{"id":16082,"date":"2026-01-05T08:00:21","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T13:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/?p=16082"},"modified":"2026-03-30T10:21:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T14:21:22","slug":"january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\/","title":{"rendered":"January Tips to Prepare for Business School"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As you flip the calendar to 2026, perhaps you are putting finishing touches on Round 2 MBA applications so you can attend your dream business school later this year. If that\u2019s you, get back to work! But if one of your New Year\u2019s resolutions is to take the next step in your career, read on.<\/p>\n<p>Perhaps you are considering applying to MBA programs to matriculate in 2027. Every day counts as you build your business school profile before visiting schools this spring and writing essays over the summer.<\/p>\n<p>Here are ten things you can do\u00a0<i>now<\/i>\u00a0to get ready for business school:<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\/#prepare_for_the_academics\" >Prepare for the academics.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\/#put_the_gmatgre_behind_you\" >Put the GMAT\/GRE behind you.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\/#strive_for_outstanding_performance_at_work\" >Strive for outstanding performance at work.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\/#be_open_to_new_ideas_and_perspectives\" >Be open to new ideas and perspectives.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\/#consider_the_impact_you_hope_to_make\" >Consider the impact you hope to make.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\/#ask_questions_and_listen_to_understand\" >Ask questions and listen to understand.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\/#observe_and_make_note_of_leadership_qualities\" >Observe and make note of leadership qualities.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\/#ask_for_constructive_feedback\" >Ask for constructive feedback.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\/#journal\" >Journal.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\/#use_your_free_time_wisely\" >Use your free time wisely.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"prepare_for_the_academics\"><\/span><strong>Prepare for the academics.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>MBA cohorts comprise students with a very diverse mix of academic backgrounds, and this diversity creates a robust learning environment. Although applicants who have studied economics, business, engineering, or accounting are often well equipped to perform in a business school classroom, students who pursued undergraduate degrees in the humanities may need additional preparation. If you haven\u2019t taken a math class since high school, consider enrolling in a pre-MBA math course so you can dust off your quant skills and be ready to hit the ground running. If your undergrad performance was less than stellar, look for ways to show the admissions committee that you will be a strong student in their MBA program. See \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/is-a-2-7-gpa-a-showstopper-for-an-mba\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Can I Get into a Top MBA Program with a Low GPA?<\/a>\u201d for insight on demonstrating your readiness for the rigor of an MBA program.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"put_the_gmatgre_behind_you\"><\/span><strong>Put the GMAT\/GRE behind you.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Some business schools have evaluated the success of students who were admitted without taking standardized tests and are continuing to offer\u00a0test\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/mba-programs-offering-test-waivers\/\">waivers<\/a>.\u00a0Stay on top of the situation. You need to understand at what point you can request a waiver\u2014either in advance of applying or as part of the application itself.MBA programs are truly test agnostic, so you should take the test on which you will perform the best. If you aren\u2019t familiar with the test options, take a practice test of both the GMAT and the GRE to determine which is a better fit for you. Next, create a study plan and execute it\u2014and remember that there is no shame in taking the test more than once! In fact, since shorter test formats were introduced in 2023, we have been seeing more variability in scoring. As such, we suggest planning to take the test three times.See \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/gmat-gre-or-even-ea-which-test-should-i-take\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GMAT, GRE, or Even EA: Which Test Should I Take?<\/a>\u201d for more guidance on selecting a standardized test. Trust me\u2014you don\u2019t want to be preparing your applications while taking your standardized test. Get your test behind you so you can focus on other components of your applications.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"strive_for_outstanding_performance_at_work\"><\/span><strong>Strive for outstanding performance at work.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>MBA admissions committees will evaluate your professional experience based on the number of years you have worked as well as how you have progressed, what skills you have developed, and whether your experience will add a valuable and\/or unique perspective to the business school classroom. What does this mean in real terms? Be prepared! If you need extra help or don\u2019t understand what is expected, ask for support from a trusted colleague or mentor. Make sure you are delivering everything that is asked of you. Identify what matters most to those who matter most in your company and then figure out how you can become a subject matter expert and add value in that area. Keep in mind that this may be above and beyond your \u201cday job,\u201d at which you must excel.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"be_open_to_new_ideas_and_perspectives\"><\/span><strong>Be open to new ideas and perspectives.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Take advantage of opportunities to meet new people and learn about their backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. This could be at work or through outside activities or travel. Learn to look at challenges and opportunities through the eyes of others. Engaging with individuals who are different from you will allow you to build your EQ (emotional quotient), which is valued in business schools because it is essential for becoming an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/what-is-eq-and-why-does-it-matter-for-future-business-leaders\/\">effective business leader<\/a>. Business schools want to make sure they are putting together diverse cohorts of students who value the perspectives of others and will ensure that everyone\u2019s voice is heard. If you haven\u2019t worked or engaged with individuals who have\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/what-is-dei-and-why-do-business-schools-care-about-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">differing perspectives<\/a>, look for opportunities to do so now.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"consider_the_impact_you_hope_to_make\"><\/span><strong>Consider the impact you hope to make.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Think about what you love about your work and what you would prefer to do less of. Set up informational interviews to better understand what those in more senior roles in your organization do, or look beyond your current company and investigate an industry that intrigues you. Find out how your current skills and knowledge might add value in alternative roles. Take time for introspection and self-reflection. What motivates you? What impact do you hope to have in the world? These are big questions that you can\u2019t answer in a single sitting.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ask_questions_and_listen_to_understand\"><\/span><strong>Ask questions and listen to understand.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Be an active participant in meetings at work. Take notes so you can ask clarifying questions. If you are not engaged, your manager may sense that you are not interested or don\u2019t understand. As you listen to others, don\u2019t just listen for the purpose of responding to what they are saying; listen with the intent of truly understanding their perspective. Flexing these skills now will help you to develop as a leader.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"observe_and_make_note_of_leadership_qualities\"><\/span><strong>Observe and make note of leadership qualities.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Pay close attention to leaders in your organization and beyond. Which of their traits do you admire? What do you wish they did differently? Look for ways to develop your leadership skills. You don\u2019t need to have a formal leadership role; you can lead in a variety of ways. Perhaps equally important, be aware of leaders who are less effective\u2014and understand why. Document what you witness so you can avoid similar behaviors. To learn more about building your MBA profile, see \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/how-to-build-your-mba-leadership-profile-at-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Build Your MBA Leadership Profile at Work<\/a>\u201d and \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/build-your-mba-leadership-profile-through-community-involvement\/\">Build Your MBA Leadership Profile Through Community Involvement<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ask_for_constructive_feedback\"><\/span><strong>Ask for constructive feedback.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Your recommenders will be asked to share details about a time when they offered you constructive feedback and how you handled it. Make a habit of asking for feedback at work, internalizing what you hear, and creating a plan to address it\u2014and then follow up to confirm that you have addressed whatever you needed to improve. Thank those who offer guidance on how you can improve. Some may not deliver the message in the most eloquent way, so learn to discern constructive criticism when it is poorly communicated, and don\u2019t take the feedback personally. Consider creating a personal board of advisors. Select three or four people whom you admire and trust who would be willing to mentor you and offer guidance and support as you navigate the MBA application process.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"journal\"><\/span><strong>Journal.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Crafting a compelling narrative for business school doesn\u2019t happen overnight. Take time now to document your short-term goals, accomplishments, achievements, and failures. Reflect on what you have learned and how you might improve. Having notes that highlight your motivations, passions, interests, and goals will enable you to quickly develop an application strategy.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"use_your_free_time_wisely\"><\/span><strong>Use your free time wisely.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In business school, you will need to juggle classes, club activities, and recruiting. MBA admissions committees will be looking for evidence that you can find balance and are not one-dimensional. Working long hours can be par for the course for early career professionals. In your limited free time, be mindful of what you do and who you spend your time with. Perhaps you want to pursue a passion project, or maybe you are committed to making a positive impact in your community.<\/p>\n<p>Ready to get started?\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/free-consultation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Reach out for a free consultation<\/a>\u00a0to discuss your business school profile, learn what you should do over the next seven to eight months to best position yourself, and discover how Stratus can help you gain acceptance to your dream MBA program.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As you flip the calendar to 2026, perhaps you are putting finishing touches on Round 2 MBA applications so you can attend your dream business school later this year. If that\u2019s you, get back to work! But if one of your New Year\u2019s resolutions is to take the next step in your career, read on&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":19368,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[378,1150],"tags":[558,517,607,995,997,602],"class_list":["post-16082","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mba","category-monthly-admissions-tips","tag-gmat","tag-gpa","tag-gre","tag-january","tag-journal","tag-leadership"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>January Tips to Get Ready for Business School<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Preparing for MBA applications? Learn what to do now, from academics and testing to leadership and self-reflection, to build a strong business school profile.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"January Tips to Get Ready for Business School\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Preparing for MBA applications? Learn what to do now, from academics and testing to leadership and self-reflection, to build a strong business school profile.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Stratus Admissions Counseling Blog | Admissions Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/business.facebook.com\/stratusadmissionscounseling\/?business_id=1549495231831060&amp;amp%3bamp%3bamp%3bref=bookmarks\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-01-05T13:00:21+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-30T14:21:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/January-to-tdo-1.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Susan Cera\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@StratusMBA\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@StratusMBA\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Susan Cera\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\\\/blog\\\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\\\/blog\\\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Susan Cera\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/83b552161e76f86f3180c2ca4da93c42\"},\"headline\":\"January Tips to Prepare for Business School\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-05T13:00:21+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-30T14:21:22+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\\\/blog\\\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":721,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\\\/blog\\\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/January-to-tdo-1.png?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1\",\"keywords\":[\"GMAT\",\"GPA\",\"GRE\",\"January\",\"journal\",\"Leadership\"],\"articleSection\":[\"MBA\",\"Monthly Tips\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\\\/blog\\\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\\\/blog\\\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\\\/\",\"name\":\"January Tips to Get Ready for Business School\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\\\/blog\\\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\\\/blog\\\/january-tips-to-get-ready-for-business-school\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/January-to-tdo-1.png?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-05T13:00:21+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-30T14:21:22+00:00\",\"description\":\"Preparing for MBA applications? 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