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If you’re applying for business school, you know that it’s a lengthy process. There are many parts within MBA applications, such as your resume, essays, and letters of recommendation. Additionally, there are multiple deadlines to manage. In fact, each MBA program has its own requirements and deadlines. So, an MBA application timeline will be key to tracking your progress.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to create an MBA application process timeline. By creating a timeline, you’ll meet important requirements of the MBA application process. Further, you’ll develop quality materials before MBA application deadlines.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- Understanding the MBA Application Timeline
- Timeline vs. Deadline: What’s the Difference?
- Key Stages of the MBA Application Process
- Creating Your Personalized Timeline
- Sample MBA Application Timeline
- Conclusion: Take Control of Your MBA Journey
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s Next?
Let’s begin with an overview of the MBA application timeline.
Understanding the MBA Application Timeline
As mentioned, most MBA programs have unique application requirements and deadlines. Many B-school programs have several application deadlines (also known as admissions rounds). So, you have numerous deadlines to consider. However, you can only apply to each MBA program once per season.
Therefore, you must know key milestones and specific B-school MBA application deadlines.
Key Milestones
You must review key milestones while developing a business school application timeline. Doing so allows you to manage the process through smaller steps. While many parts of the application are within your control, there are a couple for which you must plan ahead.
One of the elements that is out of your direct control is receiving your transcripts. Therefore, we recommend that you request your transcripts early.
Additionally, your letters of recommendation require advance planning. Later in this article, we’ll discuss when to ask for them.
When planning your MBA application timeline, make sure to include key milestones such as these.
TTP PRO TIP:
Avoid delays and request your undergraduate and graduate transcripts early!
Next, let’s discuss the difference between a timeline and a deadline.
Timeline vs. Deadline: What’s the Difference?
We recommend creating an MBA application timeline in order to meet deadlines. You may be wondering: What’s the difference between a timeline and a deadline? Let’s take a closer look.
Your MBA Application Timeline
An MBA application timeline provides a roadmap of activities to complete before deadlines. You can establish and control your own MBA application timeline.
For example, if you are applying in January, your timeline might start in September. Accordingly, your timeline will include application activities from September through December. Later in this article, we’ll take a closer look at an example timeline.
When creating an effective application timeline, you must understand the MBA admissions timeline.
KEY FACT:
You can create your own MBA application timeline. However, you cannot change MBA application deadlines.
MBA Application Deadlines
Business school application deadlines, on the other hand, are set by each program. As mentioned, many MBA programs accept applications across several “rounds.” The MBA admission process begins in the fall (in September and October) and ends in the spring (in March and April).
You can apply to MBA programs by the deadline of your choice. However, we highly recommend that you apply no later than January. There are fewer spots available at top MBA programs in the spring. Additionally, you’re less likely to win scholarships after January.
TTP PRO TIP:
Apply by the Round 2 deadlines to maximize your chances of admission and scholarships!
Let’s now discuss the key stages of the MBA application process.
Key Stages of the MBA Application Process
To create a timeline for applying to business school, consider the key stages of the process. These include deciding to apply for an MBA, opening applications, and developing application materials. Let’s take a closer look.
Deciding to Apply for an MBA
Deciding to apply for an MBA can be a years-long process. Some candidates decide to apply before graduating from college! However, many candidates decide to apply for an MBA sometime after.
In this article, we’ll focus on a “typical” MBA candidate applying for a full-time program. Let’s examine the key milestones to consider.
Taking a Standardized Test
Standardized tests, like the GMAT, GRE, or EA, are required by most MBA programs. Therefore, you must make time to prepare for and take your test.
Some candidates take standardized tests while preparing MBA applications. Others take standardized tests before creating applications. There is no right or wrong way to approach this. However, many candidates believe that taking the standardized test before creating their applications is easier.
Additionally, some MBA programs offer test waivers. If you’re interested in pursuing a test waiver, you must become familiar with waiver requirements. Additionally, you should create a “back-up” plan in case you do not receive a waiver.
TTP PRO TIP:
If you’re qualified, consider applying for a test waiver. However, you must be familiar with the requirements. Create a back-up option, if necessary.
Applications Open
As mentioned, some candidates consider an MBA for several months or years. Regardless, you must align your timeline to the availability of MBA applications and the admissions season.
MBA applications typically open in the late spring or summer (from May to July). The applications are standardized for the entire admissions season (from fall to spring). In other words, MBA programs do not change their applications between Rounds 1, 2, and beyond.
While you can review last season’s MBA applications, we do not recommend that you start writing essays too early. Applications change from year to year, and you may be writing an essay that is no longer required. Instead, wait for this season’s applications to be released.
Once available, open an application ASAP to read the requirements.
TTP PRO TIP:
Open MBA applications as soon as they become available to learn the requirements.
Application Strategy
Before and after MBA applications are open, you should create an application strategy.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What are my short- and long-term career goals?
- How is an MBA critical to achieving my goals?
- Which MBA programs will I target and why?
- What is my personal brand?
- What will I bring to the MBA cohort?
- What are my areas for improvement?
Develop an MBA application strategy prior to starting your applications. By answering these questions, you’ll be ready to tackle your MBA applications.
TTP PRO TIP:
If you develop an MBA application strategy, your process will be more efficient.
Resume and Essay Development
Your resume and essays are critical to your MBA applications. Of course, you can work on your resume at any time. However, be aware that some programs (such as MIT Sloan) have specific requirements for application resumes.
We recommend that you wait until applications open to start your essays. The topics and wording of the essay questions change yearly. As a result, you might be writing essays that are not relevant if you start too early.
Once applications become available, you have at least 3 months to write essays. Instead, focus on your application strategy, resume, networking, and program research.
TTP PRO TIP:
Do not write responses to last year’s MBA application essays. Topics change, and you can do other activities instead.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are important for your MBA applications. Many applicants get stressed about this part of the application process, worrying that the letters are out of their control. Applicants worry about who will write recommendations, what they’ll write, and whether the letters will help them.
By planning ahead, you can alleviate some of this stress. Most MBA programs require 1-2 recommendations, and many programs prefer a recommendation from your current supervisor.
We recognize that asking your current supervisor may create issues. While some candidates feel comfortable asking for a letter, others need to identify alternatives.
We recommend that you talk with your recommenders 6-8 weeks before the deadlines. Doing so enables you to prepare your recommender. By planning ahead, you can identify recommenders, get feedback, and ensure that letters are submitted on time.
TTP PRO TIP:
Prepare a one-page document to brief your recommenders. Include your motivations for pursuing an MBA and key achievements.
Final Review and Application Submission
The last key milestone is the final review. We recommend that you set aside time to review your entire application. This includes reading your short answers, resume, application essays, and supplemental materials. The final review will help you make last-minute fixes.
When your final review is complete and you feel confident, you’re ready to submit!
TTP PRO TIP:
A final application review with fresh eyes will help you fix small mistakes and feel confident about your application.
Videos and Interviews
Videos and interviews are sometimes required for MBA applications. Some programs require videos after submitting your application. Others will require an interview.
The criteria and timeline for videos and interviews vary by program. As a result, we do not have a standardized recommendation for completing them. However, we recommend that you make time to complete your application videos, either pre-submission or shortly after, as applicable. Additionally, if you are invited to interview, you should make time to prepare and practice.
TTP PRO TIP:
Practice for application videos and interviews to help calm your nerves and build confidence.
Next, let’s discuss how to create a personalized timeline.
Creating Your Personalized Timeline
So far, we’ve outlined key milestones to developing your MBA applications. Now, it’s time to create your own personalized MBA application timeline.
Factors That Influence Your Timeline
There are several factors that influence your individual MBA application timeline. For example, your standardized test might require more timethan your MBA applications.
Here are the factors to consider:
- How long will it take to prepare for and take your test?
- If you do not reach your target score, will you take the test again?
- What are your target MBA programs?
- Which application rounds will you target?
- How long will you need to develop your application strategy?
- How much time will you need to create application materials?
- How will you balance your other responsibilities with the MBA application process?
We recognize that everyone’s answers and situations are different. As a result, there’s no “perfect” MBA application timeline. However, your responses to these questions will help you craft your MBA application timeline.
TTP PRO TIP:
Target Test Prep’s experienced MBA admissions consultants will help you create an application strategy and timeline for your target programs.
Next, let’s examine a sample MBA application timeline.
Sample MBA Application Timeline
As discussed, your timeline for MBA application depends significantly on several factors. These factors include when you decide to get an MBA, which deadlines you’ll target, and which programs you’re applying to. Other factors include your competing priorities.
Here is a sample MBA application calendar (below). This MBA application roadmap was created for a candidate who begins in August and is applying in January. This timeline assumes the candidate has already taken a standardized test:
| Activity | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Determine MBA application strategy | August |
| Open applications for all target programs | By end of August |
| Conduct MBA program research | September – October |
| Revise and finalize resume | By the end of September |
| Brainstorm and outline application essays | October 1-15 |
| Create first drafts of essays | October 15-31 |
| Revise and improve essays | November – December |
| Meet with recommenders | By November 15 |
| Finalize application essays | December |
| Final review and application submission | By end of December – early January |
As you can see, this is a very high-level MBA application schedule with key milestones. Of course, your timeline may be different, depending on your schedule and other responsibilities.
TTP PRO TIP:
Target Test Prep’s experienced admissions consultants will help you create a detailed MBA application timeline. We’ll also help you stick to it!
Next, let’s discuss some helpful tips for managing your time.
Tips for Effective Time Management
Once you create a roadmap, it’s critical to manage your time wisely. It’s easy to get off track. For example, work might get busy, and your social life will compete with application activities. And of course, other things will come up.
Here are some of our tips to stay on track:
- Set aside more time than you need –By creating buffers in your schedule, you can catch up when you get off track.
- Give your recommender 6-8 weeks for letters of recommendation –Your recommender needs plenty of time. Round 1 deadlines compete with summer vacations, and Round 2 deadlines compete with the holiday season.
- Spend time on a final review – Review your application with fresh eyes. Download and print your application package before submitting. Read your resume, short answers, and essays carefully to catch and fix errors.
- Plan to submit a day or more ahead of the application deadline –Sometimes, application portals crash. Do not plan to submit at the last minute. Instead, submit your application ahead of time to avoid the last-minute rush.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your MBA Journey
By following these steps, you’ll take control of your MBA journey. This roadmap helps you dedicate time and energy to creating MBA applications you’re proud of. Additionally, it’ll help you improve your chances of getting into your target MBA programs.
Key Takeaways
We hope that this overview is helpful. If you become familiar with the application process ahead of time, you’ll create stronger MBA applications. As you create your MBA application timeline, here are some key points to consider:
- Avoid delays and request your undergraduate and graduate transcripts early!
- You can create your own MBA application timeline. However, you cannot change MBA application deadlines.
- Apply by the Round 2 deadlines to maximize your chances of admission and scholarships!
- If you’re qualified, consider applying for a test waiver. However, you must be familiar with the requirements. Create a back-up option, if necessary.
- Open MBA applications as soon as they become available to learn the requirements.
- Do not write responses to last year’s MBA application essays. Topics change, and you can do other activities instead.
- Prepare a one-page document to brief your recommenders. Include your motivations for pursuing an MBA and key achievements.
- A final application review with fresh eyes will help you fix small mistakes and feel confident about your application.
- Practice for application videos and interviews to help calm your nerves and build confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When do MBA applications open?
MBA applications generally open in the spring or summer (from May to July). This varies across programs from year to year. Be sure to check with your target programs early so that you can open applications ASAP.
How many MBA programs should I apply to?
This depends on your goals. We generally recommend that candidates apply to at least 4-6 MBA programs. Consider applying to programs across a diverse risk profile –safety, competitive, and reach.
Target Test Prep’s experienced MBA admissions consultants will help you determine how many programs to apply to. Additionally, we’ll advise which programs make the most sense for your goals and risk profile.
When are MBA applications due?
Each MBA program has a distinct set of deadlines. For example, the Harvard MBA application deadlines are September 4, 2024 and January 6, 2025. Additionally, the Wharton MBA application deadlines are September 4, 2024, January 3, 2025, and April 2, 2025.
Research your target MBA application programs and create a shortlist of deadlines. This will enable you to build an MBA application timeline to track your progress.
Can I apply for an MBA without work experience?
The MBA degree requirements vary by program. Many MBA programs do not require work experience. Review the criteria carefully for each of your target programs.
How do I write an MBA application essay?
Your approach to writing essays will depend on the question asked. Break down the prompt and ensure that you’re answering the right questions. Additionally, provide specifics to support your goals and narratives.
If you’re having trouble with your essays or need a second opinion, consider MBA admissions consulting. Target Test Prep’s experienced MBA admissions consultants will help you develop, edit, and finalize your application essays.
What’s Next?
If you need support managing your MBA application timeline, we can help! Target Test Prep’s experienced MBA admissions consultants will help you create an MBA application strategy, an application timeline, and an exceptional application package.
