MBA applications — Round 1
Your MBA Application Year, Mapped Out
Applying to business school can feel chaotic because many moving parts overlap at the same time. You have to take tests, conduct b-school research, write essays, talk to recommenders, fill application forms and prepare for interviews. The process becomes much more manageable when you design a structure and use it to guide you throughout the application cycle.
Here’s a month-by-month guide to navigating the b-school application process — from the first prep to the final decision. Click any row for guidance.
Foundation
Jan – Jun
Build the base before any application work begins. Take your tests, attend events and research b-schools, build your profile. Nothing is application-specific here, but these are the building blocks for submitting your best applications.
Strategy
Apr – Jul
Make a plan geared towards R1 deadlines. Finalize your school list, choose your R1/R2 split, lock recommenders, and get your transcripts in order. Brainstorm on essay stories.
Execution
Jul – Oct
Create your resume in MBA format, write essays, remind recommenders to submit references. Complete your application forms and video interviews.
Finish line
Oct – Dec
After submitting the applications, the focus shifts to preparing for interviews, waiting for results and preparing your Round 2 strategy. If you need any profile enhancements for R2, start this now.
Note: R1 deadlines fall between September and October.
Click a category to highlight only those rows. Click “Show all” to reset.
Foundation
Strategy
Execution
Finish line
Activity
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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