harvard Business School has with their famous 2+2 program is to attract non-business majors. Computer science engineers, biomedical engineers, math majors and liberal arts types are all welcome.
Develop a testing timeline early on in college. Start planning your MBA application sophomore year of college. Aim to take your standardized testing by junior year or summer before senior year.