Holiday Checklist For MBA Applicants

With the holidays under way, it’s important for MBA applicants to stay on top of their game.

Stacy Blackman, of Stacy Blackman Consulting, recently outlined a step-by-step guide for holiday time management.

Check In With Recommenders

It’s important to ensure that your recommenders are on track to submit your letter on time.

Blackman suggests that applicants touch base with their recommenders if it’s been more than two weeks since their last check in.

“Remind them that it would be great if they could upload their responses a few days before the deadlines to avoid any last-minute system-crash drama,” Blackman writes. And thank them again for their time!”

With work slowing down during the holidays, Blackman says, it’s important to remind your recommenders to stay on track.

“Ensuring your recommenders are on track is your top priority because this is a tough time of the year for people to be pulled away from family obligations,” she writes. “You know you’ll get everything in, but this isn’t consuming their lives like it is yours.”

Document Check

It’s also critical to ensure that you have all the documents you need for your application.

“If you’re missing something at this point, you’ll probably have to hustle to secure what you need,” Blackman says.

Here are the common documents and other necessities needed for an MBA application, according to Columbia Business School:

• Transcripts
• GPA
• Resume
• GMAT/GRE Score
• Essays
• Recommendations
• Application Fee/Deposits

Resume Reviews

Blackman also suggests applicants to finalize their resumes during the holiday break.

“Many schools have cut down on essay requirements, so resumes are playing a larger role in deciding prospective students’ fates,” Blackman writes. “It’s critical that your resume tells the full story of your professional, educational and extracurricular achievements.”

Polish Your Essays

Most of your essays should be ready to submit during the holidays. However, Blackman says, it is possible to pull together quality responses in two weeks—if you are focused.

“You can have a few friends or family members on standby to help you firm up your themes and cut down extra words, but if you’re working with an admissions consultant, don’t let advice from others derail the strategy and positioning your consultant has helped you set,” Blackman writes.

Sources: Stacy Blackman Consulting, Columbia Business School