How To Apply: The Ultimate Business School Application Checklist and Timeline

Every year, thousands of ambitious professionals just like you make the choice to invest in their futures by enrolling in a graduate business degree.

Whether it’s an MBA program or a master’s degree that’s specialized in a particular area of business, by taking on the challenge of a rigorous educational experience you can enhance your knowledge and build a skill set that can provide the platform to take your next career step.

And the impact of that step can be significant. Our research finds that 99% of global employers are confident in the value of graduate business education in preparing new hires to succeed in their organizations. 

But securing your place at business school is a challenge in itself. Different to a typical university application, applying to business school will generally require you to sit a standardized admissions test such as the GMAT exam, submit a variety of key required documents, and attend an interview with your target school’s admissions team. 

Here’s a list of the documents you’ll typically be asked to gather as part of your application. 

What Documents are Required for a Business School Application? 

• Completed online application form

• Your GMAT exam score

• Letter(s) of recommendation from professional referee(s)

• Personal essay(s) detailing your reasons for applying or answering preset questions

• Resume

• Proof of English language ability (if necessary) 

• A copy of academic transcript(s) 

• Application fee 

So, there is plenty to work on. And that’s all before even being invited by your target school to an admissions interview — another step in the process that requires significant preparation to give yourself the best possible chance of success. 

Because of this, it's completely normal for applicants to feel unsure about what to do, when to do it, and who to talk to. But, with our Ultimate Business School Application Checklist and Timeline we're here to help you out. 

Our Ultimate Business School Application Checklist and Timeline

You can use the checklist to:

• Learn how to start putting your application together

• Understand what you should be doing (and when)

• Remember key deadlines and application milestones

• Put together a study plan for the GMAT

• And much more!

Throughout the checklist, you'll also find links to useful mba.com resources that offer expert tips and guidance at each step of your journey.