Also known as Yale SOM, the Yale School of Management, launched in 1976, is one of the most prestigious MBAs that students can acquire (the program frequently places highly in rankings from the Financial Times, BusinessWeek and U.S. News & World Report). In addition to offering its full-time MBA program, the school introduced the Yale Integrated MBA Curriculum in 2006, which replaces traditional first-year classes such as finance and accounting with courses that teach the roles a potential manager needs to take into account: the investor, the customer, the competitor, society, the innovator, the employee, the operations engine and funding. The Integrated MBA Curriculum aims to combine the many different elements of an MBA in a format that teaches students how they interact.

The program appears to be a success. Students tell Vault the experience 'exceeds expectations' and 'the material is very relevant and practical.' Plus, 'getting into popular classes is also a breeze'99 percent of students were able to obtain all of their first choices,' notes one student. The grading system is a 'very simple' one'around 80 percent of students in each class receive a grade of proficient. Then, very strong students will receive grades of distinction'which is reserved for the top 10 percent of students in each class.'

When applying to the MBA program, expect a 'flexible' admissions committee that 'provides helpful feedback. Overall, the school 'does a great job of personalizing the admissions process.' Yale SOM also makes an effort to be inclusive of all students, creating the Q+ Gay/Straight Alliance in 1999 to foster and encourage networking and dialogue between gay and straight MBA students.