FAQ

What is MBA Readiness?

MBA Readiness is a deliberate process and mindset designed to achieve significant results from the MBA degree. The more ready you are, the more you can get out of the MBA experience. 

It starts from the time you are contemplating the MBA, continues through the admissions process, and culminates in pre-MBA coursework so you can hit the ground running on Day One of your MBA.

MBA readiness should be the goal.  This includes admissions. Schools want to see that you are ready to tackle the MBA.  Admissions is not just a qualifying event. It’s a process. If you plan for readiness, you are planning for a successful admissions process.

Readiness means you can handle the rigor, the time constraints, the discipline to study, the ability to solve complex business problems, and examine cases in the language of business.  Readiness means competitiveness in the classroom.

You only have so much time in your MBA.  The more ready you are, the more competitive you are on day one.  There are no do-overs. Use your time wisely when competing in business school as you will need to be able to handle not only the academic rigor, but also the social rigor -- developing relationships with classmates and professors while beginning your career exploration and search.  Other people will be ready. How ready are you?

What is the difference between MBA Admissions and MBA Readiness?

MBA admissions is set by the school. MBA readiness is set by you.  

Admissions is the systematic approach that a college uses to shape its incoming class and includes criteria such as GMAT, major, past GPA, work experience, essays, and more.  MBA Readiness is a universal concept that prepares you for your best business school. One of the primary reasons for a school to reject an applicant is when the applicant has not demonstrated their ability to handle the MBA experience especially for people with non-business backgrounds or in established careers.

The school can’t make you ready, but the school can see that you are ready.  The MBA is too expensive. Why wouldn’t you start ready?

How does MBA iQ benefit our MBA program?

MBA classrooms are more and more diverse.  All career specialties benefit now from an MBA.  It’s not just a next-level for business majors. Your class composition is richer because of this. You need to admit both “poets” and “quants.”  

MBA iQ helps your students prepare for the demands on a student’s time, study skills, academic readiness and content knowledge for success in the MBA classroom.  If they are not ready on day one, they don’t have time to catch up.

MBA iQ Knowledge Series levels the playing field for out-of-field candidates, a refresh for those out of school for a while or those in specialized business fields by exposing them to the broad landscape of business concepts, sometimes for the first time.  The goal is to use MBA iQ as a leading indicator of academic success and lower remediation and drop-outs.

How can we begin including the MBA iQ in our admissions or readiness process?

Please contact us. Together, we can examine your goals to best leverage MBA iQ assets for your student success.

How can our MBA program use this to satisfy prerequisites? 

MBA iQ can satisfy prerequisites and pre-enrollment competencies. MBA iQ goes beyond prerequisites to create student readiness in time, study skills, content knowledge, problem-solving and case analysis.

How does the MBA IQ translate to college/ university credit-hours?

The content covered within all three modules of the MBA IQ is roughly the equivalent of a 3-4 credit hour university course. 

What Proof of Completion is provided to business schools?

Upon completion, we will email the business school your Final Exam score to validate your completion and performance. 

Can employers use this as part of their tuition reimbursement programs?

Yes, the MBA iQ brings the acumen of business in a fast, low-cost, low-commitment way. 

MBA iQ is a qualifier for the grit, perseverance, and readiness for an MBA.  Corporate professionals have jobs, lives, families and hobbies challenging their ability to thrive in the classroom.  MBA iQ protects your investment in tuition dollars by accelerating an employee’s MBA-readiness.

Can this be used as part of internal leadership development programs?

At its core, the MBA iQ is a business acumen program, which is a vital component in an overall leadership development program. Contact us to see how we can help you achieve your company’s business acumen needs.

We have struggled with connecting our investments in training to business growth.  How does MBA iQ help my business grow?

Business acumen is the type of training or learning programs that lead to business growth. Contact us and let us show you how the MBA iQ can be structured within your organization to drive business growth.

How can MBA iQ help me achieve my workforce diversity goals? 

We see MBA iQ as an essential component of high-potential employee development programs, employee retention programs, diversity and inclusion programs, and tuition reimbursement programs. We believe business acumen can be effectively infused in your existing employee development programs. 

When should I take the MBA IQ?

The MBA IQ can be taken at several different times in someone’s career. 

If you are taking it to improve your business acumen, then we suggest you including it in your annual review and performance plan, sharing the course contents and benefits to your direct supervisor.

If you are taking it to boost your MBA application, then we suggest you take it alongside the GMAT, if applicable.

If you are taking it just to boost MBA readiness, then we suggest you take it once you’ve been admitted to the MBA program of your choice.

Can this be reimbursed by my employer?

The vast majority of employers reimburse for the MBA iQ, especially as part of an employee’s MBA sponsorship. Because of the immense amount of business acumen contained in the MBA iQ, we have heard from people who have included the MBA IQ in their annual performance appraisal, in their leadership development efforts, and in their annual goals. If you need any additional details to have the MBA iQ reimbursed by your employer, please contact us. We’ll be happy to assist you in this process and share what others have done.

How is each Module of the MBA iQ Knowledge Series structured?

Each module includes: 

• Reading Assignments

• Knowledge-Checks

• Mini Case-Studies reflecting companies in our current economy

• Flashcards – recommended for course users to generate their own flashcards to facilitate practice and retention

• Unlimited Quizzes

There is a One-Time Final Exam that covers all of the modules within the course.

On average, how long does it take to complete the MBA iQ?

We suggest studying a minimum of 10 hours a week for approximately 4-6 weeks. The more time spent per week in the beginning of the course will enable you to get over the learning curve. The actual time spent will vary based on an individual's background and studying habits. 

Is there a Coach or Facilitator for course users?

Yes, Devi Vallabhaneni, Founder of the MBA iQ, will be your coach and facilitator. She is available as a resource for all your needs, except for teaching you the material. It is a self-directed course.