The MBA application process requires strategic thinking and careful preparation. Ideally, you'll want to start preparing 12 to 18 months in advance to get into your preferred program. Advanced preparation is especially important if you are considering a top MBA school, have your heart set on a specific program, or are hoping to finance your business education with scholarships.
Knowing how to successfully navigate this journey means understanding not just what to submit, but how to time each phase of the process. The MBA application timeline encompasses everything from initial school research to your final submission deadlines.
Read on to learn more about important MBA timeline milestones and the steps you need to take to optimize your MBA application for success.
Understanding the MBA Application Timeline
An MBA application timeline includes everything from your initial research to your final program enrollment. For many prospective students, this process will take anywhere from about one year to a year and a half. The MBA application process timeline will depend in part on your personal circumstances and where you are in your career. Working professionals often need longer preparation periods to balance application requirements with their work schedules.
Expect to allocate your time as follows:
- Four to six months for test preparation
- Three to four months for essay writing
- Two to three months for final application assembly
MBA application deadlines typically operate on a rolling admissions cycle. That means most top programs offer three rounds of admissions between September and March.
- Round one deadlines typically end in September or October
- Round two deadlines typically end in January
- Round three deadlines typically fall in March or April
What Does the MBA Application Process Look Like?
The MBA application process can be split into several distinct phases. Each phase of the process requires specific actions and strategic timing to maximize your chances for success.
Laying the Foundation
The foundation phase begins roughly one to one and a half years before your target deadline. During this period, you will want to focus on finding the school that best fits your unique needs. Consider factors such as typical career outcomes, school reputation, geographic location, culture, and alumni network. During this period, you also want to start studying for the GMAT or GRE. It's a good idea to schedule your first test four to five months before your application deadline to give yourself time for a retake if you don't hit your target score.
You'll also want to identify potential recommenders during this phase. Allow six to eight months for this process to unfold. You'll typically want a recommendation from one or more of your current or former supervisors or managers. If you're an early-career professional, you may also consider asking a college professor for a letter of recommendation.
Begin the Application Process
The active phase starts six to eight months before your application deadlines. During this period, you want to narrow your school list to three to six programs. Engaging deeply with each program, such as by attending informational sessions, making campus visits, and connecting with admissions teams, can help you determine which options will truly suit you best. You’ll also want to get your final standardized test score three to four months before the deadlines for your target programs. Lastly, it's a good idea to begin drafting your MBA resume during this stage as well, as it will differ significantly from a standard corporate resume.
Dive Into Applications
The intensive writing phase begins three to four months before deadlines hit. In this phase, you'll focus on essay development. It's a good idea to start this early to give yourself plenty of time to ideate and work through multiple drafts. You may also want to participate in additional information sessions for your target programs at this time.
Final Preparation
The final preparation period happens six to eight weeks before your deadline. You'll want to request recommendation letters, giving your recommenders at least eight weeks to prepare. Be sure to provide them with detailed information about each program and a summary of your professional successes.
Before you submit your MBA applications, take time to thoroughly proofread every component. Careful editing ensures that your materials are polished, professional, and free of small errors that could detract from your message. It’s also wise to submit each application at least 48 hours before the deadline to avoid potential technical issues and give yourself peace of mind knowing that everything was completed thoughtfully and on time.
Navigating MBA Application Deadlines
MBA application deadlines tend to follow predictable patterns. Round one typically offers the highest acceptance rates and the best scholarship opportunities. However, this first deadline also attracts the most competitive applicants. Round two will usually have the largest application pool with good scholarship availability. By the time round three rolls around, you're typically looking at lower acceptance rates and limited scholarship funds.
It's a good idea to target different schools during different rounds to optimize your chances of success.
Deferred MBA Application Timeline for College Seniors
Deferred MBA applications give undergraduate students the chance to secure MBA admissions to their school of choice while leaving the gate open for gaining professional work experience prior to program entry. This process is targeted toward high-achieving undergraduates who know they want to attend an MBA program at some point in the near future.
The deferred MBA application timeline runs from January through April of an undergraduate's senior year. Many programs post their deadlines in March or April. Applications typically require modified essays focusing on post-graduation career plans rather than professional experience. While this can be a valuable option for current undergraduate students, it is also important to keep in mind that it's often more difficult to get into a selective MBA program through deferred admissions.
Turn Your MBA Timeline Into Action With Seattle University
The Online MBA program at Seattle University's Albers School of Business and Economics offers a rigorous business education in a flexible format. Through the program’s online coursework, professionals can advance their education without putting their careers and other commitments on hold.
Ready to accelerate your career with an MBA degree? Review our admissions process, connect with an admissions outreach advisor, or contact us today to learn more.
