I am in graduate school now. I attend a private university and am working towards an MBA degree.
a) how hard is it to get into?
To get into a graduate business school, you need to take the GMAT test. The GMAT is a moderately difficult exam consisting of three parts — English, Math and Writing.
The hardest part for me were the data sufficiency questions. This is a type of question where they give you a math problem and two pieces of information. Rather than solving the problem, you have to determine if the problem can be solved with either of the pieces of info alone, both of them, or that even with both pieces of info the problem cannot be solved.
Since the recession started, the number of applications to B-Schools has gone up dramatically all over the country, so it is harder to get in. Yet, if you get a really good grade on the GMAT, you will find most schools willing to take you in.
b) anything to make your application stand out?
Just make sure you have all your ducks in a row. Resume, recommendations, transcript, GMAT score, etc.
c)specific requirements, especially if unusual
See above.
d)begins in spring/fall/summer term?
Most business schools will allow you to start at any point. I started in the Spring semester.
e)frum population: how many frum people are in each class? make exceptions over yomim tovim ect?
My school has a small (but noticeable) frum population. I have had Yom Tov exam situations, but so far every teacher has been respectful, understand and was willing to make accommodations for me to take the exam at another time.
If you have any specific questions about b-schools, feel free to post here or drop me an email.
The Wolf