2. Planning & Design
The second stage in the AACG consulting process is the extension of stage one into a deeper analysis of the clients fit with the AACG “MBA Acceptance Equation” and a finalized list of MBA programs and associated applications. The Client’s messaging is also defined at a high-level and then is applied to the targeted schools essays and application.
This “Planning & Design” stage contains three primary components:
2. Final School Selection and Fit, MBA Acceptance Equation Analysis and Personal Branding – This stage centers on the appropriate fit with the finalized set of MBA programs to which the candidate should apply. Gaps are identified through the Equation Analysis and then a succinct and consistent personal brand is identified for each school. This messaging includes the definition of short and longer term goals that build on the candidates background and the MBA program targeted.
The product of this stage is a defined application timeline for each school and a high-level message that can be applied to each program and the essays for each application. Client and consultant are tasked with delivering a set of action items by the next meeting and in order to move to the next stage of the engagement - Stage Three: Execution.