Here are 10 steps to consider when creating your application timeline:
1.
Creating Your Profile
This happens in six to 36 months.
This step involves various aspects that
contribute to the strength of your candidature as an MBA applicant. These
include academics, leadership, teamwork and career progression.
For example, this could include your decision
to participate in the social impact club at your college. For the purposes of
business school applications, the decisions you make after high school have the
most relevance.
This is not to say that your journey before
that doesn't matter, but only to say that after high school is generally
considered the most important deadline for most applicants. That's when you
make decisions most actively as an adult.
2.
Test Preparation
This happens in six to 36 months.
With the arms race in test scores
intensifying, it has become important for applicants to showcase their academic
skills by excelling in standardized tests such as the GMAT and GRE.
Applicants are required to take the exam
multiple times. Hence, it is imperative to start your exam preparation early.
This may require enrollment in a test preparation program, which in itself can
last several weeks.
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3.
Networking
This happens in six to 96 months.
We have listed a comprehensive time frame in
this area, as we see this as an ongoing process in your journey.
For many applicants, it is not uncommon to
rely on the advice and support of peers in college. Therefore, some of these
relationships can go a long way in your MBA application journey.
It also includes engagement with school
programs, both virtual and in-person.
4.
Setting Career Goals
This happens in six to 60 months.
Like the previous phase, career goals can
also have a broad time frame.
For some candidates, their journey is well
defined from the beginning and they know where they want to move and where they
are going in the end.
For others, the career path can go astray and
create uncertainty. There is no one right way to do things. The ultimate goal
is to convey a coherent story that makes sense to the reader.
Even if you haven't started off on a set
path, you need to make an effort to connect the dots and tell a compelling
story.
5.
Finding Admission Help
This happens over three to 24 months
If you are planning on working with a coach
throughout your MBA application journey, it is a good idea to make this
decision early.
Quality admissions advisors are in high
demand, and making an early decision allows you to select an advisor before they
reach their potential. Plus, it allows you to benefit from a coach's guidance
for a longer period, which will allow you to limit missteps along the way.
6.
Introspection
This happens in six to 18 months.
This application is one of the most important
steps in the journey. Before you start writing your resume and essay and making
recommendations, take a moment to consider your experience as a whole: who are
you, and what will an MBA do for your career?
You can start it on your own or you can start
it with the guidance of your admissions advisor, should you choose to work with
one.
This happens in six to 12 months.
This is a one-page document that is submitted
as part of your MBA application and people typically need several weeks to prepare
a resume and get to a level where a resume is worth submitting .
Having a basic version of your resume ready
will allow you to advance in networking, as you may need to share documents
before interacting with students, alumni, and admissions officers.
8.
Writing Your Essay
This happens in three to six months.
After the tests, this is probably the most
time consuming aspect of your MBA applications.
The more time you can spend on your essays,
the more opportunities you have to ensure that you submit high quality
material. Preparing your profile carefully and taking the time to introspect
will make this phase flow more smoothly.
This happens in three to six months.
These can often be a cause for concern
because of their dependence on a third person.
Getting strong recommendations requires a
high level of project and relationship management capabilities.
The sooner you engage your recommenders in
your success, the greater your ability to avoid unpleasant surprises. Most
schools ask for recommendations from the current supervisor.
Therefore, starting the process early will
also allow for succession planning within the organization.
10.
Filling Your Application Form
This happens in one to three months.
Lastly, this is the step which candidates
usually postpone till the end, but it is better to complete it soon.
Some schools have fairly detailed application
forms, so completing them early can help you focus on other aspects, such as
your essays.
I hope this timeline helps you in your MBA
application journey.
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