The Truth About Business School Rankings–and What It Means for You
Uncover business school rankings and their impact on your career, in order to make informed decisions about your MBA journey and ensure you choose the right program to match your goals. Learn more now!
By Lauren W.
I coach prospective MBAs in crafting a story and apply for top MBA programs
Posted March 6, 2025
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Once you’ve decided to apply to business school, the next obvious step is deciding which programs you may want to attend. Here’s the 411 on education in the US: it’s expensive. Remembering that it’s an investment in your future is the only way to justify it. With that being said, you want to make sure the investments are worthwhile.
MBA rankings can be a valuable resource for prospective students researching business schools and deciding where to place that investment as they provide a snapshot of the relative standing of different programs. While these rankings can help you identify top schools and narrow down your options, it's essential to remember that they should not be the only factor in your decision-making process. They’re typically based on a combination of factors, such as average GMAT scores, post-graduation employment rates, faculty credentials, and student satisfaction. However, these metrics may not always capture the unique strengths and culture of a particular program and can also be influenced by changes in methodology or data collection.
With that being said, to get the best bang for your buck, most people will want to shoot for a top-25 school. If you have a particularly strong application, aim for an M7: Stanford GSB, Harvard Business School, UPenn Wharton, Chicago Booth, Northwestern Kellogg, MIT Sloan, and Columbia Business School. At this level, it gets extremely competitive, with acceptance rates under 15-20%, but the investment goes a lot further. You’ll have access to incredible companies, professors, job opportunities, people, events, and more.
Generally speaking, though, the top 25 schools all have great programs with strong networks and many career growth opportunities. As with many things, the right choice comes to fit and what you make of the opportunity. For this reason, it’s incredibly important to conduct proper research on each of these programs. Identify which schools are safer bets, target, and more of a reach and within that, do your research.
While a higher-ranked school may offer prestige and a strong network, personal fit should be a primary consideration when choosing an MBA program. Factors such as location, program format, class size, and culture are crucial elements that can significantly impact your experience and long-term success. Try to attend networking and prospective student events, take a campus tour, and talk to alumni. I can’t stress enough the importance of fit when it comes to applying for an MBA program.
If you don’t feel like you can reach an M7 or top-25 program, it’s okay! Although it may feel like a riskier investment, there are still great programs in the 25-50 range. While they may not have the prestige, they will still help you build your network and grow your career. As mentioned, it’s all about what you do with the opportunities provided.
This is especially true if you have an idea of your target industry. For some specific areas, the best business schools are ranked lower overall but very high in that field. For example, the BYU Marriot School of Business is ranked #36 in the nation overall. However, for Accounting, it’s #4! So, depending on what you’re looking for, BYU may actually be a better fit than the others. Though every school will have opportunities, fit dictates the kind of opportunities.
Ultimately, your success in an MBA program and beyond will be heavily influenced by your initiative, resourcefulness, and drive. A higher-ranked program may provide more opportunities on paper, but your ability to leverage those resources and make the most of your experience will determine your long-term success. Remember that students from technically lower-ranked schools can still achieve exceptional career outcomes through hard work and determination.
For more info and guidance on choosing the right MBA program and determining your “fit”, head to my Leland profile and book a free intro call. We can discuss your background, goals, and how we can get you there.
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Hi, I am Lauren Wong and I am a passionate and adaptive Goals and Manifestation Coach. As someone who has always thrived in setting and reaching their own goals, as a Goals Coach, I use my experience and skills to empower individuals to set and achieve their goals and create fulfilling and purpose-driven lives. Although I got my certification in coaching and launched my coaching business just recently in 2022, I've had extensive experience in mentoring and have been helping individuals achieve their goals as a private academic tutor for 9+ years and an undergrad mentor for 3+ years. Recently, I was certified by AIGAC, the premier international graduate admissions consulting organization. In the last 3 years my top achievements for MBA and Masters Admissions include: -Clients admitted to top MBA programs across the USA and Europe, including elite M7 and top 10 schools such as Wharton, Columbia, Kellogg, Haas, Ross, and Duke Fuqua, as well as leading European programs like INSEAD (100% acceptance rate), LBS, and HEC -85% of my clients admitted to at least one top 25 program—more than double the global average of 35% -100% of clients interviewed, waitlisted, or admitted—a track record of ensuring every client remains competitive -Over $500,000 in scholarships secured (including one full ride), helping clients realize their dreams with significantly reduced financial burdens -Collaborations with clients & AdCom across 5+ countries More importantly, my unique approach helps my clients discover, own, and communicate their story, building their skills and confidence needed to succeed in all endeavors! My coaching/mentoring journey began in 2014 when I started tutoring part-time. I'd continue tutoring and mentoring while working full-time until in 2021, after deep reflection during 2020 Covid times and a life changing trip to Taiwan, I realized that coaching was my true life passion. I embraced my natural ability in coaching and supporting others and assisted my local Taiwanese friends in their application to Graduate school in the States -- feeling truly fulfilled when I was able to help them get accepted to their dream program. So in 2022, I launched my coaching business, utilizing my tutoring and mentoring experience, along with my Bachelor degrees from UC Berkeley and MBA from UCLA Anderson, to help individuals reach their goals in the form of higher education and admissions. Since my launch I've helped clients get accepted into top MBA and masters program including UC Berkeley Haas, USC Marshall, Duke Fuqua, Kellogg, Ross, UCLA Anderson, INSEAD and more! As a coach, I work with my clients on delivering concrete results by providing support, edits, and feedback on clients' application. I also prioritize developing my client's confidence, empowering them with sustainable habits to help them set and reach goals, beyond just academics.
New York University
Michigan State University
USC Marshall School of Business
Arizona State University
HEC Paris Business School
