B-School application rounds
(Gorilla, 668
Points)
on 3/23/12 at 3:29pm
I've heard of people applying to their dream school in later rounds....am I missing something or does this seem to be a very risky move?
I understand that the first round is more competitive and I know the later rounds have less quality applicants but they also have LESS spots.
What is the rationale for applying in later rounds? I would like to hear the opinions of current and prospective MBAs since I will be applying to b-school in a few years.
Thanks.





Reason people apply later is
Reason people apply later is because you tend to get better at applying as you do more and more applications. Largely I think it's BS. I applied to Columbia first and got in so saved the cost of applying elsewhere. The earlier you apply is typically better. Some will argue against that point as you indicating saying it's more competitive.. well lets put it this way.. a top applicant who doesn't get in RD1 will get waitlisted... so you will still be measured against those who were on the 'brink' of the earlier rounds if you apply later. Goodluck.
People do get in 3rd round.
People do get in 3rd round. That said, the schools are done painting their class profile by 3rd round. They might add some "embellishment" to the painting in 3rd round but you really have to be exceptional. I'd stay away from 3rd round unless you:
- cured cancer through financial engineering
- are Obama's son
- started your own religion and have at least 1 million followers by the application deadline
Also, definitely DO NOT apply to your dream school in 3rd round. Assuming that you are an applicant that normally would have a 30% shot at being admitted in earlier rounds, your chances of getting in 3rd round is probably 5%. And if you don't get in (95% probability) then next year you'll have a meager 10% chances just because you're a re-applicant.
Thanks for the input. I'm
Thanks for the input. I'm definitely going to apply 1st round to some southern and east coast programs.
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