The MBA Application Timeline: August

Assuming that you've already brainstormedessay material back in July, August is a good time to start working on MBA essay outlines and drafts. You should also prepare the other parts of your application and contact references for your letter of recommendation. For more information, check out our MBA application timeline for August.

MBA Essay Outlines and Drafts

Continue working on your MBA essays. While you may have already begun working on them, exceptional essays require time and effort. Your MBA essay is one of the most important ways to set you apart from other candidates. That's why you should immerse yourself in the essay writing process.

If you are done with your brainstorming, create clear outlines. That way, you can finish your first drafts by the end of the month.

Once your drafts are finished, you seek feedback in order to improve them. Manhattan GMAT recommends getting feedback from only one or two people -- either admissions consultants or people who have experience with the MBA admissions process. If these readers agree with your ideas and feel that your essay doesn't need any major overhauls, then you are best off making the necessary revisions and moving on with the rest of the MBA application process.

The Short Answer Section of the MBA Application

Since essay writing is such a time-consuming process, it can be easy to overlook the short answers to your application. It is important, however, to complete these questions with the same thoughtfulness you apply to the essay questions.

Write your answers in sentence form. Avoid pasting bullets for the career objective section. Taking time to write answers demonstrates thoughtfulness which is just as important as the content of your application.

MBA Letters of Recommendation

August is the time to choose and meet with your recommenders. Since your letter of recommendation is a key part of the MBA admissions process you should choose your recommenders carefully. Make sure you pick someone who knows you well. Reflect on your relationships with potential recommenders to see which ones yield the best stories about your abilities. This reflection can also prepare you for your meetings with your recommenders.

If you are wondering if a face-to-face meeting is appropriate, you should know that meeting with your recommenders is advocated by both MBA admissions consultants and MBA admissions officers. Meeting with your recommenders allows you to discuss their role as part of your application process. This is a good time to go over your major accomplishments, so they know what to emphasize in the letter. 

Since your recommenders are doing you a big favor, you should make the process as easy for them as possible. Make sure you give them all the information they need including:

• Your resume
• The questions the recommender is supposed to answer in their letter
• Directions
• The deadline

August is the time to retake the GMAT so you can get your score in time for the Round 1 admissions deadlines. If you have time in your schedule, it is highly recommended that you make business school campus visits since visits will help you write better application essays.