I’ll be honest, when I first started prepping for my MBA applications, I fell hard into the hustle trap. Early mornings, late nights, juggling GMAT practice with school research, networking, resume edits, and that constant, creeping guilt that I still wasn’t doing enough. Sounds familiar? Everywhere you look, MBA prep feels like a high-performance sport. Forums are filled with people clocking 40+ hours of studying per week. We then start thinking, “Is this what it takes to get in?” But here’s the thing no one really talks about, we don’t have to out hustle everyone. We just have to out-focus ourself. I call this the anti-hustle approach to MBA prep. It’s not about being lazy. It’s about being intentional, cutting the fluff, ditching the guilt, and doing what actually moves the needle.
Know What Actually Matters (And What Doesn’t)
It’s easy to get caught up in the noise. Forums will make you think you need a 99.99 or you are a bust. LinkedIn will make you feel behind. And somehow, everyone else is “rebuilding supply chains in Ghana” while you’re just, working your job?
Take a deep breath. Step back. Ask, what are your target schools actually looking for?
Where does your profile already shine? What are the real gaps and what’s the easiest way to address them? Focus on your path, not someone else’s checklist.
Study Less, But With Purpose
I used to study for the CAT for hours and then wonder why my score barely moved. Eventually, I realized I was just spinning my wheels. What worked better? Short, focused sessions (like 30–45 mins) with a specific goal. Reviewing why I got questions wrong, not just drilling more. Taking real breaks (no scrolling!) to actually absorb what I’d learned
You don’t need more hours. You need more intention.
Essays Aren’t a Writing Contest, They’re a Clarity Test
I spent weeks trying to make my essays sound “impressive.” But the moment I dropped the buzzwords and just told my story honestly? Things clicked. The best essays are clear, personal and specific. You don’t need to sound like a management consultant. You just need to sound like you, with a plan and a purpose.
Protect Your Energy
Burnout doesn’t help our prep but kills it. The best thing I did during MBA season? I gave myself permission to rest. Whether it was a weekend with no CAT, turning off notifications, or just going for a walk instead of reading another essay example, it helped. MBA preps are a marathon. Not a sprint. Don’t fry your brain for no reason.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I get it. But trust me, studying less can work, if you study better. Doing fewer calls can help, if they’re the right ones. Resting can help you move forward. MBA prep doesn’t have to feel like drowning. With the right mindset, it can actually be kind of empowering. And you might just surprise yourself with how far you get by doing less but with purpose.
