(Updated: September 2024)
We know applying might seem like a challenging process even before you start. However, with a little bit of planning and commitment, you can finish your application in 7 days! Here are some tips and recommendations from our team at Hitotsubashi ICS on how to tackle the MBA application in ONE week:
Day 1: Make a checklist
Download & read our Hitotsubashi ICS MBA Application Package. Make a list of all the required items that you must upload to our online application system. We recommend you order the items in order of priority by identifying potential bottlenecks. First, tackle things that do not entirely depend on you, such as certificates, transcripts, score reports, among others. Here is our sample checklist:
Other
After making your checklist, create your login for the Online Application System. This will require you to input your recommenders' names and contact information. After activating your account, contact your recommenders to confirm they received the automated email (sometimes it goes to their spam).
Goals for day 1: List up the things to do, create the online application login, and check in with recommenders.
Day 2: Start uploading your documents
Today you should start uploading the documents that you have ready in hand to the online application system and pay the application fee. We see that candidates that pay the application fee truly commit to submitting their application. So here is the guide for paying the application fee (it is not as straightforward as other payment platforms).
Next, order any of the documents you do not have yet. Like official transcripts, official score reports (GMAT: University Code: F6R-Q5-29 GRE: University Code: 4454), etc. Be mindful that some institutions take longer than others to provide these documents, so ordering them ahead of time is always a good idea.
Goals for day 2: start uploading the documents, pay the application fee, and order documents.
Day 3: Focus on your story (Essays)
On day three, you should focus on your story. Through your essays, we want to know you and the experiences and people that have influenced you. Do not try to answer what you think the admissions committee would like to hear. Being authentic and staying true to your story may be your most potent weapon.
Before starting drafting your essays, read the essay questions carefully. Start by carefully reading all questions, then list them and evaluate which ones will need more of your attention. After sorting the questions, you may want to answer each in detail, do not hold back, as, on Day 5, you will work on shortening them.
Goals for day 3: download form B (essays form), read the essay questions, and begin drafting your answers.
Day 4: Tackle Form A
Revisit the checklist from Day 1, cross off the items you have taken care of, and identify the things to tackle in the remaining 3 days. Also, if you have not already done so, fill out your details on the Online Application System which requires you to fill out your personal and professional information.
Be sure to proofread it before submitting it. It contains essential information like your career and education background, referees' details, etc.
Also, do not forget to select "yes" in the Applying for scholarships if you wish to be considered for scholarships!
If you have any issues or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us here: ics-opencampus@ics.hub.hit-u.ac.jp.
Goals for day 4: Identify to-do items from your checklist.
Day 5: Time to edit your essays
You are almost done! Today, you should re-read your essays, analyzing if your answers actually piece together smoothly. Re-reading your essays multiple times while editing is an excellent way to see how it comes across to a reader. You can also ask someone else to read it for feedback. You should only have the most substantial reasons and descriptions left at the end of this editing process.
Keep in mind to highlight your achievements, be specific, and quantify the results of your inputs/efforts. For example, you may write: I oversaw three interns and managed a portfolio of clients that accounted for 21% of the assets, instead of writing: supervised the interns and contributed to the team's portfolio.
Finally, make sure your story is coherent throughout the different essays. Remember to be concise, adhering to the word count. More tips on how to write your essays are here.
Goals for day 5: Re-read again edit your essays until you have concise and coherent answers to each of them.
Day 6: A Fresh Pair of Eyes!
You are almost at the finish line! Day six is the time to ask for help. Contact a friend, colleague, ICS alumni, or anyone whose opinion you value and respect to read your essays and give you feedback!
It is always good to have a second or even third set of eyes proofreading your application, especially your essays. A key thing here is not to tell them the questions, as having them guess the topic will let you assess if your essays are on-topic or not! Then, after getting their feedback, revise your essays accordingly.
Lastly, scan your checklist again and make sure you have everything ready to submit your application.
Goals for day 6: Have one or two people proofread your application.
Day 7: Finish Line, Time to Submit your application!
Before pressing the "submit" button, scan everything one last time.
Keep in mind that our Online Application System will not let you submit your application until all the required documents are uploaded. So do not worry if you uploaded the wrong version of one document. You can re-upload as many times as needed.
After you have revised your application one final time, press submit. Congratulations on submitting your application in 7 days!
Goals for day 7: Submit your application.
Now, it is time to celebrate and relax.