When it comes to applying for your MBA, it can take a bit of planning and preparation to hit the deadline for your chosen programme. The Cambridge MBA has five application rounds, but you’ll need to organise yourself in advance of any of the application deadlines to make sure you don’t leave anything important out. Here is a handy guide to when you need to do what.
Prepare for and take your GMAT – at least eight to 10 weeks before you begin your application
Most people take a few months to prepare for their GMAT or GRE, using weekends and spare time to learn the format of the test and practise questions. According to the official GMAT website, 56% of GMAT takers spent at least 51 hours preparing for the exam (and those who spent longer achieved a higher score), so it’s a good idea to book a test date at least a few months before you plan to submit your application.
There is a multitude of online support for test takers through the GMAC prep, as well as an online whiteboard tool.
We accept both the GMAT and the GRE, and we can consider both the online and in-person tests for each of these.
We ask you to report your own GMAT or GRE score for the Cambridge MBA application and you should also ask the test provider to make your official score report available to us online (with the GMAT, you can do this free for up to five schools). We won’t be able to review your application until we are able to access your official score report, so leave enough time to make sure it’s available for us to check.
“Each application round we come across applications with missing information, often these documents are score reports for GMAC and GRE test takers. Without the score reports uploaded or the ability to verify the documents the MBA Admissions reading committee cannot move forward with the application.” Head of MBA Admissions and Recruitment, Annwen Gray explains.
It’s worth noting that you might not achieve the score you are aiming for on your first attempt, you may want to factor in time to retake, therefore planning a timeline is essential.
“We run a number of MBA Open days, which have Q&A Sessions with admissions team members throughout the year, we encourage you to attend these to get an understanding of what the school is looking for,” Annwen continues.
Speak to your referee – six weeks before submitting application
Give your referee adequate time to think about and write a reference. Don’t leave it until the last minute, applications are often held up because of references being submitted late. When you apply for the Cambridge MBA, a request will automatically be sent to your referee once you have entered their contact details, so you can let them know when to expect a request.
For the Cambridge MBA, referees should be a current supervisor – or if that’s not possible, a former line manager or supervisor. If you are self-employed or run your own company, you can nominate a customer or supplier with whom you have a professional relationship. Either way, make sure they have enough time to write a considered reference which reflects you well.
Start your application – four to six weeks before deadline
We recommend that you start your application at least four weeks before you intend to submit it. Remember – you can save your Cambridge MBA online application at any stage.
You’ll need a bit of time to think about the three essay questions (we’d recommend you write them in a Word document first so you know the grammar and spelling is correct), as they need a lot of self-reflection, and it might take you a while to come up with examples which you are happy with.
You’ll also need a copy of your degree transcript to attach to your online application. If you don’t have a transcript, you can usually get a copy from your university, but they can take several weeks to arrive, so make sure you have this to hand.
Submit your application – a week or more before the deadline
Before submitting your Cambridge MBA application make sure you have proof-read your essay questions and that you are happy with the answers.
You can submit your application by 23:59 GMT on the day of your chosen deadline, but we’d recommend you do it a week or so before in case you have any technical difficulties or need to get in contact with MBA Admissions.
We read all applications once they have been received (we don’t read them before this.) You can expect to hear from us within three weeks, after the closure of the round deadline.
Interview – six weeks after application deadline
If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to interview. Interviews take place around six weeks after the application deadline for that round (the dates are on the website) and take place wholly online. The interview experience includes an opportunity to meet admissions staff, a short online interview with faculty, as well as the opportunity to meet and network with your peers and those who may be in your future cohort.
Annwen Gray, Head of MBA Admissions and Recruitment – “We really have found the online offering to work well. The virtual interview days allow all interview candidates to get an insight into the different MBA teams they will get to know throughout their MBA year. Candidates also have the opportunity to network with current students and alumni in smaller networking sessions, the day closes with the chance to network amongst themselves and potential future classmates.”
You will hear about the outcome of your interview from the within three weeks of the interview date.
Head of MBA Recruitment and Admissions, Emily Brierley says: “As well as the application timings, it’s also a good idea to think about things such as your funding options, whether or not you meet the language requirements, and the practicalities of relocation and leaving your current role. If you require a visa to study in the UK, we recommend applying by Round 4 at the latest to allow for this. If you are thinking about applying for any scholarships, consider applying earlier in the year, as some of them have earlier deadlines, though we do award bursaries throughout the year.”