Integrated Learning GMAT Blog

Business School for Free?

September 10th, 2008

Huh? For free?  Yeah right, you may be thinking.  But seriously, you may be closer to a scholarship opportunity than you realize, and with some work and planning, you may just find a way to actually get your MBA fully paid for.  With the economy being what it is there’s no better time than now to think outside the box when it comes to saving money.  Your business school expense is no exception.

Getting a scholarship or fellowship award surely takes some hard work, but when you’re talking upwards of $150K for two years of b-school, it may make you think twice.  And consider this: the difference between having a mountain of debt when you graduate and not having student loan debt could make a significant impact on some very important post graduate decisions – an entrepreneurial venture vs. a corporate job, lifestyle choices, where you decide to live, and a whole host of other life choices.

Business Week gives several great tips in Monday’s article “How to go to Business School for Free”.  The article gives several pointers for winning scholarships, but the first tip is probably the most important one – start thinking about and planning for your MBA early.  This gives you the chance to consider various schools and give some good thought to which ones are the best fit for you.  You also need time to become familiar with the scholarships and fellowships available at each school.  Planning ahead may also give you the chance to add something to your experience that could enhance your application – volunteering, a key leadership role, etc.  Being ready to apply for the first round of applications is also imperative as in this case and many others, the early bird gets the worm!

Click here to read the full article.

Entry Filed under: Admissions Tips