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Only 100 days until Round 1 MBA applications are due!
Before you read on, visit the websites of ALL of the programs you are considering and sign up to receive information. You will be notified when each school’s application comes live as well as receive some school specific tips from admissions.
Now, what else should you be doing in the month of June?
1. How is your GMAT score looking?
Are you happy with your current GMAT score? Do you need to re-take it? June is a great month to take the GMAT, especially if it’s your first time, as it gives you time to re-assess and re-take before you get too deep into the application process for Round 1.
2. Create a plan.
As submission deadlines become available, develop a project plan to prioritize your work based on the application due dates. Include key professional travel/deadlines or personal commitments. Build them into your plan to create a schedule you can hold yourself to throughout the application season.
Think of applications like barbecuing (since we are approaching that season as well), slow cooking makes for a great meal. But, cook at a temperature too high and too quickly and your food comes out charred. Make sure you give yourself enough time to review your essays and application materials along the way.
3. Outline first!
Before you jump into essays and worry about word count and prose, take the time to do an outline. It is much easier to move ideas around in an outline. Be sure your story is sound and that you are answering each question. After you have put together an outline, put it away for a day. Review it and assess the structure/flow. Then you can start writing.
4. Search out the MBA interns in your area.
MBA interns are starting their internships in a company near you! Check out your target schools’ Admissions Events page or use your network and find interns from your target schools. Reach out to them! Treating summer interns to a couple of coffees (or adult beverages) to learn the inside scoop will be a sound investment.
Many schools also host more official networking sessions – another good reason to make sure you are on the email list!
5. Select recommenders.
Now is the time to choose who you would like to be your recommenders. Make sure your recommenders are aware of your interest in obtaining an MBA. Gauge their enthusiasm – you want to choose recommenders who will say that you are the best of your peers. Use this time to informally update recommenders on your goals and why an MBA is the right path for you.
6. Update a list of post-undergrad engagement.
While you are waiting for applications to come live, use the time to collect the administrative information for the application. Pull together organizations, addresses, key contacts, leadership roles, time commitment, activity description of any extra-curricular activities you have been involved with since undergrad. This will be handy when filling out your applications and keep you from searching at the last minute.
While the application process can be daunting, taking small steps along the way can make it much easier to manage. And that is what we are here to help you do.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
