Books & Materials
How to Apply
How to Get Into the Top MBA Programs
by J.D., Richard Montauk
Gives advice on every step of the application process, with a focus on how to effectively market oneself to competitive business schools. The book compares American and European-style applications, and gives detailed guidance about how to write focused essays, deliver strong letters of recommendation, and prepare for the interview.
(amazon.com) - (amazon.co.uk) - (amazon.de)
ABC of Getting the MBA Admissions Edge: International
by Matt Symonds and Alan Mendonca
Over 600 pages of advice and application strategies for prospective MBA applicants from around the world.
(amazon.com) - (amazon.co.uk) - (amazon.de)
MBA Admissions Strategy: From Profile Building to Essay Writing
by A.V. Gordon
This work is aimed at the 100,000+ applicants a year who seek admission to the world's competitive business schools. It is unique in helping candidates construct a successful application from scratch, not replicate previous applicants errors. It focuses on the essay writing process, to meet the specific needs of MBA applicants. It targets an international market reflecting the increase in the number of MBA applicants from Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
(amazon.com) - (amazon.co.uk) - (amazon.de)
Graduate Admissions Essays: Write Your Way into the Graduate School of Your Choice
by Donald Asher
Draft-by-draft account of how to write an admissions essay directed to a general audience of prospective graduate students. Contains lots of sample essays and broad discussions about the entire application process.
(amazon.com) - (amazon.co.uk) - (amazon.de)
How to Write a Winning Personal Statement for Graduate and Professional School
by Richard J. Stelzer
Now in its third edition, this is a focused and concise guide to writing your personal statement, including example essays and insights from admissions officers from some of the most sought-after MBA programs in the United States.
(amazon.com) - (amazon.co.uk) - (amazon.de)
Graduate Studies in den USA. Der Leitfaden für Ihre erfolgreiche Bewerbung
by Christin M. Forstinger and Alexander F. Wagner
German-language guide to applying for graduate school in the United States, written by authors with first-hand experience.
Language Tests
TOEFL Test Preparation Kit - Book and CD-ROM
by Educational Testing Service
Preparation material package -- including hundreds of practice exam questions and several sample essays -- published by the very people who administer the TOEFL exam. Also includes CD-ROM.
(amazon.com) - (amazon.co.uk) - (amazon.de)
The IELTS Tutor - Book and CD-ROM
by Lloyd and Roslyn Jacklin
For those taking the IELTS exam (an alternative to the TOEFL exam sometimes required for entry into UK, Canadian, and Australian universities), this audio-visual guide provides hints and strategies designed to maximize your score.
(amazon.com) - (amazon.co.uk) - (amazon.de)
Comprehensive Guides
Which MBA? A Critical Guide to the World’s Best MBAs
by George Bickerstaffe
A book (now in its 15th edition) geared toward helping people draft their “shortlist“ of favored MBA programs. Addresses some of the frequently asked questions posed by prospective students about what to look for and avoid in an MBA program, and a discussion of some important factors that each individual ought to consider before committing to a school. Includes program listings and student survey results.
(amazon.com) - (amazon.co.uk) - (amazon.de)
BusinessWeek Guide to the Best Business Schools
by BusinessWeek
BusinessWeek, a periodical that closely follows trends related to MBA programs, here presents (and justifies) their list of the top-50 programs in the United States, and their top-10 international programs.
(amazon.com) - (amazon.co.uk) - (amazon.de)
Staufenbiel – Das MBA-Studium 2007. Mit ausführlichen Porträts der besten Business Schools weltweit
by Birgit Giesen and Eva Balster
Those lucky enough to read German can browse this overview of US and European programs, which also examines recent trends and regional differences in MBA programs. Also includes some notes about choosing schools and financing your studies.
(amazon.de) - (staufenbiel.de)
American Universities
ABC of Getting the MBA Admissions Edge (US)
by Matt Symonds
A highly praised resource that helps applicants maximize their chances of getting into top-rated MBA programs. Same author and similar to ABC of Getting the MBA Admissions Edge volume listed above, but this book is focused on programs in the United States.
(amazon.com) - (amazon.co.uk) - (amazon.de)
Getting What You Came For: The Smart Student’s Guide to Earning a Master’s or a Ph.D
by Robert Peters
Written by a former Stanford biology graduate student, this book gives an anecdotal and straightforward treatment of some of the „universal“ topics that concern potential graduate students in almost any discipline, including applying, choosing schools and advisers, and navigating the politics of higher education.
(amazon.com) - (amazon.co.uk) - (amazon.de)
The Chicago Guide to Your Academic Career: A Portable Mentor for Scholars from Graduate School through Tenure
by John A. Goldsmith, John Komlos, Penny Schine Gold
An introductory overview of academic life, from the initial decision to apply to graduate school through to the life of a tenured faculty member. Three US scholars discuss the challenging and rewarding aspects of a career in academia.
(amazon.com) - (amazon.co.uk) - (amazon.de)
British Universities
The Official MBA Handbook
An annual resource for prospective MBA students, particularly those interested in business schools in the United Kingdom. Provides advice about how to choose schools, apply, get financial aid, as well as providing an informative list of accredited schools, focusing on those in the UK-based Association of MBAs.
Study Abroad
Handbuch Studium und Praktikum im Ausland. Austauschprogramme, Stipendien und Sprachkurse
by Momme von Sydow, Heiner Statschen, and Sandra Többe
German-language guide to studying and interning abroad, focusing on the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. Detailed and practical advice on everything from scholarships to conquering logistical hurdles, such as work permits and health insurance.
Please note that inclusion of books and materials on this list is not an official endorsement from FIND-MBA. If you know of useful MBA-related materials that should be included on this list, please let us know about them!
