The two keys to succeeding in the b-school application process: begin early and be organized. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) (which administers the GMAT exam), you should begin the application process 6 to 10 months before the program in which you are interested starts. But before you can know when your program begins, you need to decide what kind of program you want to enter. The options are varied and the experience each one provides is different. Most schools offer three programs:



















* Full-time programs take 2 years of course work during the day to complete. Students take 3 to 5 courses each semester. Full-time programs often offer both an academic and a social component, since students are around campus all day.
* Part-time programs offer students the ability to continue working while they pursue their degree. These programs usually take between 3 and 5 years to complete, depending on how many requirements there are and how many courses students choose to take per semester. Courses are offered in the evening, on weekends and during the summer.
* Executive programs are designed for people who have been in the workforce for at least 5 years and are looking to enhance specific skills. These programs are generally scheduled over several weekends per month, and on average can take about 18 months.

Apply early. Most schools, even the top ones, accept students on a rolling admissions basis. This means that if they like you, they will accept you once they read your application. As a result, it's easier to get in early on (when there are many open seats) than later on (when there are very few open seats). So don't be fooled by the admissions deadlines. Top business schools are looking for future managers and leaders with great organizational skills. The first way to give that impression is by getting your application in ASAP.

Other aspects of the application include discussing your activities outside of your job. Schools look for well-rounded students who are not just going to do well in class, but will participate in other school activities. These extras are not as important as your work experience or your GMAT scores, but could distinguish you from some other applicants with similar educational experiences; the school wants to accept a person, not a machine.

Most schools do not require interviews, but you may be required to attend an interview session at some of the leading schools. If you are called for an interview, you will need to:

* Schedule the interview as early as possible. For instance, the University of Chicago recommends doing it early in the process (September or October).
* In your interview, which will usually either be with a current student or someone in the admissions office; make sure you communicate clearly your reason for wanting to go to business school. Even if you don't know what you want to do after school, you need to convey to the interviewer exactly what your goals are, and how that particular business school will help you achieve those goals.
* Research each school you are applying to, and be ready to talk about its strengths during your interview and how they mesh with yours. 
* Explain how you will contribute to the life of the school by putting time into community-service activities, student government or the B-school newspaper. Make sure you don't just talk about what the school can do for you.