Resources & FAQs
MBA application resources
Our guides are designed specifically for QuestBridge Alumni to help you submit a strong application.
Events
View past recordings on topics ranging from resume advice to managing finances in graduate school and more.
MBA advice & support
Read profiles and connect with QuestBridge Alumni who are pursuing or have earned MBA degrees. A QuestBridge Alumni Association login is required to view the list.
Access GRE and GMAT test prep discounts exclusively for QuestBridge Alumni:
Other organizations that offer MBA applicant support:
- Applicant Lab - MBA application support at a much lower price point than most admissions consultants
- Poets&Quants - News and analysis on MBA programs
- admit.me - A tool for assessing your preparedness for MBA admissions and tips on how to strengthen your profile
Frequently asked questions
Getting started
I want to apply to the Graduate School Match: MBA. Where do I begin?
Here are some steps you can take now to start your MBA journey:
- Get to know our graduate school partners by visiting each school's website, signing up for their mailing lists, and attending admissions events.
- Schedule to take your standardized tests and make a study plan. A GRE or GMAT test score is a required part of the application.
- Think about who you want to approach to write your two required letters of recommendation.
- Reflect on why you want to get an MBA and how it fits into your career path. Be ready to convey this throughout your application.
Check out more application resources →
Standardized testing
How can I best prepare for the GMAT/GRE?
When it comes to test preparation, everyone has different needs. Some applicants find a GMAT or GRE class beneficial in helping them stay on a studying schedule. Others manage their time and prepare well without any kind of formal session. What’s most important is to have a plan and carve out dedicated study time. There are many GMAT and GRE test prep resources available at a range of costs.
Learn more in our Standardized Testing Guide →
Is there a minimum GMAT or GRE requirement?
There is no minimum acceptable GMAT or GRE score. Our graduate school partners accept students with a range of scores. Your application will be reviewed holistically; testing is only one piece. Aside from testing, you can convey your academic readiness for business school through other components of your application, such as highlighting your undergraduate coursework, pursuing additional quantitative courses, or selecting a recommender who can attest to your analytical and problem-solving skills.
Read more tips from our partner Chicago Booth →
Recommendations
Who should I select as my two recommenders?
The first recommendation should come from your current supervisor. This individual can offer first-hand knowledge of your impact in the organization. However, we understand this might not always be possible. If that’s the case, you may choose another professional contact with relevant knowledge of your strengths and weaknesses, such as a client, business partner, or prior supervisor. Just be sure to explain why you are not selecting your current supervisor in the additional information section of the application.
Your second recommendation should come from someone who can speak to recent, specific examples of your performance, contributions, and leadership potential. For both recommenders, you may want to consider how their perspective will offer new dimensions and insight into your candidacy.
Learn more in our Recommendation Guide →
Read more tips from our partner Stanford GSB →
Professional experience
How is work experience evaluated in the application? Can I apply if I have a non-business background?
Typically, business school applicants have at least two years of full-time professional work experience post-college. However, the most competitive applicants have, on average, 3-5 years of experience at the time of enrollment.
Our graduate school partners are particularly interested in the progression and milestones of your career. Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving experience, and a vision for where you would like to take your career are also important factors. Applicants can come from a wide variety of industries and backgrounds.
Read more tips from our partner Wharton →
What should I include on my resume?
Your resume should provide an overview of your professional experience, academic background, and any volunteer work, activities, or interests that help to tell your story. When describing your experiences, focus on achievements and the value you add, rather than merely reciting your general job responsibilities. In particular, you may want to highlight leadership experience, quantitative skills, and evidence of strategic thinking. Unless you have extensive work experience, your resume should be limited to one page.
Read more tips from our partner Yale SOM →
Essays and short answers
How should I approach the writing components of the QuestBridge application and school-specific supplemental materials?
The writing components present an opportunity to add depth and context to your application. Before you begin writing, it might be helpful to take a step back and think about your story, professional goals, and how they relate to your plan to pursue an MBA. Then, you can try making a list of potential ideas. It may take some time to determine which ideas to select and how to present them. Be open to drafting and redrafting. Consider asking friends or family members for feedback on your ideas and drafts. When proofreading, check for not just spelling and grammar, but also overall tone and appropriateness.
Learn more in our Writing Guide →
Graduate School Match: MBA process
How is the QuestBridge application evaluated by graduate school partners in relation to the school-specific supplemental materials?
Both your QuestBridge application and school-specific supplemental materials will be considered in the holistic review process by our graduate school partners. No one application component is given higher priority or weight over the other.
Is the MBA Match Scholarship offer binding? If I match, will I still be considered for admission and scholarship funding from other schools I ranked?
MBA Match Scholarship offers are non-binding. Applicants who match will also receive Round 1 application decisions from all schools they ranked, submitted the supplemental requirements to, and did not match with. They will also be considered for additional scholarships and financial aid from each school, based on each school’s funding policy and availability. Applicants will be able to review their admission outcomes, financial aid opportunities, and next steps from all the graduate school partners they ranked.
What happens if I don’t match?
Applicants who do not match will be considered for Round 1 admission at all the programs they ranked and submitted the supplemental requirements to. If admitted through Round 1, they will be considered for other forms of scholarships and financial aid from the schools. Applicants who are waitlisted during Round 1 may be considered for admission at a later round, based on each school’s timeline.
Can I apply to the Graduate School Match: MBA if I plan to pursue dual/joint degree programs offered by QuestBridge graduate school partners?
Applicants who are interested in pursuing a dual/joint degree program in conjunction with a full-time MBA are eligible to apply to the Graduate School Match. However, it will be at the discretion of our graduate school partner to determine the eligibility of and funding for the specific dual/joint degree program, as each program varies in length and structure. Applicants are encouraged to directly contact our graduate school partners to learn more about each school’s policy around applying to dual/joint degree programs through the Graduate School Match.
Can I apply to the Graduate School Match: MBA if I plan to pursue deferred enrollment programs offered by QuestBridge graduate school partners?
At the moment, the Graduate School Match: MBA is designed for QuestBridge Alumni to apply to attend traditional, two-year, full-time MBA programs offered by our graduate school partners. Applicants are encouraged to directly contact our graduate school partners to learn more about each school’s deferred enrollment options.
Additional questions
If you have additional questions, please reach out to us at [email protected].