A procrastinators guide to the application process
Sometimes the application process can seem a little overwhelming when you begin (thats because it is - but having just begun you don't know that yet). If you're a chronic procrastintator like me, you probably haven't done much research farther than having a vague notion that an mba would be a good idea. Couple that with a misplaced sense of overconfidence and you're in my shoes of a couple of months ago - here is some advice to turn those lounging slippers into running shoes.
1. Write the GMAT early (but not too early)
I actually wrote the GMAT in the summer in an uncharacteristic fit of activity. I got a good score, patted myself on the back and then promptly forgot about the application process for a few months - after all this was the hard part right? Turns out the time you put into the GMAT is a lot less than the time you put into the application. I'd say once you're done with the GMAT you're about a quarter of the way done.
2. Those essays take time - even the 400 word ones
I always knew that it was going to take a while to write those essays but it was kind of like knowing that San Fransisco is eventually going to join Atlantis after the big one. Impending doom in the distance but I wasn't making travel plans just yet. One hint I have is to sit down one weekend and try to actually write one of the essays - nothing like a couple of hours of writer's block to jolt back to reality.
3. Manage your recommenders
'Manage'in this case is a synonym for the high wire act between unabashadely pleading that they should not procrastinate and not annoying them enough so they actually write you a glowing review. Trust me this takes time - so give them plenty of time (and check in often).
4. There is more to the application than essays and GMAT
This one is really near to my heart (in the sense that a 5inch stab to the heart is near it). Here I am a few hours to deadline with my essays done and feeling pretty good about it. Just need to fill out my contact info in the online application - then I come across questions like "200 word description of your most significant activities while in college" masquerading like a drop down on a webpage. Budget at least a day to fill out this stuff .
5. Have fun
I'm kidding - traditionally this is supposed to be a grand processional of self discovery with even applicants who dont get in describing how the journey was worth it. My father would definitely relate to these people - they could swap stories about how trudging to school barefoot through five miles of snow was worth it because of the life lessons they learned. Personally I'd rather skipthe frostbite and application altogether - but in this case you dont have a choice. So dress in layers and start walking. And who knows, you might actually enjoy it (if you do please contact my dad - hes trying to get a masochist conference going).
1. Write the GMAT early (but not too early)
I actually wrote the GMAT in the summer in an uncharacteristic fit of activity. I got a good score, patted myself on the back and then promptly forgot about the application process for a few months - after all this was the hard part right? Turns out the time you put into the GMAT is a lot less than the time you put into the application. I'd say once you're done with the GMAT you're about a quarter of the way done.
2. Those essays take time - even the 400 word ones
I always knew that it was going to take a while to write those essays but it was kind of like knowing that San Fransisco is eventually going to join Atlantis after the big one. Impending doom in the distance but I wasn't making travel plans just yet. One hint I have is to sit down one weekend and try to actually write one of the essays - nothing like a couple of hours of writer's block to jolt back to reality.
3. Manage your recommenders
'Manage'in this case is a synonym for the high wire act between unabashadely pleading that they should not procrastinate and not annoying them enough so they actually write you a glowing review. Trust me this takes time - so give them plenty of time (and check in often).
4. There is more to the application than essays and GMAT
This one is really near to my heart (in the sense that a 5inch stab to the heart is near it). Here I am a few hours to deadline with my essays done and feeling pretty good about it. Just need to fill out my contact info in the online application - then I come across questions like "200 word description of your most significant activities while in college" masquerading like a drop down on a webpage. Budget at least a day to fill out this stuff .
5. Have fun
I'm kidding - traditionally this is supposed to be a grand processional of self discovery with even applicants who dont get in describing how the journey was worth it. My father would definitely relate to these people - they could swap stories about how trudging to school barefoot through five miles of snow was worth it because of the life lessons they learned. Personally I'd rather skipthe frostbite and application altogether - but in this case you dont have a choice. So dress in layers and start walking. And who knows, you might actually enjoy it (if you do please contact my dad - hes trying to get a masochist conference going).
posted by Loki at 1:10 PM
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