There are usually three elements involved in applications to MBA programmes – an application form (usually online), a GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test), and an interview.

Applications usually include, as well as personal and academic details, a personal written statement, in which candidates detail their relevant experience, as well as their career objectives, and the ways in which the MBA study will support them in achieving them.

One application task is often a written essay, analysing, in some depth, one or more aspect(s) of the current business environment.

In addition to this, there is a standardised entry test for many MBA courses, called the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test). Some 1,700 courses globally use this test.

The GMAT looks at verbal, mathematical and analytical competencies, rather than assessing business knowledge. The test has three sections - quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning and analytical writing; candidates are awarded scores on each of them.

Many schools do not have a minimum score for GMAT performance, but take the score into account alongside other factors. There are a variety of test centres which allow you to practise for the test.

The onus is on candidates to arrange to take the test and acquire the certification, which is then provided to the institution in making the application.

Interviews for a place on an MBA course are very similar exercises to interviews for other academic courses (such as undergraduate degrees) or jobs. They are an opportunity for you to demonstrate your career motivation, to explain why you have chosen to take an MBA course, and to articulate how your professional experience and your skill-set support your application.

MBA interviewers will also focus in particular on the ways your work experience demonstrates your leadership ability.

You can also expect to be asked questions about aspects of current issues in world business, to determine your level of focus and knowledge in these areas as well.

Interviews are opportunities to sell yourself. If you have made it to the interview stage, you clearly fulfil the entry requirements in terms of academic and professional achievement. Whether you are offered a place on the course in preference to the competition will depend on your performance in the interview – how well prepared you are, and how polished, able to think on your feet, and enthusiastic and motivated you are.

You will normally also be required to submit two letters of recommendation from academic and professional referees. These will ideally go into some depth about your relevant competencies and experience.

In applying, bear in mind that schools are looking for excellence in four main areas: intellectual ability, managerial and leadership potential, personal attributes and career plan.

Intellectual ability will be judged primarily on an applicant’s undergraduate record and their GMAT score. Managerial potential will be inferred from previous work experiences and positions held.

Personal attributes are assessed from the interview and from ‘softer’ areas such as your extracurricular and community activities.

And schools will want to see that your career plan is well thought-through, and viable.