The Application

Business school applications can be up to 20 pages long and are probably different for each school you are applying to, so allow plenty of time for this process. When requesting an application, take note of the school's admissions deadline and if they have rolling admissions. With rolling admissions, a school begins reviewing and accepting students as soon as they begin receiving applications. If you turn your application in late in the enrollment period, there may be fewer spots available in the program.

Also note if the school has any prerequisites, such as college level Calculus. If you have not met all the prerequisites, proof of enrollment is usually sufficient to show that you are currently taking the course. By planning ahead, you can avoid getting rejected on a technicality.

The Essay

The essay is your chance to show your uniqueness and further explain the highlights of your work and educational experience. Emphasize your career goals and show that you are serious about getting an MBA, and especially an MBA from that particular school. This is also your opportunity to show the admissions office how you think and reason.

Be sure to have someone else read over your essay for an objective opinion.

Some sample essay questions include:

• Discuss your career progression to date. What prompted you to seek an MBA degree now? What type of job do you see yourself in immediately after receiving your MBA? What are your ultimate career aspirations? Describe your plans to achieve them.
• Why do you want to obtain your degree at xx University's Graduate School of Management?
• How do you think your previous background, experiences, and education have influenced the person you are today? How have they helped to develop your leadership/managerial abilities? Give one or more examples of those abilities and how you view them.
• Assume you have been granted unlimited capital to begin your own entrepreneurial venture. Describe the venture, its likely customer base, a summary of your marketing plan, and its chances for long-term success.

Letters of Recommendation

Most schools require two to three letters of recommendation. Preferred sources are your current employer and professors. If you are not comfortable asking your current supervisor for a recommendation, ask a co-worker, former supervisor, or someone else who can vouch for your work.

Provide the people who are writing your recommendations with a summary of your work and education history, along with some details about the schools you are applying to and their selection criteria. Allow your recommenders plenty of time (2-3 months) to write the recommendation. Check in with them about a month before the application deadline.

Transcripts

You will need transcripts from every university you have attended. This includes summer school, graduate work, or classes you have taken since graduation. Order your transcripts at least two weeks before the deadline, and plan on spending anywhere from $5 to $15 per copy.

Resume

Most applications ask you to include your resume or a summary of your work history. Most schools seriously consider work history when making admissions decisions, though a few schools are now admitting applicants with no prior work experience. Include information about any papers or articles you have published, awards, membership in professional societies, volunteer work, or anything else that can give an admissions committee a clear picture of you. Include any necessary supporting documentation, but be concise since admissions committees are already reading through stacks of applications.

Interview

Many schools do not require interviews, but are happy to accommodate students who can visit the campus. By doing an interview you get a more complete picture of the MBA program; you also give the admissions committee a better idea of your qualifications and career goals. Some schools cannot grant interviews to all prospective students, but will invite some prospective students for interviews after reviewing applications.