What single resource was the most useful for you during your MBA application process

The best single resource for me during the application process was my communication with veterans who were students at the schools to which I was applying.  Initially I cast a wider net and lots of input helped me narrow down the list of business schools to which I would apply.  Once I had my last of schools I went through the process relatively methodically, progressing through my GMAT, resume, essays, and interviews.

For the GMAT I used the books with better recommendations and consulted beattheGMAT.com for general tips and when I had a specific problem question that the books could not explain adequately.  When I completed the GMAT and scored high enough to make it worthwhile to continue the process (by my judgment which was mostly guided by conversations with veteran students) I turned again the some of the veterans MBA students I had previously spoken with.  I sent my resume to people at every school I applied to and they helped me refine it and adapt it to each schools specific format.

If I had not talked to these individuals I would have had no idea each school had a specific format for resumes (I have no idea if this counts for anything in the admissions office) and I know for a fact my resume would have been a lot weaker.  The part with which they helped the most was translating my experience into words that a civilian admissions officer can understand; this is critical in and of itself but also because it helps you get ready for doing this live during an interview.

After I felt like I had a strong concise resume I wrote my essays and then passed these off to veteran MBA students and some other trusted critics.  After I submitted the entire application I received invitations for interviews with a few schools.  Since I was in Afghanistan at the time I did all of them on Skype and satellite phone.  Before doing these I communicated with veteran students at each school to get their take on the interview and likely format and questions.  This advice was invaluable and would probably have been even more helpful had I interviewed in person.  To conclude, the most valuable resource for me during the application process was by far the veteran MBA students I talked to; most are willing to help and have excellent advice.

Branch: Army
MBA: Darden (University of Virginia)
Year: 2013
Industry: Investment Banking