The U2 Guide to MBA Preparation in 2024
Application Timeline, Top Tips & Interview Skills
Are you planning to apply to your dream MBA program? If so, it can be helpful to plan out the different aspects of your application to not find yourself behind schedule. You might be working, running a business, or finishing another degree, so going into the application process with a plan will help keep a manageable workload. Below are some timing tips and considerations for your MBA application preparation from London Business School candidate, Hadi.
Timeline: How Long Do I Need for My MBA Application?
The MBA application timeline typically lasts for about four to six months. MBA programs such as those at NYU Stern and INSEAD have multiple admission rounds. Typically, a school will have a round 1 with a deadline in September or October, a round 2 with a deadline in January, and a round 3 with a deadline in the early Spring. Some schools, such as Columbia Business School, have rolling admission rather than round individual rounds. Rounds 1 and 2 are when we would recommend you submit an application to a top 20 MBA program, as admission chances in round 3 usually drop lower.
Let’s paint a timeline of an MBA application using a round 1 applicant applying to Harvard Business School.
Pre- MBA Application Preparation: March - June
There are two main items to tackle during your pre-application timeframe: Networking and the GMAT.
Networking
One of the most underestimated and important aspects of a successful MBA application is adequate networking with your target school’s administrative and student communities. Most MBA programs host information and networking sessions which can be signed up for via a school’s website. Remember, you are trying to convince these schools that you want to attend, and they keep track of every encounter associated with your name and email address. Attending these events is not only a great way for you to learn more about a program, but it also helps signal genuine interest in your target university. Some programs, such as the London Business School MBA have dedicated student ambassadors who can even put in recommendations after you have a conversation with them, and those touchpoints are a game-changer for your admission chances. Networking should start early and go on for a significant period of time (even up to your application submission) to prove you have a strong interest in an MBA program.
GMAT Preparation
Proper GMAT preparation, if done correctly, should take no more than three months. It is very important that you are systematic and consistent with your GMAT preparation so that you don’t waste any time. Each person is unique, so it can be very helpful to work with an experienced GMAT tuition consultant to formulate a plan and to receive guidance in navigating the challenges the GMAT poses. It is also ideal that you finish your GMAT preparation and take the exam well ahead of the admission deadline to avoid having to study while completing your application in the same period.
For more information on how to prepare for the GMAT, check out our article here.
To book a free consultation to discuss GMAT tuition with U2, visit our Contact Us Page here.
MBA Application Materials: June - September
Depending on the MBA program, you will be asked to prepare and submit a wide range of written and other materials in order to submit your application.
Most schools ask for:
Two main essays of around 500 words each aimed at understanding your post-MBA goals, your background, qualifications, and your interest in a particular MBA program.
Additional written vignettes of around 200 to 300 words each to understand different dimensions of your background.
1-2 professional references who will be asked to answer questions relating to their opinions of you and why you would be a good fit for a program.
A one-page CV/Resume.
Transcripts of all of your university degrees/coursework
Additional personal questions.
An application fee.
How you present yourself and your MBA ambitions is the most essential element that a school considers when determining whether to offer you a spot in their program. Ensuring that you have a stellar set of essays with a coherent and interesting story is absolutely integral. This is why many applicants choose to work with an MBA tuition provider to help them craft a compelling message.
You should aim to have all your materials ready to submit at least two weeks before the deadline in order to allow adequate time for multiple revisions.
The MBA Interview: October - November
Congratulations! You’ve submitted your application, waited about a month to six weeks, and received a coveted invite to interview with a member of your dream school’s community. Every school conducts its interview process differently. Some schools will have you conduct only one interview, while others may put you through multiple rounds. Interviews are usually conducted via video call or in-person by a member of the school’s admission or recruiting committee, but can also be conducted by a current student, an alumnus, or even a current or past professor. Some schools may also require you to do a first round of interviews via a recorded response to a random question or one you received in advance.
As with your application, it is important that you spend enough time preparing for these interviews, as you will be judged on how your present yourself and how compelling of a case you make for wanting to join a program. This is another aspect where utilising the professional guidance of an MBA admission consultant can add incredible value. You only get one shot at this!
To book a free consultation to discuss MBA interview preparation with U2, visit our Contact Us Page here.
Final Considerations: December - January
All that hard work has finally culminated in an offer to join the incoming MBA class at Harvard Business School, well done! You received the good news either via a phone call or email and are given instructions on how to accept the offer, which typically entails you filling out an online acceptance form and paying a reservation fee. Usually, you are given a month or a bit longer to accept your offer, giving you some time to consider all the options you have. Some schools also automatically consider all candidates for scholarships, while others require separate applications. Either way, you can usually expect to hear if you are offered any scholarships in your offer email or within a month or two of accepting your offer.
Welcome to the MBA, an experience that will surely be a highlight of your life journey, and the key that unlocks a world of opportunities.
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