by Anna Lucia Roybal
Jeopardy reference aside, I’m glad I have the opportunity to address the question we receive at least twice a day. Regardless of whether it’s the dulcet sounds of the iPhone harp or marimba, some sort of internal alarm goes off right around this time.  People decide that they need to start their MBA program now. Not next year – now, this fall!
If you happen to fall in this category, my advice is to breathe. Deep inhale – exhale slowly. Yes, you can still submit your application for this fall. Even when the last deadline has passed, we will continue to accept applications on a space available basis because we’re interested in you, as an individual, and your fit with the Rady School. We won’t think less of you because you didn’t make this decision last September. In this respect, we don’t judge.
If the only thing stopping you from submitting your application is fear of the GMAT, understand that you are not alone. I have yet to meet a single person who’s thrilled at the prospect of having to take this test. “Disneyland? No way, I’m going to take the GMAT,” said no one ever.
You might not have cause to be worried. Depending on your educational background and work experience, it’s worth contacting MBA Admissions to see if you meet the waiver requirements. Should you have to take the exam, we can direct you toward helpful resources. Also, it’s not a secret that you can submit your application prior to taking the GMAT, which leads me to my final piece of advice.
Submit your application first – study for the GMAT after.
It’ll feel like a load off your shoulders if all you have to worry about is studying for the GMAT.  Breaking down the process into smaller, more manageable pieces helps that feeling of being overwhelmed.
It should also provide some relief to know that Rady’s MBA Admissions team is more than happy to help you. No, really -it’s not just lip service. Even after multiple phone calls and countless emails, you’re never bothering us.
Now that you know that our final deadline isn’t final Jeopardy, channel your inner yogi and get started.
Anna Lucia Roybal is the Assistant Director of MBA Recruitment and Admissions at the Rady School of Management. A southern California girl through and through, Anna is a UCSD alumna – class of 2002.  When she isn’t providing her calming presence in the fast-paced world of admissions.