Timeline for applications -- working backwards

Question

Hey everyone. If you arent sick of my posts by now, welcome to another one ! :-D

Alright, so I am aiming for starting my MBA in September 2009. Having said that, what are the key times I should be aware of , and what should I aim to be doing during those times ? For example, 3 months before do x and y, 6 months before, do z , etc. Its almost August 2007, and I know Ive got plenty of time, but its always good to have a plan in mind. Cheers !

kryzak · Answer

wow you're starting early! good for you! =)

I would get Richard Montauk's book on "How to get into the top MBA schools". There's a nice timeline in there and a check list that helps you summarize the process and suggest a timeline. Move those a few months earlier (since you have so much time) and you should be well prepared!

pmenon · Answer

Thanks very much !

Seems like that book is highly recommended; Ill go pick up a copy of it.

For anyone wondering, the only reason Im waiting until 09 is to get some more work experience, and allow me to get some more volunteering opps in.

Im 25 at the moment, and have been working full time since I was 22, which gives me 3 years 8-)

aaudetat · Answer

1. figure out if your profile can be strengthened by any particular activities that can't wait until next application season. Examples include:

a. taking quant classes if your quant background isn't very strong
b. taking quant classes if your undergrad gpa isn't too hot
c. getting involved in community service and/or other extracurriculars
d. going for the promotion at work

2. Get that GMAT out of the way. Your score is good for 5 years. If you have problems with it, you'll have time to redo it. But it's so far out, here's what I would recommend: schedule the test and then start studying. If you say, "yeah, I'm gonna do that pretty soon" but don't have a set time, you're less likely to take your studying seriously.
 
Good luck. You've got lots of time to put together an amazing application package. Don't squander it.

lepium · Answer

By mid to end September latest, you should have GMAT + TOEFL (if needed) sorted out.

You would then have time to prepare a couple of R1 apps (depending on the schools' deadlines) and then 4 or 5 R2 apps if you really commit yourself to it during November and December. 

If not, you (re)take GMAT during October, but you'd be putting all your hopes into R2 (not good on your nerves).

L.

ohreally · Answer

Hi,

I plan to apply for fall 2009. I intend to take Gmat by end of Aug 2008 or beginning Sep 2008. I am currently searching for schools. I have one-year of full time work experience to date.

In terms of Gmat metarials, I study
- OG 11, OG 10
- Writing skills for Gre/Gmat
- CR Bible

People say that we should read MBA Game Plan and How to get Top MBA.

I do want to pursue MBA in Finance. Do you suggest me any graduate schools with MBA in Finance?

Best,

solaris1 · Answer

Not to freak you out or anything, but you may have less time than you think. It's actually almost August 2008 :-D

cpgmba · Answer

You might want to check the post date out...2007.

(I thought that at first too though. I could have sworn we're in 2008!)

solaris1 · Answer

d-oh! oh well, nevermind.

Timeline for applications -- working backwards

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