Time. It is the most precious commodity. Time impacts everything we do. It is also often the reason behind the things we do not do. Busy people trying to work b-school applications into extremely hectic schedules can be phenomenally difficult. All too frequently, working on and completing all the component parts of these applications becomes seemingly impossible when evaluating the time left until the deadline.
In the business of GMAT prep, my students very often plan to use their vacation time to study. Sometimes those plans work out well. Most recently, a tutor student of mine cashed in three full weeks of accrued vacation and devoted all of it to GMAT prep. Day in, day out—the GMAT was his “off” time.
For many, though, the prospect of having even one day off from work to focus on the GMAT or any/all other aspects of their grad school applications is nothing short of a pipe dream. For others, when professional truancy actually does become reality, good intentions are the only thing left at the end of the day.
November and December yield several days of (sometimes paid) holiday vacation. Traditionally, folks spend that time belly-full and tipsy watching sports, parades, and movies between naps. Please trust that it is not my intention to disparage such holiday traditions. However, there’s always next year.
The relentless tick of the clock seldom needs a town crier to remind the populous that it exists. Those facing Round 2 deadlines are likely half-deaf from the toll. Yet, as with all things stressful and un-fun, favoring the sweet song of loved ones, cocktails, and traditions is a siren simply too melodious to turn down. Now, however, is the time to encourage your advisees to do just that.
Support all the work they are doing and all the work they have done. Remind them that the cake and kisses will be more delicious when the deafening clang of time-to-deadline is silenced through hard work and postmarks.
Happy Holiday Season!
