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PRE-MBA AND MBA PROGRAMS: A PRIMER
By James Yellowlees, Ph.D.
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The interest in MBA programs continues to grow, but the
selection of programs has become daunting. The term "MBA" has become somewhat of a mantra, but what is it and what does it involve?
Generally, MBA holders are viewed as having mastered core areas of business administration and are, therefore, considered to be more able
to handle important management positions.
Thus, many MBA program graduates are able to improve their employment prospects at management and executive levels. Their
compensation levels generally rise accordingly, as well.
This last point is important, as entrants to MBA programs will shell out US $20,000 to $120,00 in tuition alone
in the one to two-year intensive study periods they are about to embark upon.
Most MBA programs prefer to accept mature students, or those who have worked for at least a few years, preferably in a management or
executive position. The traditional two-year, full-time study-at-the-campus MBA still exists but,
as prospective participants are increasingly less able to devote so much time to MBA study, a number of alternatives have appeared.
These include: One year intensive programs, Executive MBA programs that allow students to continue to work while they study, online
learning and blended approaches that combine on campus and online learning.
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PRE-MBA PROGRAMS
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For prospective MBA program participants in Japan, the immediate tasks are:
- getting a good GMAT test score
- getting an acceptable TOEFL test score (if English is not the candidate's first language)
- selecting the programs of interest
- applying to those programs
and, if there is time, doing course-related Pre-MBA preparatory work.
For the tests and application assistance, two well-known names provide good services in Japan: the Princeton Review and Kaplan Japan. |
The Princeton Review of Japan office is conveniently located near the south exit of Shibuya Station in Tokyo.
Native English-speaker counselors are able to provide individual advice on suggested test preparations, program selections and
program application procedures. Princeton Review is also able to assist with LSAT test preparation (for law school).
Both individual and group study and preparation options are available. Princeton Review also offers mobile instruction in Japanese.
Princeton Review of Japan president Tadashi Yokoyama noted that currently about 10 percent of the students are non-Japanese and that he hopes to
boost this percentage.
Tel: 03-3463-1343 ˇˇFax: 03-3463-2208 E-mail: info@review.co.jp
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Kaplan Education Center Japan offers similar preparatory counseling and instruction at its well-situated
location within Sogetsu Hall in Akasaka in Tokyo and at its central location in Nagoya.
According to Executive Director Kenji Hirama, Kaplan has self-study options that are quite popular. Generally, students get counseling on
the best approach to take for preparatory courses and self-study, based on their needs, objectives, time availability and budget.
Kaplan in the U.S. recently merged with the Arthur D. Little School, so the Japan operations are able to act as feeders into that MBA program.
Students are also able to access the considerable online resources that Kaplan has gathered globally.
Tel: 0120-025600ˇˇ Fax: 03-3403-3547 E-mail: kap-info@kaplan.ac.jp
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