Applying for an MBA is a particularly long and complex process that involves scheduling, brainstorming, writing, and preparing for an interview, all over the course of a year or less! That’s why it’s essential that you not only create outstanding application materials but that you also have a clear plan to ensure that you have everything ready to prepare and submit on time.
That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive checklist, designed to help you organize everything you need to do to create an outstanding, successful business school application.
Phase 1: 1 year – 5 months before the application deadline
Starting your application planning early is one of the keys to admission to your top MBA program(s). As early as one year and no later than six months before the application deadline (more on application rounds here!), you’ll want to complete the checklist items below.
- Schedule, prepare for, and take the GMAT/GRE
Research suggests that the most successful test-takers study for at least 100 hours. Because you’ll be balancing this with work and other responsibilities, make sure you integrate this into your schedule. Additionally, you’ll want to dedicate more time than you think you’ll need so you have time for potential retakes.
- Schedule, prepare for, and take the TOEFL/IELTS
If you aren’t a native English speaker, you will have to take one of these language tests in addition to your entrance exam. We suggest that you start studying at the same time as GMAT/GRE preparation. Note: the amount of time you need to study will vary based on your English level.
- Research MBA programs & schools
Because you have limited time (and money for application fees!), you will have to make a choice as to which schools you will be applying to. Deep dive into multiple programs to determine which are the best fit for your values, goals, and geographic considerations. It’s also a good idea to reach out to current students and alumni to get an insider’s perspective. As you do your research, consider not just courses but extracurricular activities, faculty, values, networks, and location. You may want to visit the schools, if/when possible.
- Reflect on your goals and create your personal brand
While it’s not necessary to start brainstorming your essays at this point, you should start to think about how business school fits into your professional profile and your future. Figure out how to stand out and how to keep your “uniqueness” consistent by completing a personal branding exercise.
- Hire an MBA consultant to help you organize and plan your application
Getting expert support as you start to strategize your MBA application can be the ultimate determining factor in whether or not you get into your dream schools.
Phase 2: 4-6 months before application deadlines through final deadlines
Now that you have your plan in place and know what to expect for your application, it’s time to start writing your essays, contacting your recommenders, and preparing for your interviews. The items below will ensure that you have everything you need for a successful application.
- Make a final decision on your schools
Though this number varies based on your individual circumstances, we do suggest you apply to multiple schools to increase your chances of being admitted into at least one program. For Round 1, we suggest 4-6 schools; for Round 2: we suggest 5-7 schools. For Round 3, we suggest you do not apply for US business schools in this round unless you have exceptional circumstances that prevented you from applying earlier.
For Round 3 at European business schools, we suggest 3-4 schools.
- Brainstorm, write, and edit your essays
As one of the most rigorous parts of your application, you will want to start brainstorming around 4 months before the deadline and give yourself a couple of months to write and edit your essays. Some schools include scholarship essays as part of the application process, so you might need to consider those when building your schedule as well. You may want to consider getting professional support to ensure your essays are perfect!
First, reflect on and choose your best stories. Make sure you think of the best examples to show how your personal brand, strengths, and goals all connect to your chosen programs.
Then, write your first drafts. Because you will want to ensure everything is perfect, give yourself enough time for adjustments and adapting to each school’s essays.
Lastly, you will polish and format your drafts into final versions. Make sure you meet word count requirements and format the documents according to any specific requirements.
- Choose and contact your recommenders
You need 2 recommenders for most schools. Choose referees who have supervised you in the past and can give examples of your work ethic. We suggest doing this around 2 months before the application deadline.
- Gather critical documents
For your application, you will need to submit official transcripts and diplomas from all universities you’ve attended. If your documents are not issued in English, you need to obtain a legal translation. Because this may take some time, we suggest doing this around 2 months before the deadline.
- Understand and fill out online applications
Around 3 weeks before the deadline, you will want to start familiarizing yourself with the online application process to avoid any last-minute technical issues. Fill out the forms completely and accurately. Once you make your final submission, you will pay application fees.
Phase 3: After your application
Though it may seem that your application process ends the moment you get the good news that you’ve passed into one or more of your target schools, you still need to make many important decisions that can have far-reaching effects on your life and career.
Navigating these steps correctly is essential to setting yourself up for long-term success!
- Prepare for and complete your interviews
After you submit your application, it’s time to wait for an invitation to interview! Once you receive this, congratulations! But the work isn’t over.
To prepare, you should work on foundational questions to ensure your interview fundamentals are in place and polished. Second, work on school-specific behavioral questions. Each school’s interview style varies greatly, so make sure you target your preparation. Finally, we suggest completing mock interviews to make sure you can confidently sell your profile in a way that’s consistent with your personal brand. After your interview, send a thank-you note within 24 hours.
Because this step could make or break your admission, we suggest getting interview experts to help you prepare and practice so you nail it!
- Pay your deposit
Around one month after your interview, you will find out whether or not you’ve been accepted. All schools require that you pay a deposit ($USD1500 to $10000) to secure your space in their class, so if you are admitted to multiple schools, you’ll have to make your final decision. Most loan programs will not cover this expense, so ensure you earmark this amount in advance!
- Apply for scholarships
If you’re not awarded a scholarship when you receive your admissions offer, you should begin applying for external scholarships. You can also work on negotiating your scholarship awards to get the best deal possible.
- Apply for a visa
If you are an international student, you will need to begin applying for your visa. Start doing this as soon as you make your decision, as the process can take a while!
- Apply for loans
Most MBA admits have to take loans to cover at least part of tuition and/or living expenses. Rates and maximum amounts vary widely, so look into all your options (both in your home and destination countries) as soon as possible.
- Send waitlist updates
If you find yourself on a waitlist, don’t worry – your MBA journey isn’t over yet! By sending waitlist updates and keeping the admissions committee informed of your continued interest, you can drastically increase your chances of turning a waitlist spot into an admission!
- Celebrate!
After a year of diligent work, you’ve reached your goal! Make sure to take time to celebrate all of your efforts and get excited about all the opportunities and connections you are about to experience!
Get the support that will guarantee success at each step of the application process
Completing all of these tasks correctly and on time is difficult on your own, especially when you’re balancing this with work and other commitments. Plus, there is so much information out there about how to prepare an outstanding MBA application. We know that knowing and executing everything necessary to get into your top choice business schools can seem overwhelming.
Luckily, Ellin Lolis Consulting is here to be your trusted ally in this process. The support of our team of MBA experts can be the difference between checking off boxes and truly shining in your MBA applications. That’s why we have a 98.9% success rate.
From start to finish, we can help you organize the entire application process and ensure you stand out at every turn so you get into your dream program.
If you’re interested in putting the Ellin Lolis Advantage to work for you, apply to work with us today!
Real MBA Essays That Got People In
School-specific sample essays that got our clients accepted
