Holidays are coming & so is Round 2 Deadlines: Tips for MBA Applicants

The third week in December is often the most productive week for most professionals. With a clear holiday break on the horizon, the hope that there is something to look forward becomes a strong motivating force. For MBA applicants targeting Round 2 deadlines, this period can be the most stressful time.

Case 1: December Last Week - GMAT Tests

We often keep the most important task for the last, and it is no different for MBA applicants. Those who are planning to take the GMAT during the last week of December, you have ruined your holidays, and more importantly - peace of mind, as GMAT test score is an important element in the MBA application process. Lot of school reselection and MBA application essay tweaking depends on the GMAT score.

Case 2: Recommendation Letter

This is the week to pester your recommender to get those recommendation letters. It would be extremely difficult to get in touch with recommenders once the Christmas week commences. Anticipate this problem, and try to convey the urgency. Most online MBA application systems allow recommenders to save the letter in draft before submitting. Make use of that function.

Case 3: Review Essays

Based on the GMAT score, essays are tweaked, academic, or professional experiences highlighted, and personal aspects that complement academic performance included. This week is the time to complete all your essays, and do a first round of review. The first iteration should be exclusively focused on spotting structural and grammatical errors.

Case 4: Supporting Documents

By now, all your transcripts and other supporting documents might be ready. If you have not yet received the original transcripts rush to the school, and get your copy. Most schools break for Christmas holidays, and this week should be focused on getting all the supporting documents ready. Also, make sure that academic officers or department heads, as required by the Business School, attest the documents.