Pre-MBA Checklist

Your first semester in the Tippie School may mark a return to school after several years away from the books. Before classes begin, we recommend that you refresh your skills and get a head start on learning new information. MBA Career Services would also like you to begin working on professional development activities by completing the summer project noted below.

The Tippie MBA is very quantitative in its approach to solving business problems and you will use computers extensively. For these reasons, it is important that your skills are current in basic tools for business analysis.

MBA Career Services

We are looking forward to having you join us at the Henry B. Tippie School of Management this fall as you begin your MBA studies. The staff of MBA Career Services (MBACS) is eager to partner with you in identifying and preparing for the next step in your professional development. Learn more about what you need to do NOW and how we will help you through this process.

Accounting, Finance, Quantitative Skills, and Statistics:
The MBA Survival Kit

The Graduate Management Admission Council has developed "The MBA Survival Kit," a series of four CDs to help prospective MBAs refresh their skills. These interactive CDs give you a chance to review, at your own pace, accounting, finance, quantitative skills and statistics. The materials were developed by leading MBA professors and include individual feedback, clear explanations, animated graphics and case studies. Order the complete set or just those you most need at the mba.com store.

Writing Skills

Equally important to your success is the ability to communicate your analyses clearly. If you are unfamiliar with standard business communication formats, you may wish to review this material. Two excellent references are The Business Writers Handbook by Charles T. Brusaw and The AMA Style Guide for Business Writing. Both books are widely available at major bookstores or may be purchased through online bookstores. International students who are not familiar with American standards or formats for business communications are strongly advised to review one of the above references.

Computing Skills

You will develop your computer skills as part of your coursework in your MBA program. While you will receive instructions on specific technical software, it will be very helpful if you are familiar with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software when classes begin. You will use Microsoft Office™ products throughout your MBA study. If you need instruction on this software you may either attend classes or workshops in your area or purchase one of the many excellent self-study guides that are available.

The Tippie School does not require students to purchase a computer. However, many students find it convenient to own a computer. A computer lab in the Pappajohn Business Building that is primarily for MBA student use provides access to computers during day and evening hours. In addition, laptop computers may be checked out from the Pomerantz Business library in the Pappajohn Business Building.

View recommended computer specifications and further information on computing resources. This page is also printed in the admission binder sent to admitted students.