Tips for Applying to Business School as a Couple

If you think applying to business school is a stressful ordeal, then magnify that two-fold and you have the situation that is faced each year by many couples  who choose to  apply to business school together. Now, this experience represents just a small percentage of total applications, but for those in the midst of applying as a couple, the impact can be life changing.   Let’s explore some tips for applying to business school as a couple: Understand the Process: The application process for couples can vary from school to school. At some programs you can identify yourself as a couple in your application, but at others your status will be a bit fuzzier, so make sure you are clear on your target schools unique process to best position your joint applications for success. Communicate Your Situation: It is difficult for the Admissions Committee to take your situation into consideration if they are unaware a situation even exists. As such, make sure you and your significant other  communicate your joint status early and often. As a couple, it is even more important  to attend admissions road shows, information sessions, and of course, campus visits. These present great opportunities to connect with admissions and show them directly why you and your partner would be a great fit for the school. Be prepared to state your value overtly, as this could aid your candidacy come decision day. Dont forget the Admissions Committees at each school  are just  human beings, so they will employ compassion in their consideration and not aim not to break up families/married couples if both applicants represent a fit with the program. Select Schools Strategically: One of the hardest parts of applying jointly to business school is identifying programs that make sense for BOTH applicants. Outside of applying to the same schools, there are a few ways to expand your options as a couple. Thinking about potential schools in terms of cities can be helpful   Chicago (Kellogg/Booth), Boston (Harvard/MIT), New York (Columbia/Stern/Wharton), the Bay Area (Stanford/Berkeley), etc. so figure out what makes the most sense for both you and your significant other  and consider an application strategy the provides maximum flexibility. Thinking in terms of cities will help you develop the backup plan of  applying in Round 2 to a school that will at least allow you to still be in the same city as your partner if only one of you is accepted to a certain program. Be Realistic: Applying as an individual takes a lot of self-awareness, but when applying as a couple, this needs to be even more heightened. Few couples are complete equals when it comes to the admissions process, which can bring about some uncomfortable conversations and difficult decisions. So, think long and hard about the permutations and combinations of your applicant strategy if one or both of you gets accepted to each school you are applying to. Remember, admissions decisions are individual – you will each stand on your own merits, so the strength of one candidate will not override an unqualified partner. Applying to business school? Call us at 1-800-925-7737 and speak with an MBA admissions expert today, or take our free MBA Admissions Profile Evaluation  for personalized advice for your unique application situation! As always, be sure to find us on  Facebook,  YouTube,  Google+  and Twitter. Dozie A.  is a Veritas Prep Head Consultant for the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. His specialties include consulting, marketing, and low GPA/GMAT applicants. You can read more articles by him  here.