Hi, I would just like to ask, what are the computer skills necessary if you want to succeed in a full-time MBA program in the United States? Of course, you need to know MS Office like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, but to what extent? Should I self-study on the more advanced features of those?

Aside from the 3 I mentioned, what other software should I know? Microsoft Project (I plan to major in Supply Chain Management)? How about Quicken or Quickbooks? Or a statistical software perhaps?

Please help, especially if there are admissions officers reading this, because I want to be well-prepared in my computer skills when I apply for an MBA. Thank you!

i think that although a basic understanding of MS office should do the trick,but a better understanding of the advanced options of thous would surly be of help to you. first of all, it would make you faster and second - knowing it well can help you use it better, making the most out of thous powerful software solutions(especially EXCEL - you can really do some amazing things with it, but you have to learn the logic of the software and how to control it). anybody can make a simple excel table, but only a few can really go beyond it.

Yes, I think Excel is THE one you'll need to know pretty well. But I don't think admissions boards really ask whether or not you're a whiz. From what I understands, it is only important that you should know some of Excel's bells and whistles before you start your first year.

Thanks a lot for your help! I'll keep that in mind, and brush up on my Excel skills! : )

here is a basic tutorial to get you started, and help you evaluate where you stand:

http://www.usd.edu/trio/tut/excel/

i would also look for a book about excel or even take a course if you got the time for it.

imagine how popular you will be at your class ;-)

Thanks andy.j! I'll take note of that link you sent me.. Yeah, I guess Excel is a very important and useful software in an MBA program.