As round one deadlines rapidly approach, Personal MBA Coach is here to help keep you on track. For some schools, you have just one to two weeks left. For others, there is still a bit of time to perfect your essays. However, that window is quickly closing.
Most candidates will fall into one of three categories. If one of these describes you, check out these tips on your best action plan.
“My applications are nearly ready to go!”
If you read our recent post: “Are You Ready For Round 1 Deadlines?” and answered yes to all of the questions, then congratulations! If you are lucky enough to be in this category, now is the time to dot your I’s and cross your T’s. Read through the requirements for each school you are applying to once again. Pay attention to smaller items such as short career goal statements, added videos and specific resume formatting requirements. Then, be sure to check off each element for EACH school. It is easy for something to fall through the cracks. Reach out to your recommenders to see if they have submitted their letters. If they have not, ask if you can provide them any additional information. Naturally, start with the school with the earliest deadline and review the application as a whole. Personal MBA Coach’s proofreader looks at all components of a completed application together.
“My applications are done but I have concerns.”
If instead you have doubts after reading our last blog, your ideal action plan is less straightforward and will differ by school. You may consider applying across two different rounds.
For some schools, particularly those with early September deadlines, you likely do not have time to make any major changes. Plus, rushed last minute changes often lead to mistakes. For most schools, there is little disadvantage to waiting until round 2. In fact, if this gives you more time to settle into a new job, finish off a major project, re-take the GMAT/GRE or secure a promotion, waiting could work in your favor. Some schools even had higher admit rates in round 2 last year!
However, there are some schools where your odds of success are considerably higher during round 1 or the early decision round. For those schools, particularly if the deadlines are in October, you should consider whether you can make the necessary improvements in time. By narrowing down your round 1 list and focusing on fewer schools, your odds of success will improve. Then you can take extra time to perfect your other applications in round 2.
Personal MBA Coach Offers gut check packages and comprehensive packages to help.
"I am really behind on my applications"
Finally, if despite your best intentions, you have not started writing your essays, you may have missed the round 1 window. With few exceptions, if you have yet not made a considerable dent in your applications, you should consider waiting until round 2. When asked when to apply, I nearly always say when your application will be the strongest. An application thrown together in two weeks is not likely to fit the bill. In fact, I tell my clients that we should be doing little to no editing in the last 2 weeks. This is the time to proof and ensure your story flows together.
The packages may be your friend for round 2.
Personal MBA Coach is willing to be your guide. Founded by a Wharton and MIT graduate, Personal MBA Coach regularly helps applicants navigate their applications each year and is the #4 ranked admissions consultant on Poets & Quants. Personal MBA Coach's comprehensive support includes mock interviews with a team of former M7 interviewers and customized GMAT/GRE tutoring with tutors who scored in the 99th percentile.
Personal MBA Coach has been guiding candidates through all aspects of the MBA application process for over 11 years with a 96% success rate. Call us today at +1 617-645-2424 or email scott@personalmbacoach.com for a free consultation on your profile along with how we can help make your MBA dreams a reality!
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