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As the weather gets nicer and you continue to adjust to working from home and social distancing it may be harder to focus on your applications. There’s so much you can be doing in May to make it easier on yourself in the coming months. Here are some things you can be focused on this month:
1. Finalize Your MBA Strategy
Consider your short and long-term goals and whether you NEED an MBA to reach those goals. Answer “Why MBA and Why Now?” What do you need to learn from an MBA? Cross-industry exposure, soft skills, leadership skills, cross-functional exposure? Also, consider some key themes that illustrate you as a candidate. Are you a creative leader? Someone who brings people together to solve problems?
2. Focus on your weakness
At this point you have likely spoken with your manager and mentors about your plans to apply to MBA programs. What constructive feedback have they given you? Make sure that you are taking steps to address that feedback and demonstrate growth. Maybe you need to improve your quantitative profile; find ways to contribute that involve budgeting or P&L responsibility. Or perhaps you need to develop your leadership profile. Identify opportunities to contribute above and beyond your formal job description so it will be easy for your recommenders to call you out as being ahead of your peers.
3. Continue to Visit Programs
You might have had plans to visit schools this month and sit in on classes. With campuses closed you now must be more resourceful in your research. Sign up for emails from every program you are interested in. Attend webinars and Ask Me Anything sessions. Much of the content in these channels is well curated. To get better understand what a school values and celebrates, follow their Twitter or Instagram. Reach out to fellow alumni from your undergrad institution and ask for introductions to students who share your interests and goals.
4. Focus on GMAT/GRE Preparation
If you don’t have a GMAT or GRE score that you’re happy with – or one that falls in the 80% range of the schools you’re targeting – buckle down and study. If you are re-taking the test, identify areas where you need to put in the most effort. Consider hiring a tutor to get targeted assistance. Make sure you understand the differences between at home and test center format and restrictions before you set a date. You may not have your target score as early as you hoped due to testing disruptions. Relax, you will figure it out!
5. Request Your Transcripts
Reach out to your undergrad institution to get your transcripts sent so you can upload them into applications. If you did a study abroad program through another university, make sure to get that transcript as well. This is one thing you can check off your to-do list so you won’t have to scramble later.
6. Decide Where to Apply in Round 1
Put together a list with three stretch schools, three target schools and three likely schools. Keep in mind that even if you have stellar GMAT, GPA and work experience, M7 schools are stretch schools for everyone. Target schools have student profiles that are right in line with your numbers and profile. Likely schools should be close to a sure thing for you. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]