Book review: Name: How to get into the top MBA programs

Name: How to get into the top MBA programs Genre: Management education reference Author: Richard Montauk Publishers: Prentice Hall Pr Price: $27.95 My rating: 4.0/5

Ok. So you have decided to pursue your MBA from a foreign university. Or you are considering that as an option for your future plans. Presenting… a complete guide to your preparation for this goal of yours.

There are plethora of books and other resources to guide you in the arduous process of applying to an MBA program. The more you research, the more sources to consider, and the more information you collect, the better it aids you. Having said that, this book is a comprehensive one-stop reference for most of the guidance you will need.

The book consists of four major parts – The ‘context’, which helps you decide on why you would want to do an MBA, the types of MBA programs available and how to decide which program and college would probably best suit your aspirations. The second part touches on the aspect of ‘How to best market yourself’ – the nuts and bolts of the application procedure, including tips on writing essays, preparing your resumes, arranging for letters of recommendation, and handling the interview procedure. The third part ‘On road to the B school’ covers the post-application topics like handling wait lists and rejects, arranging for financial aid etc. The fourth last part consists of a huge collection of essays written by as many as twenty applicants, from various backgrounds, while applying to the various top MBA programs, and the analyses of these essays.

Along with the general advice that Montauk gives, each topic is fortified with quotations and excerpts regarding various facets of the topic, from interviews with various directors and other staff members from the admission committees of the best b-schools. While adding to the clarity of information given, this aspect also gives the differentiating factor about these various aspects of application, from the standpoint of the different b schools.

At over 700 pages, this book could intimidate you with its size. But you do not have to read the whole book if you are in a time crunch; you can read just the sections pertinent to your case. But, if you do have the time, this book provides you with a wealth of information and will be an ideal companion in your journey to the top b-schools of the world!!