Top MBA programs are starting to publish new essay questions and deadlines for fall 2015 MBA programs, and many applicants are already starting to work on their applications.
Here is Aringo suggested timetable for planning the application process:
September-December 2013: Creating the infrastructure
- Think about what can be changed in your career in order to boost your candidacy. A shift to a managerial position? New projects at work? Boosting your community activities?
- If you haven't done so yet - consider signing up for a GMAT preparation course. Ideally, begin your GMAT course in 2013 and take your first (and hopefully last) GMAT test between October 2013 and April 2014. Candidates often find it difficult to make significant progress with their application during the GMAT preparation course. It is recommended to take the GMAT as early as possible (when you are at your peak academically), even 2-4 years prior to the submission of the applications, and improve your score later if necessary.
- "Set your sights" on potential future recommenders, and establish solid work relations with them.
- Visit campus: If you are already traveling to a certain area, consider visiting the area's top business schools. During the visit it would be good to network with students, preferably those with a similar background to yours, and/or with professors and/or admissions officials.
January 2014: Getting the application process started
- Visit the websites of schools that are of interest to you in order to learn about the program, application deadlines, and the admissions process. Consider your admission chances.
- Visit websites that provide information to MBA candidates to learn more about the programs. Network with current students and alumni.
February - April 2014: GMAT and Strategy
- If you haven't done so yet - take the GMAT
- Embark on the strategy phase of your application work (data mining, career planning, coming up with topics for major essays).
- Select 3 programs to focus on. Learn as much as possible about them. Candidates normally apply to 4-5 programs in total.
May - August 2014: Application (and TOEFL, if needed)
- Prepare the applications (CV, essays and recommendations).
- Prepare for the TOEFL if you need to take it.
- Take the TOEFL.
- Order your college transcripts.
August 2014 - January 2015: Submitting the applications
- Send the transcripts.
- Submit the applications. Based on the results in recent years, it is recommended that you submit most of your applications between August-October (the first round). In relatively few cases did second round applicants (November-early January) have an advantage. Admission chances in the last round (which is normally the third round, and sometimes the fourth) are usually significantly lower. At most universities, the last round begins at some point in January and ends at some point in March.
- Prepare for interviews.
- Verify that the recommendations were submitted.
- Attend the interviews (at most schools interviews are by invitation only).
- Cross your fingers!
January - May 2015: "The moment of truth"
- Drink a glass of water and then read the admission committees' decisions.
- Decide where you wish to study and inform the school.
- Submit scholarship applications (where relevant scholarships are offered).
- Attend the Welcome Weekend at campus, if offered.
January - July 2015: Getting ready
- If needed, make visa arrangements.
- Make travel arrangements / book your flight.
- Look into preferable accommodation arrangements and start apartment hunting.
- Invite your friends to your farewell party.
- Smile as you prepare to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Here is Aringo suggested timetable for planning the application process:
September-December 2013: Creating the infrastructure
- Think about what can be changed in your career in order to boost your candidacy. A shift to a managerial position? New projects at work? Boosting your community activities?
- If you haven't done so yet - consider signing up for a GMAT preparation course. Ideally, begin your GMAT course in 2013 and take your first (and hopefully last) GMAT test between October 2013 and April 2014. Candidates often find it difficult to make significant progress with their application during the GMAT preparation course. It is recommended to take the GMAT as early as possible (when you are at your peak academically), even 2-4 years prior to the submission of the applications, and improve your score later if necessary.
- "Set your sights" on potential future recommenders, and establish solid work relations with them.
- Visit campus: If you are already traveling to a certain area, consider visiting the area's top business schools. During the visit it would be good to network with students, preferably those with a similar background to yours, and/or with professors and/or admissions officials.
January 2014: Getting the application process started
- Visit the websites of schools that are of interest to you in order to learn about the program, application deadlines, and the admissions process. Consider your admission chances.
- Visit websites that provide information to MBA candidates to learn more about the programs. Network with current students and alumni.
February - April 2014: GMAT and Strategy
- If you haven't done so yet - take the GMAT
- Embark on the strategy phase of your application work (data mining, career planning, coming up with topics for major essays).
- Select 3 programs to focus on. Learn as much as possible about them. Candidates normally apply to 4-5 programs in total.
May - August 2014: Application (and TOEFL, if needed)
- Prepare the applications (CV, essays and recommendations).
- Prepare for the TOEFL if you need to take it.
- Take the TOEFL.
- Order your college transcripts.
August 2014 - January 2015: Submitting the applications
- Send the transcripts.
- Submit the applications. Based on the results in recent years, it is recommended that you submit most of your applications between August-October (the first round). In relatively few cases did second round applicants (November-early January) have an advantage. Admission chances in the last round (which is normally the third round, and sometimes the fourth) are usually significantly lower. At most universities, the last round begins at some point in January and ends at some point in March.
- Prepare for interviews.
- Verify that the recommendations were submitted.
- Attend the interviews (at most schools interviews are by invitation only).
- Cross your fingers!
January - May 2015: "The moment of truth"
- Drink a glass of water and then read the admission committees' decisions.
- Decide where you wish to study and inform the school.
- Submit scholarship applications (where relevant scholarships are offered).
- Attend the Welcome Weekend at campus, if offered.
January - July 2015: Getting ready
- If needed, make visa arrangements.
- Make travel arrangements / book your flight.
- Look into preferable accommodation arrangements and start apartment hunting.
- Invite your friends to your farewell party.
- Smile as you prepare to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
