I've heard a lot of people say an MBA application is a long process. What part of it takes the most time? As I read through the process online, it seems pretty straightforward, so I'm not exactly sure what causes the stagnation. Please share your experience so I can be well prepared before I go into it.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

GMAT studying took the most amount of time for me. Even if you’re a good test taker, it still takes time to master. That was the biggest time sink for me and took time to plan for. I knocked all the essays out in one long weekend and came back and reviewed them 2 times with other people before submitting. That part was pretty easy. Outside of that, it will feel long because of turnaround time after submitting

like

The part that takes the most time in the MBA application process is honestly the essays and personal statements. Crafting unique, thoughtful responses for each school means a lot of reflection and re-writing. Gathering recommendations and prepping for interviews also slow things down, since you’re usually juggling timelines and waiting on others. What really causes delays is trying to perfect your story and align it with each program’s values, so give yourself lots of extra time for edits and soul-searching.

like

The two biggest time sinks are
1) Test prep - for some this takes months or even years. And you don't want to be doing this in parallel with writing applications!
2) Figuring out your strategy/narrative. Before you even look at essay prompts you should have a clear vision for your post-MBA career - both short and long-term and be able to articulate why you need an MBA to get there. This often requires deep introspection and visioning AND finding the job requirements for your target roles so you can work backwards into what you need to learn during business school. This will inform your school research and selection.

If you do the latter up front, then you will save a LOT of time when writing essays.

like

Related Posts

Any advice for someone looking to transition into a full HR Generalist role from Recruiting. I’m currently a Campus Recruiter with about 5 years of HR experience (Coordinator- Higher Ed). I received my PHR certification in September 2020 and sitting for my SHRM-CP in two weeks. I’m having a hard time transitioning into a full Generalist position.

like

Hi folks, need your help. Earning 25 LPA in India at yoe 4 years + MBA. Getting an opportunity in London, how much should I quote/expect? Accenture Deloitte EY Tata Consultancy McKinsey & Company Bain & Company BCG Digital Ventures Google Amazon Microsoft Facebook (Meta) Netflix

likesmart
likefunny

I’m completely new to Google cloud but I’m from CS background. I know programming, SQL, networking concepts, operating systems concepts etc. How long will it take me to prepare and pass GCP solutions architect certification? What’s your recommendation for preparing?

like

I am a Angular Frontend developer with HTML, CSS, js, ts as my secondary languages. I also have some idea of Azure app services (and recently passed my AZ900 Exam last month).

Yoe: 4

I wish to upgrade my techstack but not sure what will help me to grow FINANCIALLY and have sustainable career in IT.
Can you guide me on what can I learn for the same.
1. React and react Native
2. Azure and complete any certification such as AZ 204
3. MEAN stack.

like

Increasingly see PMP certification as a preferred qualification in job postings.

Have been trying to get out of Consulting for over an year now (3rd yr M, 10 yrs exp). Should I get certified ?

like

Could someone take a look at my about me section for my LinkedIn pls. Would appreciate some feedback. Trying to transition from reception job to selenium or lean six sigma. Please dm me!

like

If you have your PMP, was it worth it?

like

Currently on H1B. If I go back to school Fulltime MBA which takes 2 years, will H1B visa be placed on hold or will it expire? I have two years left

like

So I’ve been working at the same place for 3 years and have hit a wall a while back, overworked/ underpaid, overlooked etc . I went back to for a second Bachelors in mechanical engineering but working a full time job will see it I graduate in 10yrs so now I’m starting my MBA soon. Seems like nothing I try helps. Anyone experiencing the same trying to get interviews/ job offers? I’ve been trying to get into Apple, Meta, aerospace giants for yrs. Have only had 2 interviews in 3 yrs. No help.

like

Is there anyone who works for Google or Amazon and has a healthcare background with no tech skills? I have my MBA with a healthcare concentration and I’m looking to switch industries. I’ve started to take certification courses on Udemy but would love any insight on how I could get my foot in the door with those companies. Thank you!!

like

I am currently earning 13.5 LPA fixed with two years of work experience (management consulting) and passed out a top B school (Top 30). I wish to purse my PGP from ISB next year for career progression and brand value in my CV.
Would it be worth considering my current CTC and previous MBA?

like

Bain & Company Atlanta people! I’m in the process of applying for MBA programs and wanted to ask what recruiting is like for MBB from Emorys program? Is there a reasonable shot at getting into the Atlanta office from Emory, or are those openings primarily filled by other schools (Duke, UVA, etc.)

Boston Consulting Group
McKinsey & Company
Bain & Company

like

After nearly 20 years in the military serving in T&E and HR roles, I’m considering moving on and have been conducting lots of research into consulting. BS, MA, and SPHR cert - no MBA. I’m looking for suggestions or advise about transitioning. DC Metro area is likely landing spot.

like

Can anyone provide any insight on getting into IB or PE? I worked in wealth management for a decade and I’m finishing up my MBA with a concentration in Mergers & Acquisitions. Series 7, series 65 and CFP as well.

like

Can anyone share what is the avg salary for client experience specialist at ADP India. YoE 5 with MBA from tier 1 Bschool.
TIA

I have not been on a project for over 3 months. Since I joined, I have been put in training. The training got extended by a month and now it's close to 4 months since I joined and without a project.

What should I do? People say that I'm lucky to get paid without doing any work, but it is stressing me out. I need the experience. The uncertainty is freaking me out, with rumours of layoffs and the certification program and all.

How do I get into a project? How long do I have to wait more?

Once you've been accepted, can it be revoked if you decide to quit your job? Or to put it another way, barring acts of infamy/legality/stupidity, is there anything I could do that would endanger my acceptance once received?

I kind of want to spend some time with family and travel a bit before an mba and if I get notified in Dec, I'd like to use the time I have in between on myself. I'm fine with losing out on pay, I made some smart investments that money is not the primary issue.

like

What are the typical exits for post MBA strategy consultants (think tier 2 e.g., Parthenon, LEK)? Do they typically get a pay cut? I currently earn 90k base but have been getting recruiter calls for 70-80k (all insisting that salary will be lower outside consulting)

likehelpful

McK 🐠 : CBS MBA here and I got invited to interview for the SA role in Atlanta. Any case/experience tips to maximize my chances of getting an offer?

like

More Posts

Hi All,
I recently learned that we can get our PPF limit from 1.5Lakh per year increased and so does it increase in 80C. Is that true? And if yes, how can it be done?

like

Looking for job opportunity for technical recruiter with 9yrs experience. I am currently in Hyderabad.

likeuplifting

Hi! Im Santiago from the start up Ontop (YCW21). Looking to network with freelancers, remote workers and startups. Here at Ontop we can help you with your remote taleneeds connecting you with the correct talent all over the world. We also provide solutions for payroll automation and onboarding for local and international contractors. Are you up for an e-coffee break to share ideas and opportunities?
Hit me up!

like

Hi,
I am going to attend the interview for senior consultant PMO, any kind soul can elaborate the process and preparation tips for the same.
Also whether case studies will b part of interview?
Thanks

like

Anyone know the base and bonus for a VP at visa North America? Trying to determine if an outreach is worth pursuing. TIA

like

Been working for my company for over a year now. 14/15 months. Started me at 48k after college. No pay increase yet, I travel and do sales for an engineering company. Projects and products I sell can range from 5k-4million. But I don’t make commission, and neither do my co-workers. We’re a relatively small company. Where do I start the conversation with my boss on commission? And what are some of you other account managers/traveling sales people make?

like

Longest period of time you've gone without work, i.e. waiting for new project to kick off. Bored af here.

like

Is selling feet pics an unethical side hustle?

likefunny

Hi Fishes,

I am a software specialist having 8+ yoe, currently working at Mastek with a CTC of 17lpa. Can anyone help me with the current market CTC considering the below:
Current Role: Tech Lead
Tech Stack: Full Stack in Java, Springboot, Angular, Mobility, AWS beginner.
Your responses will be much appreciated.

like

Looking for a Full Time Clinical Coordinator with experience!

like

Looking for a soundboard.
Expecting parent, 35yo, NW of $1.2M with investment property in my hometown in Europe near family & friends (mortgage is less than $1k). Current expenses in Bay Area is 5K a month, probably more once baby comes.
Thinking of leaving Bay Area in 2 years and semi-retire for a few years in Europe, focusing on parenting and freelancing.
Any thoughts on this plan? Anything I should be aware of?
Thanks!

like

why rent over buy; seems like “throwing money” away?

like

How much time does it take Kyndryl to release offer??

likehelpful

Any recent push on being in office by KGS gurgaon starting 4th april?

like

Hi.. I applied for an opportunity in UBS which I saw in Linkedin around 10-12 days back and I did receive a kind of automated email for online assessment. I took the assessment but post that I didn't hear anything. I see that job in linkedin is still accepting applications.

What shall I conclude from this? Is my profile not shortlisted for interview or they usually took many applications and then decide who shall be called for interview?
What is the approach?

Which one of the big 4 hires the best law firm to do the immigration?

likesmart

Recently joined Deloitte on TN. Who do I reach out to to start my H1B process in advisory?

like

I’m a data scientist with 6.5 yoe( 1 yr in consulting). I am looking for data science opportunities in France, Italy and Spain, I would appreciate it if anybody can help me with this. I am coming from Canada and will get the young experience visa that is an agreement between these countries and Canada.

like

Any idea for salary range at Summit straight out of school? Venture arm

like

If you took a baby aspirin in your first trimester, when did your doctor start you on it?

like

Additional Posts in MBA Applicants

What are thoughts on Rotman with $$? Debating between that and just wait another year for T15. International student looking for jobs in Canada, 720 GMAT, 3 yoe at big 4

like

For the Wharton app, what do you mention for professional awards? Can I mention “above average annual performance reviews and salary bonus”?? Thoughts??

like

Does anyone else find it absolutely hysterical that people group MBB/FAANG/PE/VC for the prestige-oriented folks and they never include BB IB 🤣

likehelpful

Are part time students allowed to recruit for jobs with full time students ? Asking for top schools T15 etc

like

Is it possible to get into HSW? Thinking down the line of applying - went to Princeton for UG and currently working in IBD for a not too well known investment bank. 750 GMAT 3.8 UG GPA.

Worried I just won’t get a look or judged too hard if I’m not coming from a top tier banking firm (messed up my summer internship and it’s haunted me since) - how much does that matter of prestige of bank vs the industry you’re working in and what’s the best advice in being able to go to HSW?

like

What additional (not public) information can you get from schools once admitted? I’m thinking detailed recruiting data not published in the employment report

like

Has anyone interviewed at insead and/or applied for scholarships? I have questions about the scholarship application (I just want to apply to merit based ones but I have to fill out whole form and I don’t know what to answer to “how much scholarship do you think is appropriate?”) and unresponsive interviewers

like

How people manage the expectation? This round is tough, and might not get in any, but MDs wrote my rec are thinking I would make it and about to leave.......

like

Friend of mine just got a second interview with Boston Consulting Group (believe they only do 2 rounds). I am really rooting for her.

Anyone know if getting to the second round is a big deal? Or do they move a lot of people on and cut everyone after the second round?

Second round is next Friday, any tips I can give her?

like

What time does Wharton release interview decision tmrw? And how does scheduling work? Anyone know the interview period? Thanks!

like

Are gsb invites done?

like

Just heard good news from Kellogg and wondering if we should already see information about any scholarships? I don’t see anything on my page so could have just not gotten anything

like

Anyone had their Sloan interview yet? Any tips or advice?

like

Accenture tech consultant vs KPMG Management consulting for top MBA exit in a few years? Which one will look better?

like

Should you have your recommender mention specific future career titles in the letter? My recommender did and I’m wondering if its okay to ask to them to leave it vaugue as my essays are slightly diff

like

Anyone get SOM invite?? How are y’all prepping for it?

like

If you could earn the same amount of $ with and without an MBA, would you still get an MBA?

like

Hey guys, need some advice. I was fortunate enough to get the Consortium fellowship at Ross but am also stuck on the CBS waitlist and am still planning to apply to Wharton in R3. Assuming I get into CBS/Wharton, is there that much of a difference between them to forgo scholarship money? For context, I want to get into product management at FAANG/fintech with pursuing MBB as a plan B. Thanks in advance!

like

Whats the best reputable MBA program for Florida placements?

like

Is the UI of the gmat official practice exams the same as the official test?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal