B-schools have one of two admissions calendars.
- Rolling: The admissions office reviews applications as they arrive and continues to admit students until all spaces have been filled
- Rounds: The admissions office sets several consecutive application deadlines. When a deadline arrives, the admissions committee reviews all completed applications submitted before the deadline. All subsequent applications are held until the next deadline, or "round."
With either schedule, submitting your application earlier is better. Simply put, the pool is less competitive because there are more seats available. First round deadlines at competitive b-schools can be as early as October—almost a full year before you will attend.
Now, we realize that not everyone is ready to apply by the first round deadline. It’s better to submit a thoughtful, carefully prepared application later than to submit a mediocre one early.
That said, setting an application schedule for yourself early in the process will help you stay on track. Here’s a sample one:
January | Begin researching schools. Review last year’s application. |
February | Take a free online practice GMAT. |
March | If your scores need improvement, enroll in a GMAT test prep course. |
April | Register for the GMAT. Contact potential recommenders. |
May | Continue preparing for the GMAT. Finalize your list of schools. |
June | Take the GMAT. Request undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Register for the GMAT if you need to retake the exam. |
July | Submit a GMAC Additional Score Report if you applied to more than 5 schools. Retake GMAT if necessary. |
August | Register for your schools’ online applications. Start writing essays. Follow up with recommenders. Update resume. |
September | Edit and proofread essays. Stay in touch with recommenders. |
October | Submit applications. Send thank-you notes to recommenders. |
November | Submit more applications. |
December | And more, if you’re not finished. |
January | Relax! |
