Which MBA Application to Start With First?
While not all Class of 2022 MBA applications have gone live yet, many have — and most programs have posted their essay questions so that applicants can at least get going on their drafts. But how should you pick which MBA application to start with?
Some people prefer to start with the essay set that’s due first. That’s totally fine, but may not be the best strategy for other b-school hopefuls. It might simply come down to what you feel most motivated to work on right now. We all know that if you’re dreading something, you’ll find reasons to keep putting it off.
‘Easy’ vs. ‘Dream’ Business School First
You have about two months before the majority of Round 1 deadlines hit. So, another tactic to help you decide which MBA application to start with first is choosing the school you want to get into the most. You will inevitably end up circling back and revising those essays as the due date nears. But you can reduce your stress level by allowing the most time possible to work on your dream school.
Another option is to review the essays for all of the schools you’re interested in. Then, pick the most extensive set to begin drafting. That way, you can leverage content — such as the explanation of your short- and long-term career goals — for your remaining applications.
Or you could take the exact opposite approach: start with the school whose essays seem the least daunting. It’ll be that much easier for the words and thoughts to start flowing if you already have ideas about what to write. This process is about creating momentum to carry yourself through the coming weeks. Getting one school crossed off your list sooner rather than later can be a huge motivator.
So if a voice in the back of your head is telling you to start with School X, listen to that voice and get going!
Think of it this way:
Until next time,
The team at Stacy Blackman Consulting
***
Do you want to stay on top of the application process with timely tips like these? Please subscribe to our weekly newsletter and you’ll receive our expert advice straight in your mailbox before it appears on the blog, plus special offers, promotions, discounts, invitations to events, and more.
