Florida State University
AACSB-Accredited
Florida, USA

Applying to Business School

One of the most difficult decisions you will have to make when pursuing higher education will be choosing the right school for you and your goals, figuring out how to finance your tuition, and deciding how many classes you can juggle while working and possibly even raising a family. It is not easy and there are many things you should consider in order to set yourself up for success.

Things to Consider

1. Select Your Program Based on Your Interests and Career Objectives

See our section on Master's Degree Programs to descriptions of some of the common degree programs in business.

2. Determine the Location Where You Want to Study

Once you know what field of study you want to specialize in, you will need to determine a feasible location that offers the program you wish to pursue. At the graduate-level, you may not be able to relocate and move like a recent high school graduate that heads off to college. You may be restricted to attending schools that are located near your family or schools that are based in your preferred places to live.

The AACSB-Accredited Business School Search allows you to narrow down a list of schools by location using either a search tool. Or, use an interactive map to locate AACSB schools.

3. Determine Your Housing and Transportation Needs

Finding an affordable place to live while on a full-time student budget can be a stressful event. Even as a part-time student, you will have unexpected costs associated with your degree program that could restrict your income. As a graduate student, you most likely will not want to live on-campus with a high population of undergraduate students. Therefore, an inexpensive apartment, room for rent in a quiet house, or roommate set-up are your best options.

4. Assess Your Financial Resources

Most students who attend a graduate program will need supplemental, if not full financial support. If you are able to do so, save as much money as you can prior to entering your program. Remember, in addition to your tuition you will have books to purchase, possibly a lowered or part-time income, and a need for some entertainment.

5. Decide Whether to Work Full-Time or Part-Time

Depending on the rigor of your program and your financial resources, this is a critical decision. As a student you always want to try to set yourself up for success and not failure. Attempting to work 40 hours per week while attending school full-time can create quite a whirlwind for you. However, it can be done with hard work. Working full-time with part-time classes is more manageable but can also be exhausting if you are a dedicated student.

If you are planning on attending school full-time, a position on-campus, such as a graduate assistantship is ideal. Although the compensation is usually minimal, sometimes these positions include a tuition waiver and can be very flexible around your class schedule. Due to their popularity, assistantships can be hard to come by, so start searching early.

6. Prepare Yourself for the Admissions Process

There are several steps you should take to prepare yourself for success in the admissions process. The following page will outline and explain typical admissions requirements for graduate-level business programs.

Common Admissions Requirements and Tips for Preparing Your Package