1. The Truth About Charlie
So you are thinking of going to Business School?
The first step in this process is to know yourself. What are your passions at work and outside? What are your
values, goals, and where do you envision your professional future. Capitalize on your skills, experiences, and
background. Because the application process is extremely competitive (with only 10-20% admitted to top
schools), be clear on what differentiates you from the pack.
What is the right time for you? Are you applying early in your career or are you a late bloomer? Whatever the
case, you should have a clear picture about why you are going now. The goal is to leave no question
unanswered. Paint a vivid picture of yourself and build a compelling case for why you should be admitted to
the particular program.
2. Do Your Due Diligence
Research each program to determine which ones are right for you.Through your due diligence, you will be able
to assess how you compare to admitted students at the programs of interest. The goal really is to focus on
programs that will get you where you want to go. You obviously have to hedge your bets by applying to “likely”
schools as well as “stretch” schools. The more research you do, the more aware and savvy you become in
differentiating the programs. Some variables to keep in mind when researching MBA programs:
Culture of the program
Curriculum and teaching methodology
Quality of the faculty
Program reputation and resources
Career Services support and opportunities
3. Assemble Your Dream Team
The application process for top business schools is a grueling and fiercely competitive process. Going it alone
is not the best strategy. Once you have done the introspection and self-assessment necessary to determine
which school(s) best fit your interest and goals, the next step is to identify advocates who will champion and
support you to a successful admission.
Find individuals at your job, preferably supervisors, who will become your mentors and eventually will write
stellar recommendations on your behalf. Speak with alumni and students of the MBA programs of interest to
learn about their “lived” experience. Many schools have student admissions ambassadors who will provide
advice and support for you. Find trained individuals who can advise you through the entire process.
4. The Early Bird Gets the Best Worm
Start the business school process early. Begin researching schools at least a year prior to your application to
give yourself a head start. Use this period to develop your admission strategy and to address any gaps that
exist in your “story”.
Expand your leadership roles and seek out new opportunities for stretch assignments at work. Visit the
schools, attend open house events, and visit a class. Prepare for the GMAT through self-study or a class
through Princeton Review or Kaplan. Take one or two business classes if you have been out of school for a
while or if you are concerned about your undergraduate G.P.A.
So you are thinking of going to Business School?
The first step in this process is to know yourself. What are your passions at work and outside? What are your
values, goals, and where do you envision your professional future. Capitalize on your skills, experiences, and
background. Because the application process is extremely competitive (with only 10-20% admitted to top
schools), be clear on what differentiates you from the pack.
What is the right time for you? Are you applying early in your career or are you a late bloomer? Whatever the
case, you should have a clear picture about why you are going now. The goal is to leave no question
unanswered. Paint a vivid picture of yourself and build a compelling case for why you should be admitted to
the particular program.
2. Do Your Due Diligence
Research each program to determine which ones are right for you.Through your due diligence, you will be able
to assess how you compare to admitted students at the programs of interest. The goal really is to focus on
programs that will get you where you want to go. You obviously have to hedge your bets by applying to “likely”
schools as well as “stretch” schools. The more research you do, the more aware and savvy you become in
differentiating the programs. Some variables to keep in mind when researching MBA programs:
Culture of the program
Curriculum and teaching methodology
Quality of the faculty
Program reputation and resources
Career Services support and opportunities
3. Assemble Your Dream Team
The application process for top business schools is a grueling and fiercely competitive process. Going it alone
is not the best strategy. Once you have done the introspection and self-assessment necessary to determine
which school(s) best fit your interest and goals, the next step is to identify advocates who will champion and
support you to a successful admission.
Find individuals at your job, preferably supervisors, who will become your mentors and eventually will write
stellar recommendations on your behalf. Speak with alumni and students of the MBA programs of interest to
learn about their “lived” experience. Many schools have student admissions ambassadors who will provide
advice and support for you. Find trained individuals who can advise you through the entire process.
4. The Early Bird Gets the Best Worm
Start the business school process early. Begin researching schools at least a year prior to your application to
give yourself a head start. Use this period to develop your admission strategy and to address any gaps that
exist in your “story”.
Expand your leadership roles and seek out new opportunities for stretch assignments at work. Visit the
schools, attend open house events, and visit a class. Prepare for the GMAT through self-study or a class
through Princeton Review or Kaplan. Take one or two business classes if you have been out of school for a
while or if you are concerned about your undergraduate G.P.A.