I’ve decided to continue on a theme, so for those of you who have decided that getting into grad school is a possibility for you, it’s time to consider the grad school application process. Adam Markus, admissions counselor, strikes again since I found yet another entry of his that is packed with helpful information regarding the MBA grad school application process.

There are many factors that go into applying to an MBA grad school program and here are 9 helpful hints on what to pay attention to in the grad school application process:

1. Don’t be Afraid to Make Changes

If you are not getting positive responses from the schools you’ve applied to, it is up to you to change what may be causing schools to turn you down. Here are some examples of what you might need to change:

• Essays
• School selection
• Interview skills
• Test scores
• Application form
• Admissions advice
• Career Goals

This doesn’t mean changing everything, but instead, finding the parts of your grad school application that can be improved and making those improvements.

2. Realistic School Selection is Key (and so are Safety Schools)

When looking at schools to apply to, you will want to know the “admissions numbers”, for example the school’s acceptance rate, test scores of admitted students, the average age of accepted applicants, and the number of years working experience. By knowing such information about a particular school’s admitted students, you can better determine how well you measure up and, therefore, your chances of getting in.

3. Get Good Admissions Advice

As if life weren’t hard enough, you have to be on the lookout for “the right kind of advice” in the grad school application admissions process. How do know whether you are getting good admissions advice? First of all, inform yourself by talking to other students, admissions counselors, and mentors. Second, be familiar with the schools you are applying to and their specific admissions process and application. And finally, get a second opinion (or a third), especially if you are not getting accepted to the schools you’re applying to.

4. Don’t be Afraid to Take the GMAT and/or TOEFL Tests Again (and again)

There is some fear that taking the GMAT or TOEFL tests more than once will be a strike against you in your grad school application process but that is not the case, in Adam Markus’s expert opinion, anyway!  Look at the parts of the test that you had the most problems with and focus on improving them. You may consider taking a class that can help you with test prep methods as well as help with the sections in most need of improvement.

5. Do Not Overlook Good Quality and Time Management Efforts

Applications that are rushed are often poorly written, lack clear thinking, and contain errors. Give yourself plenty of time to complete your application materials including form and essays. Be sure to review what you’ve written and by all means, have another person look at it as well.

6. No Brainer: Essays and Resume Must be Impeccable

Here is an obvious one and a perfect opportunity to apply those quality and time management efforts! Again, get others with some expertise to review your essays and resume to check for clarity and errors.

7. Application Forms (are Boring but) Important

I found this hint to be one of the more interesting ones because Mr. Markus makes some really great points including the fact that those questions are being asked for a reason: the school wants your answer. Also, the amount of information that schools ask for can vary greatly, so it is all the more reason to be thorough and meticulous in your efforts. For instance, some schools will give you more space to answer questions than others. When they give you that space, take advantage of it! Finally, application forms are one of the easiest areas to improve upon when it comes to your grad school application process.

8. Practice and Feedback are Necessary for Great Interview Skills

Take the time to practice your interview skills with a trusted mentor, or admissions counselor in order to ensure peak performance.

9. Find the Right Recommendations

Ask yourself the following questions regarding your grad school application recommendation letters:

• Does the recommender know me well enough?
• Is the recommender writing detailed examples and descriptions or generalizations?
• Do my recommendation letters share similar examples and descriptions about me?
• Did I ask the type of recommender the school I am applying to is looking for, for example a former employer?

Start your MBA grad school experience on the right foot by putting the necessary time and effort into your grad school application. By following the above suggestions you can have a stellar grad school application and maximize your chances for acceptance into the school of your choice.