So I'm 30 and have a background in education and public policy but will be doing a bit of a career shift and studying an MBA soon. I'd love to know how to best prepare for it; for example, what to study on my own, what kind of skills to acquire by myself before I venture into the program that would be important to have as a base for it.

Thanks for your advice!

Sharpen your career goals. Study for the Gmat. Identify the best school for your goals. Improve your diet, sleep and fitness. 

Thanks!