Applying for Round 2 can feel hectic, especially around the holidays, but it’s also your chance to show schools who you really are. From essays to interviews, recommendations, and even test day, every step is an opportunity to stand out. These practical tips can help you avoid common pitfalls, tell your story with clarity, and approach the MBA application process with confidence.
Essays
Have your kid niece or nephew (or best friend's kid) read your essays. If they don't understand what you do at work, find a simpler way to explain it. Readability matters; even highly educated people skim when they read. It should be easy to read, sound like you, and tell a story.
Avoid doing these things: using what you think is impressive vocabulary, highly technical jargon, a stuffy/academic tone, and relying heavily on AI tools to edit your essay. You don't want to lose your unique voice or end up with an essay full of em dashes.
letters of Recommendation
Take your recommender out for a coffee. Sit down and chat to remind your recommender how great you are. If you can't do that in person, send your recommender a packet (not just your resume) to help them write a strong letter. Include snippets of information and highlight specific things you want them to mention. Help them help you by making it easy to rave about you.
Avoid doing these things: attaching your resume to an email and calling it a day, especially in Round 2 when deadlines fall around the holidays. A rushed recommendation is unlikely to be a great one.
Interviews
Prepare like you would for a job interview. Research your interviewer. Find out what you have in common, from shared interests to shared contacts or experiences. Having a few conversational topics in mind can help you break the ice and feel more confident and natural during the conversation.
Avoid doing these things: showing up and hoping you hit it off. Hope isn't a strategy.
Submitting the application
Don't wait until the night of the deadline to submit your application. What if you run into a glitch? Once you submit, take a screenshot of the confirmation page. If there are any issues, you'll have receipts. If you've been keeping in touch with an admissions officer, email them to let them know you've submitted your application.
Avoid doing these things: waiting until the last minute to submit your application, missing a key opportunity to follow up with an admissions officer, and failing to capture proof that you submitted your application.
MBA Fairs/Forté Forums
These events are excellent networking opportunities. When you arrive, visit three of your non-top schools first. It helps to practice, and practicing interacting and introducing yourself during a fair can be super helpful. You'll not only work out your nerves, but you also might even discover a new school or program that can help you meet your goals.
Avoid doing these things: being overly focused on your list at a fair or a forum. The whole goal is to learn what you can't find on websites, so make the most of the opportunity.
Bonus Tip on taking the GMAT
Plan something super fun the day of your big test. This gives you something to look forward to after the exam is over, can help calm your nerves, and shift your perspective on the day.
Avoid doing these things: making test day all about the test and dreading it, having a negative attitude and mindset, or anticipating the worst. As Henry Ford said, "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't — you're right."
