After years of planning for your MBA, you will eventually reach the stage that involves completing the MBA application package.
This includes compiling your background information, reflecting on your goals and aspirations, writing essays, and securing recommenders.
Below I’ve outlined key tasks to consider starting 12 months before application deadlines.
9-12 months before application deadline
1. Identify the relevant application deadlines
For US schools, there are typically three application rounds.
Most applicants aim for Rounds 1 and 2 due to greater seat availability, while fewer seats remain in Round 3.
Below are the deadlines for 2-year MBA programs at US M7 schools for the August 2025 cohort.
| School | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 |
| Columbia Business School | Sept. 10, 2024, at noon ET | Jan. 7, 2025, at noon ET | April 1, 2025, at noon ET |
| Harvard Business School | Sept. 4. 2024, at noon ET | Jan. 6, 2025, at noon ET | N/A |
| MIT Sloan School of Management | Sept. 30, 2024 | Jan. 14, 2025 | April 7, 2025 |
| Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management | Sept. 11, 2024 | Jan. 8, 2025 | April 2, 2025 |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | Sept. 10, 2024, at 4 p.m. PT | Jan. 8, 2025, at 4 p.m. PT | April 8, 2025, at 4 p.m. PT |
| University of Chicago Booth School of Business | Sept. 19, 2024 | Jan. 7, 2025 | April 3, 2025 |
| University of Pennsylvania Wharton School | Sept. 4, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET | Jan. 3, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET | April 2, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET |
For MBA applications at US M7 schools, it is generally better to apply in Rounds 1 and 2 for several reasons:
- More class seat availability: In Rounds 1 and 2, the majority of class seats are still available, which increases your chances of being accepted. By Round 3, many of the seats have already been filled, making the competition even tougher.
- Commitment to the program: Applying in the earlier rounds signals to the admissions committee that you are well-prepared and highly interested in their school’s MBA program. It shows that you have prioritized their school and have put thought and effort into your application early on.
- Access to financial aid: Many scholarships and financial aid opportunities are awarded in Rounds 1 and 2. By the time Round 3 applications are reviewed, fewer funds may be available, reducing your chances of receiving financial support.
- Higher acceptance rates: Historically, acceptance rates are slightly higher in the earlier rounds. This is because the applicant pool is often more competitive in Round 3, as it includes candidates who may have been deferred or waitlisted from earlier rounds and are reapplying.
- Integration and planning: Early admission allows you more time to plan your transition into the program, arrange for housing, and participate in pre-MBA activities. It helps you integrate more smoothly into the school’s culture and community.
6-9 months before application deadline
2. Develop your narrative
Start identifying the key themes and stories you want to highlight in your application.
Consider how your professional achievements, leadership experiences, and personal background align with the values of the schools you are applying to.
This is typically when you should start working with MBA admissions consultants to help with this process.
3. Outline your essays
Begin outlining your essays based on the prompts from each school. Note that essay prompts may change, so stay updated on each school’s website. For example, the essay prompts for Harvard Business School have changed dramatically this application year. Create a rough draft of your narrative and the key points you want to cover in your essays.
4. Update your resume and identify potential recommenders
Update your resume to reflect your most recent achievements and tailor it to highlight leadership, impact, innovation and collaboration.
At the same time, start thinking about and reaching out to potential recommenders who can provide strong, detailed letters of recommendation.
3-6 months before application deadline
5. Write and revise essays and other key documents
Start writing the first draft of your essays.
Focus on clarity, storytelling, and ensuring your narrative aligns with the school’s values and what they seek in applicants. Likewise, make sure to seek feedback from trusted friends, mentors, and your MBA consultant.
Revise your essays multiple times based on feedback. Consider various opinions but don’t over-rely on a single source. Additionally, finish updating your resume and ensure all new accomplishments are included; keep everything to 1 page!
6. Secure recommenders
Provide your recommenders with ample time to write their letters. Give them clear guidance on what to emphasize and remind them of deadlines. For me, I created a PowerPoint that summarized the recommendation letter prompts for each school and included key points relating to my past experiences.
1-3 months before application deadline
7. Submit applications
Ensure all components of your application are complete, including essays, resume, recommendations, and any additional materials required by the school.
Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
8. Prepare for interviews
Start preparing for potential interviews by practicing common MBA interview questions and refining your answers.
The bottom line
As you embark on the MBA application process, it’s crucial to stay organised and focused. Ensuring that every aspect of your application package is meticulously prepared will significantly enhance your chances of success.
Begin early, prioritising key tasks such as identifying application deadlines, developing your narrative, and outlining your essays. As deadlines approach, concentrate on refining your documents, securing strong recommendations, and submitting complete applications well in advance.
Finally, prepare thoroughly for interviews so that you can seal the deal by confidently presenting your qualifications and aspirations.
With diligent preparation and strategic planning, you’ll be well-positioned to embark on an MBA at your chosen school.
Jeff Zhang currently serves as a Consultant at McKinsey, specializing in private equity, transportation, technology, and sustainability sectors. Before this role, he spearheaded the creation of an innovative final-mile logistics product at a startup, later acquired by Shopify. His background includes significant experience in consulting, logistics and successful applications to global MBA programs.
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