So, should a prospective student worry about a faculty's research prowess when applying to a school?

ECONOMIST: Business-school research

For his part, the President helped to refurbish a Washington, DC elementary school, applying some varnish to a classroom bookshelf.

FORBES: Obama's Inaugural Address and the Limits of Government

To show you're a serious student now, take a few business classes before applying to school and get top grades.

FORBES: Magazine Article

So by rewarding some of these states submitting applications today, by extending the Race to the Top for states, by launching a Race to the Top among school districts, and by applying the principles of Race to the Top to other federal programs, we'll build on this success.

WHITEHOUSE: Race to the Top for Education Reform

At the Adderley School they have adopted the testing and targeting ethic with a vengeance, and meetings to set targets are a regular feature of school life - but even here there are worries about applying blanket standards to circumstances that can change.

BBC: Testing times for schools

The campaigners are applying to the Department for Education to open a St Ursula's senior school on part of the existing Brecon Road site.

BBC: Sign at St Ursula's School, Bristol

Check back next Friday for the next article in this series which will provide you with a step-by-step game plan for successfully applying to business school this fall.

FORBES: The Rise of the International MBA

For high school seniors looking into applying to colleges both early decision and on regular admission, the idea of going into school with a business idea that could one day potentially be the next Facebook is enough to make anyone want to shoot for the stars and begin launching their own company.

FORBES: 9 Tips For College Freshmen Starting Up Their Own Business