Your school list

Summer is here, and MBA programs are posting their applications and essay prompts for the 2019/2020 admissions season. With round 1 deadlines looming, prospective students will want to finalize their lists. A few preliminary steps: Register for the mailing lists of all schools that might possibly appeal to you, if you haven't already. Schools will keep you in the loop, informing you of admissions updates. Too, if admissions officers happen to be visiting your part of the world this summer, you'll be invited to meet them. Take or retake the GMAT or GRE. Begin preparing your recommenders. Contact everyone you can find who attended or is attending one of your preferred schools. Alum lists from your university are a great place to start. Check LinkedIn for students with whom you have something in common -- same hometown, same employer -- and reach out to them for insights...