The Ultimate MBA Application Pre-Submission Checklist

As an MBA admissions consultant with 16 years of experience and more than 300 clients, I've seen how the final weeks can make or break an application. There's nothing worse than spotting a typo AFTER you submit your MBA applications!

Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure that your applications stand out and shine BEFORE you submit!

Check your foundation

1. Does your application strategy still make sense?

• Confirm that your career goals are specific and realistic: Avoid vague statements like "I want to work in consulting." Instead, specify your (eventual) area of focus, target companies, and how your past experience feeds into this goal.
• Ensure that you demonstrate fit with the program: Each program's application should read as though you wrote it specifically for them. Ad comms can spot a copy and paste effort.
• Make sure that your narrative is consistent: Your resume, essays, and short answers should tell a cohesive story about who you are – and where you're going.

Dive (back) into your resume

2. Does your resume tell your professional story?

• Focus on achievements, not responsibilities: Instead of saying that you "Managed a team of 5," share that you "Led cross-functional team of 5 to deliver a six-figure project 2 weeks ahead of schedule, saving $50K per year."
• Quantify impact, wherever possible: Use metrics ($ / % / etc) to make your achievements more concrete. Not all achievements will be measurable, but that's OK!
• Highlight extra initiative: Don't list your day-to-day tasks – that's more appropriate for the data form. Instead, include leadership roles, projects outside your scope, and instances when you went above and beyond.
• Make sure it's readable: Use at least 10-point font, maintain reasonable margins, and translate industry jargon for your audience.

Read your essays with fresh eyes

3. Do your essays share authentic stories?

• Answer the actual questions: This may sound obvious, but many candidates only address part of the prompts and / or go off-topic.
• Ensure that your career goals are compelling: Your post-MBA plans should be specific, but realistic. It's OK to be ambitious, but don't be delusional.
• Demonstrate genuine fit with the program: Don't chew up word count explaining what a course or program is – the ad comm knows. Instead, talk about how specific courses, programs, clubs, and opportunities will advance your goals.
• Check for authenticity: Your essays should sound like you – how you write and how you talk.... not like they were written by ChatGPT or a committee of your closest confidantes.

Review your test scores and transcripts

4. Does your profile meet the program's benchmarks?

• Compare your test scores to target ranges: If you're below the program's average, address this proactively in the optional essay.
• Address any weaknesses in your academic record: Use the optional essay to explain low undergraduate GPAs or provide additional context for challenges you faced in undergrad or otherwise.
• Submit supplementary coursework: If you took a pre-MBA class, be sure to upload the transcript (if appropriate) and discuss your learning in the optional essay.

Coordinate with your recommenders

5. Have your recommendations been submitted?

• Touch base with your recommenders: Ensure that they are on track – if they haven't submitted already.
• Confirm your recommendation in the portal: If your recommender says he or she has submitted, confirm the status in your application portal.

Dip into the details

6. Optimize your short answer responses

• Use clear and concise language: You don't need to get creative here – just follow the instructions and provide straightforward answers.
• Avoid copying your resume bullets in the data form: Your resume should share your professional achievements. Instead, use the short answers to provide additional context, like day-to-day responsibilities and the stakeholders you work with.

7. Leverage the optional essay

• Follow the program's instructions: Only submit optional essays when you have something meaningful to add that isn't addressed elsewhere in your application.
• Address your weaknesses proactively: If you have a low GPA, below average test score, or gaps in your employment, explain the circumstances in your optional essay.
• Don't throw in a random essay: This is not the time to share the story that you loved from another application. Leave that for your interview.

8. Prep for your video essays

• Practice, practice, practice: Record yourself answering common questions to get comfortable.
• Don't worry about being perfect: The whole point is to demonstrate how you communicate in a less-than-predictable situation. Ad comms can tell when you're reading from a script or cheating on ChatGPT – don't do it!
• Test your tech set-up: Ensure that your camera, microphone, and internet connection work well.

Final QA

9. Your final review

• Proofread your application with fresh eyes: Don't wait until the last day to complete your materials. Instead, finish a few days early so that you can review your application with a clear head.
• Read your essays aloud: This sounds awkward, but it helps catch awkward phrasing and wording.
• Review your social media presence: Clean up anything that may be unprofessional, and ensure that your LinkedIn profile aligns with your resume and application.
• Get a second opinion: Ask a friend or family member to read your application. Can they understand your stories, goals, and motivations?
• Verify all deadlines: Confirm submission times (and time zones), and plan to submit early!

Before you submit....

Your MBA application represents months (and years!) of significant introspection, and these final steps can make the difference between an application that gets passed over versus one that wins you an interview.

Remember: Ad comms want to admit students who will succeed in their programs and contribute to their cohorts. Take the time to get these final details right – your future self will thank you!