Want to Study Abroad? How Early Should You Start Preparing Your Applications?

"Hi, I am Oli! I got into Northwestern University's IMC (Integrated Marketing Communications) with a GMAT under 650 and a TOEFL under 105. I've been through the application stage myself, with plenty of doubt and anxiety along the way, and I hope my posts can help you if you're also hoping to study abroad.

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People often ask me how early they should start preparing their study-abroad applications.

I've put together the timeline I followed when I applied while working full time, for your reference! If you're applying without a job, adjust it as you see fit!

If you're applying for 2023 Fall this year, I'd say start preparing now!

Taking an October deadline as an example, you should start by June at the latest.

This timeline doesn't include tests, because I think you should already have your scores well before this, so you have more time later to research schools and prepare your documents!

Application timeline

Before June

GMAT

I think test prep varies a lot from person to person, but for the GMAT it usually takes at least 2–3 months.

Note that I said at least!

Most people take it twice or more on average, and unlike the TOEFL, the GMAT really requires reviewing your mistakes.

If your first attempt doesn't go well, I'd still suggest practicing more before you go back in!

TOEFL

After the GMAT, TOEFL reading feels much easier, but most Taiwanese test takers get stuck on speaking.

So it's still safer to set aside at least 2 months for it, which is also why I don't think you should do it at the same time as your application documents.

July–August

CV

I'd already looked for internships and jobs before, so this part didn't take me much time.

Mostly I adjusted the wording to make it more precise, and before sending out my applications I updated any achievement at work or elsewhere.

Choosing schools

I think choosing schools is a huge groundwork project. There are a lot of angles to research and weigh before you find the right options for you.

As I've said before, you really can't skip this. I spent about a month researching each school properly, because after all you should know the schools you're applying to better than anyone!

If you're not even sure why a school is your perfect fit, how are you going to convince it to admit you?

August–September

Info session/ Webinar

Most schools hold info sessions or webinars in August, or even earlier.

Make the most of every one. Unless the content repeats, I think they're all worth attending!

You'll hear useful information that isn't on the official website. I've written before about the benefits of attending these events, so I won't repeat it here.Related post: How I got into Northwestern IMC with a GMAT under 650 and a TOEFL under 110

Contacting alumni

There's no set timing for this, but for what it's worth, I started on it around June.

Not everyone is willing to reply, after all, and you may well get left on read.

So give yourself extra time for reaching out to alumni. It helps you understand the school better, even its culture!

Mid-August–September

LOR (Letter of recommendation)

Before asking anyone for a recommendation letter, think about what kind of recommender would help your total package. And think about what the letter should look like.

Once you've thought that through, go ask your professor or boss for the letter.

Basically, a lot of teachers and bosses are incredibly busy and will ask you to write a draft first and then discuss it together. That's why you need to work out the content yourself first.

I'd suggest contacting your recommenders at least 1.5–2 months before the deadline at the latest. Asking a teacher or boss for help at the last minute is very rude.

September–deadline

SOP/Essay

There's no need to say how important the SOP/ Essay is, so the earlier you start writing, the better!

Once the groundwork is done, you should be sick of reading the school's website and know the school so well you could be a campus ambassador!

Next, work hard to tie your experience/ values/ career goal and so on to the school, and keep revising.

It's a process of constant reflection, so give it more time (learned the hard way…).

Honestly, I think this timeline is still a bit too tight for a working applicant who regularly works overtime.

Before the deadline I was literally getting home from overtime at 11 every night before starting on my documents, then staying up until at least 2 or 3, living like a zombie every single day.

So to avoid ending up like that, I really recommend starting as early as you can.

I've heard of quite a few people who rushed their essays because of tests, and unsurprisingly the results weren't great. It's really a shame!

Also, some schools ask for more than a cv and essay, such as a personal statement, a video essay and so on.

I ran into all of these too, so adjust your prep tempo accordingly!

Summary

Finally, I want to stress that this is an application timeline shared from the perspective of a working marketer who regularly works overtime and burns the candle at both ends.

My last month or so was truly miserable, so if you can start early, start now!

Also, if you're a college student, I'd suggest getting the GMAT/ GRE done while you're still in college. It'll take a lot of pressure off your applications later!

I hope this post helps a little, whether you want to study abroad but don't know where to start, or you're already preparing your applications! If you liked this post, feel free to visit my Blog: Oli.chases for more posts on job hunting and studying in the US!