How Likely Will You Be Accepted to Study at World's Top Schools for Business Analytics?

The second edition of the QS World University Rankings: Business Masters Rankings includes the QS Masters in Business Analytics Rankings 2019, a ranking which highlights 74 of the world’s top schools for master’s in business analytics programs. The ranking is based on a methodology which considers each institution on its employability, alumni outcomes, value for money, thought leadership and diversity.

Unfortunately, gaining admission at these lucrative business schools isn’t an easy feat, making it very important to stand out in order to gain one of the few places available. Read on to find out how likely you are to be accepted to study at one of the top 10 business schools for this subject.

1. MIT Sloan School of Management - Master of Business Analytics

Ranked number one for its Master of Business Analytics in 2019, MIT’s Sloan School of Management achieved perfect scores in the employability, alumni outcomes and thought leadership indicators. Its Master of Business Analytics includes the Analytics Capstone Project, giving students an opportunity to work on real-life data science problems with industry experts.

According to Forbes, Sloan School of Management has an acceptance rate of only 11 percent. There are only 44 students in the Class of 2019, who have an average undergraduate GPA of 3.9. Candidates should demonstrate success in academic, extracurricular, and professional endeavors, amongst other attributes and qualifications, and attend an admissions interview.

2. Imperial College Business School – MSc Business Analytics

Heading to London, Imperial College London is an ideal choice for those looking for somewhere diverse for their master’s in business analytics degree, with 94 percent of its 88 students coming from outside the UK, representing 31 nationalities. It also offers a unique online version of the course with nearly the exact curriculum.

If Imperial is for you, be aware that admission is highly competitive. The course is designed for recent graduates and working professionals, and you should possess at least a 2:1 or the international equivalent in a quantitative discipline. Relevant work experience is not a requirement, but will add weight to your application.

3. University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business - Master of Science in Business Analytics

Ranked third for its Master of Science in Business Analytics, the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business achieves a very high score for the value for money indicator, demonstrating a strong return on investment.

In addition to your grade point average and GMAT/GRE test scores, your application will be assessed based on the strengths of any relevant experience, leadership and extracurricular activities, communication skills, strong quantitative skills and more. As part of your application you should submit three letters of recommendation and a video essay.

4. ESSEC/CentraleSupélec - MSc in Data Sciences & Business Analytics

ESSEC Business School and CentraleSupélec are ranked fourth for their jointly-offered MSc in Data Sciences & Business Analytics degree, a 12-16-month program offered entirely in English. Students can study in Paris and Singapore, and can choose between one of three majors in period two: Data Sciences, Business Analytics, or Digital Strategy.

Amongst meeting all the entry requirements, you’ll also need to be open-minded, a problem solver, and show leadership potential. You’ll need to submit your application by April 10 2019 for admission at the end of August 2019. You may like to meet with admissions officers at a QS World Grad School Tour to discuss this course.

5. ESADE - MSc in Business Analytics

Heading to Barcelona, Spain, ESADE Ramon Llull University was placed fifth for its MSc in Business Analytics, which is offered in English (with some elective courses available in Spanish).

According to Forbes, ESADE’s overall acceptance rate stands at a fairly encouraging 61 percent. The class of 2018 was made up of 71 students, aged 23 on average, with 85 percent coming from outside Spain. The course is aimed at business management or economics graduates, but those from other academic backgrounds are welcome to apply. Professional experience is not required.

6. USC Marshall School of Business - Master of Science in Business Analytics

USC Marshall School of Business was ranked sixth for its MSc in Business Analytics degree, an 18-month program which is aimed at recent graduates with an analytical background who are looking to pursue a career in business analytics and data sciences.

The acceptance rate in Fall 2017 was only 14.2 percent, with 90 students admitted. A few years of relevant work experience is preferred but not essential. USC Marshall strongly recommends submitting applications early due to the limited number of spaces. International students must submit their application by April 15 2019 for fall 2019 entry.

7. Alliance Manchester Business School - MSc Business Analytics

Heading back to the UK, the University of Manchester’s Alliance School of Business is ranked seventh for its MSc Business Analytics degree and, like Imperial, receives a very strong score for diversity, with 97 percent of the class coming from outside the UK.

You will need at least a 2:1 (or the overseas equivalent) in a relevant bachelor’s degree – the standing of your university will be considered as part of your application, as well as your grade average, position in class and references. According to Forbes, the acceptance rate for the school as a whole is 60 percent.

8. Warwick Business School - MSc Business Analytics

The University of Warwick’s Warwick Business School (WBS) claims eighth place in the latest business analytics ranking, earning its best scores for diversity and alumni outcomes. As well as its campus near Coventry in Warwickshire, UK, WBS has a London campus located in The Shard.

WBS is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 42 percent, and the course requires students to have strong numerical and IT statistical ability. Your undergraduate degree should be in a relevant subject, but WBS considers candidates from a wide variety of academic backgrounds. Your application will include transcripts, references and a statement of purpose.

9. University of Edinburgh Business School – MSc in Business Analytics

The University of Edinburgh’s Business School was a new entry in this year’s business analytics ranking at ninth place, achieving a very high score for the diversity indicator (with 94 percent of students coming from outside the UK).

To gain admission to this course, you’ll ideally have a background of courses and/or experience in topics such as linear algebra, calculus, probability, statistics, and computer programming. Work experience is not required but can help increase your chances, and due to the limited number of places, preference will be given to those with higher grades than the minimum required (a 2:1 or equivalent).

10. University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management - Master of Science in Business Analytics

Concluding our look at the likelihood of gaining admission at the top schools for business analytics is the US’ Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, which earns one of the highest scores in the top 10 for the value for money indicator, as graduates earn an average starting salary of $84,754.

To gain admission, you should have completed at least one semester of a college level calculus course to the required standard, and demonstrate computer programming proficiency through either academic coursework, professional experience or online training. The school’s acceptance rate currently stands at 45 percent according to Forbes.

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