Table of Contents
Key Academic Requirements for LBS MBA
Candidates must meet a few key requirements to apply for the London Business School MBA program. These requirements ensure that LBS MBA candidates have the necessary qualifications and skills to thrive in the program and contribute to the LBS community.
- Completing the online application form: The application process requires candidates to complete an online form, which is designed to be completed over several sessions. Candidates can save their work as they go and submit the completed form whenever they are ready.
- Providing application essays: Essays are a vital part of the application process, and candidates are required to prepare two essays. The first essay question requires candidates to discuss their post-MBA goals and how their prior experience and the London Business School program will contribute towards these goals. The second essay question is optional and allows candidates to provide additional information the Admissions Committee should know about them and their application to LBS.
- Providing a one-page CV: Candidates are required to submit a one-page CV as part of the online application form. If there are any significant gaps in employment history, candidates should provide reasons for these gaps on a separate sheet.
- Sharing the name and details of a professional referee: Candidates must ask someone to act as their referee. This person could be their current employer, a colleague, or someone else who knows them well in a work context, such as a former employer or long-standing client. After the candidate inputs their referee's details into the online application form, LBS will send them an email with login details for the online reference system. LBS reserves the right to contact the referee for further information in connection with the candidate's application.
- Having a valid GMAT, GRE, or EA score: Candidates must have a valid GMAT, GRE, or EA score before submitting an application. Valid scores must be less than five years old, and candidates must request the test organization to report the official score to LBS. If the candidate is taking a GMAT Focus test or has previously taken a GMAT test, they might not have the option to download a test taker copy of their score. In that case, they should take a screenshot of their score and upload it with their application.
- Providing proof of English language ability: If English is not the candidate's native language, or if they have not been studying fully in English or living in an English-speaking country for at least two years, they must submit their IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge CPE, CAE, or PTE Academic score. Our TOEFL institution code is 0898.
- Providing a transcript of grades from each university attended: If the candidate is made an offer, they will need to submit a transcript of grades from each university they have attended. Transcripts also require a certified translation into English.
Check out for more details- How to Apply | LBS MBA
What Does LBS Look For?
Based on the detailed personal account of applying to the London Business School (LBS) MBA program, here are the key factors that LBS seems to value in their applicants:
- Community Engagement: LBS values applicants who actively engage with their community by reaching out to current students, alumni, and student ambassadors.
- Storytelling and Personal Motivation: LBS emphasizes the personal stories and motivations behind each application, focusing on conveying a unique journey and how the MBA fits into career plans.
- Recommendations and References: It’s crucial to use recommendations to highlight specific professional experiences and personal qualities, providing genuine insights into strengths and potential.
- Proactivity and Commitment: Demonstrating initiative throughout the application process, such as preparing for interviews ahead of time, shows a high level of interest and determination.
- Continuous Improvement: Use every opportunity to strengthen the application, including improving GMAT scores, obtaining further recommendations, or providing updates on recent professional achievements.
- Genuine Interest in LBS: Show deep and genuine interest in LBS's specific offerings by understanding and aligning with the school's values, culture, and academic environment.
- Overall Fit and Contribution: LBS seeks candidates who demonstrate a good fit with the school’s culture and who are likely to contribute positively both as students and as alumni.
By focusing on these aspects, applicants can align their applications more closely with LBS's requirements, thereby enhancing their chances of admission.
Who Attends the LBS MBA Program
Wondering Who Attends the LBS MBA?
- You’re ambitious and driven, with a global outlook
- You want a new challenge in a new industry, function, or country
- You want an enhanced global skill set to accelerate your career
- You want to develop your start-up idea or build a family business
- You have a strong track record of achievement and success
- Five years of work experience on average