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<\/h2>\n<\/h2>\nHarvard Business School\u2019s R1 deadline is Wednesday, September 4, 2019. Second up is Chicago Booth\u2019s R1 deadline of Thursday, September 26 and Wharton\u2019s on September 17. This gives you roughly three months to apply for a top-notch MBA this fall.<\/p>\n
Focusing on your application for two to three months can really make a difference between a strong application and a stand-out one. For all your efforts, where can you get the best return on investment? My colleagues at Fortuna Admissions share their 7-step approach on how to best prioritize your time in the coming weeks:<\/p>\n
Schools want to understand your motives for the MBA (and specifically, why their program). The application is intended to inspire thoughtful analysis on your future potential, personal growth and short-long term goals. As such, considered self-reflection is the essential starting point<\/a>. Introspection is most effective if you take some time away from your office (and devices) and really explore what motivates you for business school and why now. Also contemplate what makes you unique and solicit outside perspectives on your strengths and weaknesses. You want to develop a storyline that\u2019s convincing, captivating and authentic for admissions committees.<\/p>\n Each MBA program has a distinctive culture, identity and management curriculum so you MUST go beyond the MBA rankings when doing your research<\/a>. Prestige matters, but so does a school\u2019s alumni network, faculty, class size, recruitment prospects, community feel, and location \u2013 particularly when it comes to assessing fit. Admissions committees are practiced at discerning when a candidate has a strong attraction to their school and has done their research. Begin by following each schools\u2019 admissions blogs and social media, and network with the school communities (online or in person) through research, campus visits and alumni outreach. The aim is to shortlist programs that best match your personal goals.<\/p>\n Schools are looking for a track record of leadership \u2013 in the workplace and elsewhere as admissions committees want to understand what you\u2019ll offer their community, alumni network and, ultimately, the world. Have you led a team project, mentored others, volunteered and made a positive impact? From now until the application deadlines, look for ways to enrich your profile through further community involvement or extracurriculars that naturally mirror your interests, or by taking more responsibility at work. It\u2019s important to further investigate how to effectively position extracurriculars in your application and MBA resume<\/a>.<\/p>\n Consider re-sitting the GMAT if you\u2019ve already tested but scored below the average for your target schools \u2013 but only if you think you can significantly boost your score. Thoughtful GMAT prep<\/a>can elicit an incredible amount of time and stress, so carefully weigh the best use of energy. If you\u2019re concerned your quant score isn\u2019t going to improve, consider enrolling in an online course for accounting, finance or stats to showcase your academic skills and commitment. If your undergrad degree is short on quant courses and your GMAT quant is not strong, you\u2019ll need to demonstrate you can handle the quant-heavy course load.<\/p>\n The recommenders you select should serve as your personal champions. As such, ensure they are people who can supply both detail and firsthand evidence of your current excellence and future potential in stellar letters of recommendation<\/a>. Giving recommenders ample time \u2013 such as six weeks in advance \u2013 as well as some guidance to compose your letter to set them up for success. Speak to them in advance \u2013 and better yet, create a brief \u2013 to articulate your MBA plans, your motivations, what you feel have been your strengths and weaknesses. Include the school\u2019s criteria as well.<\/p>\n\n
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