Applying to business school is a high-stakes process that rewards preparation and timing. Whether you’re aiming for Round 1 or Round 2 deadlines, having a structured, month-by-month MBA Application Timeline can help you avoid last-minute stress and submit polished, competitive applications.
Below is a general timeline to guide you through the MBA admissions process, starting about a year before your intended enrollment.
12 Months Before Deadline (July–August)
A year in advance is the time assess whether Business School is right for you, explore your funding options and prepare for standardized testing, according to USNews.
- Research schools: Begin exploring program offerings, culture, class profiles, and geographic fit.
- Self-assessment: Define your short- and long-term goals to ensure an MBA aligns with your career plans.
- Plan your testing strategy: Choose between the GMAT, GRE, or EA, and schedule a test date that allows time for retakes if needed.
- Start resume prep: Create or update your professional resume with a focus on results and leadership.
10–11 Months Before Deadline (September–October)
- Begin test prep: Enroll in a course or create a study plan.
- Attend events: Register for school webinars, info sessions, and virtual/in-person MBA fairs.
- Start drafting a target school list: Consider rankings, admissions stats, culture, and curriculum structure.
- Reach out to recommenders: Identify who you’ll ask and gauge their willingness early.
8–9 Months Before Deadline (November–December)
- Take your first GMAT/GRE attempt: Earlier is better in case you need time for a retake.
- Narrow your school list: Settle on the programs you’ll apply to in Round 1 or Round 2.
- Build your story: Reflect on your career path, leadership experiences, and what differentiates you.
6–7 Months Before Deadline (January–February)
- Begin writing essays: Start drafting personal statements and school-specific responses.
- Finalize your recommenders: Share your resume and application strategy to help them write targeted letters.
- Keep testing if needed: If you didn’t hit your target score, take your second (and hopefully final) attempt.
4–5 Months Before Deadline (March–April)
- Polish your resume: Review with a mentor or peer. Ensure it’s tailored to MBA standards.
- Continue essay refinement: Solicit feedback and revise.
- Check in with recommenders: Offer to answer questions or provide bullet points to make their job easier.
- Plan school visits: If possible, visit campuses or speak to current students.
2–3 Months Before Deadline (May–June)
- Finalize Round 1 materials: Essays, resume, test scores, and recommendations should be in strong shape.
- Start on applications: Many programs open their portals in summer—take advantage by starting early.
- Build a spreadsheet: Track school requirements, deadlines, and submission components.
1–2 Months Before Deadline (July–August)
- Complete Round 1 applications: Submit well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
- Prepare for interviews: Review common MBA interview questions and do mock interviews.
- Begin strategizing for Round 2: If applying to multiple rounds, start adapting your materials for additional schools.
Round 2 Applicants: Adjust Accordingly
If you’re targeting Round 2 deadlines (usually in January), simply shift this timeline back by about four months. For example, begin serious preparation in November and plan to submit by early January.
Final Thoughts
The MBA application process can feel like a second job, but spreading the work across several months makes it manageable—and dramatically improves your chances of success. Whether you’re a Round 1 planner or a Round 2 strategist, starting early and staying consistent is the key to putting forward your best possible application. You can also see a detailed breakdown of various MBA Application Timelines from Poets&Quants here.
And if you’re wondering whether professional guidance might help you refine your materials and stay on track, be sure to check out our ranking of the best MBA admissions consulting firms.
