April Checklist for Round 1 Applicants

April is in full swing, and many applicants are gearing up for Round 1 admissions. Taking a proactive approach early on can help set you up for success.

Susan Cera, an admissions counselor at Stratus Admissions Counseling, recently offered a April checklist for Round 1 applicants to get ahead in their application process.

CLARIFY YOUR GOALS

Your answer to these two questions will help set the foundation for your entire MBA application: “Why an MBA?” and “Why now?”

Cera recommends articulating your why early on to start strong in your admissions process.

“For two years, you will develop your skills, knowledge, and relationships to take your career to the next level,” Cera says. “But WHY do you want an MBA? And WHY is NOW the right time to get one? What are your short- and long-term goals for which an MBA is the obvious next step?”

ASSESS YOUR GMAT/GRE SCORES

Whether it’s the GMAT or GRE, understanding where you stand in terms of standardized test scores is crucial. Cera recommends taking a practice exam for each to gauge your performance and identify areas for improvement.

“If you haven’t achieved the score you are targeting, you may want to investigate additional support such as an online test preparation class or even a tutor to provide focused guidance,” Cera says. “Don’t wait! Trust me. You do not want to be working on essays while studying for a standardized test.”

ENGAGE WITH BUSINESS SCHOOLS

This month can be a good time to start signing up for information sessions, online chats, or campus visits. These opportunities, Cera says, allow you to learn more about the programs and interact with current students and faculty members.

“Many offer a limited number of on-campus visits, which enable you to sit in on a class and engage with students, but be sure to do your homework before connecting with students,” Cera says. “Keep an eye on academic calendars since many programs will wrap up their spring semester in late April or early May.”

KEEP IN CONTACT WITH YOUR RECOMMENDERS

By now, you should have a short list of individuals whom you might ask to write your recommendations. Once you decide on your recommenders, be sure to set up time with each to ensure that you are positioning yourself to get strong support.

“Set your recommenders up for success by walking them through the process, emphasizing the importance of depth, details, and anecdotes to address specific situations and your contributions,” Jessica Chung, an Expert Coach at Fortuna Admissions and former Associate Director of Admissions at UCLA Anderson, says. “Having this discussion is critical to ensuring coherence and consistency across your application, and the upshot is that the conversation may elicit insights or perspectives you haven’t considered.”

Sources: Stratus Admissions Counseling, P&Q

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