Skip to main content
7 answers
10
Asked 672 views

How do I start searching for schools that have a good business program?

I would like to apply to schools with a good business program and I don't know how to search for them. When I do all that keeps popping up is Ivy-league type school which I don't even know if I'm qualified to get in.

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

10

7 answers


1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Allison’s Answer

That is a great question! First, I think it is important to, if you can, narrow down which area you would like to study in business. Once you know this, it can be a bit easier to narrow down a school from having a "good business program" to having a good program for what you want to study. The areas could include HR, Information Systems, Accounting, Finance, Data Analytics, etc. Some schools might be great in one area, but lack in another. Another thing that really helped me decide is to look around on LinkedIn to see what kinds of jobs I would want post graduation and what companies I would see myself working at. I looked more into the companies to see what are the top schools that they recruit from to see if there was a common denominator in terms of schools. Whatever you end up deciding, just make sure to make the most of you college experience! Be sure to get involved and make yourself stand out. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for your encouragement! Daniela
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Junied’s Answer

Starting your search for schools with strong business programs can be an exciting but daunting task. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Define Your Criteria: Begin by clarifying what you're looking for in a business program. Consider factors such as location, size of the school, campus culture, cost, accreditation, specific areas of interest within business (e.g., finance, marketing, entrepreneurship), and any other preferences or requirements you may have.

Research Accredited Institutions: Look for schools that are accredited by recognized accrediting bodies such as AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs), or IACBE (International Accreditation Council for Business Education). Accreditation ensures that the institution meets certain quality standards.

Use Online Resources: Explore online resources and rankings to identify schools with strong business programs. Websites like U.S. News & World Report, Princeton Review, QS World University Rankings, and Bloomberg Businessweek publish annual rankings of business schools based on various criteria.

Consult Rankings and Reviews: Review rankings and read reviews from current and former students to get insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different business programs. Pay attention to factors such as faculty expertise, resources, career services, alumni network, and overall student satisfaction.

Attend College Fairs and Information Sessions: Attend college fairs, information sessions, and virtual events hosted by schools to learn more about their business programs firsthand. This allows you to interact with admissions representatives, faculty, and current students, ask questions, and gather additional information.

Visit Campus (if possible): If feasible, schedule campus visits to get a sense of the campus environment, facilities, and community atmosphere. Visiting in person can help you envision yourself as a student at the school and assess whether it's a good fit for you.

Explore Program Offerings: Look into the specific business programs offered by each school, including undergraduate majors, minors, concentrations, and specialized tracks or certificates. Evaluate whether the curriculum aligns with your academic and career goals and offers opportunities for experiential learning, internships, and study abroad.

Consider Financial Aid and Scholarships: Take into account the availability of financial aid, scholarships, grants, and other forms of assistance offered by each school. Research tuition costs, housing options, and any additional fees to assess the overall affordability of attending each institution.

Seek Guidance: Don't hesitate to seek guidance from school counselors, teachers, mentors, and professionals in the field of business. They can provide valuable insights, advice, and recommendations based on their experiences and expertise.

By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you can identify schools with strong business programs that align with your academic, personal, and career aspirations.
Thank you comment icon I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. Daniela
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Emma’s Answer

Hi Daniela!

This is a great question and is something, I think, a lot of kids go through when trying to decide what colleges and universities they are interested in. I know it can be an overwhelming search so here are some search parameters I considered, that helped to narrow it down.

1. Do you have a preference in location? If you want to stay closer to home or explore other places, this can be a big factor in your search.
2. Do you want a big school or small school experience? There are advantages to both and a lot of it comes down to personal preference. That being said, often times, you can make a big school feel small by engaging in the community around you and finding your niche.
3. What are you interested in studying? Schools often have their programs ranked where they will say if they are #1 in Accounting or if they have a really good Supply Chain Management program, etc. There may also be minor programs you are interested in or study abroad tailored to business. Schools often list where their students go on to work and have data on post grad student paths so you can see what aligns with your goals.
4. Cultural fit. When looking at schools a huge factor is the campus culture. Do you want a large, state school or a small, private school type feel? A good way to research this is to reach out to school's admissions teams and sign up for tours, sign up for student coffee chats, and visit to get a sense of the campus. If you spend four years at a place, how happy you are and the other students are, I think, makes a huge difference.

Overall, it is a big process, but a fun one when you think about how you're choosing your next chapter! Best of luck! :-)
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help. Daniela
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Gloria’s Answer

Hi Daniela,

Since you know that you want to go to business school, maybe begin with something else that you want including that major.

Here are some questions:
1. Do you want to live in a certain part of the country or be closer to home? That can help you in your searches by focusing on an area. When I was looking for colleges, I want a place completely different from the place where I grew up (Las Vegas, NV). I ended up going to school in Oregon. That was wonderful and shocking. It was way too different, especially since it was a small town.
2. Do you need a certain kind of support? If you move away from home, you should consider how far away you are from home. If you want to go home relatively quickly, then you might choose schools within a certain distance from where you want to go. Also, you should consider if you need support in other ways. You want to focus on business, but are you also an athlete, artist, dancer? When you look at schools, make sure that the school can support all the parts of you. You are currently in a big city, do you thrive there or do you think that you want to live in a smaller city?
3. What kind of business do you want to practice? I am not sure how you want to use your business major. Can you find a school that is well known for your area of focus? Or maybe with a minor degree program that you also want to pursue? For example, you are a business major but you also want to pursue singing or some other art.
4. Consider that you do not need to complete all your college in place (although it is helpful). Maybe you can go to community college to get some of the basic college credits for the school.

Once you look at some of these variables, you may still get an Ivy-league school. Make sure that your search is as complex as the person that you are. Good luck with your search.

Gloria
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Daniela
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Joseph’s Answer

This should help. Try your search also by narrowing down what type of business you may have an interest. Example, Hotel, Finance, Political, or Economic.

https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/mba-rankings

example:

https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/finance-rankings
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Joseph! Daniela
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Kenya’s Answer

When you're on the hunt for schools with excellent programs, begin by conducting an online search for colleges that offer the specific program you're interested in. Once you've identified potential schools, examine the program in detail, paying particular attention to its success rate. It's also beneficial to review the range of classes included in the program and calculate the number of credit hours required to earn the degree.

Furthermore, I would suggest delving into the program's statistics. For instance, consider the program's relevance and applicability in the job market. Investigate how many graduates have successfully advanced their careers with this major, and so on.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Daniela
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Daniela !

To do a search for what you are seeking, go to a search engine and type in Business Schools in San Francisco. I have left links below for you for a list of non-Ivy League colleges as well as DeVry University. You can start with looking into them. You can also consider community colleges in your area and I have left some links below that include a list of community colleges.

I have also left a link below for an article that can give you some tips on how to do a search on the internet by using a search engine. I hope that this helps you with your further research.

Best wishes in all you do !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

NON IVY LEAGUE COLLEGES FOR BUSINESS MAJOR IN SAN FRANCISCO https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-business/m/san-francisco-metro-area/
DeVRY UNIVERSITY IN SAN FRANCISCO https://www.devry.edu/about/campus-locations/california/newark.html
CITY COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO https://www.ccsf.edu/
COMMUNITY COLLEGES IN SAN FRANCISCO https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-community-colleges/m/san-francisco-metro-area/
TIPS FOR SEARCHING ON THE WEB https://www.lifewire.com/web-search-tricks-to-know-4046148
Thank you comment icon Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action! Daniela
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome, Daniela ! Michelle M.
1