Congrats! You paid your deposit and committed to an MBA program. Now what?

The temptation to coast through summer and figure things out when you get to school is real – we get it! However, we don’t recommend it. Unfortunately, the work doesn’t stop when you get in – you’re just getting started.

The MBAs who are intentional and make the most of their summer can hit the ground running when they get to campus. They’re landing target internships, building their networks, and creating options for themselves.

So, what does that look like?

Here’s how to use your summer to start your MBA experience on the right foot:

An MBA is a huge investment, and upfront planning will set you up for success.

If you're financing part or all of your education, talk to multiple lenders before you commit. The federal Direct PLUS Loan program is a default for many domestic students, but private loans are often part of the equation. If you have a strong credit score or a co-signer, shop around.

Check out Juno (which negotiates group rates with lenders on behalf of MBA cohorts), Sallie Mae, and SoFi, among others. Then, compare rates (fixed vs. variable), repayment terms, in-school deferment options, and fees before settling on your best option/s.

International students have further considerations. For example, some private lenders require a U.S. co-signer, while others (like Prodigy and MPower) specialize in international student loans without a co-signer.

Also, don’t forget about the discretionary budget! For example, some MBAs travel quite a bit, and other expenses (like pre-MBA treks, recruiting, club dues, conferences, dining out, etc, can add up fast). Budgeting for these line items can become stressful if you haven’t planned for them in advance. So, decide now what you can spend, what matters to you, and what you'll skip.

If you're coming from a non-quant background – or even if you're not, but it's been a while – use the summer to brush up your skills.

Consider the following areas: accounting, finance, econ, stats, and Excel. You’ll see these topics in your core courses, but if you don’t have exposure to them already, a pre-MBA course can go a long way.

Many MBA programs have their own prep courses, so check out what’s available before signing up for that UCLA Extension course or MBA Math.

Also, if your program flagged prereqs in your offer of admission, get these done before school starts!

If you’re targeting consulting, the major hiring firms have pre-MBA programs that are designed to give you a head start on recruiting.

These deadlines are imminent:

Confirm the deadlines and your eligibility on each firm's site, since requirements vary each year. If you’re serious about consulting, apply to all of them you're eligible for.

Similar pre-MBA programs and prep resources exist in investment banking. For example, IB candidates can check out Wall Street Mastermind and similar resources.

Some programs have structured pre-MBA career programming through the career management center. If your school provides them, show up and do the work. They're designed to get you ready for recruiting before orientation starts.

If your school's pre-MBA curriculum is light or non-existent, build your own. This is essential for career switchers.

Here are a few ideas:

Recruiting starts soon after you land on campus, so the foundation you establish this summer can go a long way to ensure that you’re prepared.

Housing markets vary considerably by program. Some are competitive (like Boston, NYC, and the Bay Area). Some are a little easier to nail down. Either way, the sooner you move on this, the better.

Start with your program’s official housing list and admitted student portal, and branch out from there. If you’re looking for roommates, use the program’s resources (like Slack or WhatsApp channels) to link up.

In some cases, MBA2s many turn over leases. They also have useful intel on neighborhoods and landlords.

Finally, build a moving budget, including first / last month’s rent, deposits, movers, furniture, etc. If you're relocating across the country, you might need to consider temporary housing before settling in.

At work – Wrap up your projects and train your replacement, if applicable. Give ample notice and leave on good terms, as you never know when you might cross paths with these colleagues again.

At home – If you have a partner, you've probably had the conversation. Now, talk about money, distance (if they're not coming with you), and about what life looks like for the next two years and beyond.

With family and friends – If you're relocating, you'll probably see the people in your current life less after b-school starts. Get the time in now. The MBA experience is all-consuming, and even people with the best intentions can struggle to maintain relationships with the same intensity.

Don’t work up to the last minute!

You've been grinding and planning for months and years to get to this point. School will be intense, and recruiting will start quickly. The next two years WILL fly by.

So, take the trip, see the people, and read the books that you’ve put off. Show up on Day One feeling refreshed and ready – not burnt out.

Plan the summer… then, enjoy it!

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