I still remember the angst I endured during the admission process. A huge part of it was the comprehensive set of requirements that must be met coupled with the uncertainty familiar to many application processes. To boot, I was working full-time during the application process whilst finishing the last course for my undergraduate degree. However, looking back there was definitely a systematic way of tackling the list of requirements that worked quite well:
1) Pick up a guide or two in order to become familiar with the GMAT. I used Crack the GMAT from the Princeton Review and The Official Guide for GMAT review. Additionally, http://www.beatthegmat.com/ is a website that posts valuable tips for the GMAT as well as admission tips in general.
2) Make sure you resume is up to date. This is important because work experience carries some weight for your application under the compensatory model of admission at the Beedie School of Business.
3) Research the school under consideration. Does the school offer what you are looking for in terms of academics, faculty, extracurricular activities, and location to name a few? How can you contribute to the legacy of the program?
4) Speak to your references early in the admission process. Identify individuals who you have worked closely with and knows the calibre of your efforts. Make sure you select individuals who can provide concrete examples of your excellence.
5) Proactively seek out admission advisor and program staff if you have any questions during the process or simply need some clarifications. This will be a good avenue for the staff you get to know you and vise versa. I must say, the admission advisors at the Beedie School of Business are very helpful. They definitely enhanced my application process.
These steps are certainly not a comprehensive list of thing you should and can do. However, they represent a starting point for you to systematize, should you wish, the exciting application process.
Chamberlin Chang is a MBA candidate from the Beedie School of Business. He has worked in various roles ranging from front-line staff to a supervisory position where he oversaw a team of 15 individuals at the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. He is a hiking enthusiast, avid cyclist, active fitness devotee, and owner of two energetic dogs. Connect with Chamberlin on LinkedIn or following him on Twitter @chamberlinchang.