Checklist

Here is a step wise approach to mission-MBA. This is designed by logically prioritising each of the activities that make up the whole process. I hope this will be of help to attend to each task in a timely manner.

• Identify your career goals and identify why you would want to associate with an MBA. For more on the very first step to MBA...click here

• Select the schools that make the best fit for you in terms of mainly your career goals and other factors like the student body, class size, teaching methodology, placements, student clubs, location etc...

• Set a minimum target GMAT score which would be a must to score to get it out of way (the highest of the averages of GMAT scores of the schools you prefer to study at). Remember this is the MINIMUM you must score.

• Prepare, attack and beat the GMAT. If you are required to take TOEFL too. Get it out the way too.

• Send out your score to schools.

• Make sure you post all the supporting documents (schools don't review an application until the file is complete).

• Start your online applications and register your recommenders.

• Make appointments with your recommenders and talk to them about your goals. Let them reinforce the ideas you wish to project and showcase in your essays and interviews in the recos they give out(it's your duty to keep reminding your recommenders and get your recos in place before the deadline).

• Draft your essays and have them read by your family and friends.

• Submit your application and be hopeful to get a call from all the schools you applied to.

• Schedule an interview if an applicant initiated interview is required. Reharse all your interview responses aloud.
  

These apart, ensure you have all your under-graduation and graduation transcripts ready before you start applying. Also, connect with schools in whatever manner, whenever and where ever possible...attend MBA events, talk to alumni, current students and staff; visit schools (if possible)...show them that you make a good fit and would add to their community.