What's First?

[upkarsgrewal]

I am a newbie to the forums and I really need some guidance. I am applying to a few schools (Rutgers, Pepperdine, Fordham) in the next month and all I really started is my Essays and Resume touch up. I have been so busy studying for GMAT/working that I haven't focused much on the process. I know I have to refine a good application, but I feel I might miss something. I don't want to end up needing a document that takes a few weeks to pick up.

What should I do first? How should I go about requesting transcripts? Any tips? A basic starter course in getting apps out would be awesome. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[humblebee]

I don't want to burst your bubble, but if you're asking the sort of questions you're asking, I get a sense that you won't be able to pull everything together in time to have a decent shot.

With less than a month to go, if you're still studying for the GMAT - you won't have time to

1.) Develop a bschool profile/strategy i.e. how you will position yourself
2.) Craft your essays and have them reviewed by friends (several edits here)
3.) Do your resume properly
3.) Get your letters of recommendations (2 or 3) - will they have the time?? Can they write great things?
4.) The adminy stuff like transcripts are the easiest. They shouldn't take that long. Just turn up to the school and ask for one. Bring some id and cash. However, because it is approaching the holiday period they might not be as quick.

Save yourself the stress and money (application fees) and apply next year.