Are you late for the B-school? Are you too early? ?? ?? For deciding between these, let us start with knowing about the hurdles you need to cross before hitting the submit button. ??

Step 1:
Start thinking about where you want to go to school. What kinds of programs suit you the best? Are you looking a particular MBA concentration? Which schools are best for that concentration? Speak with current students and alumni, if possible. You would also like to schedule the date for GMAT and keep aside fixed hours everyday for preparation. There are usually rush hours in August and September so book your dates two-three months in advance. Be sure that you take your GMAT in the calendar month before your first application deadline, so that if you want to retake then you could do it without missing the deadline. Take a GMAT practice test. The GMAC offers one test for free. How did you score as compared to the accepted scores at your top schools? It will help you know how much you need to prepare for the GMAT. If you wish to take GMAT preparation course you can enroll now.

Step 2: ??
??Take your GMAT well in time. This will help you look at schools which you can look at. Now narrow down on schools because only after selecting the school will you be able to start with the actual essays, reference letters etc. Also, you have to send your scores to the schools you want to apply and knowing these schools by this time can save $28 fee for additional score reporting.

Step 3:
Identify people who you can write your recommendations. Meet them and explain what the recommendation entails. Share with them the handout mentioning your aspirations behind an MBA now, your resume and the recommendation formats of the schools. Tell them their role in the process. Request them to begin writing their recommendations and give them deadlines that are well in advance of your application deadline, it will make sure you have enough time in case someone is unable to complete the task. Also, begin working on your application essays.

Step 4:
You will need to send your undergraduate transcripts to the business school if they do not ask for a self reported transcript. You need to order transcripts from your undergraduate schools and transcripts should be with you at least a fortnight before you want to apply. Along with this,

Step 5:
Your application essays are very important; you may write them once and may need to change with each revision. Be sure to have someone else proofread them; we strongly recommend that you start this as early as possible. Get four family and friends (or admissions consultants, if needed) to review your essays and improve them. ??Mail your application to schools as early as possible in each round in which you are applying

• Be prepared to multi task. You may have to be studying for GMAT, networking with current students and writing your essays at the same time.
• It is good if you can apply to the tough schools in first and second deadlines.
• The first application would usually take longer than others. Also try if your most preferred school's application can be after the first application. This is because your essays will become more polished in later applications.
• Prepare a recommender help document and include your resume, essay drafts and pointers to traits you wish to highlight through your recommendation letters. Share this with your recommenders and do it well in time.
• Do spend time in between writing essays and arranging other essentials to fill the actual application, this is an exhaustive task and may take longer than you think ??

Now just keep checking your answering machine and mailbox, the schools can respond about the missing material, interview schedule and more importantly the admission decision.

Time line*	Tasks
16 months (March-April of the previous year)	Register for GMAT and join a preparation course if needed. Start researching about the schools
13 months (June- July of the previous year)	Take your GMAT, select the schools
12 months (July-August of the previous year)	Start writing your essays; keep thinking about the relevant stories in free time. Speak with your recommenders and brief them, share a draft of the essays and resume
10 months (September- early October of the previous year)	Arrange your transcripts, review and edit your essays
10 months to 5 months (October to march)	Review material, fill the application form and see if recommendations are in place. Submit the application (depending on the deadline you target)
At least 15 days before the application deadline	Courier the supporting material
* Months mentioned keeping October deadlines in mind

* Note that this time line can vary depending on the research you have already done and how fast can you complete all processes, how many times you take a GMAT and how good a writer you are etc.

• Want to change career? Why thinking of an MBA out of the blue?
• Research the Programs Find out about various options and choose the program that fits your needs
• Want to choose between the schools? Evaluating these factors will help you choose the right schools
• Time Yourself Know how to pace yourself against all the requisites of a typical MBA application