MBA Applications for 2024 Intake: Maximize Your Chances by Starting Early
Preparing for MBA applications can be tricky and time consuming. With proper and timely planning, you can manage this seemingly daunting task with ease.
The first step in the application process, requiring 10–12 months of research, involves identifying the course that is most suitable for your career goals and interest. Students mostly research courses based on their strengths, specialisations and current qualifications.
Each university designs their programs based on their legacy and partnerships in certain domains and specialisations, in addition to work placements or internships offered through their existing partners. Accordingly, visit each university’s website, understand their curriculum, review their eligibility against your qualifications along with their application procedures, requirements, deadlines and tuition fee. Further, familiarise yourself with the available financial aids and scholarship, as well as their applications.
You can learn more about Financial Aid for Master’s and PhD in the US to understand how the process works.
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Target Intake
The next step is to decide which intake in the year you want to apply for; the number of intakes varies by school—January/February, June/July, and September/October, with the January/September intake being the most popular owing to the large number of courses available at that time. For instance, if you are targeting Fall Intake 2024 in the US, then your aim should be to submit your MBA applications by October/November this year, 2023.
Tests and Documents
Almost all universities and colleges require IELTS or other approved English language proficiency test scores. Some programs may also require a GRE or GMAT score. Examine the scores accepted by the institutions to which you intend to apply. Begin your GMAT prep soon and take the GMAT test as soon as possible. This will give you some extra time in case you need to retake the exam to improve your score.
Prepare all required documents, such as your MBA personal statement, recommendation letters, transcripts and certificates, and relevant test results, among others. Essay requirements vary from university to university, depending on their guidelines or question prompts. Nonetheless, your informed intention to apply for the course, preparedness for the course, modules that particularly attract you, along with your expected learning outcomes, and your career objectives highlighting how the program aligns with your interests and ambitions are some common aspects to cover. begin writing your SOP for your MBA early – it’s a long task and demands many weeks. Additionally, highlighting your extracurriculars or community involvement along with how through clubs or initiatives you intend to continue such pursuits is another required, or preferred, aspect included.
Read More – 6 tips to write a compelling MBA essay
Networking
While researching for universities, networking with the university alumni or industry leaders is a good approach to understanding not only your admission requirements but also the university culture and post-degree placement opportunities. Further, networking is essential during your graduate studies to stay ahead on attractive internships and work placements that could be necessary or preferred for graduating. Thus, building a professional network with peers, faculty and alumni as you attend workshops or introductory sessions on programs and university is imperative for career advancements and informed judgement.
Read More – Profile building for MBA – How to build profile for MBA admissions abroad
Shortlisting
You should shortlist universities based on not only their curriculum or reputation but also their location—considering your industry of choice and tuition fees—to plan your budget and ROI. Further, shortlisting can be done once you have your test scores, according to which, you can apply to universities that fall under three categories: aspiring (low acceptance), achieving (low–moderate acceptance), and safe (moderate–high acceptance), considering their demand and competitiveness.
Read More – How to choose the right college for higher education abroad?
Admission Decision
After you successfully submit your MBA applications for 2024 intake, you will receive acceptance letters from the institutions that find you qualified. Before responding to acceptance emails, carefully consider your options. It is a good idea to discuss your options with one of our consultants at IMS, who can assist you in better weighing your options. Further, IMS assists you in your document preparation, which involves editing and reviewing your motivation letters, recommendation letters, scholarships essays and résumé.
Your interview session depends on you responding to your final acceptance on time.When you receive your final acceptance letter from the university, make an informed decision after consulting with your counsellor and deposit the required amount to confirm your admission. Apply for scholarships (if you are eligible) and other forms of funding to help you with your finances.
To review your profile with IMS, click here.