If you’re applying to business school, the entrance process is difficult and does take a reasonable amount of time. So, Augment your probability of getting into the business school by deciding why you want to be in one and then make your belief in it stronger. The curriculum resume, essays prepared and letters of suggestions can emphasize your professional accomplishments and management capability. Illustrating your enthusiasm and awareness of the business school program to which you are applying is necessary. However you can certainly be successful and step into your dream business school, only if you carry all of the right steps and strategize your time accurately.
Contemplate your potentials for stepping into a business school and seek direction through the steps mentioned below.
Tips for Applying to Business School:
1. Get organized:
Before the applications, start finalizing the list of choices of business schools. Have logical answers as to why you need to join in to business schools and for which of the programs. Introspect your capabilities and review your work experiences. Start selecting and emailing your recommenders, create a new account for each application and register for the GMAT. Make sure you are well equipped as to not trip at any point during the application process.
2. Identify how you fit in:
In the applications or the interviews, the admission officer will be trying to inspect if you are the best fit for the program. It will be measured whether you can do well academically and resourcefully. Identify the key features in you that focus on your interests and abilities and then relate it to the programs. Make a reasonable and convincing circumstance that you are strong and compatible applicant.
3. Seek for a mentor:
Ask someone whom you can trust and has experience with business school or is a work colleague or a supervisor to help you with the admissions process and become your mentor. The mentor you choose should have enough knowledge so that you are guided well throughout the process. Through their experiences they are able to advice some great schools and know the application processes to make it easier for you. Such supports are precious and so make the most of it. You may be provided with good reference list too.
4. When to apply:
Commence application to the business school of your choice as soon as possible. Most of the schools have two to three application cycles or deadlines. When you apply in the first round the chances of being accepted is high as there are more vacant spots available. By the third rounds the chances decreases as many other applicants are already accepted.
5. Application form:
It is the basic process of the application system and every business school expects the candidates to fill the form. This form can be found online or could be in a traditional paper form. You will be filling you name address and other such personal information in detail. You will also be asked to fill in the section about your academic experiences, work and volunteer experiences, knowledge of leadership and leadership skills, and organization which you have been worked with in the past. You will also be asked about your career goals and thus be certain of aligning everything from your resume to essays in the same perspective and keep it complimentary.
6. Resume:
Most of the business schools expect the applicants to have work experience. Thus you need to add your resume which is professional. It should focus on the professional aspects and include the details about the previous workplace, employers, job designations, duties, leadership experience etc. Do not forget to mention the current job details too. All the precise achievements should be highlighted and emphasized.
7. GPA:
The applicant’s GPA will be evaluated in different ways depending on the business school. The median GPA is approximately 3.5 for the top business schools. If you have very less than that you will be rejected from the schools of your dream. However the rest of the application should compensate for it. Just try to make the most of what you have because once you have the grades, you will be wedged by it.
8. GMAT test:
The Graduate Management Admission Test abbreviated as GMAT is a standardized examination exercised by business schools to gauge how well students are probable to do in a business school program. The GMAT tests measures fundamental mathematical, verbal, and logical writing skills. This test is inevitable and so you need to pick a date and go for it. Strategize your study patterns and practice well before the test. According to your goal score, qualifications and experience you can plan for the study approximately eight to ten weeks before the exam.
9. Picking the right school:
Before applying you need to understand and dig into the environment of the schools you are considering. Take time to excavate information regarding each schools culture, programs and career placements figures so that you are not taken into shock later due to certain revelations during the process. With adequate finance and time you can even check into each school you are considering for exclusive inspection for your own prospective. You will be able to have a bigger picture with a closer look.
10. Your Homework:
The homework for you will be to follow the sites of the business schools you are taking into account. Keep a tab on what is the latest in the business school world. Follow a number of sites that provides with information concerning the application process. Surf through the admission director’s blogs and chat discussions to comprehend the genuine experiences of the applicants. You will come across many advices and cautions concerning the application procedure.
11. The recommendation letters:
Recommendation letters are reference letters that consists of the writer’s assessment on the applicant’s qualities, attributes and capabilities. These letters are often used by applicants and many of the schools prefer at least two recommendation letters during application processes. These letters should be written by someone who really knows you properly. It will enhance your overall application process.
12. Writing an impressive essay:
Writing an essay is not an easy deed. It is fundamental that the essay for application be very attractive and impressive. Many schools define the word limit for the ideal essay. Essays are imperative as they are the medium through which one can express and convince how he or she fits best for their program. It will take time and hard work but it is well worth the effort, as an excellent essay will be complimentary to your application and will place you apart from other applicants.
13. The interview:
As soon as you have sent the application it is time to prepare for the interview. It happens to be the most vital part of the whole application process. Remember you have to work on being the best fit in front of the interviewer. Hence start with reviewing your experiences and list down why you chose the particular school. Note down the reasons how this school will prove beneficial for your future accomplishments. In some schools applicants are allowed to interview only by invitation, however some others allow all the applicants for the interview.
14. Gauge your options:
When you start getting responses from the schools it is time to consider what the next steps to be taken are. If you have been responded by your dream business school right away the decision for the next step will not be hard. In contradiction if you have not been responded by your dreamt school the decision will be a tough one to arrive at. Do not be afraid of this complication and take time for making the best of your decision; it could be the schools or the programs that you need time to choose from. Request the schools that have answered back to extend the decision deadlines so that you can reconsider your options in that time span.
15. Update to the application:
Once you have submitted the application if you are in need to update or want to make any changes to the application you may act immediately. Contact the business school program that you have applied to for making changes to the application. The contact details can be easily found on the business school academic programs website. The coordinator will be helping you to make the necessary changes to your application. The changes are accepted by the admissions committee after the submission of the application, but it should only be prior to the evaluation of your application.
16. Get ready!:
It is time to get ready for school as soon as you have picked a program. The administrative tasks are difficult ones and take a long time. Buy a calculator, check with your health and maintain the finances for a healthy business school life beginning and endurance as well. Read a few books and blogs to improve your knowledge and skills. .
Thus you can understand that more of the admissions process is in your control than you had expected. You can only be the one to dictate the quality of your application. That brings all the controls down to you. Securing your degree from a top business school can greatly augment the value of your degree.
