apply report

6MBA Action Plan:6 Steps for the 6 MonthsBefore You ApplyAn Accepted.com Special Report

Copyright 2011 Linda Abraham - www.accepted.com

http://accepted.comhttp://www.accepted.com

Copyright 2011 Accepted.com - www.accepted.com

MBA Action Plan:6 Steps for the 6 Months Before You Apply

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Table of Contents

Introduction............................................................................................................. 3

Assess.Your.Qualifications..................................................................................... 4.

Evaluate.Your.Work.Experience............................................................................. 6.

Examine.Your.Leadership.Skills.and.Personal.Traits............................................. 7.

Determine.Your.MBA.Goals................................................................................... 8.

School.Research.................................................................................................... 10.

Visit.Schools......................................................................................................... 11.

Epilogue................................................................................................................ 13.

http://www.accepted.comhttp://twitter.com/home/?status=@Accepted+MBA+Action+Plan+ Free+Special+Report!)+ http://bit.ly/gc3qqA



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Introduction

If.youre.in.the.middle.of.application.season.right.now,.than.this.post.(and.the.next.five.in.this.series).may.not.be.relevant.to.you,.but.if.you.are.planning.on.applying.to.business.school.next.year.(either.as.a.first.timer.or.as.a.reapplicant),.then.its.important.that.you.start.out.on.the.right.foot..Staying.organized.and.on.schedule.is.key.for.admissions.success.

So,.the.big.questionwhat.should.you.be.doing.now.to.prepare.for.the.upcoming.application.season?

First.and.foremost,.youre.going.to.need.to.assess.your.qualifications..This.means.youre.going.to.need.to.do.some.thinking.about.who.you.are,.what.you.have.done.in.the.past,.and.how.those.things.have.influenced.who.youd.like.to.be.and.what.youd.like.to.do.in.the.future..In.short,.youre.going.to.need.to.Know.Thyself..

Those.who.reflect.on.who.they.are.and.what.their.priorities.are.will.have.an.easier.and.more.successful.time.determining.their.goals.and.generating.a.realistic.list.of.schools.to.apply.to,.not.to.mention.be.better.positioned.for.writing.their.application.essays.later.on.in.the.process..

In.this.special.report.well.discuss.the.different.steps.you.should.take.to.assess.your.qualifications,.determine.your.goals,.and.generate.a.school.list..

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Assess Your Qualifications

Lets.begin.right.now.by.talking.about.assessing.the.academic.component.of.your.qualifications:.

You.need.to.examine.your.grades.and.your.GMAT.score.to.establish.where.you.stand.amongst.your.competition.academically..Yes,.I.know..Those.numbers.do.not.fully.represent.your.intellectual.horsepower,.but.they.are.important.in.the.competitive.admissions.process..

A.low.GMAT.score.or.a.low.GPA1.is.not.necessarily.an.MBA.deal.breaker..No.adcom.is.going.to.admit.or.dismiss.a.candidate.solely.on.one.semesters.poor.GPA.or.a.low.verbal.GMAT.score.without.also.reflecting.on.other.numbers.as.well.as.the.rest.of.the.non-quantitative.parts.of.the.applicants.profile..Average.numbers.vary.according.to.school,.as.well.as.numbers.within.your.demographic.group..You.should.examine.each.of.these.aspects.and.weigh.the.strengths.and.weaknesses.in.your.application.as.you.assess.your.competitiveness..

That.being.said,.there.are.certain.numbers.that.will.be.significant.hurdles..Say,.for.instance,.you.have.a.GPA.of.2.9.and.your.top.choice.MBA.programs.GPA.average.is.3.5..In.such.a.case,.your.chances.of.acceptance.have.just.taken.a.major.hit..If,.on.the.other.hand,.that.same.applicant.applies.to.a.b-school.with.a.GPA.average.of.3.2,.then.he.or.she.may.have.a.chance.of.acceptance,.provided,.the.rest.of.the.application.is.solid,.or.better.yet,.above.average.

Heres.another.it.depends.situation:.Overrepresented.demographicsengineers.or.investment.bankers2.from.over-represented.groupswill.have.a.harder.time.getting.into.a.top.MBA.program.than.a.corporate.finance.executive.from.an.under-represented.background.with.the.same.stats..In.such.a.case,.a.GMAT.score3.in.the.lower.part.of.the.schools.80%.range.and.a.GPA.of.3.3.may.be.just.too.low.for.one.person.and.just.high.enough.for.another.

The.point.is,.you.need.to.examine.the.details.of.your.scores.and.reflect.on.them.in.the.context.of.a.bigger.picture..Ask.yourself.these.questions:

. Is.one.score.low,.but.balanced.out.by.other.higher.numbers?.Can.you.provide.other.evidence.of.academic.ability?

. Did.your.overall.GPA.improve.as.you.matured.through.the.college.experience?

. Do.you.have.recommenders4.who.will.vouch.for.your.abilitiesespecially.ones.that.the.numbers.dont.reveal?

1. .http://www.accepted.com/mba/lowstats.aspx.

2. .http://www.accepted.com/mba/investmentbankers.aspx.

3. .http://www.accepted.com/mba/gmatadmissions.aspx.

4. .http://www.accepted.com/mba/LettersRec.aspx.

http://www.accepted.comhttp://www.accepted.com/mba/lowstats.aspx?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=LowStatshttp://www.accepted.com/mba/investmentbankers.aspx?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=InvestmentBankershttp://www.accepted.com/mba/investmentbankers.aspx?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=InvestmentBankershttp://www.accepted.com/mba/gmatadmissions.aspx?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=GMAThttp://www.accepted.com/mba/LettersRec.aspx?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=LettersOfRechttp://www.accepted.com/mba/lowstats.aspxhttp://www.accepted.com/mba/investmentbankers.aspxhttp://www.accepted.com/mba/gmatadmissions.aspxhttp://www.accepted.com/mba/LettersRec.aspx



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. Have.you.chosen.schools.that.will.view.your.scores.as.competitive?

. Have.you.taken.additional.college.courses.in.an.attempt.to.demonstrate.your.quant.or.verbal.capabilities.or.to.compensate.for.a.less.than.stellar.GPA?

You.need.to.assess.and.interpret.how.youll.be.perceived.with.such.scores.and.numbers,.and.then.develop.an.application.strategy5.to.address.those.issues.

Last.but.not.least,.its.not.too.late.to.retake.the.GMAT.or.to.enroll.in.a.college.statistics.course.if.you.feel.like.these.could.help.boost.your.profile..

More Information:

MBA.Reality.Check:6..Insider.admissions.tips.to.realistically.evaluate.your.profile.with.former.MBA.Admissions.Dean,.Natalie.Grinblatt.Epstein,.in.this.free.one-hour.webinar.

5. .http://www.accepted.com/services/servicesdetails.aspx?serviceid=120.

6. .http://www.accepted.com/mba/realitycheckwebinar.aspx.

http://www.accepted.comhttp://www.accepted.com/services/servicesdetails.aspx?serviceid=120&utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=Serviceshttp://www.accepted.com/mba/realitycheckwebinar.aspx?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=MBARealityCheckhttp://www.accepted.com/services/servicesdetails.aspx?serviceid=120http://www.accepted.com/mba/realitycheckwebinar.aspx



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Evaluate Your Work Experience

Heres.another.important.criterion.to.think.about.when.assessing.your.qualifications:.work.experience..Adcoms.look.at.applicants.work.experience.from.two.perspectivesquantitatively.and.qualitatively..Your.work.experience.shouldnt.just.amount.to.X.number.of.years,.but.should.have.a.significant.impact.on.your.development.as.a.person.and.as.a.burgeoning.business.mind..

Most.schools.want.a.minimum.of.two.years.of.significant.work.experience..The.work.experience.sweet.spot.for.most.business.schools.is.between.three.and.six.years,.with.eight.years.of.full-time.work.experience.serving.as.an.effective.maximumwith.exceptions..If.you.have.less.than.the.minimum.or.more.than.the.maximum,.then.you.may.want.to.consider.other.optionslike.pushing.off.applying.to.b-school.for.a.few.years.or.applying.to.a.masters.program.(for.people.with.little.work.experience),.or.applying.to.an.executive.MBA7.program.(for.people.with.work.experience.beyond.eight.years8).or.a.residential.masters.like.the.Sloan.Fellows.programs..If.none.of.these.options.appeal.to.you,.be.prepared.to.persuade.skeptical.readers.that.you.need.an.MBA.now..

When.constructing.your.resume,.and.certainly.when.composing.your.application.essays,.be.sure.to.emphasize.quality..Be.sure.to.show.off.GIM:.Growth,9.Impact,10.and.Management.Potential..If.you.feel.like.your.work.experiences.do.not.provide.these.three.elements,.then.you.may.want.to.consider.pushing.off.applying.until.youve.acquired.more.qualitative.work.experience,.or.getting.to.work.right.away.to.make.your.job.more.significant.

More Information:

MBA:.Catalyst.for.Career.Change:11..Learn.how.to.market.yourself.successfully.as.a.career.changer.to.top.MBA.programs.by.viewing.this.free.45-minute.webinar.

7. .http://www.accepted.com/mba/emba.aspx.

8. .http://www.accepted.com/mba/older.aspx.

9. .http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2008/8/8/demonstrating-a-growth-mindset.html.

10. .http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2007/1/24/personal-statement-tip-initiative-and-impact.html.

11. .http://www.accepted.com/mba/careerchange/.

http://www.accepted.comhttp://www.accepted.com/mba/emba.aspx?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=EMBAapphttp://www.accepted.com/mba/older.aspx?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=OlderApplicantshttp://www.accepted.com/mba/older.aspx?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=OlderApplicantshttp://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2008/8/8/demonstrating-a-growth-mindset.html?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=GrowthMindsethttp://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2007/1/24/personal-statement-tip-initiative-and-impact.html?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=InitiativeImpacthttp://www.accepted.com/mba/careerchange/?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=CareerChangehttp://www.accepted.com/mba/emba.aspxhttp://www.accepted.com/mba/older.aspxhttp://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2008/8/8/demonstrating-a-growth-mindset.htmlhttp://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2007/1/24/personal-statement-tip-initiative-and-impact.htmlhttp://www.accepted.com/mba/careerchange/



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Examine Your Leadership Skills and Personal Traits

The.third.element.youll.need.to.examine.in.assessing.your.qualifications.(in.addition.to.your.quantitative.scores.and.your.work.experience).is.your.personal.traits,.with.leadership.skills12.at.the.top.of.the.list.

This.part.of.your.personal.assessment.is.important.when.it.comes.to.determining.school.fit..By.evaluating.your.own.strengths.and.weaknesses,.youll.get.a.better.idea.of.which.MBA.programs.are.right.or.wrong.for.you.

Perhaps.more.than.any.other.personal.trait,.the.adcoms.will.be.mining.your.application.for.leadership.13.If.you.want.your.leadership.skills.to.stand.out,.youll.need.to.show.through.clear.examples.and.anecdotes14.that.youre.a.leadernot.just.claim.that.you.are..If.you.cant.think.of.specific.ways.in.which.youve.exhibited.strong.leadership.skills,.then.now.would.be.an.excellent.time.to.start.putting.yourself.in.situations.where.you.can.show.them,.either.through.increased.professional.responsibility,.greater.community.service15.commitments,.or.by.expanding.your.role.in.a.hobby,.sports.teams,.music.or.arts.group,.etc..(In.general,.now.would.be.a.good.time.to.bulk.up.your.community.service.profile.and/or.your.job.responsibilities.if.you.feel.like.they.are.lacking.)

Remember,.a.leadership.skill.is.worthless.if.you.cant.show.a.quantifiable.impact.that.stems.from.your.role.as.leader..

Other.important.character.traits.youll.want.to.highlight.in.your.application.(and.therefore.think.about.and.develop.now).include.passion,16.communication/teamwork.skills,.and.initiative..Again,.the.best.way.to.prove.that.you.possess.these.traits.is.to.show.them.in.your.application.through.specific.examples17.and.anecdotes..If,.in.these.early.months,.you.encounter.an.example.of.a.trait.youd.like.to.highlight,.jot.it.downit.may.be.of.good.use.when.it.comes.to.sitting.down.and.filling.out.your.application..

More Information:

Leadership.in.Admissions:18..Learn.how.to.simplify.the.task.of.writing.about.leadership.in.this.free.special.report.

12. .http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2006/8/3/leadership-in-admissions.html.

13. .http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2010/9/14/responsibility-followers-leadership.html.

14. .http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2009/9/18/personal-statement-tip-story-time-part-1.html.

15. .http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2007/6/1/admissions-tip-why-is-community-service-important.html.

16. .http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2007/2/19/what-is-passion-in-admissions.html.

17. .http://www.accepted.com/SampleEssays.aspx.

18. .http://info.accepted.com/leadership-in-admissions.

http://www.accepted.comhttp://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2006/8/3/leadership-in-admissions.html?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=Leadership1http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2010/9/14/responsibility-followers-leadership.html?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=Leadership2http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2009/9/18/personal-statement-tip-story-time-part-1.html?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=TellingAStoryhttp://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2007/6/1/admissions-tip-why-is-community-service-important.html?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=CommunityServicehttp://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2007/2/19/what-is-passion-in-admissions.html?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=Passionhttp://www.accepted.com/SampleEssays.aspx?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=Examplehttp://info.accepted.com/leadership-in-admissions?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=LeadershipInAdmissionshttp://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2006/8/3/leadership-in-admissions.htmlhttp://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2010/9/14/responsibility-followers-leadership.htmlhttp://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2009/9/18/personal-statement-tip-story-time-part-1.htmlhttp://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2007/6/1/admissions-tip-why-is-community-service-important.htmlhttp://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2007/2/19/what-is-passion-in-admissions.htmlhttp://www.accepted.com/SampleEssays.aspxhttp://info.accepted.com/leadership-in-admissions



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Determine Your MBA Goals

Once.youve.assessed.who you are.and.what your skills are,.youll.need.to.determine.why.it.is.that.you.want.an.MBA.

Before.you.apply.to.a.top.MBA.program,.youll.need.to.have.a.rather.clear.(albeit.flexible).idea.of.where you are.and.where youd like to be going..Certain programs cater to students with different goals, and in order for you to best establish school fit (which is key in the school search and application process), youll have to clarify what your goals are.19

Define.your.goal.in.terms.of.industry.and.job.function..Include.location.if.that.is.important.to.you..Deciding.that.post-MBA.youd.like.to.be.an.entrepreneur.is.really.only.the.first.step..Why.are.you.interested.in.starting.your.own.business?.What.sort.of.business.are.you.considering?.What.skills.and.tools.do.you.need.to.achieve.those.goals?.Do.you.want.to.work.for.a.firm.that.does.what.youre.considering.before.starting.up.on.your.own?.If.so,.which.firms.would.you.ideally.work.for?.B-schools,.and.then.later.on.recruiters,.love.motivated,.goal-oriented.students,.and.then.potential.employees..Again,.nothing here is set in stone; but you should have goals20 that excite you and that motivate you to push forward in a given direction.

Before.defining.what.a.goal.is,.Im.going.to.give.a.few.examples.of.what.a.goal.is not.

First, a goal is not a statement of general interest or a field youd like to study..Im.interested.in.consulting.or.investment.banking.or.marketing,.is.not.a.goal..(Not.only.is.it.not.a.goal,.but.it.is.very.likely.a.red.flag.to.the.adcom,.and.eventually,.a.ding.)

Second, a goal is not a general field youd like to work in. Id.like.to.work.in.marketing,.does.not.constitute.an.MBA.goal..As.a.person.who.has.probably.had.some.pre-MBA.work.experience,.you.should.know.better.than.to.suggest.that.marketing.is.a.proper.job.description..

Now, what is an MBA goal?

. An.MBA.goal21.is.something.specific.that.you.want.to.do.(not.just.study).in.a.particular.field..While.answering.Marketing.to.the.goals.question.wont.cut.it,.explaining.that.you.want.to.go.into.channel.management.in.the.software.industry.will.certainly.pin.you.as.a.goal-oriented,.focused.MBA.candidate..Include.as.many.details.as.possible.to.show.that.youve.thoroughly.thought.what.you.what.you.are.looking.to.learn.and.how.you.plan.on.utilizing.those.skills.post-MBA..

19. .http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2010/4/22/getting-your-mba-goals-in-shape.html.

20. .http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2007/6/8/mba-admissions-what-is-a-goal.html.

21. .http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2010/9/8/your-mba-goals-essay-get-ready-get-set-think.html.

http://www.accepted.comhttp://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2010/4/22/getting-your-mba-goals-in-shape.html?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=Goals1http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2007/6/8/mba-admissions-what-is-a-goal.html?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=Goals3http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2010/9/8/your-mba-goals-essay-get-ready-get-set-think.html?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=Goals2http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2010/4/22/getting-your-mba-goals-in-shape.htmlhttp://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2007/6/8/mba-admissions-what-is-a-goal.htmlhttp://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2010/9/8/your-mba-goals-essay-get-ready-get-set-think.html



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. An.MBA.goal.should.be.strong.and.focused.enough.to.help.you.narrow.down.your.school.choices..An.applicant.with.an.undefined.MBA.goal.will.face.a.serious.challenge.when.it.comes.to.whittling.down.that.list.of.20.MBA.programs.to.a.reasonable.5.or.6.(or.even.7.or.8)..Youll.know.your.goals.are.solid.when.you.look.at.School.X.and.say,.Theres.just.not.enough.of.an.emphasis.on.product.development.and.technology.for.this.school.to.be.included.on.my.list..Different.schools.offer.different.strengths.and.cater.to.different.goalsyou.want.a.school.that.fits.your.strengths.and.goals..Therefore,.as.Socrates.(or.according.to.some,.Pythagoras.or.Heraclitus).would.say,.Know.thy.goals.

. An.MBA.goal.is.flexible..Yes,.you.want.to.present.yourself.as.a.highly.focused,.motivated,.and.goal-driven.individual,.but.schools.also.know.that.many.students.modify.their.goal.as.they.become.aware.of.opportunities.in.business.school..Thats.okay..If.you.develop.a.cogent.plan.for.your.career.given.your.past.experience.and.your.goal.for.your.MBA.application,.you.will.be.able.to.do.so.again.and.again,.as.your.goals.and.interests.change.both.in.business.school.and.beyond..

More Information:

The.Art.of.a.Gripping.MBA.Goals.Essay:22..Discover.the.steps.you.need.to.take.to.create.a.compelling,.thoughtful.MBA.goals.essay.by.viewing.this.free.45-minute.webinar.

22. .http://www.accepted.com/mba/GoalsEssaywebinar.aspx.

http://www.accepted.comhttp://www.accepted.com/mba/GoalsEssaywebinar.aspx?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=GrippingGoalsWebinarhttp://www.accepted.com/mba/GoalsEssaywebinar.aspx



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School Research

Based.on.your.goals.and.qualifications,.you.can.now.intelligently.choose.schools..Look.at.specialty.rankings23.(U.S. News,.BusinessWeek).for.a.quick.start.but.dont.rely.on.them.blindly..Go.thoroughly.through.school.websites..Read.student.blogs..Talk.to.current.students.and.recent.alumni.

Generate.a.list.of.schools24.that.fall.into.one.of.the.following.three.categoriesreasonable.reaches,.on-pars,.or.safeties..Its.best.to.choose.at.least.one.school.from.each.category,.though.some.may.want.to.apply.to.more.(applying.to.six.or.seven.total.is.about.average)..

Heres.a.breakdown.of.these.three.categories:

Reasonable reach Acceptance.to.your.reasonable.reach.is.a.bit.of.a.stretch,.but.not.impossible..A.strong.application.could.make.your.reasonable.reach.a.reality.

On-par..You.have.a.solid.chance.of.getting.into.your.on-pars.with.a.good.application..Your.scores.and.experiences.make.you.a.competitive.candidate.for.these.schools.

Safety .You.should.have.no.trouble.getting.into.the.safety.schools.on.your.list..(Dont.be.too.cocky.though;.slacking.off.and.turning.in.a.half-filled-out.application.will.get.you.dinged.even.at.the.schools.in.this.category!)

When.determining.which.schools.fall.into.which.categories.youll.need.to.keep.in.mind.the.following:.How.does.your.GPA.and.GMAT.score.measure.up.with.the.averages.of.your.target.school?.Are.your.skills.and.experiences.particularly.well.matched.with.your.target.school?.Are.your.goals.in.line.with.one.school.more.than.another?.Look.at.the.class.profile.for.accepted.students.to.your.target.programs.to.see.how.you.measure.up..Would.you.fit.in?

Once.you.can.answer.these.questions,.you.will.have.generated.a.realistic.list.of.schools.to.apply.toand.the.more.realistic.your.list,.the.better.your.chances.are.of.gaining.acceptance.to.at.least.some.of.them,.if.not.all..

More Information:

Best.MBA.Programs:25..Learn.how.to.evaluate.your..profile.and.find.the.best.business.schools.for.you.in.this.free.special.report.

23. .http://info.accepted.com/mba-rankings-report/.

24. .http://www.accepted.com/mba/Choosingprograms.aspx.

25. .http://www.accepted.com/mba/Choosingprograms.aspx.

http://www.accepted.comhttp://info.accepted.com/mba-rankings-report/?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=Rankingshttp://www.accepted.com/mba/Choosingprograms.aspx?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=ChoosingSchoolshttp://www.accepted.com/mba/Choosingprograms.aspx?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=BestProgramshttp://info.accepted.com/mba-rankings-report/http://www.accepted.com/mba/Choosingprograms.aspxhttp://www.accepted.com/mba/Choosingprograms.aspx



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Visit Schools

For.the.last.post.in.this.series.of.what.you.can.do.now.to.optimize.your.chances.of.getting.into.a.top.b-school.later,.Id.like.to.focus.on.the.importance.of.visiting.schools.

Not.sure.whether.you.should.take.the.time.and.money.to.visit.the.b-schools26.you.plan.on.applying.to?.While.some.adcoms.admit.to.awarding.brownie.points.and.some.swear.that.whether.or.not.you.visit.has.no.impact.on.your.acceptance.or.rejection,.I.believe.that.if.you.have.the.opportunity.to.visit.the.b-schools.on.your.list,.then.you.should.absolutely.do.so.

And.its.not.because.of.imaginary.brownie.points,.but.because.you.will.be.a.much.better.informed.applicant.after.you.visit27.a.school.than.before..Youll.know.more.about.each.school,.its.culture,.and.why.that.particular.school.appeals.to.you..Youll.learn.more.about.its.teaching.style,.whether.it.supports.your.goals,.and.how.well.you.and.your.goals.match.the.program,.students,.and.faculty.

Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:

. Visit.the.school.when.class.is.in.session..That.way.youll.get.to.see.the.learning.in.action.and.speak.with.the.students.when.theyre.not.stressed.out.about.finals.

. Take.advantage.of.all.visitor.options,.including.a.tour,.a.one-on-one.meeting.with.a.student,.info.sessions,.etc.

. Come.prepared.with.good.questions.to.ask.the.adcom.and.to.ask.students.and/or.faculty.that.you.may.encounter.

. Learn.as.much.about.the.school.before.you.land.on.campus..You.dont.want.to.ask.a.question.that.was.answered.10.times.already.on.the.schools.website.

. If.you.are.unable.to.visit.the.campus,.be.sure.to.attend.info.sessions.held.in.your.city.

While.good.questions.differ.b-school.to.b-school.and.student.to.student,.the.following.is.a.sample.of.general.questions.that.you.can.use.as.a.jumping.off.point.for.your.specific.situation:

1.. What.is.a.typical.day.like.for.a.first.or.second.year.student?

2.. How.do.professors.balance.research.and.teaching?

26. .http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2005/9/23/visiting-schools-myths-and-realities.html.

27. .http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2008/8/15/mba-admissions-brownie-points-for-visits.html.

http://www.accepted.comhttp://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2005/9/23/visiting-schools-myths-and-realities.html?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=VisitingSchoolshttp://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2008/8/15/mba-admissions-brownie-points-for-visits.html?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=VisitingSchools2http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2005/9/23/visiting-schools-myths-and-realities.htmlhttp://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2008/8/15/mba-admissions-brownie-points-for-visits.html



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3.. Do.professors.teach.their.classes.in.the.larger.framework.of.the.interconnectedness.of.business.functions?.Do.they.use.an.integrated.approach?.Do.they.coordinate.with.other.professors?

4.. How.are.interview.slots.for.internships.and.full-time.positions.assigned?.If.theres.a.bidding.process,.how.does.it.work?

5.. What.do.you.like.best.here,.other.than.the.people?

6.. What.would.you.like.to.see.improved?

7.. How.helpful.is.career.services?.How.have.they.helped.you?

8.. Have.you.had.any.problems.getting.the.classes.you.want?

9.. Who.is.your.favorite.professor?.Whats.your.favorite.extra-curricular.activity?

In.summary,.do.your.research,.take.advantage.of.visitor.options,.ask.good.questions,.and.evaluate.your.fit.with.each.school..

More Information:

Navigating.the.MBA.Maze:28..Discover.how.you.can.navigate.the.critical.decision.points.in.the.MBA.admissions.process.by.subscribing.to.this.free.special.report.

28. .http://www.accepted.com/mba/NavigatingMaze.aspx.

http://www.accepted.comhttp://www.accepted.com/mba/NavigatingMaze.aspx?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=NavigatingMazehttp://www.accepted.com/mba/NavigatingMaze.aspx



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Epilogue

Thank.you.for.downloading.this.exclusive.Accepted.com.special.report..We.hope.youve.learned.valuable.tips.on.how.to.prepare.for.a.smooth-sailing.and.successful.MBA.application.season...

If.you.are.still.not.confident.about.staying.on.top.of.the.application.process,.or.later.on,.about.writing.effective.application.essays,.please.contact.Accepted.com.29.While.our.experienced.professional.editing.staff.wont.write.your.essays.for.you,.we.can.help.you30.from.the.beginning,.as.youre.defining.your.topics.and.themes,.or.we.can.edit.your.essays31.to.ensure.that.your.application.is.as.strong.as.it.can.be..We.can.also.help.you.create.a.timeline.for.your.application,.assess.your.qualifications,.and.help.you.set.realistic.and.achievable.goals.with.regards.to.the.application.process..

If.you.have.any.questions.about.this.report,.or.have.questions.about.MBA.admissions.in.general,.please.feel.free.to.post.them.to.our.Facebook.wall,32.MBA.Forum,33.or.LinkedIn.group.34.We.look.forward.to.hearing.from.you!..

29. .http://info.accepted.com/service-request?Requested_Editor__c=...

30. .http://www.accepted.com/services/approach.aspx.

31. .http://www.accepted.com/services/mbaservices.aspx..

32. .http://www.facebook.com/Accepted#!/Accepted?v=wall.

33. .http://www.forums.accepted.com/phpbb3/viewforum.php?f=11&sid=8b12e93eb40cc84d79f1fcf744f9a3f5

34. .http://www.linkedin.com/company/accepted.com.

http://www.accepted.comhttp://info.accepted.com/service-request?Requested_Editor__c&utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=ServiceRequesthttp://www.accepted.com/services/approach.aspx?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=WeCanHelpYouhttp://www.accepted.com/services/mbaservices.aspx?utm_campaign=MBAActionPlan&utm_medium=subscribers&utm_source=PDF&utm_content=EssayEditinghttp://www.facebook.com/Accepted#!/Accepted?v=wallhttp://www.forums.accepted.com/phpbb3/viewforum.php?f=11&sid=8b12e93eb40cc84d79f1fcf744f9a3f5http://www.linkedin.com/company/accepted.comhttp://twitter.com/home/?status=@Accepted+MBA+Action+Plan+ Free+Special+Report!)+ http://bit.ly/gc3qqAhttp://info.accepted.com/service-request?Requested_Editor__chttp://www.accepted.com/services/approach.aspxhttp://www.accepted.com/services/mbaservices.aspxhttp://www.facebook.com/Accepted#!/Accepted?v=wallhttp://www.forums.accepted.com/phpbb3/viewforum.php?f=11&sid=8b12e93eb40cc84d79f1fcf744f9a3f5http://www.linkedin.com/company/accepted.com

MBA Action Plan: 6 Steps for the 6 Months Before You ApplyTable of ContentsIntroductionAssess Your Qualifications Evaluate Your Work Experience Examine Your Leadership Skills and Personal Traits Determine Your MBA Goals School Research Visit Schools Epilogue

apply report

Documents

special reportcopyright

linda abraham

table of contentsintroduction