LBS EMBA Dubai Application: 5 Things to Know

The LBS EMBA Dubai application can be a bit of a project. Not only do you have to write three spectacular essays, but you also have to gather all the odds and ends that are part of the application. In general, your LBS EMBA Dubai application will include:

The application (personal details, work history, etc.)
Professional resume’ (1 page only)
Academic transcripts (university and graduate if applicable)
Executive Assessment scores or proposed test date
2 recommendations (1 from an immediate supervisor or line manager)
3 admissions essays

With so many pieces to assemble, you may be wondering where to get started. Don’t worry! We’ve outlined 5 things you need to know about the LBS EMBA Dubai application.

1. You can save the application as you go.

Don’t wait until the deadline is looming to start the LBS EMBA Dubai application! As soon as you are sure that you want to apply to LBS Dubai, create an account on the program website and fill in the basic information. You can save the application and come back to it later. Therefore, it does NOT have to be completed in one sitting. You can add to it as you gather additional materials.

If you cannot answer a question, but need to save the page…

Add placeholder text like “SAVE.” Adding text will allow you to save that page of the application. However, it will also be clear to you that you need to come back and fill in that section later.

Creating the application immediately and saving it will also allow you to preview the entire application.

2. Recommendation letters aren’t necessary.

Our students typically come to us to study for the Executive Assessment with recommendation letters already in process. DON’T DO THIS!

Recommendation letters are not required for the LBS EMBA Dubai application. Here’s how the recommendation submittal process works:

You log into your application.
You complete a form providing the names and email addresses of your recommenders.
The platform sends your recommenders an email with an application ID and validation key to access their secure recommendation.
Your recommender completes a form with specific questions and a rating scale.
The recommendation is saved and submitted automatically without you ever seeing it.

Since you are cut out of the recommendation process, we suggest you send talking points to your recommenders via email. Talking points give them a place to start, making writing the recommendation easier. In addition, you are more likely to get the type of recommendation you want.

3. There is a downloadable template for essays.

Need to see the latest LBS EMBA Dubai essays? The application includes a downloadable template. You submit your essays using this word document. However, you should write your essays elsewhere (Google docs, Microsoft word, etc.). Then, cut and paste them into the submission document.

4. Transcripts and test scores are submitted by PDF.

You will submit nearly all the LBS EMBA Dubai application attachments by PDF. Transcripts are no different. Be sure to include transcript translations in the PDF file.

Submit your Executive Assessment unofficial score by PDFing the signed and stamped paper from the test center.

5. There are 3 mini-essays inside the application.

And you thought you were done writing! There are 3 mini-essays lurking inside the LBS EMBA Dubai application. Each has a maximum word count of 300-400 words.

Do not feel compelled to write more than it takes to answer the questions. For example, one question is: “Who do you know from LBS?” You will have a hard time writing 300 words about that. Do not be tempted to start writing about yourself again. Just answer the question.

However, another question–“What do you do in your free time?”–does warrant a thoughtful response. Pick 3 hobbies or commitments and elaborate on each in 100 words each. For instance, if you spend a lot of time with your family, write it down!

Watch this video from LBS Dubai to get an understanding of the program and how you need to present yourself in the application.

Frequently Asked Questions about the LBS EMBA Dubai Application

What is the acceptance rate for LBS EMBA Dubai?

We have no idea! The best advice we can give you is initiate a conversation with the admissions officers BEFORE you apply. They can review your CV and tell you if you are a good fit for the program. If this step goes well, you are more likely to get in than if you just submit the application without prior contact.

How hard is it to get into LBS EMBA?

If you are a strong fit AND you follow the right process, getting into LBS for your EMBA is straightforward. It’s not easy, but it is at least straightforward. We offer all of our students our insight into the process. We have more than a DECADE of experience getting students into the LBS EMBA program in Dubai, so we know what works and what doesn’t.

How to get into London Business School Executive MBA?

We’ll give you the Cliff Notes version:

Send your current CV to the admissions office for review.
Attend all (or at least two) LBS EMBA events in Dubai.
Create your one page resume’ integrating the comments from the admissions office.
Start preparing for the Executive Assessment.
Start the application.
Request your strongest recommendations.
Write amazing essays.
Submit your application.
Complete your GMAC Soft Skills Assessment, Kira interview, and admissions interview.
Receive your conditional acceptance.
Ace the EA.
Receive your final acceptance and pay your deposit.

Done!

Just starting the Executive MBA application process?

Whatsapp us and we’ll tell you the BEST way to go about it. We can help you tell one narrative with all the application parts, including your resume' and interview. We have extensive experience preparing EMBA hopefuls! We'll help you prepare for the Executive Assessment. Already taken the test? We edit essays as well. Put your best self forward in the Executive MBA application with our help.