Dear Mr. Bradshaw,
I am due to be discharged from the Army in June after serving as a platoon leader in Iraq. I have a bachelor of science degree in Economics from Indiana University, Bloomington.
I’m writing to find out if I’m qualified to apply to a good MBA program, such as IU or the University of Chicago. My grades were good, and I plan to take the GMAT.
Do you think my military experience and being a veteran will help when I apply?
Signed,
A soon-to-be veteran
Dear Sir,
First of all, it is an honor to take your question. The transition from the military to an MBA program is a well-trodden path for many veterans who bring leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills to the table. The good news is that your background positions you as a strong candidate for top MBA programs like Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business or the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. Let’s dive deeper into why veterans excel in MBA admissions, your testing options, financial support, and what to expect as you prepare for this exciting next chapter.
Military Experience and MBA Admissions
Your military service as a platoon leader gives you a unique edge. Leadership, adaptability, and the ability to work under pressure are qualities that admissions committees highly value. These skills translate directly into the collaborative, high-pressure environment of an MBA classroom and corporate leadership roles.
A growing number of business schools actively recruit veterans, recognizing the diverse perspectives and experiences they bring. For example, at Harvard Business School, veterans make up approximately 5% of each incoming class.
Similarly, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania reported that 6% of its 2023 MBA cohort were veterans. Other programs, including Stanford,
Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, and Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, also have robust veteran representation. In fact, many top MBA programs have dedicated military or veterans’ clubs that provide networking and community support.
Service academies such as West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy are also well-represented in elite MBA programs. For example, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business reports that approximately 8% of their veterans’ cohort comes from service academies. These candidates’ rigorous academic and leadership training further enhances their appeal to admissions committees.
Testing Options: GMAT and GRE
Traditionally, the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) has been the standard exam for MBA admissions. However, an increasing number of programs now accept the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) as an alternative. This flexibility allows applicants to choose the test that best aligns with their strengths.
In addition, some programs, including MIT Sloan and NYU Stern, have recently introduced test-optional policies or alternatives like Executive Assessment (EA) scores for candidates with substantial work experience. As you plan to take the GMAT next fall, ensure you review the specific requirements of the schools you are targeting.
Free or discounted GMAT/GRE preparation resources are often available for veterans. Organizations like Service to School (S2S) and the MBA Veterans
Network provide mentorship, application guidance, and financial aid for test preparation. Additionally, check if your target programs offer application fee
waivers for veterans, which many top schools do.
Financial Support for Veterans
Business schools recognize that veterans may not have had the opportunity to save for education while serving. As such, they offer substantial financial
incentives:
Veterans Scholarships and Stipends — Many MBA programs provide exclusive scholarships for veterans. For instance, Harvard’s MBA program offers a $5,000 annual stipend for veterans. Similarly, the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and Duke’s Fuqua have dedicated scholarships for military candidates. The Yellow Ribbon Program: This program, offered in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, provides financial aid to veterans attending private universities or out-of-state public schools. Many top MBA programs, including Columbia Business School and Stanford GSB, participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Government Partnerships — Initiatives like the Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover a significant portion of tuition and fees. Combined with scholarships, veterans often attend MBA programs with minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
Career Prospects for Veterans
Veterans bring a sense of discipline, accountability, and teamwork that makes them highly sought after by employers. Post-MBA, veterans often excel in
consulting, general management, and operations roles. Additionally, their experience makes them uniquely suited for positions requiring coordination with
government agencies, such as defense contractors or public-private partnerships.
According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), over 89% of companies surveyed in 2022 expressed a preference for hiring veterans with MBAs. The leadership skills cultivated during military service align perfectly with the demands of upper management roles, making veterans a natural fit for the C-suite pipeline.
Preparing for the Transition
Transitioning from the battlefield to the classroom will require adjustments. MBA programs often emphasize quantitative skills, which may require additional preparation. Many schools offer summer prep courses that focus on statistics, accounting, and mastering software tools like Excel. Consider enrolling in one to ensure you’re ready to tackle the rigorous coursework.
Building a Compelling Application
In addition to strong test scores and essays, your application should highlight your military experience. Share specific examples that showcase your leadership, problem-solving skills, and ability to work with diverse teams. Admissions committees value authentic stories that demonstrate impact.
One innovative approach is to include multimedia elements like photos or videos of your service, although this should align naturally with your narrative and avoid seeming forced. Highlighting your responsibility for the lives and well-being of others can be a powerful statement.
Networking is another crucial component. Reach out to veterans who have attended your target programs to gain insights and advice. Many schools host
information sessions specifically for veterans, which can provide valuable connections and application tips.
Final Thoughts
Your military service provides a strong foundation for success in business school and beyond. With careful preparation, you can leverage your unique experiences to gain admission to a top MBA program and excel in your post-MBA career. Best of luck with your GMAT and applications — your future is full of promise!
Gerald Bradshaw is an international college admissions consultant with Bradshaw College Consulting in Crown Point.
