But before you begin preparing to apply, there are some key considerations that should come first: how long does it take get your MBA application ready for submission? And what timeline should you work to?
Starting your application early is always best, giving you time get your materials together and target those early deadlines. To help you make the most of your time and avoid last-minute cramming, we've worked with the experts at Personal MBA Coach to put together this five-month plan.
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Your MBA application timeline
Months 1-2:
1. Look for campus events: Attending virtual and on-campus events can help you get a feel for student life and program culture at your target schools.
2. Develop or solidify your GMAT or GRE preparation plan: Many of you may be well underway here (or even have already completed your testing).
3. Customize your resume for your MBA applications: Your MBA resume should be different from your professional one. While you may need to tweak your resume later, Personal MBA Coach advises clients to get most of their resume development work out of the way before essay questions are released.
4. Fine-tune your career goals: Define where you want your MBA to take you. Clear goals now will make essay writing much easier later on.
5. Narrow down your school lists: Your final list may change (particularly if your GMAT/GRE score is not as you expected), but you'll want to have an initial idea of your school list early on.
6. Brainstorm essay topics and begin drafting: Some schools keep their essay questions consistent year on year. For these, you'll want to get started on brainstorming, outlining and editing. For other schools, reviewing past questions from each school can give you an idea of themes to focus on.
7. Prepare your personal story: Think through the choices you have made in your life, what drove those choices and what makes you unique. Keep this story in mind as you outline your essays.
8. Begin to identify potential recommenders: Think about who knows you well and can speak to your strengths—not just someone with an impressive title. Reach out early to gauge interest.
Month 3:
1. Draft your essays: Your MBA essays should be getting the bulk of your attention this month. Set aside dedicated time for drafting.
2. Finalise and brief your recommenders: Secure your recommenders and schedule time to prepare them.
3. Take the GMAT: If you haven’t already, aim to sit the test by mid-summer. This leaves enough time to retake it if needed.
4. Network with students and alumni: Reach out to current students or recent grads to get first-hand insight into your target programs. These conversations not only help you to confirm your interest but can also give you strong material for your applications. Some schools specifically ask who you talked to, so do not forget this step.
Month 4:
1. Edit, edit, edit. This is the month to wrap up your essays. Personal MBA Coach advises clients to lock in their essays at least 3-4 weeks in advance of deadlines. Last-minute changes rarely improve quality, and you'll need the time for the rest of your application.
2. Revisit school lists as needed. Now that you’ve got your test score, take a fresh look at your target programs. You may want to add or adjust based on fit and competitiveness. An average candidate will apply to five to seven schools.
Month 5:
1. Ensure recommendation letters are ready to go. Follow up with your recommenders to make sure everything is on track. Ask your recommenders if they need any additional information from you.
2. Work on short answers and video essays. Allocate enough time for short questions and video essays. These often take longer than expected, but they're an important part of your MBA application
3. Proofread everything. Have someone unfamiliar with your application review it from start to finish. A fresh pair of eyes can catch what you’ve missed.
While having five months (or more) to prepare is ideal, many candidates start later and still submit strong applications. Personal MBA Coach also works with applicants who start later in the year and crafts custom timelines accordingly. Similarly, many candidates—especially those applying to an early decision program—work well ahead of these timelines.
For more insider tips on how to ace the MBA application process, download our MBA Application Guide | How To Secure Your Seat For 2026
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