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Since the MBA was introduced to Europe in the mid-20th century, the continent’s business schools have gone from strength to strength. No fewer than 65 of the schools which feature in the QS Global 200 – the world’s top 200 business schools according to 3,300 actively hiring MBA employers – are based in the continent.
Where employers lead, MBA candidates follow. QS applicant research shows that in 2013 six European nations are considered to be potential MBA destinations by over 10% of candidates, rising to around a quarter for France and 41% for the UK – consistently second only to the US in terms of popularity.
Perhaps it is no surprise that this diverse, culturally rich and affluent continent, which can offer plentiful post-MBA employment opportunities, is such a draw for MBA candidates. But, of course this means that entry to top business schools can be extremely competitive. So, how one can get onto a top European MBA program, and how to decide which is the right program for you? Well, who better to ask than admissions officers themselves?
No ideal MBA candidate
The first thing which becomes clear when speaking with admissions staff is that there is no magic recipe for admission. A good GMAT score and credible experience are prerequisites, but beyond that, it is a more nuanced affair.
“We don’t look for one set of characteristics in a candidate,” says Oliver Ashby, senior manager of MBA recruitment & admission at London Business School. It is leadership potential, he reflects, that the school tries to identify; and acceptable prior experience can take the form of the management of processes or tasks rather than people.
Mary Granger, regional director for Asia at ESADE, feels that, despite the comparison that is often made, the process is not comparable to HR. “HR are usually looking for a perfect match for a specific job description in terms of experience and skillset. We are looking mainly for candidates who are a good fit with our methodology and values, and therefore we can accept candidates from extremely diverse backgrounds”
One thing is a necessity though, says Laura Russo, recruiting and admissions at SDA Bocconi: motivation – not just with an eye on the future, but motivation to learn and make the most of the program, the unique MBA experience, itself.
If a student can show the right level of motivation, and intelligence (both, she hastens to add, academically and in terms of personality), they can be admitted with slightly less work experience than the usual four or five years. “Very often these candidates come from developing countries. They have had to develop quicker because things are not so easy for them.”
This, she qualifies, only applies to a few students: “Recruiters prefer experience, and of course, experienced candidates can bring more to the program – the MBA is not for listeners, but for people who are able to interact. To do this with confidence, you need experience.”
Diversity in the MBA classroom
At London Business School, deliberate efforts are made to maintain to uphold diversity. “At the beginning of the year we run a model which deliberately makes our study groups as diverse as possible,” reveals Ashby. Similar efforts are made at Bocconi, which offers scholarships targeted at specific markets.
In order to contribute to highly international cohorts, both Ashby and Thuli Skosana, admissions director at Copenhagen Business School, note that some international experience – be it living or studying abroad, or working in international teams – is considered valuable by admissions staff.
But diversity doesn’t begin and end at nationality. “Though business administration and engineering profiles predominate, we also attract people from humanities and social sciences backgrounds, and physicists and doctors too,” reveals Skosana. “We have people with three and people with 15 years’ work experience in the class – it’s very good in terms of challenging theories, challenging beliefs.”
It is a similar story at London Business School: “Our MBA students range from bankers and consultants to doctors, military offers and even professional sports players.” So, once again, we can comfortingly draw from this that there is no single profile of candidate to which a top MBA is limited. Ashby sums it up neatly: “In short, you can guarantee that your study group will be nothing like you.”
Deciding if you are a good fit
So, if there is no ideal candidate, how does one decide if they are good fit for a school before going through the demanding application process?
Well, again, if you’re in the market for black and white answers, you will be disappointed. “It’s really very personal,” asserts Russo. “Students should start from their own priorities. For some candidates – particularly those who are studying locally, this is easy. For others, the process can be more difficult. We’ve seen candidates take a full three years between first showing an interest to finally getting admitted.” There is no approach which is better than any other, she believes; the only really important thing is “total research”.
This can take many forms. If you can, advises Skosana, try and actually visit the campus. “Experience a class, participate, speak to students, speak to the administration, see the campus and get a feel for what it’s like to be here so you can make an informed final decision.” If this is not possible, then you should speak to alumni, with whom the school will put you in touch. “Make sure you ask them right question; address your concerns.”
ESADE, says Granger, offers a similar service: “If [applicants can’t visit the campus], then definitely, they should speak to our students or alumni. We can put applicants in touch with folks who can share their experience and help applicants decide if we are a good fit for them.”
Telling your story
Once you’ve decided on a school, it’s on to the not inconsiderable task of applying. How can you stand out in your essay and interview? It is all, seemingly, about telling your story. “Candidates who have a clear narrative, and really understand where they have come from tend to create fantastic applications,” says Ashby – though he adds that you must keep it relevant.
Russo echoes this sentiment, and emphasizes the importance of expressing your personality: “The GMAT score is important, professional experience is important, but it’s personality which really makes the difference, being aware of your goals and motivations.” You should aim to establish a relationship with admissions staff during the application process, she says – though she emphasizes that this doesn’t mean sending them an email every other day, but putting something of yourself into your application.
It is important, says Granger, not to try to second guess admissions staff. “Candidates should try to give us a clear picture of who they really are. This means not trying to guess what the admissions committee is looking for, as this often means giving a misleading picture of the candidate.”
This can backfire, even if it works, “If they get the admission based on an inaccurate impression, there is always the chance that they are going to find themselves in a program which may not meet their needs.”
“The most common error candidates make is failing to do their homework on the school,” says Ashby. “Listing a few professors is not enough!”
Skosana echoes this: “Speak to people, and work out how the program fits in with you and your goals – our aim is to deliver a valuable experience to our students. You also need to show well thought-out reasons for doing an MBA,” she adds, “as it’s not a magic pill as some candidates think. Realistic expectations as to what you can achieve as an individual will enhance your profile.”
A little help from your friends
“A lot of the mistakes made by applicants are personal,” says Russo, “so it is worth getting a friend to check over your application – not necessarily to correct it, but to make sure that you are accurately expressing yourself.”
You should not exaggerate, she adds. “Don’t boast, but ground what you say in practical examples. You should give a well-balanced image of yourself, and have the courage to identify your weaknesses – an MBA will give you the chance to improve on these.” She and her colleagues are amused when strengths are presented as weaknesses.
She qualifies this by saying students from certain cultures – Asian ones in particular – finding balance can be more about not being shy than not exaggerating.
When it comes to interviews, Ashby emphasizes the important of basic manners, “It sounds obvious, but write a nice follow up email once your interview has finished. I often receive emails from alumni interviewers saying this sort of detail make a big difference.” He adds that you shouldn’t be nervous – the alumni interviewers want you to do well.
And that is an important thing to remember, and a good point on which to close: business schools want you. “Remember you are the most important element of any business school.
You have a massive advantage in that the business school market is hugely competitive, and with international business schools all jostling for position in the current turbulent conditions, the opportunity for you has never been greater. But, do your due diligence and be absolutely sure you’ve picked the right school for you.”
Mansoor is a contributor to and former editor of TopMBA.com. He is a higher and business education specialist, who has been published in media outlets around the world. He studied English literature at BA and MA level and has a background in consumer journalism.
How to Get Admitted to a Top European MBA Program
By Pavel Kantorek
Updated May 27, 2019 Updated May 27, 2019Since the MBA was introduced to Europe in the mid-20th century, the continent’s business schools have gone from strength to strength. No fewer than 65 of the schools which feature in the QS Global 200 – the world’s top 200 business schools according to 3,300 actively hiring MBA employers – are based in the continent.
Where employers lead, MBA candidates follow. QS applicant research shows that in 2013 six European nations are considered to be potential MBA destinations by over 10% of candidates, rising to around a quarter for France and 41% for the UK – consistently second only to the US in terms of popularity.
Perhaps it is no surprise that this diverse, culturally rich and affluent continent, which can offer plentiful post-MBA employment opportunities, is such a draw for MBA candidates. But, of course this means that entry to top business schools can be extremely competitive. So, how one can get onto a top European MBA program, and how to decide which is the right program for you? Well, who better to ask than admissions officers themselves?
No ideal MBA candidate
The first thing which becomes clear when speaking with admissions staff is that there is no magic recipe for admission. A good GMAT score and credible experience are prerequisites, but beyond that, it is a more nuanced affair.
“We don’t look for one set of characteristics in a candidate,” says Oliver Ashby, senior manager of MBA recruitment & admission at London Business School. It is leadership potential, he reflects, that the school tries to identify; and acceptable prior experience can take the form of the management of processes or tasks rather than people.
Mary Granger, regional director for Asia at ESADE, feels that, despite the comparison that is often made, the process is not comparable to HR. “HR are usually looking for a perfect match for a specific job description in terms of experience and skillset. We are looking mainly for candidates who are a good fit with our methodology and values, and therefore we can accept candidates from extremely diverse backgrounds”
One thing is a necessity though, says Laura Russo, recruiting and admissions at SDA Bocconi: motivation – not just with an eye on the future, but motivation to learn and make the most of the program, the unique MBA experience, itself.
If a student can show the right level of motivation, and intelligence (both, she hastens to add, academically and in terms of personality), they can be admitted with slightly less work experience than the usual four or five years. “Very often these candidates come from developing countries. They have had to develop quicker because things are not so easy for them.”
This, she qualifies, only applies to a few students: “Recruiters prefer experience, and of course, experienced candidates can bring more to the program – the MBA is not for listeners, but for people who are able to interact. To do this with confidence, you need experience.”
Diversity in the MBA classroom
At London Business School, deliberate efforts are made to maintain to uphold diversity. “At the beginning of the year we run a model which deliberately makes our study groups as diverse as possible,” reveals Ashby. Similar efforts are made at Bocconi, which offers scholarships targeted at specific markets.
In order to contribute to highly international cohorts, both Ashby and Thuli Skosana, admissions director at Copenhagen Business School, note that some international experience – be it living or studying abroad, or working in international teams – is considered valuable by admissions staff.
But diversity doesn’t begin and end at nationality. “Though business administration and engineering profiles predominate, we also attract people from humanities and social sciences backgrounds, and physicists and doctors too,” reveals Skosana. “We have people with three and people with 15 years’ work experience in the class – it’s very good in terms of challenging theories, challenging beliefs.”
It is a similar story at London Business School: “Our MBA students range from bankers and consultants to doctors, military offers and even professional sports players.” So, once again, we can comfortingly draw from this that there is no single profile of candidate to which a top MBA is limited. Ashby sums it up neatly: “In short, you can guarantee that your study group will be nothing like you.”
Deciding if you are a good fit
So, if there is no ideal candidate, how does one decide if they are good fit for a school before going through the demanding application process?
Well, again, if you’re in the market for black and white answers, you will be disappointed. “It’s really very personal,” asserts Russo. “Students should start from their own priorities. For some candidates – particularly those who are studying locally, this is easy. For others, the process can be more difficult. We’ve seen candidates take a full three years between first showing an interest to finally getting admitted.” There is no approach which is better than any other, she believes; the only really important thing is “total research”.
This can take many forms. If you can, advises Skosana, try and actually visit the campus. “Experience a class, participate, speak to students, speak to the administration, see the campus and get a feel for what it’s like to be here so you can make an informed final decision.” If this is not possible, then you should speak to alumni, with whom the school will put you in touch. “Make sure you ask them right question; address your concerns.”
ESADE, says Granger, offers a similar service: “If [applicants can’t visit the campus], then definitely, they should speak to our students or alumni. We can put applicants in touch with folks who can share their experience and help applicants decide if we are a good fit for them.”
Telling your story
Once you’ve decided on a school, it’s on to the not inconsiderable task of applying. How can you stand out in your essay and interview? It is all, seemingly, about telling your story.
“Candidates who have a clear narrative, and really understand where they have come from tend to create fantastic applications,” says Ashby – though he adds that you must keep it relevant.
Russo echoes this sentiment, and emphasizes the importance of expressing your personality: “The GMAT score is important, professional experience is important, but it’s personality which really makes the difference, being aware of your goals and motivations.” You should aim to establish a relationship with admissions staff during the application process, she says – though she emphasizes that this doesn’t mean sending them an email every other day, but putting something of yourself into your application.
It is important, says Granger, not to try to second guess admissions staff. “Candidates should try to give us a clear picture of who they really are. This means not trying to guess what the admissions committee is looking for, as this often means giving a misleading picture of the candidate.”
This can backfire, even if it works, “If they get the admission based on an inaccurate impression, there is always the chance that they are going to find themselves in a program which may not meet their needs.”
“The most common error candidates make is failing to do their homework on the school,” says Ashby. “Listing a few professors is not enough!”
Skosana echoes this: “Speak to people, and work out how the program fits in with you and your goals – our aim is to deliver a valuable experience to our students. You also need to show well thought-out reasons for doing an MBA,” she adds, “as it’s not a magic pill as some candidates think. Realistic expectations as to what you can achieve as an individual will enhance your profile.”
A little help from your friends
“A lot of the mistakes made by applicants are personal,” says Russo, “so it is worth getting a friend to check over your application – not necessarily to correct it, but to make sure that you are accurately expressing yourself.”
You should not exaggerate, she adds. “Don’t boast, but ground what you say in practical examples. You should give a well-balanced image of yourself, and have the courage to identify your weaknesses – an MBA will give you the chance to improve on these.” She and her colleagues are amused when strengths are presented as weaknesses.
She qualifies this by saying students from certain cultures – Asian ones in particular – finding balance can be more about not being shy than not exaggerating.
When it comes to interviews, Ashby emphasizes the important of basic manners, “It sounds obvious, but write a nice follow up email once your interview has finished. I often receive emails from alumni interviewers saying this sort of detail make a big difference.” He adds that you shouldn’t be nervous – the alumni interviewers want you to do well.
And that is an important thing to remember, and a good point on which to close: business schools want you. “Remember you are the most important element of any business school.
You have a massive advantage in that the business school market is hugely competitive, and with international business schools all jostling for position in the current turbulent conditions, the opportunity for you has never been greater. But, do your due diligence and be absolutely sure you’ve picked the right school for you.”
This article was originally published in April 2016 . It was last updated in May 2019
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Mansoor is a contributor to and former editor of TopMBA.com. He is a higher and business education specialist, who has been published in media outlets around the world. He studied English literature at BA and MA level and has a background in consumer journalism.
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