![\"7](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/7-Tips-to-Jumpstart-your-2019-MBA-Mission.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not even spring yet. So why are we nagging you to get moving on your MBA application prep?<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not just because those Round 1 deadlines creep up with wicked stealth and speed, but also because there is so much you can still do between now and then to improve your candidacy<\/a> (sometimes a lot, sometimes on the margins, but in this case, margins matter). Also, preparing now will enable you to apply to more programs earlier, and therefore to adjust your strategy for Round 2 if necessary.<\/p>\n So, what should you be doing NOW?<\/p>\n I\u2019ve seen too many people leave the GMAT till late summer or early fall, get a lower score than they expect, and then have to recalculate their plans. If you don\u2019t have a GMAT score yet, NOW is the time to prepare for and take the GMAT<\/a>, ideally by the end of spring. Then, if your score isn\u2019t realistic for your schools of choice, you will still have time to retake the test, reconsider your target schools, or both. And you will have it behind you when you focus on the applications.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n It\u2019s best to visit schools when classes are in session. So now<\/em> is the ideal time to research schools for your preliminary list. You can flip through the tips in Best MBA Programs: A Guide to Selecting the Right One<\/em><\/a> to help walk you through this process. This will also get you thinking about your profile strategically.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Is your academic record a potential weakness?<\/a> There is still time (though not much) to take a relevant course or two, complete it, and report an A or two to the adcom as evidence of your ability to excel academically.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Not sure whom to ask for recommendations<\/a>? Sort it out now<\/em>, while there\u2019s time to weigh the pros and cons of various options, to possibly broach the issue (directly or indirectly) with people, and adapt as needed. If you already know who you\u2019ll ask, then now is the time to enhance your positive visibility to them so they can\u2019t help but write a scintillating letter.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n You can improve \u2013 deepen, broaden, refine \u2013 your leadership NOW and every day before your application. Whether or not you have a formal leadership role, you can always find ways to exercise informal leadership. And you can\u2019t have too much leadership in an MBA application<\/a>. If there isn\u2019t space to write about it in essays, portray it in your resume.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Naturally, since you\u2019re planning to apply for an MBA, you know what your goals are<\/a>. But what are you going to say about them of interest? How are you going to describe your planned industry, company, function? Read books, journals, and company reports, not just the WSJ<\/em>. And do informational interviews (use your undergrad alumni network). An interview needn\u2019t be longer than 10 minutes with two good questions to be illuminating! Interesting, informed perspective on your goals will make your essay jump out from the sea of merely competent essays. But do this research NOW, to digest and integrate it well.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Now is also the perfect time to prepare or adapt your resume<\/a> for business school. You can get it at least 95% done, and adjust as needed for any new developments later. This way, if you have a chance to visit or school or meet with an adcom member earlier than you planned, you\u2019re ready.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Six months and counting to Round 1 deadlines\u2026you can do it!<\/p>\n Now is also the perfect time to start working on your applications with your own personal consultant. Check out our MBA Admissions Consulting & Editing Services<\/a> and get matched with an expert advisor who will help you get ACCEPTED.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0MBA Action Plan: 6 Steps for the 6 Months Before You Apply<\/a>, a free guide <\/p>\n This article<\/a> originally appeared on blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.<\/em><\/p>\n\n
![\"Register](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/7-Steps-to-MBA-Acceptance-in-2020.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Cindy](\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/cindy.jpg\" "\\"Cindy")
<\/a><\/em>Cindy Tokumitsu\u00a0has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 20 years with Accepted. She would love to help you too.\u00a0Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 MBA Applicants: How to Get Accepted in 2019-20<\/a>
\n\u2022 How Do You Show Demonstrated Interest to MBA Programs?<\/a><\/p>\n