Updated: May 19, 2022
Why do some applicants wait to start their business school admissions campaign?
Whether it’s a medical examination, preparing an income tax return, or bringing in your car for major service, most of us delay starting important tasks until the last possible minute. Delaying important tasks only brings more stress and more feelings of being overwhelmed.
We’ve talked to thousands of MBA clients over the last 20 years, we aren’t psychologists – but we can see a general pattern. For future MBA candidates, the excuses typically boil down to some combination of the following:
• Intimidation: The process feels complicated, overwhelming, and beyond my comfort zone.
• Ignorance: I don’t have all the information I need, so I won’t begin until I do.
• Procrastination: I have more urgent things to worry about.
• Fear of Failure: As long as I don’t start my applications, I can’t be rejected.
It might seem prudent to “wait and see” a bit longer before beginning your MBA admissions campaign. However, when you consider the lifetime value of a top MBA education, the low acceptance rates, and fierce competition from other applicants, waiting makes no sense at all. The fact is “time” is your greatest asset when it comes to optimizing your candidacy and perfecting your applications. A structured approach to your MBA campaign, like a consultant from The MBA Exchange offers, can help mitigate the reasons for delay.
Still not ready to begin your campaign? Then watch for Part 2 of this blog series: “Why sooner is better than later when pursuing business school admission” and Part 3: “8 key steps that business school applicants can and should take … starting today.”
