Selection criteria
Academic Background
It is usually seen that one fancies doing a program in their expertise field. There are qualifying conditions established by every varsity for approval in a particular program. You also have to choose a college that ordinarily admits your prior academic qualifications and ranks.
However, one program where the academic framework is less consistent is, certainly, the MBA. But, there are certain qualifying criteria established by the Universities.
Standardized Test Scores
Diverse universities and diverse programs have varying criteria for standardized test scores, such as GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/SAT/IELTS. You will either have to select a school and program on the grounds of your records or work towards your dream school by getting a solid score.
Program Ranking
Going by the University standards for choosing your right school might be inapt if your proposed program does not have a good notoriety in University by you.
Intended Major
Again program rankings are worthless except that the University has a good reputation in the area that you want to specialize in.
Acceptance Rate
There is no point in applying to a University that accepts a very small percentage of the applicants, if you do not have the necessary credentials.
Public/Private University
This is a pivotal standard for many students. A genuine Private University may be much more costly, but usually provide a better advantage in terms of the state of education and post-education prospects. Whereas, a Public University shall endeavor and advance set standards and would cost much less.
Financial Aid/Scholarship
Merit Aid: Some schools have a history of dishing out large sums of money as financial aid to the students. While others universities have a policy of not granting assistance of any kind. If you have financial problems in completing a course in the US, you would have to define your applications to those Universities where you have the most chances of getting help.
Geographical Preferences
City / rural: Apart from tuition fees, which will differ from place to place, even the maintenance expenses will vary because of the areas in which they are established. As an illustration, Georgia Institute of Technology (GA Tech), Atlanta, and the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign (UIUC) are both very good technical state schools, but GA Tech might entail much greater living expenses because it is located in Atlanta city. At the same time, a city location would offer better employment opportunities.
Average starting salary
On-campus resources and services: Universities have a wide array of support services for the students. Some of these programs or offices can provide assistance in finding housing, improving one’s spoken or written English, and gaining information on health issues, including health insurance, tax issues, and personal and career counseling. The number and variety of support services can seem overwhelming. A safe assumption to make about any university is that is a student has a problem or a concern; there is probably an office or person who can help.
Campus Size
A very large campus involves heightened prices. Also, there would be more students graduating every year, and it is tougher to get a good placement thereafter. A very small campus on the other hand would be unheard of. Going to the right-sized campus will have a bearing on your entire career.
Number of International students enrolled
A good number of International students means two things :
- The school is already a hit with International students, and
- The school and its location provide facilities and services catering to the needs of the International student community.
Student/Faculty ratio
Placement rate A University where a larger number of students are able to secure employment immediately after graduating is one that should unquestionably be preferred if one is looking at a career in University Research.
Accreditation
Before applying to any University, check its accreditation.
Other Factors
Safety issues: A prime illustration shall be the University of Southern California – a wonderful school with a high acceptance ratio and with good job placements andalso a one that is located in one of the most crime-prone areas of Los Angeles!