SOYOUWANNA GET INTO A TOP BUSINESS SCHOOL?

4. GET SOME GENERAL APPLICATION TIPS

DEADLINES: One important issue to keep in mind is that you should definitely apply early. Most schools, even the top ones, accept students on a rolling admissions basis. This means that if they like you, they will accept you once they read your application. This means it's easier to get in early on (when there are many open seats) than later on (when there are very few open seats). So, don't be fooled by the admissions deadlines. Top business schools are looking for future managers and leaders with great organizational skills. The first way to give that impression is by getting your application in ASAP.

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Other aspects of the application include discussing your activities outside of your job. Schools look for well-rounded students who are not just going to do well in class, but will participate in other school activities. (You just can't do enough for these admissions guys.) If you had the most popular radio show in college, played Olympic-level badminton in Malaysia, have been the mayor of an old Alsatian town, or have a collection of vintage leather jackets, then let them know. These extras are not as important as your work experience or your GMAT scores, but it could distinguish you from some other schmo with the same numbers but who doesn't have a life. The school wants to accept a person, not a machine.

INTERVIEWS: Most schools do not require interviews, but we strongly recommend that your schedule one. Here are some B-school interview tips:

• Schedule the interview as early as possible. For instance, the University of Chicago recommends doing it early in the process (September or October); remember those rolling deadlines?
  
  
• In your interview, which will usually either be with a current student or someone in the admissions office, make sure you clearly get across your reason for wanting to go to business school. Even if you don't know what you want to do after school, you need to convey to the interviewer exactly what your goals are and how that particular business school will help you achieve those goals.
  
  
• Research each school you are applying to, and be ready to talk about its strengths during your interview and how they mesh with yours. Also, most investment companies look for people with MBAs.
  
  
• Explain how you will contribute to the life of the school by putting time into community service activities, student government, or the B-school newspaper. Make sure you don't just talk about what the school can do for you.

So these are all great tips, but what actually goes into an application? Calm down, friend, calm down. Each school generally requires 4 essential components: GMAT scores, transcripts, essays, and recommendations. So let's move on.