How to get into M7 from India? The M7-a group of seven of the world’s most prestigious business schools- is celebrated for its world-class education, powerful alumni networks, and career-defining opportunities. While Indian students do account for around 30% of global MBA applicants, they make up only about 9% of the student population at top […]
How to get into M7 from India? The M7-a group of seven of the world’s most prestigious business schools- is celebrated for its world-class education, powerful alumni networks, and career-defining opportunities. While Indian students do account for around 30% of global MBA applicants, they make up only about 9% of the student population at top institutions like Harvard, Stanford and Wharton. So, how can Indian applicants gain an edge in such a competitive environment?
This article delves into the importance of M7 business schools, their global rankings, admission requirements and also offers other strategic tips for helping Indian students boost their chances of gaining admission for elite programs.
How to get into M7 from India? The M7 Business Schools, also known as “Magnificent Seven” or “Magic Seven”, comprises of a prestigious group of elite US Business schools renowned for good quality education as well as global reputation. These are considered to be best in the world and have also formed an exclusive network for collaboration and also share insights on graduate business education.
| Business School | University | Location | Notable Features | Avg. GMAT Score (Approx.) | Tuition (Per Year) | |
| Harvard Business School (HBS) | Harvard University | Cambridge, MA | Case method, strong alumni network | ~730 | USD 81,374 (INR 67.70,460) | |
| Stanford GSB | Stanford University | California, Stanford | Entrepreneurial focus, Silicon Valley access | ~737 | USD 87,096 (INR 72,46,540) | |
| Wharton School | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | Finance powerhouse, flexible curriculum | ~733 | USD 95,681 (INR 79,60,830) | |
| Booth School of Business | University of Chicago | Chicago, IL | Analytical approach, flexible curriculum | ~732 | USD 88,211 (INR 73,39,310) | |
| Columbia Business School (CBS) | Columbia University | New York, NY | Strong finance & consulting focus, NYC location | ~729 | USD 90,392 (INR 75,20,770) | |
| Kellogg School of Management | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | Team-based learning, marketing strength | ~730 | USD 86,801 (INR 72,22,000) | |
| MIT Sloan | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | Tech & innovation-driven, strong quant focus | ~730 |
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How to get into M7 from India? The M7 business schools consistently secure the top spots in MBA program rankings, earning their prestige through decades of producing successful graduates, conducting groundbreaking research ,and also maintaining strong ties with the business world. These institutions regularly vie for top rankings globally, highlighting their dedication for excellence in business education:
| Business School | QS World Ranking 2024 | US News Ranking 2024 |
| Harvard Business School | 3 | 5 |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | 1 | 6 |
| The Wharton School (UPenn) | 2 | 3 |
| Booth School of Business (UChicago) | 14 | 1 |
| Columbia Business School | 7 | 11 |
| Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern) | 12 | 2 |
| MIT Sloan School of Management | 6 | 4 |
How to get into M7 from India? The admission criteria that are essential in M7 from India are:
| Admission Criteria | Details |
| Bachelor’s Degree | A 3-year or 4-year undergraduate degree from a recognized institution (preferably with a strong academic record). |
| GMAT/GRE Score | Competitive GMAT (typically 720+ recommended) or GRE equivalent. |
| Work Experience | 3-5 years of work experience preferred, with leadership roles or impact-driven contributions. |
| Extracurricular Activities | Strong involvement in leadership, community service, or entrepreneurship adds value. |
| Essays & SOP | Well-crafted essays that highlight career goals, achievements, and fit with the school. |
| Letters of Recommendation | Usually 2 recommendations from supervisors or mentors who can vouch for leadership and impact. |
| Interview | A crucial component, typically conducted by alumni or admissions officers. Focuses on leadership, goals, and personality. |
| Diversity & Global Exposure | International work experience, unique perspectives, or contributions to diversity can strengthen the application. |
| TOEFL/IELTS | Required if the undergraduate degree was not in English. |
Examining the acceptance rates at M7 Business Schools provides key insights into the highly competitive nature of these elite institutions. Given below is a detailed overview of class sizes, total applications received, and acceptance rates for each M7 school in the most recent academic year:
| Business School | Class Size | Applications | Acceptance Rate |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | 424 | 6,152 | 6.1% |
| MIT Sloan School of Management | 484 | 5,560 | 8.7% |
| Harvard Business School | 1,015 | 8,264 | 12% |
| Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern) | 559 | 4,471 | 13% |
| Columbia Business School | 844 | 6,177 | 13.6% |
| The Wharton School (UPenn) | 877 | 6,319 | 13.8% |
| Booth School of Business (UChicago) | 621 | 4,352 | 14.2% |
How to get into M7 from India? It is vital to understand the GMAT score requirements at M7 Business Schools for getting valuable insights into academic standards:
| Business School | Average GMAT Score | Average GPA |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | 737 | 3.76 |
| Harvard Business School | 730 | 3.7 |
| MIT Sloan School of Management | 730 | 3.62 |
| The Wharton School (UPenn) | 733 | 3.6 |
| Booth School of Business (UChicago) | 729 | 3.6 |
| Columbia Business School | 729 | 3.6 |
| Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern) | 729 | 3.7 |
High employment rates are among the graduates from the M7 Business schools, who secure positions with the top-tier companies in fields of consulting, finance, technology, and healthcare, among others:
| Business School | Median Salary (USD/INR) | Signing Bonus (USD/INR) | Performance Bonus (USD/INR) | % Offers (3 Months) |
| Stanford GSB | 182,500 / 151.84L | 30,000 / 24.96L | 50,000 / 41.60L | 89% |
| Booth (UChicago) | 180,000 / 149.76L | 33,000 / 27.45L | NA | 95% |
| Harvard Business School | 175,000 / 145.60L | 30,000 / 24.96L | 40,000 / 33.28L | 86% |
| Wharton (UPenn) | 175,000 / 145.60L | NA | NA | 97% |
| Columbia Business School | 175,000 / 145.60L | 30,000 / 24.96L | 31,000 / 25.79L | 84% |
| Kellogg (Northwestern) | 175,000 / 145.60L | 30,000 / 24.96L | NA | 94% |
| MIT Sloan | 170,000 / 141.44L | 30,000 / 24.96L | 40,000 / 33.28L | 90% |
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