How to get accepted into a top MBA program this year
MBA candidates who start their preparation early tend to be accepted to more and better schools and get offered more scholarships.
Are you on track for a successful application submission to a top MBA program?
There’s still time to execute a strong application but you need to start now. Here are the 3 things I suggest you try to accomplish in the next four weeks:
1. Start writing your story
The most important ingredient of a successful MBA application is reflection – taking the time to assess and understand your past, your current state, your motivations, the pivotal moments of your career so far, the future you want to build for yourself and the bridges between each of these parts. A very valuable tool that can support your reflection is a good list of questions and a running document where you start jotting down your answers, your ideas, your aha moments, your concerns, and your questions to research. When I first started conceptualizing My MBA Path 18 months ago, I got the paid version of Evernote and started a running document – my MMP Idea Lab – with all the ideas for how to develop the My MBA Path brand and services. I used to write topics for blog posts, ideas for a comm plan, new services. I still refer to it almost daily and discover great nuggets that I would have never remembered if I hadn’t written them down.
2. Tally up your allies
To clarify your goals, define your value, and make the right choices at every junction of the application process, you will need external inputs. Who are the friends, mentors, bosses, colleagues who can help you? Start a list, then start reaching out.
Schedule informational interviews with people who can help you clarify your goals, your leadership style, your career aspirations. Ask questions, listen, take notes. With some of them, set the stage to potentially have them as recommenders.
Decide if you will you be using a paid test prep service and an admissions consultant and how much. This is not a subtle or not so subtle attempt to sell you. An admissions consultant can save you time, help you avoid using wrong information, and increase your chances of success. All of these things translate into value to you. I make as much of my knowledge as possible available for free here - every Sunday, like clockwork. And my services are structured in a way that you can get just-in-time, super targeted advice on short notice at a very competitive rate.
3. Schedule your GMAT or GRE
Yes, I know many of even the most selective programs have started to waive the tests in the last several months. But here is the catch. Just because you can apply without a GMAT or GRE score, doesn’t mean you should. If you don’t have strong evidence of academic ability and especially quantitative ability, choosing to apply without a test will make you less competitive.
And one of the biggest mistakes I see applicants make every single year is schedule their test too close to the application deadline. If their score ends up being a disappointment, they don’t have enough time to improve and retake.
The first mile of your MBA application can have tremendous impact on your overall chances of success. Go make it a supercharged one.
Onwards and upwards,
Petia
Is this helpful? What else would you like to know as you work on your MBA application? Get in touch and let me know. I respond to all emails personally and promptly. And if you need me to be your second set of eyes, I have made appointments available every day this week.