MBA Rankings
MBA Rankings Coverage
Since the late 1960s, publications have released MBA rankings based on differing methodologies. Common ranking criteria include admissions statistics, post-MBA career outcomes, and feedback from students, alumni, and employers. While each ranking has its own methodology, it is important to note that they change frequently, often resulting in significant changes year-to-year (and sometimes sparking criticism from those with an interest in the market for graduate management education).
Bloomberg BusinessWeek was an early pioneer of MBA rankings, and remains influential. US News & World Report is generally considered the most accurate ranking of U.S. programs. The Financial Times uses a slightly different methodology, but is also closely watched. For your convenience, we have provided quick summaries of these major MBA program rankings:
Major MBA Rankings
Most MBA rankings are released annually. MBA applicants generally look to rankings to help them identify MBA programs to consider, whereas schools use the rankings to highlight their prominence in the marketplace.
While Clear Admit covers the major MBA rankings news, we do not produce our own ranking. We do, however, know much about candidates’ preferences thanks to our MBA DecisionWire tool.
The Tier System
Different rankings list schools in different orders, and even so, no ranking gets it right; this is illustrated by looking at the top three schools listed for each of the rankings we profile above. None have Harvard and Stanford as 1-2 (in either order), and Wharton as 3. That order is accepted in the industry, and reinforced by our own internal analysis of DecisionWire data. It is because of these inconsistencies in main stream rankings that we believe a tiered-ranking system actually makes more sense.
In a tiered-ranking system, we suggest that certain schools, like Booth, Sloan, and Kellogg, are equally good, and for different candidates, based on their preferences, one may well be preferred over the other two. If you want a more tech-focused MBA for your long-term goals, Sloan might be best. If your interests like in the financial services arena, Booth might have the edge, whereas Kellogg should provide your more opportunities in the consulting arena.
This is all to say, we don’t believe there is a true ordinal ranking for all candidates, without taking into account an individual candidate’s preferences regarding career and geographic focus.
MBA Applywire
GPA: 4.0 Undergrad (Business Admin/Accounting)
Work Experience: 8 Years as an IT Director/Information Security Director
Test Results: Hoping to get a waiver but am willing to take an exam
Targeted Programs: Hoping to get into Kellogg Part-Time/Evening/Accelerated Full-Time, or Stanford preferred but open to options
I also do have my PMP and CISSP, which are not relevant pre se but was asked if I had one before. I am going to get CPA once I finish MBA or part of MBA due to state requirements. I am also white and have owned businesses and do have copyrights and trademarks due to a brand I own.
Does this profile seem good enough? I did have one of the admissions officers ask why even get an MBA, but I want one, and feel they are valuable. Also, scholarships would be cool but plan on self-funding if scholarships are unavailable.
Short-term: Short-Term (Post-Graduation, Pre-MBA):
After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to work full-time in management consulting or a strategy/finance-oriented role within India. In the short term, my goal is to gain rigorous exposure to problem-solving, business fundamentals, and decision-making across industries by working closely with organizations that are navigating growth, transformation, or operational challenges. I aim to build a strong foundation in analytical thinking, stakeholder management, and execution while developing a practical understanding of how businesses operate on the ground in an emerging market context. These early professional experiences will help me identify real-world gaps where scalable, responsible business solutions can create meaningful impact.
Long-term: Long-Term (Post-MBA):
In the long run, I aspire to leverage an MBA from a top global institution to transition into leadership roles where I can build or scale impact-driven ventures at the intersection of business, finance, and social development. Drawing from my background in grassroots social work and exposure to entrepreneurship and consulting, I aim to work in impact investing, social entrepreneurship, or leadership roles within mission-driven organizations, with a focus on education, financial inclusion, and livelihood creation. My ultimate goal is to create sustainable business models that deliver measurable social impact while remaining financially viable, particularly in developing economies like India.
I am planning to apply for Deferred MBA this year. I am currently in the final year of my college at IIM Jammu
MBA LiveWire
Applied in Round 2: December 15
Interview: 9th January