Meeting Round 1 MBA Deadlines

It is hard to believe August is upon us! This means that the first Round 1 MBA application deadline is nearly six weeks away. 

While the window to submit Round 1 applications is closing, there is still time to put together a compelling MBA application. This is particularly true if you are targeting schools with mid-September or later deadlines (including Chicago Booth, MIT Sloan, and Berkeley Haas), have already taken or scheduled your GMAT, GRE, or EA, or are willing to apply across Round 1 and Round 2.

All signs point to a great Round 1, so if you can take the leap on even a few MBA applications, Personal MBA Coach urges you to do so!

To help you make the most of your time, Personal MBA Coach has put together an abbreviated 6-week MBA application plan. Given the short window, you may have to do some serious multitasking!

 

Step 1: Customize your MBA resume

Week(s) Assigned: Weeks 1 & 2

As Personal MBA Coach often emphasizes, your MBA resume should differ considerably from your professional one. Keep in mind that you are selling your future potential, rather than communicating your ability to do a particular job.

 

Step 2: Finalize and prepare your recommenders

Week(s) Assigned: Weeks 1 & 2

Be sure that you leave sufficient time to solidify your recommenders and adequately prepare them. Doing so now will ensure your letters of recommendation shine.

Step 3: Hone your career goals and develop your personal story

Week(s) Assigned: Week 2

With little exception, clearly communicating your career goals is a key part of the MBA application process. Reflecting upon and articulating these goals before you craft your MBA essays will provide you with structure and save time when it comes time to draft your essays.

Developing your personal story ahead of time will also simplify the essay writing process. Consider the choices you have made in life, what propelled you to make these choices, and what makes you stand out. As you start to outline your essays, keep this story in mind.

 

Step 4: Network with current students and alumni

Week(s) Assigned: Weeks 2–4

Connecting with current students and alumni within your network is one of the best ways to learn more about your target MBA programs. This networking will not only communicate your interest in a particular program but also provide you with valuable content to use in your applications. Some MBA programs will specifically ask who you connected with, so do not forget this crucial step.

 

Step 5: Essay Development 

Week(s) Assigned: Weeks 2–5+ 

Now is the time to start brainstorming, outlining, and drafting your essays. Remember to write authentically as you begin to craft these essays. Your writing should paint a strong image of who you are, what you are passionate about, and what motivates you.

The essays are your opportunity to explain your choices, share your accomplishments, and highlight your passions. That said, be succinct and avoid repetition. You should not try to fit everything into your essays. 

 

Step 6: Confirm that LORs are ready to go

Week(s) Assigned: Week 5

Reach out to your recommenders and confirm that they are on schedule and are aware of your deadlines. This is also a good time to see if they need any additional information from you.

 

Step 7: Complete short-answer questions and video essays

Week(s) Assigned: Weeks 4–6

You should leave sufficient time for short-answer questions and other application extras. While MBA essays will take the bulk of your time, these sections also require substantial attention and tend to take longer than you may think.

 

Step 8: Proofreading

Week(s) Assigned: Weeks 5 & 6

It is incredibly important to recruit someone unfamiliar with your applications to do a thorough review of them. While normally we advise our clients to proof and submit well in advance of deadlines, do not skip this important final step!

Want to maximize your chances of getting into your dream schools? Whether you have already made progress in the MBA application process or are just getting started, Personal MBA Coach is here to guide you. Check out our comprehensive packages to learn more.

 

About Personal MBA Coach

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources. Personal MBA Coach is the #1 most favorably reviewed US Consultant of all time on Poets & Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process, including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last cycle, our clients earned more than $6.5M in scholarships!

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Scott Edinburgh is a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan BS graduate and founded Personal MBA Coach 15 years ago with the goal of providing customized one-on-one support. Scott also serves on the Board of Directors for AIGAC, the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants, and is invited to speak at MBA Admissions events globally. Our clients have been accepted to all top schools globally with a 96% success rate. They received $6.5M+ in scholarships last cycle.