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MBA Admissions

MBA Application Process and Timeline

Jonathan Deforge24th August 2023
MBA Application Process and Timeline

Applying to a top MBA program is a length process and we advise MBA hopefuls to allocate at least 8 to 12 months to complete their MBA application journey. Business school applications might feel like a daunting task but it can be broken down fairly easily in several parts that will provide you with key milestones to hit during the journey.

1

Admission Tests: 4-6 months

You will be required to submit a GMAT or GRE score. Preparing and acing the test is the lengthiest (and most stressful) aspect of your MBA application.
2

Introspection: Ongoing

Introspection is the most important aspects of your MBA application. It is paramount that you get a thorough understanding of yourself, both personally and professionally.
3

School Selection: Start early with an open mind

Don’t finalise your shortlist too early. Things can change. Instead build a list of 8 to 12 programs that you can adjust towards the application deadlines.
4

Written Application: 2-4 months

The application is daunting because you have one shot. But the process itself is not as complex as it may seem: essays, CV, Letters of Recommendation. That’s pretty much all.
5

Interview Preparation: 1-2 months

As soon as you submit your last application, you should start preparing for your admissions interview. Understand the main frequent questions and refine your narrative.

While there is not a unique timeline to prepare a successful application. After all, one of our past applicants complete everything (including the GMAT) within 3 months and we have worked with numerous applicants on fast-track applications (2 weeks and less), we would advise you to consider the below timeline as a guide. This timeline can naturally be adapted to Round 2 (January) applicants or to even later applications rounds.

Discuss your MBA plans with us

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Jonathan Deforge

Author Jonathan Deforge

Jonathan has 8 years of work experience in Education Management. Since 2013, Jonathan has helped applicants get into top 15 MBA programs and has an immaculate track record with INSEAD (both full-time MBA and EMBA programs). His applicants received offers from the Magnificent 7 (HBS, Stanford, MIT, Kellogg, Booth, Columbia, Wharton) and from other leading business schools such as INSEAD, LBS, NYU Stern, Yale, Tepper or UCLA.

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