Don’t Let the Holidays crush your MBA dreams.
Just about the time MBA application season gets into full swing, the holidays come barreling down the track like a runaway train.
While it’s not apparent why schools would set their 2nd round deadlines just after the holiday season, it’s clear that whomever decided the schedule was clearly a masochist. Turning in your applications during the first week or two of the new year pretty much mandates that you donate much of your holiday time to their preparation, not to mention the time of others who are helping you with the process such as recommenders and consultants.
Finding time during the holidays to get things done is always challenging.
Now you’re adding applying to b-school to the mix and suddenly the usual holiday crush becomes downright overwhelming. One of the best things you can do to retain your sanity, is to compartmentalize your to-do list. Start by planning specific chunks of time on your calendar to work on your applications as well as specific times to do your gift shopping and decorating, etc. When you treat everything you must do as a scheduled event, you can manage your calendar and your time in a way that will help you get everything done.
Touch base with your recommenders ahead of the holiday break.
Communicating to your helpers in advance will ensure there are no surprises when the deadlines start creeping in. This also goes for your consultant, who, like you, will also be trying to save time for personal holiday traditions. Even if you are working with an hourly consultant, don’t assume they will drop everything to meet your deadline. Recommenders can be even more unruly, since you can’t pull the “I’m paying you card” when time gets tight. Since recommendations are the only part of the application process that is out of your control, it’s important that you communicate to your recommenders well in advance of the deadlines so you don’t end up with an incomplete application when the deadline arrives.
Budget time for relaxing too.
Don’t underestimate how stressful the holidays can be when you add an application deadline or two into the mix. You must take time to care for your mental health. Just like your to-do’s, you can also schedule time to rest and relax. You’ll be glad you did.
For information on how we can guide your business school application process, email us at mba@amerasiaconsulting.com or go to http://www.amerasiaconsulting.com/contact