Checklist for MBA Prep

1. Which type are you – want to do an MBA program “this” year or want to do an MBA program from a “particular” institute
2. Decide the above
3. Apply to your undergrad college for transcripts
4. Even if you haven’t decided, but decided that you want to do an MBA program, take GMAT
5. Unless you are too good in both math and verbal, give yourself three months. Be good to yourself.
6. Don’t think about a second attempt. If you goof up the exam, then please DO give a second attempt
7. MBA from a good b-school is expensive. Please include GMAT prep and miscellaneous costs in the total costs. It does not hurt. The idea of paying USD 250 or USD 500 (for retakes) to GMAC, that is.
8. Give yourself at least a month for each school. Essays can’t be written in a sitting. You need to revise them a dozen times.
9. Wherever possible, inform the boss of your plans. Request him to be your recommender.
10. Coach your recommenders. This is the weakest link and something beyond your control.
11. In case the recommender asks you to write the recommendation yourself, try and see if someone else can write the recommendation.
12. If you can’t find someone else, you don’t have an option but to write it yourself. Make sure you at least discuss with the recommenders what they want to write about you.
13. All the while, keep thinking about finance. Reduce expenses. Try to put some savings behind. Scan for potential personal guarantors.
14. Ensure GMAC has sent your GMAT score to your potential b-schools
15. Be meticulous. Don’t make last minute goof ups. If you are applying online, ensure you have not waited till the last hour to push the application. If you are sending a hard application, choose a good courier. Don’t expect the courier to be more efficient than its worst possible service.
16. Read newspaper. Watch news.
17. Having prepared essays, having thought about why MBA, you are fully prepared for the interview. Even then, think about all the possible questions. Prepare your answers. Rehearse.
18. Celebrate at each stage. Good GMAT needs one. An interview call needs one. An admit letter needs one.

PS: I may have missed some points. Please feel free to add.

Vijay Mulbagal