<aside> 👩🏽‍💼 If you don't want to go super deep into the rest of this guide, here are 5 tips for applying to business schools. It was hard to pick just 5, but hopefully this is just a start!

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1. Take your standardized tests early

Whether you take the GMAT or the GRE, getting your standardized test out of the way helps make the rest of the application process so much smoother. Your test is just one component of your overall application, so having enough time to focus on everything else (your essays, your letters of recommendation, etc.) is key. Read more The GMAT

2. Consider your holistic brand

Who are you? What are the top five things that you want business schools to know about you? Once you can identify what those things are, you can make sure that all of your materials convey your brand loud and clear. I created my "brand overview" in a google slide and referred back to it often as I was completing all of the different components of my applications. I also shared this slide with my recommenders. Read more about how Self-Reflection can help you identify the different components of your brand.

Amanda's Business School Brand

3. Be organized

Being organized will make your life so much easier!

• Collect all of the things you might need (transcripts, test scores, etc.) and put them into different folders for easy reference.
• Organize your essay drafts by school.
• Save helpful references or articles in a folder.
• Be organized with your time! For example, do not leave your essays for the last minute.
• Create calendar invites for when applications are due and track the milestones you want to reach as you approach your final deadlines
• Create your login for each school shortly after the application portal opens - TAKE A LOOK AT THE PORTAL! Some are longer than others, so I recommend filling out the actual application components over a few weeks rather than trying to do it all in one sitting close to the deadline.

My google drive folder for all things business school.

4. Be thoughtful about who you choose as your recommenders

Your letters of recommendation are the only third-person account that is included with your application materials before you get invited for interviews. It's important that you choose people who know you well and who will really be willing to take the time to write a thoughtful and compelling letter of recommendation— one that will bring you to life for the admissions committee.

Set your recommenders up for success by being organized and providing additional context for them. Read more Letters of Recommendation

5. Take care of yourself!!

The business school application process is a grind! The process took me well over a year from when I applied to MLT and took my first The GMAT to when I finally got into schools. It's super important to carve out some "me time" to prevent burnout. I could honestly write a whole guide just on wellness practices, but here are some very quick tips: