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With the New Year rapidly approaching, it\u2019s time to assess where you are in the application process. You may be getting ready to submit your applications for the Round 2 deadlines in January, or you may be deciding to apply to an MBA program next season. Regardless of where you are in the process, I present my holiday present to you\u20145 things all MBA applicants should do before December 31:<\/span><\/p>\n 1) Devote enough time and mental energy to the process.<\/b> It is vital to reduce distractions and clear your plate to maximize your time before the New Year. Give yourself the gift of time to put the final touches on applications or begin planning for the 2017-18 season. Wrap-up any non-work-related projects, reduce your workload and, if possible, limit your holiday travel schedule.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 2)\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Remember that you are a snowflake.<\/b> Snowflakes are unique\u2014no two are alike. Thus, what is the story that only you can tell? Clearly defined post-MBA goals that are differentiated will serve as the foundation of a strong application. Understand your long-term vision and articulate a realistic post-MBA path to achieve that aspiration. Then, truly reflect on your experiences\u2014personal, professional, academic, and extracurricular\u2014that have led you to this point. This will position you in a compelling manner.<\/span><\/p>\n 3)\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>In this holiday season, be inspired!<\/b> Finish thoroughly researching the schools to which you are applying. Visit campus and interact with as many students and alumni as you can to get their perspectives. This will provide you with a strong understanding of on-campus culture and how you fit within the school\u2019s environment. Get excited about where you may be next year! Enthusiasm is infectious.<\/span><\/p>\n 4)<\/strong>\u00a0Explore your required test options and ensure your best effort on such exams<\/b>. Most MBA programs allow you to take the GMAT up to and including the day of submission. The Graduate Management Admissions Council has also recently changed key policies to benefit test takers. You may view your score immediately and choose to cancel if the score is not within your target range. You may retake the exam after only 16 days, so plan accordingly. Another tip is to switch to the GRE if your GMAT score is not competitive for your school of choice.<\/span><\/p>\n 5)\u00a0<\/strong>Choose your champions. <\/b>Having a level of control over your letters of recommendation begins with choosing your champions. <\/b>Then, you can feel comfortable and confident to have open conversations about your application strategy and what your recommenders should emphasize. If you are applying next season, you can actively take steps now to build and strengthen relationships with those who will most likely recommend you in the future. Start by taking someone out for a holiday lunch or coffee to get the conversation started. It\u2019s never too early (or too late) to build a meaningful connection.<\/span><\/p>\n Happy Holidays and best of luck in the New Year!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] With the New Year rapidly approaching, it\u2019s time to assess where you are in the application process. You may be getting ready to submit your applications for the Round 2 deadlines in January, or you may be deciding to apply to an MBA program next season. Regardless of where you are in the process,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":6206,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[378],"tags":[655,652,653,654],"class_list":["post-6338","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mba","tag-business-school","tag-mba","tag-mba-admissions","tag-mba-applications"],"yoast_head":"\n