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6. The gap between you and getting accepted by a top MBA program

Ironically, the most difficult aspect of earning the degree may be getting accepted to the school of your choice. At the perennially top-ranked programs, for every ten individuals with the credentials and confidence to apply, only two or three are admitted. Even at schools ranked lower on the top 50 list, acceptance can be limited to less than half of all applicants.

All is not lost for the majority of applicants who, calculating those stiff odds, eschew the elite schools to seek openings elsewhere. Of the nation's approximately 300 accredited MBA programs, there are about 25 private and public business schools with a national reputation for excellence. The next tier of 25 includes many fine schools with well-deserved regional notoriety. Although national rankings change from year to year, due to innovations by the schools and new demand for their particular specialties, the top 50 offer broad choices to those who want to bridge the gaps. As an applicant, you must evaluate which program is "best" for you in its teaching methodology, academic focus, faculty credentials, placement success, alumni network, location, price and admissions criteria.

MBA admissions committees typically use four selection measures: academic ability, personal character, management potential and professional goals. Excellence in one, or even all, of these is not enough. Schools weight these criteria as they strive to diversify the incoming class. They want some balance in age, gender, nationality, academic strength career profile, etc. And the model can change suddenly. So, awareness of current admissions priorities at a given school can help give you the inside track.

So, what must one do to win the admissions game? Ideally, preparation should start while you are an undergrad. Stretch your mind with Liberal Arts and challenging quantitative courses. Get involved as a leader in student and community activities. Seek summer internships that let you show you've really accomplished something. Earn your bachelor's degree, and get at least two years of solid business experience. Then, at that point, you'll know why you want-- and need-- an MBA degree.

For mid-career MBA applicants, the advice is similar. Seek and document work assignments that demonstrate leadership skills and quantifiable results. Share your know-how with not-for-profit organizations through pro bono work. Gain visibility as an officer with professional associations. Fill in any significant gaps or weaknesses in your education with local college courses. And don't forget to stay in touch with former professors and bosses who you might need as future recommendations for your MBA applications.

Once you decide to 'market' yourself for admission to business school, your next decision is whether to go forward alone or seek help. While some people rely on the vast array of "how to" books and software programs on the market today, these can be oversimplified and outdated. Furthermore, such tools are used widely by the very people who are competing against you for the same MBA openings. Remember, one key is to admission is to differentiate yourself from the pack, not follow it.

Given the benefits of attending the best possible schools, the arguments for seeking professional assistance can be compelling. An increasingly popular strategy is to work with an admissions consultant. Qualified experts can help you evaluate your options, target schools, customize your application, strategize for interviews and recommendations, even select the right courses and best jobs. But, like the various MBA programs, not all MBA admissions consultants are alike. Again, selecting the very best is worth the effort and need not cost any more.

How and when will you get past the gaps? As soon as you believe that an MBA degree could help you move faster and higher, it is time to get started. The gaps in your future will not get any smaller when rationalized or ignored. And there are more than 90,000 other people going through the same process, with the same motivation and goals, as you.

So, what is your next step past the gaps in your future?