We’re not going to lie to you about it – applying for top MBA programs is hard work. And there’s not way around it. If you want to get into a quality program, it will require a solid application. This includes a good GMAT score, meaningful essays, solid recommendations, and (depending on the school) an interview. A well prepared application will have various components that all unite to tell one cohesive story about you, the applicant.
Let’s break it down into parts:
- GMAT: There’s no way around this one. You have to take it, and if you’re like most people you also have to study for it. Study hard, do well. It’s that simple.
-TOEFL: If you are required to take the TOEFL, it’s the same as the GMAT. Study hard, prepare yourself, and take the test.
-Essays: Be yourself, be honest, answer the question, and follow the word limit.
-Recommendations: Ask recommenders who know you well, and who can speak to your individual strengths and weaknesses. In our experience, it is far more beneficial to ask someone who knows you well than a person with a big title (or name) or alumni connection to the school.
-Interview: Be prepared to take the interview seriously. If you are asked to interview, this is your chance to sell yourself in person. It’s a fantastic opportunity – make sure you are well prepared for it.
If it sounds like a lot of time and effort, it is. And it’s just the start of the work. MBA programs are rigorous — if not purely intellectually, then in terms of effort and competition and workload. All of this is to say that MBA applications are hard (but necessary) work. If you’re not ready or able to complete the application process at this time, it is unlikely that you will be ready for the coarse of study at a top B-School.