10 Ways to Write a Successful Deferred MBA Application

I applied to 8 deferred MBA programs in my senior year of college. The application process was challenging but taught me valuable lessons. After watching tons of YouTube videos, seeking expert advice, and reading several articles on schools and what they look for, I think I have a pretty good idea of how to tailor each application. I’ll lay out what I have learned and what you can do to set yourself up for success for deferred MBA applications, or honestly any graduate school application.

Spend Time Alone to Reflect

One of the most important lessons I learned while applying for deferred MBA programs is the significance of self-reflection.

Taking the time to understand my strengths, interests, and future goals was essential to crafting my essays and presenting myself as a strong candidate. Writing down your thoughts and ideas in a notebook can help keep you focused and organized throughout the application process. This also helps you go through iterations and peel back the layers of why things matter to you.

Everyone essentially has the same stories and future ambitions but why someone has those interests and goals is really the meat that schools are looking for. So if the reason you are getting your MBA is to create sustainable clothing and you want to go into entrepreneurship, you need to have a clear story about why that is your passion, what you are going to do to get there, and how an MBA will get you there or expedite the process.

People get an MBA for several reasons such as finance or consulting, mine was for entrepreneurship, but know why you are getting an MBA and what you’ll gain from it.

{Related Post: 7 MBA Application Tips for Top 10 MBA Programs}

Time Management and Learning to Prioritize

Time management is crucial when applying for deferred MBA programs. Balancing classes, extracurricular activities, a social life, and application deadlines is overwhelming. Creating a schedule that prioritizes your application process is the key to helping you stay organized and focused.

Learning to prioritize essential tasks and avoiding procrastination can be a valuable skills in your future career. I personally am a pen, paper, and Google calendar girl, but find what works for you. And you will feel FOMO since it is your senior year and friends will be sitting on the couch doing nothing or out partying, so you need to remind yourself why you are going through all the stress and hassle.

Start early, work over the summer, and do your research ahead of time. The more you can get done before classes start the easier it will be. I found it helpful to keep a weekly to-do list and plan out my schedule week by week to not get too overwhelmed.

As you write more, you will be able to take the core ideas of essays and drop them into the next but figuring out those core ideas in the first place is big. Mine were centered on women’s health, helping people, being an entrepreneur, and joining women and South Asian societies.

Look for Deferred MBA Resources

One of the most helpful things you can do is get others involved. They acted as my accountability pieces to make sure I was not procrastinating.

My university had a free writer’s workshop that had staff who were very knowledgeable in essay writing to help brainstorm, read through, and edit my essays. I was allowed two sessions a week and took full advantage. They helped me brainstorm my ideas, find what pieces were connecting and what weren’t, and helped me edit. Most schools have a writing service so take full advantage of it. This can save you so much money by not hiring a consultant but still getting quality advice.

Friends and family will also be proofreaders, making sure what you write reflects who you are. It is hard to initially give them your writing, especially when the questions can ask you to be a bit vulnerable, but it is well worth it.

Grammarly is also a great tool to use. Start the premium subscription closer to March when you are finalizing your applications. Applicant Lab is another helpful site that gives information any consultant might but for a fraction of the price. Another well worth it piece in my opinion, although some content is a bit old now.

Taking all of this in mind, make sure your essays are still your own. People will have a lot of edits to make but it should still feel like your words and thoughts. At the end of the day, only you know the story, and only you can tell it.

{Related Post: How to Align Your Goals: MBA Application Tips from a HBS 2+2 Admit}

Ask Your Letter of Recommenders Early

This is crucial. Ask your LoRs if they would be interested in writing your recommendations even before you start your application. Without them, you have no application.

Try to pick people who can speak to your character and those that have seen you grow. I asked my advisor and internship manager. If you are applying to several schools, give your LoRs enough time and details to make the writing process easy.

I created a slide for each school I was applying to with important information about the school, its values, and the story I was conveying. I also added what I was mentioning in the application and what I would like my LoR to focus on.

You can do the same by jotting down core values, what the school is asking, and what you are already mentioning in your essays. You can also give ideas of what to talk about so that each letter is different, but work in unison.

My LoRs found this extremely helpful because it took the guesswork out of writing the letters and helped my entire application fit together. This way your LoRs can write something that aligns with your story but gives a new perspective. Give them direction and what you want them to talk about, and I promise it’ll be way better.

Get Ideas on Paper

Writing essays can be overwhelming, but the key is to get your ideas on paper. This starts the creative writing process, so even if you scrap a few drafts, it will help refine your narrative and ideas.

You will want to talk about everything in your life, but a good essay will talk about specific aspects of the most influential experiences you have had. Writing thoughts on paper can help determine which ones are more concrete.

Start by thinking about big moments in your life and writing about them. Then go back and see which ones make the most sense for your MBA story. Pick moments that have strong personal growth and deep reflection. This is where starting early helps since you can take the time to think through your essays. So, craft your story and then go write it.

Do Your Research

Take the time to learn about each school, what they offer, and what they look for. I found it helpful to keep a running document for each school. I took notes about essay and interview advice as well as general knowledge and why I like the school. This will help tremendously when you need to refer to an interesting class you found or prepare for an interview.

Aside from the school websites, I made Google searches and YouTube your friends. Consultant sites and pages have so much great content out there, and it is an easy way to absorb information.

Each school is looking for something specific, so keep your story the same but know how to tailor it. I cannot tell you how important this is to find professors, classes, and concentrations that interest you. Especially if it is unique to a specific program, mention it because this shows you put in time and effort.

Check out my online MBA Application Course!

Talk and Attend Deferred MBA Sessions

Attend as many information and Q&A sessions as you can. These are helpful in the beginning to get an idea of what schools are looking for and what to highlight in your essay. Some schools will even ask you to note which ones you went to.

Later on, it becomes an opportunity to flag your name for the school, which shows interest. With the schools that you are particularly interested in, try to visit campus if possible or look for student ambassadors you can speak to. These people will give you invaluable insight into the programs and what it is like.

There will also be a ton of new events each week so check back often. It never hurts to attend more but can always hurt to attend less, especially if a school looks to flag the students attending information sessions.

Also, take notes at these events, don’t just attend to get flagged. If there are opportunities to talk to current students, take them because those are often more casual and organic. meaning you learn information that you can’t from a typical session.

Start the GMAT Prep Early

This is another really important step. Try your best to get the GMAT over with over the summer, while you have some time and before the workload of senior year hits.

Study a bit each day and sign up for the GMAT so you have a set deadline. By doing it in the summer, you won’t need to study and work on your applications at the same time, saving yourself a lot of stress. This was one of the best things I did, and you’ll thank yourself later for doing the same.

It is an Emotional Rollercoaster

There are going to be a lot of ups and downs; learn to embrace it. You are going to feel imposter syndrome, FOMO, and everything in between so keep reminding yourself why you are doing this.

Even if you start early, there will be times when you have to say no to hanging out with friends, and it is going to hurt. I know college is ending, but you’ll get through it. Have a strong support system and let your friends know that this is big for you. In the end, they were my biggest cheerleaders every time I applied.

Just know that everyone feels the emotions as they go through MBA applications, and you’ll hate the schools for doing this to you at some point or another, but it will be worth it. Submitting an application is the most relieving feeling, but it is going to take some time to get there.

Try to Enjoy your Senior Year

This may be going against everything I just said, well partially, but make time for the people around you.

Your applications are important but your college relationships are equally as important. Stick to your deadlines but keep them flexible enough to accommodate those spontaneous events.

In the end, you’ll get it all done I promise. So stay engaged with the people you love. Even if it means grabbing coffee and working together, there are ways to do both.

As much as the applications consumed my life, I was still able to build new friendships with my now closest friends and still sleep about eight hours a night.

Conclusion

The application process for deferred MBA programs can and will be challenging, but you’ll learn a lot on the way. Take what you have learned in this post as you start your applications. Reflecting on your experiences and future goals, managing your time effectively, seeking feedback from others, getting your ideas on paper, and prioritizing essential tasks are all important. The digital planner below is a great way to organize your work for the week. Check it out! I am here to help if you need it, but until then: good luck!

With love,
Aditi
Aditi Rani – Beauty & Career Tips for Ambitious Girls

*Disclaimer: This is not professional advice. Some links are affiliate. By clicking and/or purchasing, I may receive a commission. It does not alter the price or change your buyer experience.