MBA Round One application deadlines will be released this summer, but It’s never too early to create your business school application strategy. Apply Point's ideal schedule looks something like this timeline.
Never too early
If you haven't connected with us yet, do it as soon as you can. We can guide you on school selection, provide an initial assessment of your transcripts and work experience, and advise you on ways to bolster your candidacy.
Solidify your plans to take the GMAT or GRE. Taking your standardized test in the spring or early summer before your application deadline gives you some wiggle room if you must retake it. The latest you should retake this test is two weeks prior to the application submission date. We recommend no later than mid-August for Round One applicants and December for Round Two applicants.
Start a journal. You'll raid your journal for details for your School-Specific Essays and, later, for interview preparation. Make notes on your current experiences as they happen and past ones whenever you have a moment to ponder them. You can keep a paper or digital diary or even record audio and text notes on your phone as they come to you, and organize them into a document later. (You will eventually want all of your experiences in one place.)
Gain meaningful professional experiences and seek out leadership opportunities in internship and/or volunteer settings.
June 2024
Be all about GMAT / GRE preparation. Take a prep course and/or work with a tutor to prepare for the test.
Reach out to your recommenders. We'd like you to get two letters of recommendation, one from a current supervisor (if possible) and another from a supervisor who can speak to your performance in full-time post-baccalaureate employment.
Visit MBA programs of interest, and gain an understanding of their offerings and how they align with your goals.
Continue keeping a journal. This is repetitive for a reason—never stop doing this. It is so helpful.
July 2024
Take the GMAT or GRE.
Finalize your school list. You want a hearty list of "I could go here" schools and you’ll ultimately want to apply to between six and eight schools.
Move all of your journaled experiences into a brainstorming document.
Update your resume to showcase the results you’ve achieved and impact you’ve had.
August 2024
Request your transcripts—and this includes those from schools abroad.
Start drafting your essays. This is going to take a while. If you blast through them all in one week, you haven't done it right. Give yourself time for outlining, writing, revisions, and re-writing.
Fill out the school applications.
Follow up with your recommenders to ensure that they have plans to submit their Letters of Recommendation prior to the deadlines.
September - October 2024
Submit your applications no later than the deadline (confirm the submission time and time zone).
September-December 2024
Prepare for and participate in interviews. Your brainstorming document will continue to be useful here. Interviews are a great way for the admissions committee to get to know you as a person (beyond your application) and for you to learn more about a program’s student experience, experiential learning opportunities, and/or alumni network.