Planning Ahead to Get into MBA School

Dealing With a Low GPA

Your GPA is an important piece of your application. Unfortunately, it is one of the only parts of the application that is already completely set. If you have a below average GPA, or low grades in quantitative/business classes, consider taking a course now to prove your academic skills. You want to be able to build a case to the schools that you will be able to succeed academically in their program, that you are taking steps to build skills that may have been lacking and that you are mature enough to balance academics with your career.

Leveraging Your Current Career

Have you been in the same job, at the same level for several years? If so, what would it take to secure a promotion or demonstrate upward mobility? Brainstorm what you can do to take on more senior responsibilities. Volunteer to mentor a newcomer in the office. Ask to be placed on a high level project. Take on a leadership role that no one else wants responsibility for. Opportunities always exist, but the true stars are the ones that seize them.

Preparing For and Taking the GMAT

The GMAT is a piece of the application over which you still have a great deal of control. If you have not taken the GMAT before, do your best to get it out of the way before you start working on writing your applications. As busy as you may be now, it will only be worse once you add essays, data forms and recommendations to your plate. Consider a course or tutor, or take advantage of one of the resources available online. Preparation is essential for most to excel on the test, both in terms of knowledge and your mental state when you take it. Taking a course often helps you maintain discipline while studying.

If you have already taken the GMAT and received a below average score, consider retaking it. You should consider whether you truly gave it your all the first time around. If you think it would be possible to obtain a higher score, it is worth retaking, as the schools will look at your highest score.

Getting Recommendations

Remember that you are going to ask a few recommenders to do a lot of work on your behalf. It is not a bad idea to keep in mind who you want to ask and be sure to "wow" them over the next few months. You may even want to take them to lunch and discuss your MBA plans with them so that they are not surprised when the time comes. You want to be certain that your recommenders will actively support your candidacy.

Staying Extracurricularly Active

If you do not have any meaningful activities in your profile, you should become involved now. Go online and look for community service groups in your community, brainstorm things that you enjoy doing and seek them out. Think about activities in which you participate as an undergrad and become re-engaged.

If you are already involved know that the quality of your contributions is most important. In and out of work, any leadership role you can take on will be an asset to your application. Many companies sponsor community service opportunities within. If you are too busy to leave the office, you may be able to find activities within your work environment.

Researching Potential Essays

It is extremely helpful to be aware of what types of questions you will be asked. Although many schools change their essay questions from year to year, by reading a prior year's application you will get a good idea of the types of stories you will need. Knowing that you will be asked to describe a leadership experience may motivate you take on a leadership role—in or outside of work. Knowing that you will have questions about community involvement will push you to finally become involved.

Choosing Your School

You have a better chance of being admitted to any school if it is the right school for you. Many candidates look at rankings and decide to apply to the top few schools. You will be far better off if you do your own research, talk to students and alums and, if possible, visit campuses. Doing this type of research early on will help you better understand the schools, and quite possibly change your mind about where you want to apply. You also will be better qualified to answer the question, "Why do you want to go here?"