2023-2024 MBA candidates,
Here are several important reminders for your application process. Some of them may seem obvious, but we thought to make sure you are all aware of them:
- Send your GMAT/GRE Scores to the school – if you didn’t mark the schools you are applying to, in your original test, log into Pearson (for the GMAT) or ETS (for the GRE) and send an official score report directly to the schools. If you consider asking for a GMAT waiver, you can see here a list of school that offer waivers.
- If applicable send your TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE test results to the schools - if you attended a non-English undergraduate program, then you may need to take one of the English as a Foreign Language tests. Keep in mind that the result of these tests can take up to 10 days and are a prerequisite for some of the universities.
- Open the school applications – create an account and open online applications for all schools you are applying to. Go over the application and make sure there are no surprises. If you are not sure about something, discuss it with your consultant.
- Fill out the recommenders in the online applications – your recommenders will get an email with instructions. Make sure your recommenders know what to do, and that they have to submit their recommendations by the deadline. Make sure your recommendations are not submitted from your computer or IP as schools may find this suspicious…
- Get your university undergrad transcripts - Most applications require you to upload proof of your undergraduate degree + a scan of unofficial transcripts, but if you are admitted you will have to provide the official transcripts. Important: Some schools (like Cornell Tech) require international students to have the transcripts evaluated by a 3rd party expert academic credential evaluator.
- Consider adding more schools for backup purposes – it's OK to shoot for the stars, but applying to 1-2 additional "safety" schools may be wise.
- Make sure your Linkedin profile is updated – it should correlate to the CV you will be sending to the schools. All of your other social media profiles should be "clean" and present the best version of you, since adcom members may look at them.
- If you are applying to a program that offers open interviews, schedule an interview ASAP.
- Optional - Support Letters – If you know students or alumni from the schools you will be applying to, approach them, and ask them to write on your behalf a support letter. It can be short, and they need to send it directly to admissions. This may add 1-2 points (out of 100) to your candidacy. More details here: https://www.aringo.com/emails/support-emails/
Good luck!
