When is the right time to start your MBA application?

So, you’ve made the decision to pursue your MBA. Now you’re wondering when you should start your application, how long the process takes, and what is required to complete your profile.

While most business schools have three or four application deadlines throughout the year, we have a rolling admissions policy and application advisors that assist applicants throughout the process, mitigating the need for set deadlines and the stress that often comes with them.

“My advice is to apply when you feel you are most prepared and competitive,” says Teresa Pires, associate director of recruitment and admissions for the full-time MBA program at Smith.

Are you prepared? Here’s what you need:

• Minimum two years of work experience
• A strong GPA from any academic discipline (B+ or 75%)
• A competitive GMAT score (Class starting in January 2018 had an average of 650; range was 550-760)
• An acceptable score on an approved English facility test (if applicable)

Are you competitive? We seek exceptionally motivated candidates who have demonstrated:

• Leadership potential
• Team-based work or extracurricular experiences
• Career drive
• Coachability
• Integrity and sense of ethics
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

“If you feel you are prepared and competitive, you should apply earlier rather than wait,” Teresa says in order to be considered for a major scholarship. Deadlines for the current year are the first of May and October. “Seventy per cent of applicants are awarded scholarships ranging between $10,000 and $65,000.”

Candidates should keep in mind that the application process can take anywhere from two to six weeks depending on the individual, and if you’re an international student you also need to allot sufficient time to obtain your student visa. This process can take anywhere from three to four months, and in some countries longer.

“International applicants are advised to apply before the end of September, but we strongly suggest applications be submitted before this deadline,” Teresa says.

All this to say, the earlier you apply the better. The program is highly competitive with only 80 students per cohort. To determine if you are ready to start the process, introduce yourself to a member of our team.