Applying in Round 1? Start This Part of the MBA Application Process Now

There’s something about a new year, the promise of what’s to come and the thrill of possibility, that has our whole team feeling excited about 2023! The new year also shifts the conversations we have with applicants. Many move from finishing Round 2 applications to preparing for Round 1 in the fall. We love this question and, in today’s article, we’re going to provide you a very thorough answer. You can start several tasks now, such as preparing for the GMAT or GRE and increasing extracurricular involvement.
However, we strongly recommend starting networking as soon as possible. Networking plays a critical role in the MBA application process. However, many applicants overlook it or delay it until the last minute.

When to Get Started Networking

It’s understandable, but we often find that people think networking should come after they solidify the list of schools to which they plan to apply. Yes, it’s absolutely true that you should network with all of your target schools, but we would argue that networking is incredibly useful when done before you solidify your list. In other words, use networking to help decide which programs are the best fit for you and your goals.

You might speak with a program representative and realize the school is not your style. That conversation is still valuable. Wasted effort would be putting in the work to apply somewhere you wouldn’t be happy going. Deciding where to apply is so much more than looking down the rankings and blindly picking the top five or six schools that are reasonably realistic given your test scores, GPA, etc. Schools often sound very similar on their websites. That’s why you should speak directly with admissions staff, students, and alumni.

How to Get Started Networking

There are a number of ways you can get started networking. If you are early in your school research, consider attending MBA fairs. Events hosted by QS  are a great place to start. MBA fairs allow you to meet several programs at once. Some events also offer one-on-one meetings with school representatives. We also love those that are held in person because there really is no substitute for face-to-face interaction. Many of these events take place in January-March so don’t wait too long to check them out.

Another great first step in your networking journey is to attend virtual admissions events for schools that are in your broad consideration set. Prepare one or two thoughtful questions about your focus area. Then compare how different programs respond. These sessions are often more informative than people expect and the lift to attend is low.

Next Steps on Your Networking Journey

Once you begin narrowing your target list, increase your networking efforts. For example, you might like seven programs but plan to apply to five.

You have several options. For instance, schedule coffee or phone chats with your existing network—coworkers, friends, or family—who attended your target programs or business school in general. If your personal network is limited, utilize school ‘ambassador’ programs. These programs connect you with current students for brief phone chats. Schools often list these programs on their admissions websites. You can also call the admissions office to get started. Don’t be intimidated – these conversations can be SO beneficial.

Another option is to reach out to student leaders of clubs that align with your interests from a career standpoint, on an affinity basis (i.e., Veterans club, Asian business association), or because of a hobby (i.e., the ski club). Frequently, club websites list leadership email addresses. Alternatively, the admissions office may introduce you to a student leader. This type of targeted outreach can be a great way to connect with students whose experience on campus may be a rough proxy for your own.

Lastly, the spring is a great time to schedule campus visits (woohoo, they’re finally back post-COVID!). Classes are in session so you can often observe and even have lunch with current students. Many applicants wait until summer when campus is quiet. Others attempt to cram visits into the final weeks of autumn. We strongly advise against waiting, as these spots fill quickly. Visiting campus provides the best method to gauge the program’s culture. It helps you determine if you would thrive there for two years.

If you’re ready to begin the MBA application process, we’d love the opportunity to help! Reach out to request an initial consultation.