The Letters of Recommendation
You certainly have no desire to wait until late in the process to take care of this part of your application. But why? Because in demanding a letter of recommendation, you are asking for a favor. You haven’t to compel even further on your former or current supervisor by asking for a recommendation with an extremely tight deadline.

Choose a person you ask to write your recommendations carefully. Be sure to provide them with talking points. Just don’t throw off a blank sheet of paper or recommendation form with a self-addressed stamped envelope, but point out what qualities you would like them to discuss. This point is rather to provide them with enough guidance that their recommendations support your application.

Transcripts
From every undergraduate and graduate institution you have attended, you will be asked to submit an official transcript, regardless of whether you received a degree from the institution. This will require many legwork and time on your part, especially if you have attended several schools. Don’t pass the time until the last minute. Some schools can only accept written transcript requests, so you might not be able to call your college's registrar and handle this task over the phone.

GMAT Score
If you submit your GMAT score, it implies that you have a valid GMAT score to submit. If you have decided to re-take it, or if you haven't taken the GMAT yet, get moving. You’ll have the opportunity on the day of test to request that your score be sent to up to five schools at no additional charge. Probably, just try to take advantage of this. If you send score reports later, it will cost extra and these scores are going to be reported anyway - unless you take the test another three times. While your score report will contain your most recent three GMAT scores, even if you end up taking it again, schools are still going to see these results. Finally, if you feel yourself happy with your scores, you've saved yourself some time and money.

So, what if you may not want to take advantage of this? Passing the test once, or twice, already and sent in your scores, but plan to re-take the test just to see if you can do better, you might want to hold off on submitting your score report until you've seen the result. After improving your score - fantastic, send that report posthaste. Otherwise, keep it to yourself and go with the score(s) you've already submitted.

The Application Fee
This is easy, but essential. While all applications cost money, be sure to include payment for the application fee when you submit your application. By applying online, you'll probably pay the fee with a credit card. Sometimes, you can pay with an e-check, or arrange to mail in a check separately. By applying with a paper application, you'll probably need to send in a check.

All these elements are the basis for most business school applications. Note: you may be asked to provide extra information or material. Also, you may be invited for a not obligatory interview or required to attend a mandatory one. No matter what the scenario, remember that each piece of your application should work in concert with the rest to present a winning portrait of you, the applicant.