LOUIS LAVELLE

So you want to go to business school…An MBA prepares you for a multitude of careers— and for life. Whether you want to be a financial analyst or the next Steve Jobs, this book tells you when, why, and where to apply for the B-school that’s right for you.

Based on BusinessWeek's famous rating system, this at-a-glance guide answers all your questions, including:

What's it worth?

First-year post-MBA base salaries and salary increases

What's the cost?

Tuition and fees, living expenses, and total program cost

Is it the right fit?

The best program, teachers, and schedules for you

Do I have what it takes?

GMAT scores, work experience, selectivity, and other stats

With Web links, phone numbers, application requirements, and visitor info, this guide is all you need to get into your program of choice-and get on the fast track for life.

Louis Lavelle, an Associate Editor at BusinessWeek, oversees the magazine's rankings of the best b-schools.