MBA Difficulty – How Tough Is It and How Many Schools to Apply?

If you’re thinking about an MBA, the first question most of us ask is: "Is it really that hard?" The short answer is yes, but the difficulty varies a lot. It depends on the school, the program format, and what you bring to the table. Below we break down the main challenges and give you a clear plan for how many schools you should actually apply to.

What Makes an MBA Hard?

First, the admission process itself is a big hurdle. Top programs look at your GMAT/GRE score, work experience, essays, and recommendations. A high GMAT score (often 700+) can open doors, but schools also weigh leadership stories and clear career goals. If your background is not typical – say you come from a non‑business field – you’ll need extra proof of your readiness.

Second, the academic workload can be intense. Even part‑time or online MBAs pack core subjects like finance, strategy, and marketing into compact modules. Expect case studies, group projects, and presentations that demand both analytical skills and teamwork. Many students say the pace feels like a marathon, especially when you’re balancing a job.

Third, the cost and time commitment add another layer of difficulty. Tuition can run from $30,000 to over $100,000, and you’ll need to plan for living expenses or lost income if you go full‑time. Financial pressure can affect your focus, so budgeting early helps keep stress low.

How Many MBA Schools Should You Apply To?

Most experts agree that applying to three to five schools hits the sweet spot. Here’s why:

• Enough variety: With 3‑5 applications you can target a mix of reach, match, and safety schools. Reach schools push your limits, match schools fit your profile, and safety schools give you a backup.
• Manageable cost: Application fees average $150‑$250 per school. Keeping the list under six stops the total fee from blowing up while still giving you options.
• Time‑friendly: Each application takes around 10‑15 hours for essays, test prep, and gathering documents. Doing more than five can drain your energy and quality.

Start by researching programs that align with your career goal. Look at class size, faculty, alumni network, and placement stats. Then rank them: #1 is a dream school, #2‑#3 are solid fits, #4‑#5 are safety nets. Once you have the list, map out a timeline. Give yourself at least three weeks per application to write tailored essays – generic ones hurt your chances.

If you’re good at test prep and have a strong resume, you might stretch to six schools, but only if you can keep each essay personal. Common mistakes are copying and pasting the same story or rushing through the recommendation requests. Those slip‑ups lower your score more than a slightly lower GMAT.

Finally, keep an eye on deadlines. Some schools have early decision rounds that can boost your odds if you’re ready. Others have rolling admissions, so applying early can give you a seat before the class fills up.

In short, an MBA is challenging, but the difficulty can be managed with a smart application strategy. Choose programs that truly match your goals, limit your applications to a focused 3‑5, and give each one the attention it deserves. With that approach, you’ll increase your chances of getting into a program that fits your career path without burning out.