Every spring, I speak to aspiring business school students who are content to wait until the essay prompts are released in June to start working on their applications. However, I find that the most successful candidates take the long view on the application process.
Before the weather gets really nice and you can be enjoying the outdoors and engaging with friends and family, take the time NOW to prepare for your Round 1 MBA applications this fall.
Here are seven things you should be doing now:
1. Articulate “Why an MBA?” and “Why now?”
Earning an MBA should be a transformational experience. For two years, you will develop your skills, knowledge, and relationships to take your career to the next level. But WHY do you want an MBA? And WHY is NOW the right time to get one? What are your short- and long-term goals for which an MBA is the obvious next step? Just because your friends are getting MBAs doesn’t mean that you need one too.
2. Recognize where you stand with the GMAT/GRE—reassess!
Before you spend too much time researching MBA programs, it is important to understand how competitive you are based on your standardized test score. Stay on top of the testing situation for your preferred test. Because testing centers have limited capacity, you may have the opportunity to take the test from the comfort of your own home. This could be a big win for those who suffer from test anxiety and haven’t been able to score as well on the real test as on practice tests.
If you haven’t achieved the score you are targeting, you may want to investigate additional support such as an online test preparation class or even a tutor to provide focused guidance. DON’T WAIT! Trust me. You do NOT want to be working on essays while studying for a standardized test.
3. Explore and engage with target business schools.
If you haven’t already done so, sign up to receive emails from any program that looks interesting to you so you know what events are on the horizon. Most MBA programs offer online information sessions, student chats, and more. These can be a cost-effective way to explore a longer list of programs. Some schools are beginning to offer a limited number of on-campus visits, which enable you to sit in on a class and engage with students, but be sure to do your homework before connecting with students.
Not sure how to determine which MBA programs are right for you? Join Stratus MBA admissions experts Susan Cera and Jennifer Jackson for a FREE webinar—How to Choose the Best Business Schools for Your Future—Tuesday, April 19, at 12:00 p.m. ET. Spots are limited. Register now!
4. Identify resources you will leverage to reach YOUR goals.
Although there are many great MBA programs, you need to find those that offer the resources that will move you toward YOUR goals. Investigate course offerings in your intended field and identify specific classes or professors you hope to learn from.
Outside of the classroom, think about which clubs, conferences, and experiential learning opportunities will allow you to enhance your career. Reach out to current students who hold leadership roles in clubs that you are interested in joining. Not sure what to ask? See “21 Questions to Ask Students and Alumni While Researching MBA Programs.”
Think beyond just the business school itself; are there university-wide initiatives that support your interests? Perhaps there’s an entrepreneurship center that brings together students from business, law, engineering, health care, and public policy. Be sure to consider all offerings available on campus that might support your goals.
5. Maintain contact with your recommenders.
At this point, you should have a short list of individuals whom you might ask to write your recommendations. Take a look at the Graduate Management Admission Council’s Common Letter of Recommendation to understand how you will be evaluated, and then take steps to ensure that you are positioning yourself to get strong support.
If your recommenders are your work supervisors, ask them for constructive feedback that you can address over the next few months. Tell them why you want an MBA, and then ask for additional work that will better prepare you for success in business school.
6. Remain committed at work.
Although you may still be working from home, now is NOT the time to take your foot off the gas. Use the next few months to focus on addressing any weaknesses or gaps in your work. Look for creative ways to keep your team engaged and motivated. Explore opportunities to lead a company-wide initiative. Ask for an assignment in which you can develop new skills or knowledge.
7. Start with busy work.
Unlike undergraduate school, there is no Common App for business school, so you’ll need to create a centralized repository of the “standard” materials that you will use across multiple applications. Put together a document that captures your undergraduate extracurricular activities; include the organization name, the dates involved, your leadership roles, your responsibilities, the time commitment you made, and a summary of your accomplishments.
Join Stratus MBA admissions experts Donna Bauman and Melisa Prevost for a FREE webinar—Habits of the Most Successful MBA Applicants—Wednesday, April 27, at 7:00 p.m. ET. Spots are limited. Register now!
September deadlines may seem far away, but there is work you SHOULD be doing now so you won’t be furiously multitasking throughout the summer. In fact, if you take the time now to develop a strategy and plan, you may even be able to take a vacation this summer! This is a marathon, not a sprint.
Not sure where to start? Need help unpacking your experiences to date and figuring out what path you want to take? Sign up for a free 30-minute consultation with one of our Stratus MBA admissions experts.