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Timeline for applying to business school

Concerned if you’re on track to apply to business school this year? Do you wonder what you should be working on now in order to submit strong applications in the fall?

Here’s a suggested timeline for getting organized and proactively staying ahead of the admissions process.

May

Identify Recommenders/Reconnect with past supervisors

Prepare for and sign up for the GMAT

June

Take the GMAT

Prepare your résumé

July

Take the GMAT again (if necessary)

Define list of target schoolsBrainstorm and start writing essays

August

Begin completing additional coursework

Meet with recommenders

Continue drafting and editing essays

September

Follow-up with recommenders

Continue drafting and redrafting essays

Initiate outreach to programs of interest; visit, if possible

October

Complete essays, follow up with recommenders

Submit first round applications

November

Prepare second round essays/applications (if needed)

Prepare for interviews with target schools

Complete campus visits

December

Draft and edit second round essays (if needed)

Follow up with recommenders

Conduct first round interviews

Await first round decisions

January

Submit second round applications (if needed)

Complete first round interviews

Await first round decisions

February

Plan interviews with target schools

Await second round decisions (if needed)

March

Prepare for interviews (if needed)

Await second round decisions (if needed)

Visit programs and place deposit

The earlier you get started on the MBA application process, the better. Getting a jump on it now will allow you to invest the time and effort into the process that will enable you to be most successful.

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