How to Prepare for Your MBA: 5 Things to do After Acceptance

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for - finally getting the coveted MBA acceptance email. It’s a moment to celebrate—but also to consider how best to prepare for your program.

There will be some essential steps on your to-do list for this period, such as organizing a visa application, and finalizing your MBA financing and housing arrangements for your studies. However, there are other ways you can prepare for your MBA and make the journey a little easier once you enroll. 

Here are five actions to add to your to-do list if you’ve been accepted onto an MBA.

1. Identify your priorities 

There’s no denying the fact that juggling studying with personal commitments and the social aspect of an MBA will be difficult at first. That’s why it’s crucial to have a plan in place to organize your time before you start.

“Students should have very clear goals and objectives for their MBA going into it. It’s not to say that your goals won’t change along the way, but having clear priorities will help you manage your time in the best way for you,” says Melody Jones from Vantage Point MBA Admissions Consulting.

To help order your priorities and meet your MBA goals, Jenifer Turtschanow, CEO of ARINGO MBA Admissions Consulting, suggests using organization tools such as Evernote or Trello.

Likewise, one of the best aspects of the MBA experience is being able to access a variety of clubs and societies at your business school. From sports-focused and debating clubs to diversity-based groups such as Women in Business networks and the National Black MBA Association, you’re sure to find a group that suits your goals and ambitions. 

Consider which clubs and societies align best with your career goals and personal interests. Your free time may be limited, but joining a club will improve your MBA resume and offer networking opportunities in your chosen industry or sector, so it’s worth dedicating your time to.

2. Brush up on your knowledge

One of the best ways to feel prepared for the intensity of an MBA program is to start studying early. Reviewing core business topics, especially if you’ve been out of the classroom for a while, will ensure you’ll enter business school ready to roll.

Some schools offer pre-MBA courses to enrolled students, but there are also online programs, such as the Graduate Management Admission Council’s (GMAC) Business Fundamentals, powered by Kaplan. These bite-sized courses help students sharpen their knowledge across three core MBA subjects: statistics, accounting, and finance. 

If you feel confident enough in the business basics already, it’s still a good idea to do some reading before starting your MBA. While most business schools will provide a list of recommended books in advance, you may also want to reach out to professors or alumni for additional recommendations.

“You should also consider reading the business news and journals. We’ve become a society that reads headlines and bulleted lists—refocus and retrain yourself to read the entire article,” advises ARINGO’s Jenifer.

3. Research MBA specializations

Most business schools offer MBA specializations, in which you’ll gain advanced knowledge in one aspect of business. Subjects you can choose from might include marketing, technology, entrepreneurship, or more specialist topics such as healthcare management or supply chain operations.

On a two-year MBA, you might not choose your specialization until later in your first year, but on a fast-track program, you should be prepared to select one early. Your MBA specialization can influence your available electives, final project topic, and even the study trips you participate in—so choose wisely. 

If you’re not sure yet which industry you want to enter after your MBA, you’re not alone—43 percent of respondents to GMAC’s Prospective Students Survey 2025 say their reason for getting an MBA is to get a salary increase. In this case, you might choose a specialization that aligns with your interests and plan to take advantage of corporate events and networking opportunities during your MBA to further refine your career path.  

4. Make the most of your time at work

If you’re pursuing a full-time MBA, this may be your final few months in your current job before embarking on two years of study. But now’s not the time to switch off from your role. 

Instead, make the most of your current professional network and learning development opportunities. If you have the chance, consider joining a new project to develop your skills in new areas and practice working with different people.

Ask around to see if any of your coworkers have completed an MBA and schedule a time for a coffee and a chat. They’ll have plenty of advice to offer, and speaking to someone who’s been through it can help you feel more mentally prepared for the challenge.  

5. Start networking early 

You’ll have the word “networking” drilled into you from the very beginning of your MBA journey. But don’t feel like you should wait until you’re at business school to practice the skills you’ll need to use at MBA networking events.

Business schools often hold virtual and on-campus events before the start of an MBA program to give students a taste of the business school experience. Another option is attending a GMAC Tours event, where you can meet other applicants to your school and introduce yourself to the admissions team in person. 

“Start meeting your peers and being a part of the community as early as possible. Join the group social page and introduce yourself,” advises Jenifer from ARINGO.

If you already know what company or role you’re aiming for after your MBA, do some research on upcoming networking events at your school and get them in your calendar. 

Many top MBA recruiters offer pre-MBA internships, such as Boston Consulting Group’s BCG Unlock program and McKinsey’s Early Access program. While not as immersive as an MBA internship, these pre-MBA programs will give you an idea of whether you’re a good fit for the company. Ask about mentorship, too.

“It’s never too early to begin networking. Grabbing a cup of coffee with an alum at one of your target companies the summer before you start your MBA can only help your process,” adds Melody from Vantage Point MBA. 

Bonus action - take some time off

An MBA is an intensive undertaking, and you may find you have little time for relaxing over the next year or two. So, take advantage of the time you have now. Spend time with friends or family, engage with hobbies you enjoy, or finally get to that book you’ve been meaning to read.

“Try to develop daily activities that support your mental health, and once in the MBA, work to maintain these activities. Whether it’s exercise, a hobby, or mindfulness techniques, you will want to be prepared for the exciting but demanding experience of completing your MBA,” says Danae Anderson from Menlo Coaching.

Need a refresher on core topics like accounting or finance? Explore GMAC's Business Fundamentals, powered by Kaplan, to review key concepts before your MBA begins.