LBS MBA Review : Ultimate Admit Guide for Success

MBA & Beyond Team

22/12/2023 | 7:40 pm

Are you dreaming of an MBA that not only enhances your career but also broadens your global perspective?

Let’s dive into the world of the London Business School (LBS) MBA program. Nestled in the heart of London, LBS offers an unparalleled blend of rigorous academics, diverse culture, and a global network. Whether you’re looking to skyrocket in the corporate world or embark on an entrepreneurial journey, LBS opens doors to endless possibilities.

LBS MBA CLASS PROFILE

The class profile of the London Business School’s MBA program is a tapestry of diversity and excellence, reflecting the school’s commitment to creating a dynamic and global learning environment. Let’s take a closer look at the vibrant community that makes up the MBA2025 class:

Total Students: 487
Gender Representation: 43% women
Nationalities Represented: 63

INDUSTRY BACKGROUNDS OF STUDENTS

Consulting: 29%
Finance/Accounting: 21%
IT & Technology: 8%
FMCG/Retail/Luxury Goods/E-commerce: 8%
Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals/Biotech: 6%
Energy/Power Generation: 5%
Manufacturing/Engineering/Construction: 5%
Public Sector/Not for Profit/Education: 5%
Automotive/Aerospace/Transport/Logistics: 3%
Other Industries: 10%

The class profile illustrates a diverse mix of professional backgrounds, enriching the learning experience with a range of perspectives and experiences. This diversity is a cornerstone of the LBS MBA, providing students with a unique opportunity to learn from each other and prepare for global leadership roles.

PROGRAM AND CURRICULUM

Embarking on the LBS MBA journey is a transformative experience, designed to provide a rigorous and analytical grounding in global general management, along with flexibility to tailor your learning path. Let’s explore the key components of this dynamic program:

YEAR 1: BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION

Pre-Term: Online preparation modules.
Term One (August-December): Focus on core business fundamentals that every student must undertake.
Term Two (January-March) and Term Three (April-June): Continue with core courses, while starting to tailor your learning with elective options.

CORE COURSES AND TAILORED LEARNING

Core offerings include subjects like Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Data Analytics for Managers, Global Leadership Assessment, and Business Ethics.
Tailored core courses offer students the chance to choose subjects according to their career aspirations and interests, including Marketing, Operations Management, Business Analytics, and more.

YEAR 2: CUSTOMIZING YOUR MBA EXPERIENCE

The second year is entirely student-driven, providing a wide array of electives and experiential learning opportunities.
Flexible Exit Points: Students can complete their MBA in 15, 18, or 21 months, depending on their personal and professional commitments.
Capstone, Congregation, and Global Experience: Key components of the MBA program, offering real-world application and global exposure.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING AND GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES

LondonCAP (London Core Application Practicum): Engage in project-based learning with London organizations.
Global Experiential Courses: Apply learning in global contexts for real-world impact.
International Exchange Program: Opportunity to study with one of LBS’s 30+ academic partners globally.
Entrepreneurship Summer School: For those interested in exploring new industries or accelerating their current careers.

SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE AND CAREER MANAGEMENT

The program emphasizes leadership training, personal and professional development.
The Career Centre offers extensive support, including one-to-one, group, and online training to help students navigate their career paths post-MBA.

This curriculum at LBS is designed to not only impart essential business knowledge and skills but also to foster a global perspective and leadership abilities, making it a truly comprehensive and transformative experience.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR LBS MBA

London Business School offers a range of scholarships to support and attract the brightest talent to its MBA program. Here’s an overview:

London Business School Fund Scholarships: These scholarships are funded by LBS and can cover up to full fees. All successful MBA applicants who demonstrate clear academic and professional merit, and the ability to contribute to all aspects of the MBA program, are automatically considered for these awards. Multiple awards are granted each year.

External Scholarships: In addition to the scholarships awarded internally, many external organizations offer scholarships or grants to students attending LBS. Candidates are encouraged to explore these options as well.

It’s important to note that all candidates are automatically considered for LBS’s internal scholarships, making the process seamless and inclusive.

ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS FOR GETTING INTO LBS MBA

Applying for the LBS MBA program involves meeting specific eligibility criteria and fulfilling various application requirements. Here’s a comprehensive overview to guide you through the process:

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Visa Requirements: If you are a non-UK national, you may need a visa to study in the UK.
GMAT/GRE Scores: A valid GMAT or GRE score is required. LBS also accepts GMAT Focus scores. You might be asked to retake these tests if deemed necessary by the Admissions Committee.
English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers, or those who haven’t been studying in English or living in an English-speaking country for at least two years, need to submit IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge CPE, CAE, or PTE Academic scores.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Online Application Form: Designed to be completed over several sessions, allowing you to save your work as you go.
Application Essays: You need to submit essays answering specific questions, which are a vital part of your application.
- Essay 1: Discuss your post-MBA goals and how your experience and the LBS programme will contribute towards these (500 words).
- Essay 2: (Optional) Provide any additional information for the Admissions Committee (500 words).
One-Page CV: Include a concise CV, explaining any significant gaps in employment history separately.
Referee Details: Nominate a referee who knows you well in a work context, such as a current employer, a colleague, or a long-standing client.
Application Fee: A fee of £200 is required, payable by credit card with your application.
University Transcripts: Submit transcripts from each university attended, with certified translations into English where necessary.

This detailed breakdown ensures that you have a clear understanding of what is expected in your application to the prestigious LBS MBA program

APPLICATION DETAILS FOR LBS MBA

When applying to the London Business School MBA program, there are several critical aspects of the application process to keep in mind:

APPLICATION FEE

Amount: The application fee is £200.
Payment Method: This fee is paid by credit card along with your online application form.
Application Status: Your application will remain incomplete until the correct fee is received.

GPA AND UNIVERSITY TRANSCRIPTS

Transcripts Requirement: You must submit a transcript of grades from each university you have attended. If your offer is made, these transcripts need to be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

GMAT/GRE SCORES

Average GMAT Score: Around 700, with a typical range of 600 to 800.
Minimum GMAT Score: Usually around 600.
GRE Scores: Preferably over 160 for both verbal and quantitative sections.
GMAT Focus: Accepted from the current application year, with score expectations in line with previous GMAT scores.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Average Work Experience: 5.5 years. However, admission may be granted to candidates with less than three years of work experience if they demonstrate superior academic credentials and outstanding evidence of leadership.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT

For Non-Native Speakers: If English is not your native language, or if you have not been studying fully in English or living in an English-speaking country for at least two years, you must submit your IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge CPE, CAE, or PTE Academic score.
TOEFL Institution Code: 0898

This comprehensive overview provides a clear understanding of the key components required for a successful application to the LBS MBA program.

LBS MBA DEADLINES

For those planning to apply to the London Business School MBA program, it’s crucial to be aware of the application deadlines. The application process is divided into several rounds, each with its own set of deadlines. Here’s the detailed schedule for the upcoming application rounds:

ROUND 1

Application Deadline: Friday, 8 September 2023
Interview Decision Sent On: Thursday, 12 October 2023
Interview Period: Mid-October to early-November 2023
Admission Decision Sent On: Thursday, 30 November 2023

ROUND 2

Application Deadline: Wednesday, 3 January 2024
Interview Decision Sent On: Tuesday, 6 February 2024
Interview Period: Early-February to early March 2024
Admission Decision Sent On: Wednesday, 27 March 2024

ROUND 3

Application Deadline: Monday, 25 March 2024
Interview Decision Sent On: Thursday, 25 April 2024
Interview Period: End of April to mid-May 2024
Admission Decision Sent On: Friday, 7 June 2024

All deadlines are set at 17:00 UK time, and admissions decisions are communicated via email on the respective deadline days by 23.30 UK time

LBS MBA ADMISSION PROCESS

The admission process for the London Business School MBA program is thorough and involves several stages to assess the suitability of each candidate:

Initial Application Review: After you submit your application, it is reviewed by the Admissions Committee. This review includes all components of your application, such as your essays, GMAT/GRE scores, work experience, and academic records.
Interviews: If your application is successful, you will be invited for an interview. This critical part of the process is usually conducted by LBS alumni or senior admissions staff, often in the region where you are based. You may need to travel to complete this step, depending on the interviewer’s availability.
Decision Making: Post-interview, your feedback is combined with your initial application for a comprehensive review by the Admissions Committee. The possible outcomes of this review are:
- Offer: An invitation to join the MBA program, indicating that your application and interview were exceptionally meritorious.
- Rejection: Your application will not be pursued further for this year, but you may reapply in a subsequent admission cycle.
- Waitlist: You are not offered a place at the current stage, but LBS remains open to considering more information about your candidacy given the strengths you’ve demonstrated.
Waitlist Consideration: Applicants on the waitlist may be offered a place in the current class or, in some cases, for the following year. Additional information about the next steps is provided to waitlisted candidates.

This comprehensive process ensures that each candidate is evaluated thoroughly, maintaining the high standards and the diverse, dynamic nature of the LBS MBA cohort.

LBS MBA EMPLOYMENT/PLACEMENT

Job Offer Acceptance: 91% of graduates accepted a job offer within three months of graduation.
Job Offer Receipt: 94% of graduates received a job offer within the same period.
Reporting Rate: The employment data has a 99% reporting rate, indicating a high level of transparency and accuracy.
Diverse Employment Opportunities: LBS graduates find roles in a wide range of organizations, including major companies like Amazon, Google, McKinsey, and Goldman Sachs. The MBA program is designed with input from recruiters, ensuring its relevance to various industries and global job markets

APPLICATION ESSAY FOR LBS MBA

The application essays are a crucial part of the LBS MBA application, providing a platform for you to articulate your aspirations and strengths. Here are the essay questions for the LBS MBA application:

Essay Question 1 (500 words):
- Topic: Discuss your post-MBA goals and how your prior experience and the London Business School program will contribute towards these.
- Purpose: This essay is designed to understand your career objectives and how an MBA from LBS will help you achieve them. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate clarity of your career goals and how your background and the LBS MBA program align with these goals.
Essay Question 2 (500 words, Optional):
- Topic: Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School?
- Purpose: This optional essay allows you to provide additional context or information that you feel is relevant to your application. It can be used to explain gaps in your resume, unique life experiences, or any aspect of your candidacy that requires further explanation.

These essays are your opportunity to go beyond your resume and GMAT scores to showcase your individuality, aspirations, and how the LBS MBA program fits into your career trajectory

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR LBS MBA

When applying for the LBS MBA program, the letter of recommendation is a crucial component. Here’s what you need to know about the recommendation process:

Choosing Your Referee: The referee you select should be someone who knows you well in a professional context. This could be:
- Your current employer.
- A colleague, if you prefer not to ask your employer.
- A former employer or long-standing client.
Referee Submission Process: Once you input your referee’s details into the online application form, LBS will send them an email with login details for their online reference system. This allows your referee to submit their recommendation directly to LBS.
Further Contact: LBS reserves the right to contact your referee for additional information in connection with your application

Your choice of referee and their insights into your professional abilities and character can significantly impact your application. It’s important to choose someone who can thoughtfully articulate your strengths and potential for success in the MBA program.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR LBS MBA

The interview process for the London Business School MBA program is a critical step in your application journey. Here’s what you can expect and how to prepare:

Interview Format: Interviews are conducted by LBS alumni or current students, and they tend to be friendlier than those conducted by the admissions committee. The interviewer aims to understand your motivations for pursuing an MBA, your interest in the LBS program, and how well you fit into the program’s global community

Interviewer’s Background: You will be matched with an alumni interviewer in your area. Interviews can be conducted in person or virtually, with the latter having no negative impact on your application. The interviewer will have read your application but not your video essay responses

Duration and Content: The interview typically lasts about 45-60 minutes. It includes traditional MBA interview questions and a presentation question similar to a case study. You will have approximately 5 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to present your response. The focus is on assessing your ability to think on your feet and demonstrate critical thinking skills, rather than finding the “right” answer

To excel in the LBS MBA interview, it’s important to be prepared for a mix of professional and personal questions. You should be ready to discuss your career goals, experiences, and how you can contribute to the LBS community. Practicing case studies and presentation questions can also be beneficial.

WHAT MAKES LBS MBA UNIQUE?

The London Business School MBA stands out due to several distinctive features that shape its unique learning environment and educational experience:

Collaborative Culture: LBS fosters a collaborative, not competitive, environment. Students work together, even when vying for the same roles, emphasizing teamwork and mutual support.
Student and School Partnership: The relationship between students and LBS is seen as a partnership, not a traditional student-institution dynamic. This approach cultivates a sense of collaboration and joint effort in creating the educational experience.
Student-Led Impact: LBS encourages student-led initiatives, providing a platform for students to create impactful programs and drive change, particularly in areas like technology and new MBA concentrations.
Personalized Journey: The MBA program at LBS is not prescriptive. Students have the freedom to craft their unique paths, offering a highly personalized educational journey.
Global Focus Beyond London: Despite its name, LBS’s curriculum extends beyond London, using its location as a springboard for global education and impact. This international perspective prepares students for global business challenges.
Flexible Learning Formats: The program offers unparalleled flexibility in course formats, allowing students to balance personal and professional commitments while maximizing learning opportunities through various course structures.
Critical Thinking Approach: LBS focuses on teaching students how to think, not what to think, which is central to its MBA education. This approach is reflected in its conversation-based interview process.
International Experiences: LBS emphasizes global experiences through treks and international outlooks, encouraging students to engage with different cultures and contexts worldwide.
Experiential Learning: The MBA experience at LBS is rooted in experiential learning, connecting classroom theories to real-world business scenarios, and offering practical applications of academic knowledge.
Trust and Respect: A strong emphasis is placed on trust and respect between students and staff, fostering a community where students are empowered to lead initiatives and make a lasting impact.

These ten aspects collectively define the LBS MBA experience, making it a unique and transformative journey for students aiming to excel in the global business arena.

Conclusion

The London Business School MBA is a program that stands out for its collaborative culture, personalized journey, and global focus, making it a unique choice for prospective students. With its emphasis on experiential learning, flexible course formats, and a community built on trust and respect, LBS provides an environment where students are not just educated but transformed.

This program offers a platform for students to grow as global leaders, ready to make an impactful contribution to the business world. Whether you’re seeking to expand your horizons, develop critical thinking skills, or engage in a globally-focused educational experience, the LBS MBA is a compelling choice for anyone looking to study abroad and advance their career.