How to wrap up your MBA applications

For many, the winter months signal the coming of holidays. Food, gatherings, and gifts are generally on the mind. For those applying to MBA programs, it means something entirely different; the approaching deadline for applications. 

Though it can be stressful as the clock ticks and the pressure builds, we have compiled a checklist of what you can do to wrap up your applications. After all, the toughest parts of your journey are done – test scores are in, recommendation requests have been made, and essays have been written. Here’s how you can finalize your applications and submit them with confidence. 

Follow up with recommenders

Strong words of advocacy – requested on your behalf – play a significant role in the admissions process. Rather than assume these have been completed and sent, follow-up with your recommenders. 

If they haven’t finished, offer your assistance. Refresh them on the parameters of the letters, and ask if they could benefit from recent examples of your work, leadership, or any other relevant anecdotes and attributes. A short, impromptu question and answer session could even be the extra boost they need to wrap-up.

Get meticulous

An MBA application consists of a lot of components you have prepared and written yourself. Though you may have all of your content up-to-par, perform a scrupulous review of everything. 

 This review should include rigorous spelling and punctuation checks as well as confirmation that your materials follow the formatting guidelines of schools. Take a look at the headers, footers, and line spacing on everything. Additionally, assure that you have referred to the school’s departments, classes, and professor’s names properly if they were included anywhere in your essays. 

Once you double check everything, walk away for a few hours. Then, come back and give it one last scan.

Confirm your flow

It can be difficult to accurately convey so many components of your personal and professional life. With long and short essays, resumes, and portfolios, there is a lot of information to include. 

 Read everything together and make sure that the elements complement each other, but are not duplicative or conflicting. We recommend looking at them first in the order listed on the application, and then swapping around the order and giving them another view. 

 Additionally, it can be even more helpful to read them aloud and hear what others will think as they consume your words. 

Simplify your process

Many MBA hopefuls experience the same common pitfall; sending their application drafts out to anyone who will read and provide feedback. If too many others are consulted, one is likely to get conflicting feedback. 

 Do not let yourself fall into that trap. While there isn’t a perfect outcome, there is an outcome that best reflects who you are. It’s important to cut through the noise and remember that your final application should be the version you are most confident reflects you, not necessarily one that someone else prefers. 

 Remember that people tend to be opinionated, and even the best version of your application will still garner feedback. So take a deep breath, relax, and don’t try to change everything at the last minute. Ultimately, your confidence in your own story and work is what matters most. 

Review your resume

There are many versions of resumes. The ones we add bullet points to as time goes on, and the ones that we sit down and create in just a day. It can be arduous to include every academic and professional accomplishment, and decide which are not necessarily critical to your overall resume. 

 However, it’s important to double check that this version of your resume includes your most important scholarly and career highlights. Perhaps, for example, there was a large project at work you took the lead on that is included in a different resume than the one you are planning on submitting?

 Make sure your best self shines through. 

Consult the experts

Still a little wary after following the above steps? Consider booking an hour session with Ivy Advisors. We can help you assess specific components of your application that you feel require extra attention. 

Read more about our hourly services here.