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Master Admissions

Understanding the Master’s Degree Admissions Process

Understanding the master’s admissions process is crucial for prospective master’s degree students.

Master’s degree programs generally have a set of common admission requirements. Most institutions require a bachelor’s degree in a related field. However, there are some exceptions where a bachelor’s degree is not a prerequisite for enrolling in a master’s program.

Standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT, are often part of the admissions criteria. However, an increasing number of programs are moving towards test-optional policies.

Letters of recommendation and a written personal statement or video essay are also pivotal. They offer the admissions team insight into your motivations, career aspirations, and how the program aligns with your goals.

International students face additional requirements, such as language proficiency tests (such as TOEFL or IELTS). Finally, be aware of deadlines and prepare your application in advance. It can be advantageous to apply early.

Tips for a Successful Master’s Application

Master Admissions

1. Research Thoroughly

Understand the specific requirements of your desired program. Visit the program’s website, attend information sessions, and connect with current students or alumni through networking events or platforms such as our ambassadors page.

2. Craft a Compelling Personal Statement

This is your opportunity to stand out. Highlight your achievements, relevant experiences, and how the program fits into your career plans. Read our guide to crafting an impactful master’s personal statement.

3. Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation

Ask for letters of recommendation from those who can vouch for your academic and professional capabilities. If you have work experience, a manager would be a good choice. If you have just graduated, an academic advisor, thesis supervisor, or professor would be a suitable choice.

Making Your Master’s Degree Dream a Reality

The journey through master’s degree admissions is filled with personal and professional growth. Armed with insights from those who’ve been through it, you can navigate the admissions landscape with confidence. It’s about understanding the process, learning from others, and making informed decisions that pave the way to your future success.

Are you ready to take the first step toward your master’s degree? Explore our articles and learn more about the admissions experiences of master’s degree students and graduates. Let their stories inspire and guide you as you embark on this exciting journey.

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4 min
Master Admissions

When you choose a master, you’re choosing a network for life

The Master in Management (MIM) program at ESSEC Business School is one of the top-ranked programs in the world. What makes it so special? To learn more about the program and the school, we spoke to Felix Papier, Dean of Pre-Experience Programs and Academic Director of the Master in Management (MIM) at ESSEC Business School. He told us how the school’s alumni network is such a valuable resource for its graduates.

March 02, 2022
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3 min
Master Admissions

Taking the GRE® General Test for prospective master’s students

The GRE® General Test is the most widely used test for graduate school admissions. Matthew Bashi-Kadlubowski, Associate Director for Product and Sales Training at ETS, told MASTERGRADSCHOOLS about the benefits of taking the GRE General Test, the differences between at-home vs. testing in a test center, and how to prepare for the test.

February 16, 2022
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Master Admissions

There Is Only One Way to NOT Get Accepted Into a Top Business School

Are you hesitant about applying to a prestigious school? Do you doubt your eligibility to join a competitive program? Amy Duckworth, Director of Admissions at Imperial College London Business School, told us about the most popular master’s program at Imperial College Business School and one surefire way to not get accepted at Imperial.

November 19, 2021
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2 min
Master Admissions

Top video essay tips for your specialized master’s program

Dana MacFaun is the Director of Graduate Admissions at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. She oversees admissions for both Questrom’s residential MBA programs and their specialized master’s programs. She tells us about the specialized master’s programs that Questrom offers, gives us insight into their admissions processes, and shares some tips on how to prepare for video essays.

September 20, 2021
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4 min
Master Admissions

What business schools really look for in applicants

With an acceptance rate of 30-40%, IE Business School is one of the most competitive schools in the world. We spoke with Pedro Martínez Díez, Manager for Global Recruitment, to understand what a top business school is really looking for in applicants.

September 13, 2021
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4 min
Master Admissions

Introducing the TOEFL® Essentials™ test

Yasemin Arsin is the TOEFL Academic Relations & English Language Teacher Coordinator at ETS, the world’s largest non-profit educational assessment, research, and learning organization. She told MASTERGRADSCHOOLS about the latest addition to their portfolio of English proficiency tests: TOEFL Essentials. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the TOEFL Essentials test.

August 27, 2021
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4 min
Master Admissions

The story behind the top-ranked Master in Management program in the world

The Master in Strategy and International Management (SIM) at the University of St.Gallen has been the top-ranked program of its kind for 10 consecutive years. We spoke to Prof. Dr. Omid Aschari, Managing Director of the St.Gallen SIM, to learn about the secrets of its success.

August 02, 2021
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3 min
Master Admissions

Admissions Directors #1 piece of advice: Apply early

How do you get accepted into your dream master’s program? We spoke with Amy Janssen-Brennan, Assistant Director of Recruitment and Admissions at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM), to hear her top tips for applicants.

July 20, 2021
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3 min
Financing your MASTER

How a co-finance scholarship made Ananya’s journey to EDHEC in France possible

Ananya Rajpoot is a Master in Management (MIM) student at EDHEC Business School. As one of the two recipients of the EDHEC – French Embassy scholarship, Ananya feels especially honored. She tells MASTERGRADSCHOOLS about her journey to EDHEC, including the scholarship application process, tips on how to apply, and her living experience in France.

February 25, 2021
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2 min
Master Admissions

M.S. in Business Analytics at Rady School of Management: Top admissions tips

An M.S. in Business Analytics is quickly becoming one of the most popular and competitive master’s programs for business students. In this video on MASTERTUBE, Rady School of Management’s Emily Dayton details the application process for their M.S. in Business Analytics program.

February 18, 2021
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2 min
Master Admissions

The INSEAD MIM: 3 Top Application Tips

Whether you’re thinking of applying yourself or just intrigued at what admissions teams are on the lookout for, here are INSEAD’s top 3 application tips for their new MIM program.

September 27, 2020