March

Request application from your schools of interest. Participate in the world MBA tour or visit school websites.

April

Prepare for the GMAT. It can take  between 1 and 6 months to prep, depending on your initial level.

May-June

Define your goals and objectives for doing an MBA; Brainstorm on your essays and determine your achievements, strengths and weaknesses.

July

Seek recommenders. Discuss your application and remind them of your achievements, provide them with a draft of your application as a guide for consistency, establish clear and reasonable deadlines for completion , and give them a call after three or four weeks to find out how the letters are progressing.

August

Request your undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Allow at east two months.

September

Take the GMAT (and TOEFL, if applicable) not later than October if you apply for first round. Also, have GMAT scores sent to the schools.

October-November

Complete your essays. Have friends and colleagues whose opinions you value re-read for an honest evaluation. You can also consider working with a professional admission counselor to sharpen the focus of your work.

November to January

Mail all completed applications or submit your application online. If by postal mail, allow time to arrive by the school deadline (postmarks don't count) and keep photocopies for your records (for interview).