How to prepare for the application process and interview to join the BBA?

In addition to earning a degree, students taking the BBA at IPAG Business School develop professional skills and learn the basics of business management in a multicultural environment.

Does this course interest you? Would you like to find out how to enrol?

Discover the steps to follow to prepare your admission application and interview.

Three steps to complete your application pack

The first step of the admission procedure for the BBA at IPAG Business School is a review of your application pack. You must submit a complete pack that includes a number of documents.

Assemble your latest school reports and exam results

Firstly, you need to present:

• your school reports from the last two years;
• the results of your final secondary or high school exams.

These provide evidence of your level of study and give a first impression of your learning path so far.

 

Prepare your CV and cover letter

Academic achievement is not the main criterion for selection of BBA candidates. Personality, motivations and an international outlook play a key role in the eyes of the jury.

This is why we ask all candidates to prepare a CV and cover letter in English. In the CV, you can highlight extra-curricular activities in your educational background, including in the areas of non-profits, culture and sport, as well as international experiences.

In your cover letter, you can describe your objectives and desire to pursue an international career. It is also important to show what you understand about the BBA course and why you think you are a suitable candidate.

 

Take the TOEFL and IELTS exams and keep your certificates

To join the BBA course in the first, second or third year, for a single diploma, the TOEFL or IELTS score is not mandatory. However, if you plan to take an international dual degree, you must take a test that demonstrates your level of English:

• TOEFL assesses both oral and written expression and understanding. This is the standard test for studies in North America.
• IELTS assessment is in four areas: written and oral understanding; written and oral expression. It is generally required to study at universities in the United Kingdom.

Following approval of your application, the interview is the decisive moment in the admission procedure. 

How to prepare successfully for the interview in English?

The interview is a chance for the jury to assess whether you have the right profile and motivation to join the BBA. Given the course’s international focus, it is conducted entirely in English. Here are a few tips to be fully prepared for it.

Know how to present your reasons for choosing the school and the course

During the interview, the jury will ask you why you decided to apply for the BBA at IPAG Business School.

Forget about standard answers that could apply to any school. Copying and pasting will not work. You must know the specifics of the school and the course, explaining why it suits your profile and how it meets your objectives.

This means you will need to find information on the website and in the brochures. Also, don’t hesitate to contact the admissions department and ask to speak with a student on the course. 

 

Stay up to date with news and show curiosity

You will be applying for an international course with a global outlook. The jury will expect you to be aware of news happening around the world. 

Also, since you will be looking to join a business management course, you will need to be up to date with business news. 

If, on the day of the interview, the jury asks you about a recent event that you are totally unaware of, this could be perceived as showing a lack of curiosity. Regularly reading at least one newspaper, or reviewing the press by subscribing to a few newsletters, will stand you in good stead.

Preparing to present your background

If you are asked to present yourself, you should already have the key points in mind. The aim is to show what makes you a good candidate for the course, in terms of your profile and experiences.

Knowing the course well is important. But knowing yourself is even more so.

You can prepare by doing the following:

• List your outstanding experiences, which should correspond with the ones you highlighted in your CV. Learn how to describe what the experiences involved and what you learned from them.
• List your personality traits: this is the answer to a standard question about your strengths and weaknesses. You can talk to friends and family members to see how they perceive you. Remember to always back up what you say with examples.

It is important to bear in mind that preparing doesn’t mean learning a speech by heart. The idea is to know yourself well so that you are not caught unprepared, while remaining fluent and natural.

The interview is a two-way process, not a monologue. You should listen carefully, and show creativity and originality to convince the jury about your motivation.

Are you interested in the BBA or would you like to find out more about the admission procedure? Don’t hesitate to contact our admissions team for further information.