If you’ve decided to get an MBA, one of the first steps you’ll have to take is navigating the admissions process. You’ll need letters of recommendation, essays, and of course, the GMAT.

The first thing you’ll want to do is figure out your overall schedule. In general, you’ll be applying in the late fall/early winter of the year prior to your first year of study. Fortunately, it’s not hard to schedule a GMAT; unlike the LSAT and MCAT, which are only given a few times a year, the GMAT is computer-based and administered pretty much all the time. Still, you’ll want to give yourself a few weeks to bone up on your basic math and problem-solving skills.

You’ll also need to put together a few letters of recommendation from former managers or professors. Give the folks writing your recommendation letters plenty of time; don’t assume they have nothing better to do than write you a recommendation at the last minute! You may want to provide them a few bullet-points about what you’d like them to cover.

Finally, you’ll need to prepare admissions essays. Typically, these focus on why you want to go to business school and why you would be a good candidate. Discuss your work experience, future goals, skills, and aptitude.

There are services available to review and assist you with your test preparation and essays. Some people feel comfortable doing these things on their own, but others may wish to pay for the added security of professional assistance.