If you're interested in earning your MBA, you're facing two main options: You can apply to residential, face-to-face programs, or you can apply to online MBA programs. Many people immediately assume that earning an online MBA is far easier than earning one "in person." How true is that, though? Well, it depends on your current circumstances. For example, if you are already established in your career and want to earn your MBA to open up new career opportunities, an online MBA is likely to be the easiest option. If you're fresh out of college and haven't embarked on a career yet, though, the decision will be a little less cut and dry.
It's Easier to Get into an Online MBA Program
First things first: As a general rule, it's easier to be accepted into an online MBA program than a residential, brick-and-mortar one. According to U.S. news and World Report, the average acceptance rate for the top 10 MBA programs for the fall of 2012 was 19 percent. The acceptance rate for online MBA programs for that same year was 64 percent. Don't let that fool you, though. It doesn't mean online programs have lower standards. Rather, they don't have to deal with issues like limited space and faculty-to-student ratios. For all intents and purposes, they can accept as many students as they'd like.
Online MBA Programs are More Flexible
The main thing that makes online MBA programs easier than residential programs is their flexibility. For busy working adults, being able to work on an MBA from home and on their own terms is really nice. With a residential program, of course, you have to be at certain places at certain times. If you have a full-time job and other adult responsibilities, you're sure to struggle to complete a residential program but are less likely to face such challenges when pursuing an online MBA.
Potential Pitfalls
Most students find online MBA programs to be flexible and easy to tackle. That is, they do if they are self-disciplined enough to do the work. Some people really need the structure that's provided by brick-and-mortar schools. As long as you are able to be your own boss, so to speak, an online MBA program should be fairly simple for you. If you generally prefer having more guidance and face-to-face interaction, though, you may find an online program to be surprisingly difficult.
Online MBAs are the Easiest Option for Many
Online MBA programs are in no way inferior to programs offered by brick-and-mortar institutions. The actual work is still going to be challenging. Of course, that work will pay off handsomely once you have your MBA. Logistically speaking, however, earning an MBA online is by far the easiest route. By pursuing an online MBA, you will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds by holding onto your regular job and earning an advanced degree along the way. Doing the same thing while attending a residential MBA program is more trouble than it's worth.
Move Onward and Upward with an Online MBA Program
If the idea of earning your MBA seems too difficult in general, odds are it's because you don't see how you can fit additional schooling into your busy life. Well, thanks to online MBA programs, doing so is a lot easier than you probably think. As an added bonus, if you are concerned about your GMAT scores or have other doubts about being accepted to brick-and-mortar schools, you're sure to have an easier time getting into an online MBA program. Investigate the available options and apply to online MBA programs that look right for you.
