Application Tips

It has been argued that the hardest part of business school is the application process. Business schools around the world are raising the bar as more strong candidates apply for a limited number of places at the best universities.

My own application was a long affair that helped my focus and ultimately get into what I beleive is the right school for me. Here I share my top tips

1. Time

Give yourself lots of time before your planned start date. The application process involves lots of steps including gathering references, requesting grades from your undergraduate university, taking the GMAT, preparing personal statements and visiting potential schools. You should also be applying as early as possible to your chosen institutions because whether they have a rolling application process or a series of rounds the earlier you get your application to them the better chance you have of getting the prized place.

More crucially giving yourself plenty of time to apply allows self reflection on your own reasons for doing the course. I was able to really mull the options over and properly evaluate the opportunity costs and to focus my plans.

2. Know yourself

Closely linked to time is knowing yourself. What drives you? What are your true motivations for applying, for taking the course? In the time from starting to investigate the possibilities of an MBA to actually applying I reflected many times on my true reasons for heading in this direction. I grew as a person and this self knowledge was ulimately reflected in my application. It also helps you target the appropriate school for you. Factors such as country, city, the course class size, length of program wiill all be linked to the kind of person you are.

3. Visit the school

Visiting my chosen school swung it for me. Getting to meet the enthusiastic staff and students really motivated me to send in my application. I sat in on a strategy seminar where current students presented in teams. The substance, professionalism and enthusiasm that the current students displayed made a lasting impression on me. I could really see myself in this place. If you can - make the effort to get to your chosen school and talk with current students about what it is like to actually live the life. It's also a great opportunity to impress the entrance directors and show that you are committed to the program.

Related books: How to Get Into the Top MBA Programs (How to Get Into the Top Mba Programs) (Paperback) by Richard Montauk