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How to apply to Berkeley's MBA program in five easy steps

By Rahul Sampat

If you’ve already made the decision to get an MBA – congratulations. Often, making the decision to go for it is the hardest part. Getting your MBA is a big commitment of time and resources, and an even bigger move toward your future. While getting your master’s, you’ll develop the leadership skills and business savvy to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

The next step is choosing the right program for your MBA.

Choosing the right school for your MBA

Of course, we all want to attend the best business schools, but “best” may not look the same for everyone. There are many factors to consider when comparing MBA programs, such as:

  • Location
  • Faculty
  • Alumni network
  • Cost
  • Post-graduation job placement statistics

Your perfect mix will depend on why you want an MBA, your career goals, and the type of academic approach you’re looking for, among other things.

Why Berkeley Haas is a great place to get your MBA

If you’d like to attend one of the country’s best business schools, take a moment to consider what the Berkeley Haas School of Business has to offer.

Innovation lives here

For starters, let’s talk about location - who can refuse 76-degrees-and-sunny California? But besides the awesome weather, the Bay Area is highly sought after for its quality of life and vibrant business culture. Known for decades as a hub for business and tech innovation, the Bay Area is a magnet for successful tech companies and entrepreneurs.

Various MBA programs to fit your life

Students come to Berkeley Haas at all stages in life. For this reason, we offer the flexibility of three different programs: Full-Time MBA, Evening & Weekend MBA, and MBA for Executives.Compare programs to see which one fits you best.

Top-ranked program

When it comes to your MBA program, prestige matters. Berkeley Haas is a top MBA program, which consistently ranks among the best business schools in the nation.

Work with stellar professors

At Berkeley Haas, you’ll be learning from a distinguished team of scholars, researchers, and business leaders. Professors at Haas are dedicated to questioning the status quo through groundbreaking research and interactive teaching styles.

Our faculty is internationally recognized for their research, including two Nobel Laureates for Economic Sciences since 1994, professors Oliver Williamson and John Harsanyi.

The future is bright after Berkeley

For many students, career outlook is one of the biggest factors for choosing an MBA program. Top employers consistently look to Berkeley MBA grads for their high-level mastery of practical and managerial skills, as well as their ability to think outside the box. Berkeley Haas graduates work for business powerhouses like Facebook, Adobe, Amazon, Deloitte, Google, Tesla, Ideo, Parthenon, and others.

Our Class of 2018 Employment Report shows 94.4% of graduates receive offers within three months of graduation, and earn a mean base annual salary of $127,571.

Opportunities for financial assistance

Don’t let financial limitations hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Berkeley Haas offers options for financial assistance including merit and need-based scholarships, and loans. If you’re currently employed, find out if your employer will offer to contribute or reimburse part of the cost. You can also start planning ahead for tuition, fees, and cost of living.

How to apply for your Berkeley MBA

Once you’ve decided Berkeley Haas School of Business is the place for you, it’s time to apply. We welcome candidates from a wide variety of industries and backgrounds. The application process will allow you to showcase your professional and academic achievements, qualifications, and leadership potential.

Here’s how to apply in 5 easy steps:

Step 1: Take any required tests

All candidates must take the GMAT or GRE exam before applying. GRE scores are valid for five years from the end of the year in which you took the test. If you received your undergraduate degree in a country where English is not a primary official language, you will need to submit official evidence of English Language Proficiency.

Step 2: Create an account

Your Berkeley Haas/Haas School of Business account is where all application materials will live. Our secure online application makes it easy to keep track of documents, see what you still need to submit, and save your work until all requirements are completed before you finally hit “Submit.”

Step 3: Gather your documents

You’ll need to prepare a variety of materials for your application. Required application documents include:

  • University transcripts
  • Resume
  • GMAT or GRE score report
  • Essays
  • Two professional letters of recommendation
  • English Language Proficiency Requirement (if applicable)

Upload documents to your account as you complete them for easy management.

Step 4: Prepare for your interview

If the Admissions Committee thinks you’re a good fit for Berkeley Haas, you’ll be invited for an interview, either on-campus or in select cities around the world. Learn more about interviewing at Berkeley Haas.

Step 5: Wait for an answer

Once you’ve submitted all your documents, paid the application fee, and submitted your application, it’s time for a bit of patience. We know you’re excited to develop the skills and leadership that will propel your career forward. On the notification deadline for admissions decisions, you’ll receive an email to check your online application status.

Find answers to other frequently asked questions about admissions decisions.

If you’re ready to make a career leap and be a part of the Berkeley Haas experience, start the application process today.

Learn more about the Full-Time MBA program

Posted on September 10, 2019
Themes: Applying
Rahul Sampat
Rahul was Director of Admissions for the Berkeley MBA Programs for Working Professionals from 2015-2019. He hopes these blog posts provide you with useful insights into the Berkeley MBA experience and questions you may have about the MBA in general.