All About The Application Process For International MBA

There are two ways to apply for an MBA:
1.First take the GMAT (the Graduate Management Aptitude Test), then decide which B-school to go to and proceed with the application process for each school.
2.The second option is to decide on the B-School, then take the GMAT, and proceed with the application process.

The former process allows one to process the GMAT results and accordingly target schools which are likely to accept your scores. This helps decide on the schools that you really want to get into and those that are your backup. Target schools efficiently and be resourceful.

The latter process takes for granted that one would get the GMAT score required for the schools selected. This is perhaps suitable only for those who are sure of their capability to get into the school. The advantage is that one’s efforts are directed based on the specific goal of getting into specific schools.
If you are aware of the GMAT score you want to reach, you could set a higher goal so that even if you fall short, you will still have the score you require. Assuming that such efforts would pay off well, one reduces the chances of giving up one’s desire of going to the school you hope to.

GMAT is an expensive test to register for. The GMAC, the Council that governs the GMAT, allows a candidate to have his/ her scores sent to five B-schools. Sending score reports to any additional schools would attract an additional fee for each additional school. To not resort to any additional score reports you have to make the decision on the schools before taking the test.

The application process is a lengthy one and includes unexpected running-around.
GMAT
• Register for the test
• Take a mock test
• Gather study material and reference books
• Study
• Exchane notes and relevant topics with other applicants and discuss the same with them
• Attempt more mock tests

TOEFL
• Register for TOEFL
• Gather and study material

Transcripts
• Visit all the UG/ PG institutions you were a part of and check if they had a format for Transcripts
• If they do, then request them to prepare transcripts; if they don’t, prepare a format for them to fill up
• Revisit the campuses to collect transcripts
• Make copies of the transcripts and get them attested
• Enclose attested copies and original transcripts in envelopes and revisit the campus to get the institutions’ stamp across the seal

Recommendations
• Contact prospective recommenders to ask if they are willing to write recommendations.
• Make appointments with those who have agreed, to discuss the content of your recommendation
• Prepare a list of probable questions that the recommender may have to deal with
• Provide recommenders with the questions to fill out
• Contact them and fix a time to collect their responses. Carry envelopes along with each recommender’s name and the name of the school on it. Ensure that the response forms sealed in the envelope and signed across the seal

Essays
• List the essay topics of all the schools to be applied to
• Consider important points and intended content for each topic
• Write the essay
• Tailor-make an essay for every school
• Rework on your content
• Share with peers or professionals who will give an honest review of your work
• Revise and rewrite

Postage/ Courier
Make arrangements for sending transcripts and recommendations. While most schools have online application forms, some cases still require a hard copy of the application.
• Check out costs for international express delivery, post, etc. and the time each will take to deliver
• Ask if discounts are offered to students
• Fix a date for courier visit/ postal delivery

Application
• Fill in the online application forms
• Take print-outs of the completed form where necessary
• Pay application fee, which is usually through a credit card or a bank draft

Points to Remember
• Get the GMAT and TOEFL out of the way quick.
• Ensure that you have time after the test to complete all formalities.
• Before you fully concentrate on preparing for the tests, tour alma maters and workplaces to set the transcript and recommendation process in motion.
• Ensure that you follow up on progress by revisit to the campuses and offices.
• Don’t be lazy about the essays or presume that you will be done before the deadline. With all the traveling you will have to do to get work done, you may not have enough time to complete them in time.
• Pay attention to every aspect of the application. One can never tell what might put off an application reviewer. Plan the application cycle so that every aspect gets its due importance.

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