Example Transition Timeline

Ideally, you should decide to pursue a full-time MBA about two years before you aim to start business school, which is about one year before Round 1 applications are due (think August or September of any given year). This timeline will allow you plenty of time to study for the GMAT, research schools, and craft your applications. In an ideal world, here is how you could time your MBA application steps:

24-18 months before your MBA start date

Enroll in a GMAT prep course, take six or more practice tests, and get a score that will be competitive for your top choice programs. Giving yourself this much time gives you a buffer if you need to take the test several times. Once you have a competitive score, you can focus on narrowing your school selection.

18-15 months before your MBA start date

Research your top choice schools, get in touch with their veterans’ clubs, and get paired with a Service to School Ambassador. You should use the time between your GMAT completion and MBA applications’ opening to finalize your school list and get a support network to help you with your applications. Often veterans’ clubs will put you in touch with their members who share a similar background and give you insights into how you can best convey your experiences on your application. Likewise, Service to School will pair you with a dedicated MBA ambassador who will help you with all of your applications.

15-12 months before your MBA start date

Prepare and submit your Round 1 applications. Schools typically release their applications in June, with a Round 1 deadline in September. I recommend applying to about four schools in Round 1. You should aim to craft thoughtful applications, and you should not sacrifice quality for quantity. If four applications are too many, then hold off on submitting some until Round 2. There are some benefits to submitting your applications in Round 1, but your admission chances are similar. Therefore, you should prioritize submitting high-quality applications over making the Round 1 deadline.

12-9 months before your MBA start date

Get ready for your Round 1 interviews and prepare a couple of Round 2 applications. Schools that offer interviews should let you know whether you were selected about four to six weeks after submitting your application. If you were chosen for an interview, your application is heading in the right direction. Reach out to your contacts at the schools' veterans’ clubs and your Service to School Ambassador for advice on interview preparation. You should also take time to prepare a few Round 2 applications as a backup should you not get into any schools during Round 1.

9-6 months before your MBA start date

Make your decision. Hopefully, you will receive good news in December when Round 1 decisions are typically released. If this is the case, you have much to celebrate as all of your hard work has come to fruition. Attend schools’ welcome weekends and make your decision on your top choice. If you were unlucky with your Round 1 applications, you will have another chance in Round 2, so finalize and submit these applications, ensuring you include a couple of safety schools.

6 months to your MBA start date

Prepare yourself for school. Get up to speed on business news and take some preparation courses for your core classes (most schools have some online programs). Complete your military transition and discharge. Submit any disability paperwork to VA so you can get a rating that will provide you with income to help support you during school. This rating may also make you eligible for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) funds. Go house hunting and pick a place to live. You should look to move to your new home about two weeks to a month before school starts so you can get settled in and acquainted with your new surroundings.

Final Thoughts

This is an ideal timeline, but many have been able to succeed in much more compressed circumstances. Deployments and service commitments often make studying for the GMAT and crafting your application a chaotic process. Veterans are highly adaptable and know how to achieve their goals in less than ideal circumstances. So, do not worry if you cannot make the dates on this timeline. It is more general guidance than the hard truth.