Applying for an MBA programme is no Sunday night chore. The typical candidate takes two years between deciding to do the degree, and embarking on it. That is 24 months in which to ensure your personal profile fits the institution, and will open the door.

Sure, you have to tick the boxes. You have to pass the Graduate Management Admission Council test (GMAT) – this involves three months of preparation for most candidates. Many schools also require formal proof of ability in English, for those who are not native speakers. But perhaps the toughest test is to get your CV in shape, and articulate your motives. No amount of study or online cribbing can do that for you.