This document provides information to help students research and prepare for obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from a university in the United States. It outlines the 5 main steps to study in the US including researching options, financing studies, completing applications, applying for a student visa, and preparing for departure. It then provides details on various MBA program types, tracks, learning methodologies, and qualities of successful MBA candidates. The document also gives guidance on the application process including statements of purpose, recommendation letters, standardized tests like the GMAT and TOEFL, resumes, and interviews. It highlights some MBA scholarship opportunities like the Stanford Africa Fellowship and Onsi Sawiris Scholarship.

2. EducationUSA can help you every step along the way.
5 Steps to U.S. Study
1.Research Your Options
2.Finance Your Studies
3.Complete Your MBA Application
4.Apply for Your Student Visa
5.Prepare for Your Departure

3. Let’s Begin

4. What’s an MBA?

5. When to do an MBA?

6. Why an MBA?

7. What’s the difference between
an MBA and an M.S. in….

8. MBA Majors

9. Unusual MBA Majors

10. MBA Tracks
 Full Time MBA: 2 years
 Part Time MBA: 12-18 month
 Executive MBA: 1-2 years
 Accelerated MBA: 12-18 months
 Fast Track MBA: 4+1 years
 Evening/Weekend MBA: 2 years or more
 Online MBA: 1-2 years

11. MBA Learning Methodologies
 Open Discussions
 Case Studies
 Group Projects
 Presentations
 Research Papers
 Capstone ( Capsim-Consultation Project)

12. Evaluate MBA Programs
 Location
 Program Length
 Opportunities
 Weather
 Diversity
 Business Career Services
 Alumni

13. Qualities of a
Successful MBA
Candidate

14. Team Player

15. Detail Oriented

16. Communication Skills

17. Analytical Skills

18. English Proficiency
(especially academic writing)

19. A Student Who is Capable
of Completing the U.S. Program
Financially

20. Assess your own strengths and weaknesses.
Have I Got What It Takes?
 Applications are reviewed holistically - There is not a
single disqualifying factor in any given application.
 Make Yourself More Competitive. Stand out.
 Address any hindering weaknesses – If you did not have
outstanding academic performance, you may want to
consider accumulating relevant experience or (re)taking
the test to increase your chances.
 Change of Career – Not always a disadvantage. Is there
anything in your current career that has peaked your
interest in or prepared you for a new field?
 Gaining Work and Volunteer Experience – Always gives
you a competitive edge when relevant. It is oftentimes
required because of the unique perspective it allows you
to bring to the table.

21. Every little piece counts. And every university is different.
The MBA “Application Package” for the U.S.
 Application Fee and Form.
 Statement of Purpose and other Essays
 2-3 Recommendation Letters
 Official Academic Records/Transcripts in sealed envelope
 Exams (GRE, GMAT) Scores sent from testing agency.
 TOEFL iBT (or IELTS) Results sent from testing agency.
 Writing Samples, Research Papers, Portfolio, Other
 Curriculum Vitae or Resume
 Interview

22. Statement of Purpose
 Brainstorm Ideas
 Create two lists of instances (Personal & Professional
)
 Selection of characteristics (Leadership, entrepreneur
ship,…)
 Match Characteristics with instances
 Outline
 Write
 Proof read

23. Recommendation Letters
 A recommendation is a personal account of
one’s accomplishments, academic/
professional qualities, and experiences that
are related to the program.
 Rather than certificates, a recommendation
letter backs-up a student’s claims and
presents a complete picture of the
candidate, based on what they have
witnessed regarding your development and
achievements accomplished.
 “I recommend Mona for study in the USA.”

24. Who to Ask?
2-5 People who know you well. Be selective.
 2 Bosses, supervisors, employees, or colleagues -
Recommendation from someone in the field you wish to
pursue. Someone who can provide evidence of your
professional abilities and potential.
 1 Teachers, professors, tutors, or deans – People who
have known you for 2+ years and can attest to your
academic abilities, regardless of their professional
stature.
 Never ask family or friends, unless the university
application specifically asks for this.

25. Prepare your Recommenders
2-5 People who know you well. Be selective.
 Talk to them about the program
 Provide background information
 Send your application items
 Ask if they can talk about certain project or
achievement
 Tell them which schools you’re applying to
 Tell them about deadlines
 Instructions on how to submit

26. GMAT
 Graduate Management Admission Test by GMAC
 Computer Adaptive Test (CAT)
 Assesses analytical writing and problem solving
 Official Website: https://www.mba.com/africa
 Preparation: Manhattan, Veritas, Kaplan
 Free preparation software:
https://www.mba.com/africa/the-gmat-exam/prepare-
for-the-gmat-exam/test-prep-materials/free-gmat-prep-
software.aspx

27. GRE
 Graduate Record Examination (CAT) by section
 You can skip questions and go back
 Owned and administered by ETS
 Assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning,
analytical writing, and critical thinking
 Website: https://www.ets.org/gre
 Preparation: Manhattan, Barron’s, Princeton, Kaplan
 Free preparation materials:
 https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare/?WT
.ac=grehome_greprepare_d_150213v

28. TOEFL
 The TOEFL iBT test measures your ability to use and
understand English at the university level.
 ITP & iBT
 iBT is a computer based test
 Section: Reading, Writing, Listening, & Speaking
 Free Preparation Materials:
https://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/prepare/

29. Resume
 1 page or 2 pages maximum
 Focus on achievement and avoid job description
 Skip jargon
 Go the extra mile
 Show progress
 Show leadership
 Show extra curricular activities

30. Interview
 Interviews will be on the phone or video
 Dress and act formally
 Smile even if it’s a phone interview
 Show interest by asking questions
 Do your homework
 Some questions you may encounter:
 Tell me about yourself (Practice your elevator pitch)
 What is your biggest weakness?
 Tell me about a time you failed
 Describe a poor manager you've had
 Tell me about an ethical dilemma you faced

31. MBA Fellowship at Stanford
 Fellowship Eligibility
 You must be a citizen of an African country
 You must have completed, or be in the final year of completing, your university
studies.
 Evaluation Criteria
 Commitment to developing Africa
 Demonstrated financial need is preferred
 Merit, determined by the three criteria used to consider candidates: intellectual
vitality, demonstrated leadership potential, and personal qualities and
contributions that will add to the class.
 Link: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/programs/mba/financial-aid/types-
aid/stanford-africa-mba-fellowship

32. Onsi Sawiris MBA Scholarship
 Fellowship Eligibility
 · GPA : 3.5 / Very Good or above (Overall grade)
 · TOEFL: iBT: 100 or above
 · MBA - GMAT: 650 or above (taken within 5 years)
 Evaluation Criteria
 Extracurricular Activities Have been involved or are currently involved in
extracurricular activities.
 A minimum of three years working experience.
 Be planning to start their studies in the U.S.A in the year 2019.
 Be Egyptian nationals, who are residents of Egypt (preference will not be given
to dual nationality applicants).
 Have not lived more than 3 years abroad.
 Be committed to coming back to Egypt for two years directly after the
successful completion of the degree.
 Scholarship link: http://www.onsisawirisscholarship.org/graduate-scholarship/

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