TopMBA (QS Rankings)

TopMBA​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ (QS Rankings) Review: Beyond a Leaderboard I bet that if you have ever thought to yourself “best MBA programs,” TopMBA.com is probably where you first landed. As the online center for the QS Global MBA Rankings, most people who are seriously debating whether or not to enter business school will visit the site first. Anyway, maybe it's just a prestige contest for the Ivy League schools or a tool for those who are genuinely thinking about business schools? I’ve done extensive reviewing of their features, attending virtual events and analyzing their data. Here is the TopMBA review from me. What Exactly is TopMBA? TopMBA is the business education division of the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) . While the annual rankings which they publish make the company popular, the website serves as a vast network of services and products aimed at helping people from the moment they question getting an MBA to the point when they decide on the school that offers the best return on investment. It is organized around three main components: The Rankings: worldwide, continental, and specialized (e.g., Masters in Finance or Marketing). The Events: The QS World MBA Tour, which puts applicants in direct contact with admissions directors. The Content: Very detailed guides covering GMAT preparation, scholarships, and career trends.

The Reason QS Methodology Stands Out Three names dominate the MBA rankings landscape: The Financial Times, U.S. News, and QS. What makes the QS rankings on TopMBA different is that a big part of them is based on Employability . Their formula considers: Employability (40%): They poll tens of thousands of global employers on which schools produce the best employees. Entrepreneurship & Alumni Outcomes: The school of origin for most famous founders and CEOs is determined. Return on Investment: How much more the salary will be after the degree as compared to the degree costs is analyzed. Thought Leadership: The extent to which the school’s research influences the business world is measured.

Features to Attract Applicants

1. The Comparison Tool This is the "hidden gem" of the website. A user can pick up to four schools and compare them next to each other. It does more than just telling their ranking positions; it informs you of things like the size of the class, the percentage of foreign students, the typical GMAT score required, and the tuition costs. It's hugely efficient and useful in narrowing the "shortlist" down to a manageable size.
2. ROI Calculators The price for an MBA can be shocking. TopMBA has devises which allow you to find out how long your "break-even" will be on loans taken out and your post-graduation expected salary. This basically is a reality check that anyone who needs a loan agreement for their studies can’t do without.
3. The "QS Stars" Rating Just being a "brilliant" school doesn’t mean the institution will be at the top of a ranking list. With the QS Stars scheme, the attractiveness of the school is judged based on various categories such as "Facilities," "Inclusivity," and "Social Responsibility." This is the way to go if you want to focus more on campus life and student support rather than just the name on your degree. The Pros: Why It Is Worth Watching Global Outlook: TopMBA is not like U.S. News that mainly concentrates on American schools. If you are thinking of schools in Singapore, Spain, or the UK, this is the best place for you. Specialized Rankings: They recognize that the MBA is not the only qualification out there. They have excellent rankings for Master’s in Business Analytics, Supply Chain Management, etc. which are among the best in the industry. Direct Access: Both the virtual and the physical events are very well planned. 15 minutes of one-to-one time with an admissions officer from a top-ten school is priceless.

The Cons: Things to be Careful Of The "Prestige" Bias: Like all rankings, TopMBA sometimes can be looked at as a part of the problem which is that it reinforces the status quo. The best schools don’t change much their positions most of the time and it is thus difficult for innovative or new programs to get the attention they deserve. Data Overload: The platform is so packed that if one is not careful, he/she might get overwhelmed by the hundred metrics shown and freeze. Advertorials: Since the partners of the school for events, some pieces of writing might give a feeling of "advertorials." Always check the raw-data behind the recommendations.

Bottom Line: Your First Step on the Road TopMBA can be compared to "Google Maps" for business education. It may not indicate precisely where you want to go but it will tell you the possible routes, how much you will have to pay for the "toll," and the traffic situation in terms of job competition. If you are just at the very beginning of your research, use the platform for the purpose of making your list. If you are in the middle of your application, use the site to get the exact "stats" that you will present in your essays to show you have done your ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌homework.