If you’re reading this, you’re likely standing at a pivotal moment in your career. You’ve mastered the basics of your industry, you've started to lead projects or teams, and you're thinking seriously about getting an MBA to take the next step forward. But in today’s hyper-competitive business landscape—especially here in the innovation capital of the world—ambition alone isn't always enough to break through to the C-suite or launch your own venture. You need a strategic edge.
An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is more than just a credential; it's a transformative experience that equips you with the leadership frameworks, ethical grounding, and robust network necessary to navigate complex global markets. Whether you're looking to pivot industries, accelerate your current trajectory, or build a startup from the ground up, an MBA provides the toolkit to turn those goals into reality.
At Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business, we see the MBA application process not as a hurdle to jump over, but as your first opportunity to define who you are as a leader. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, our programs—including the Evening MBA, Executive MBA (EMBA), and Online MBA—are designed for professionals who are ready to combine business acumen with the Jesuit tradition of ethical leadership.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to apply for an MBA, from understanding the requirements to pressing "submit" on your application. We'll break down the timeline, demystify the process, and share insider tips from our admissions team to help you stand out in a competitive pool.
How to Get an MBA
Embarking on the journey to business school can feel overwhelming, but it becomes much more manageable when you view it as a strategic project—much like one you would manage at work. Applying for an MBA is a sequence of intentional steps: meeting the academic and professional baselines, crafting a narrative that highlights your unique value, applying strategically to the right program, and planning for success once you're in.
Think of this section as your roadmap. By following these four distinct phases, you can ensure that you're not just checking boxes, but building a compelling case for your candidacy.
1. Meet the Prerequisites
Before diving into essays and recommendations, you should ensure you meet the foundational eligibility criteria. While every business school has slightly different standards, most accredited MBA programs share a common set of prerequisites designed to ensure you can handle the rigor of graduate-level coursework.
Academic Foundation
First and foremost, you need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. At Leavey, we accept majors from all backgrounds—business, engineering, humanities, and the arts. In fact, coming from a non-business background can often be an asset, bringing a diverse perspective to classroom case studies.
Your undergraduate GPA is a key indicator of your academic readiness. While a strong GPA is preferred, admissions committees often take a holistic view. If your undergraduate grades were lower than you would have liked, you can balance them with strong standardized test scores or a solid track record of professional achievement.
Professional Experience
Work experience is perhaps the most critical prerequisite for a top-tier MBA. Most programs, including ours, prefer candidates with at least 3 years of professional experience. Why? because an MBA is a collaborative, discussion-based degree. You aren't just learning from a textbook; you're learning from the real-world challenges your peers have faced.
Lenore Grant, our Senior Director of Graduate Business Recruiting and Admissions, emphasizes that we look for "potential for advancement". We want to see that you haven’t just occupied a seat for three years, but that you've grown, taken on responsibility, and made an impact.
Standardized Tests
Historically, the GMAT or GRE has been a non-negotiable part of "how to get into an MBA." These tests help assess your quantitative and verbal reasoning skills. However, the landscape is shifting. Many programs, including the Leavey School of Business, now offer waivers for qualified candidates—such as those with significant work experience or a high GPA from previous degrees. If you do need to take the test, a high score can be a powerful tool to offset a lower GPA or limited work history.
2. Prepare for the Application
Once you've confirmed your eligibility, the real work begins: preparation. This is the "information gathering" phase of your project.
[img laptop and notebook]
Research and Self-Reflection
Start by clearly defining your "Why." Why do you want an MBA? Why now? And specifically, why this school? Admissions committees can spot a generic application from a mile away. You need to articulate how a specific program—like our Evening MBA with its flexibility for working professionals, or our MS in Business Analytics with its deep dive into data—aligns with your career goals.
Gather Your Documents
Don't wait until the week of the deadline to chase down transcripts–start early. You'll need official transcripts from every college or university you've attended. You'll also need to update your resume. Unlike a job search resume, which focuses on technical skills, an MBA resume should focus on leadership, impact, and results. Quantify your achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Managed a $50k budget," "Led a team of five," "Increased efficiency by 20%").
Select Your Recommenders
Most programs require two letters of recommendation. A common mistake is choosing the person with the most impressive job title, like a CEO who barely knows your name. Instead, choose a direct supervisor or a former manager who knows you intimately and can speak to your character, work ethic, and leadership potential in detail. Reach out to them early and provide them with a "brag sheet" of your accomplishments to help them write a thoughtful letter.
Note that as you’re submitting your application, your recommenders’ online forms will automatically be added to your application. We don’t need all the recommendations submitted for your interview to take place.
3. Apply to MBA Programs
This is the execution phase. You've done the prep; now it's time to package it into a cohesive narrative.
The Application Form
This is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Ensure all your personal information and history are accurate.
The Essays
The personal statement or essay is the heart of your application. This is where you get to show us the person behind the GPA and the resume. At Leavey, we value authenticity—and we can tell when an essay doesn’t reflect an applicant’s own voice. Use AI tools, if at all, only as support, not as a substitute for your personal story. Don't write what you think we want to hear; write what’s true to you. Connect the dots between your past experiences, your future goals, and how our specific program helps you bridge that gap. As our admissions team often advises, this is your chance to explain context—if you have a gap in employment or a dip in grades, use the optional essay to explain it proactively.
The Interview
If your application is strong, you may be invited to an interview. This is a positive sign! The interview is essentially a fit check. We want to know if you'll be a good contributor to the classroom environment. Prepare for behavioral questions (e.g., "Tell me about a time you failed," "Describe a conflict you resolved") using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Also, come prepared with thoughtful questions for the interviewer; it shows you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the program
4. Plan for Your MBA Studies
Congratulations, you've submitted your application! But the process isn't quite over. Now you need to plan for the logistics of becoming a student again.
Financial Planning
An MBA is a significant investment. Research financial aid options, scholarships, and employer sponsorship programs early. Many companies offer tuition reimbursement for degrees that relate to your role.
Time Management
If you're applying to a part-time or evening program while working full-time, consider having a serious conversation with your employer and your family. You'll need to carve out 10-20 hours a week for class and study. Setting these expectations now will save stress later.
MBA Admission Requirements
To recap, here’s a quick checklist of the standard requirements you'll need to fulfill to get into the Leavey School of Business. Keep this handy as you move through the process:
- Bachelor’s Degree: From an accredited college or university.
- Official Transcripts: From all institutions attended.
- GMAT or GRE Scores: Required unless you qualify for a waiver (based on GPA, STEM degree, or extensive experience).
- Resume/CV: tailored to highlight professional leadership and impact.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: Preferably from professional supervisors.
- Personal Statement/Essays: Your narrative of "Why MBA, Why Leavey."
- Application Fee: $100 (often waived for alumni or attendees of our on-campus events).
- Interview: By invitation only, after submitting your application materials.
How to Strengthen Your MBA Application
The admissions process at Santa Clara University is "holistic." This means we don't just plug your numbers into a spreadsheet and spit out a decision. We look at the whole person—your values, your grit, and your potential to lead with conscience.
Here are three insider tips to elevate your application from "good" to "unignorable":
1. Showcase Your "Silicon Valley" Mindset
You don't need to work in tech to have a Silicon Valley mindset. We’re looking for innovation, resilience, and a willingness to pivot. In your essays and interview, highlight times when you identified a problem and created a novel solution. Show us that you're comfortable with ambiguity and change.
2. Lean Into Your Soft Skills
Hard skills like coding or financial modeling are great, but an MBA is a leadership degree. We’re looking for emotional intelligence (EQ), communication skills, and ethical decision-making. At Jesuit institutions like Santa Clara University, this emphasis on ethics and values-driven leadership is woven into the classroom experience. If you've mentored junior staff, led a volunteer initiative, or navigated a difficult ethical dilemma at work, make sure that story comes through.
3. Demonstrate "Fit"
[img Ciocca]
We want students who will actively contribute to our community. Do research on Santa Clara’s premier centers, like the Ciocca Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship or the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. Mentioning specific professors, classes, or initiatives that excite you proves you're serious about this school, not just any school.
As our admissions team frequently notes, we’re looking for people who won't just succeed in the classroom, but who will go on to represent our values in the boardroom. Show us that potential.
What to Expect After You’re Accepted
Receiving that acceptance letter is a moment of triumph. Take a moment to celebrate—you've earned it! But once the confetti settles, there are a few immediate next steps to secure your spot.
Confirming Enrollment
You'll typically have a deadline to accept the offer and pay a non-refundable deposit. This reserves your seat in the cohort. If you're an international student, this is also when the visa process (I-20) begins in earnest.
Orientation and Onboarding
Orientation isn't just a formality; it's your first networking event. Whether you’re invited to a weekend retreat or an evening mixer, attend these sessions. They’re designed to help you acclimate to the academic pace and, more importantly, to start bonding with your cohort. These are the people who will become your study partners, your future co-founders, and your lifelong friends.
[img mba welcome event]
Academic Prep
If it’s been a decade since you took a math class, don't panic. Many students take a second to brush up on business fundamentals. Reviewing basic statistics, accounting, or Excel skills can give you a confidence boost before you step back into the classroom.
Building Connections
Don't wait for the first day of class to network. Reach out to faculty, join the LinkedIn group for your incoming class, and connect with alumni. The Santa Clara University network is powerful—start leveraging it immediately.
Pave Your Way to Leadership
Applying for an MBA is just the first step in a much larger journey of professional reinvention. By meeting the prerequisites, preparing a thoughtful application, and applying strategically, you're setting the stage for a career defined by growth and impact.
Success in this process depends on preparation and clarity. You need to know not just what you want to achieve, but who you want to become. At the Leavey School of Business, we are committed to helping you answer that question. We provide the education, the network, and the ethical foundation; you provide the drive.
An MBA is an investment in your long-term growth. It is a signal to the world that you're ready to lead. If you're ready to take that step, we encourage you to explore the Leavey School of Business MBA programs. Whether you choose our Evening MBA, Executive MBA, or Online MBA, you'll find a personalized path to business leadership right here in Silicon Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years does it take to get an MBA?
The duration depends on the program format; our Evening and Online MBAs typically take 2 years or can be paced out longer to fit your schedule.
Is an MBA better than a Master's?
An MBA is generally broader and focused on overall leadership and management strategy, whereas a specialized Master’s (like an MS in Business Analytics) dives deep into a specific technical skill set. The "better" option depends on your career goals.
How long does it take to get an MBA online?
Our Online MBA is designed for flexibility, allowing most students to complete the degree in about two years, though you can adjust your pace based on your professional workload.
How hard is it to get into an MBA program?
Admission is competitive and requires academic and professional preparation, but schools like Leavey review applications holistically, meaning your life experience and leadership potential are weighed alongside your GPA and test scores.
Start Your Application Today Schedule a Chat with Admissions
Discover Your Next Step
This will only take a moment.