Applying R2 CBS or Wait Until R1 for H/W
Evaluating career / life paths and wanted to get the forum's thoughts.
In case it helps, here are my stats:
- 329 GRE / 3.9 GPA from a state school like Berkeley/UVA. A few scholarships and merit awards for undergrad academic performance. Dual degree in business/STEM
- 4.5 YOE across finance (non-traditional buy-side role) and strategy/corp dev
- Light extracurriculars (huge weak point - may just have to embellish this part)
Currently working remote in a corporate development / strategy role at a niche tech company, which I joined about a year and a half ago. Pretty relaxed hours and reasonable comp (~$160k all-in). However, I'm learning very little and the role is far from my dream job. The team is a bit dysfunctional, and we aren't doing any M&A due to capital constraints. I'm doing a lot of ad-hoc strategy work, and frankly am pretty uninterested in the majority of my day-to-day.
I was originally planning on applying next cycle, as my GRE scores were a bit lower than the 324-328 range for M7; however, I got the GRE score I needed 1 week ago, so I started frantically getting wheels in motion for apps.
For a sanity check, I spoke to some consultants and got mixed feedback. Considering the tight turnaround to R2 deadlines, they basically shook their heads at the idea of applying to HBS, felt Wharton was a reach, and thought Columbia may be a good target. I'm based in the northeast and want to continue my career here, so I've been focusing on those 3 programs.
Right now, I'm trying to weigh the following: I can either wait until R1 and be fully prepared, or scramble to meet R2 deadlines.
Pros of waiting until R1 and staying longer in my current job (note: obviously the pro list is longer than cons, but cons arguably carry higher weight):
- Ample time to fill out applications and wordsmith my story
- Hire a consultant and go all-in on building a compelling narrative
- Apply to H/W plus CBS and LBS (maybe a lower ranked safety in the T15). I have nothing to do for the next 9 months other than prepare apps, so I'd try to submit a very refined personal statement
- With the extra time, I'd have the bandwidth to apply to a broad range of schools
- Demonstrate career momentum by killing it in my current job to get a solid promotion under my belt within the next 6 months (haven't gotten a promotion in this role yet)
- At the same time, build better relationships internally to get a strong LOR from current firm
- Have time to build stronger ECs / other leadership experiences
- Clarify post-MBA goals + network with programs (thinking about MBB, but also enjoyed M&A and MBB would be a complete pivot)
- I wouldn't have much time to demonstrate progress between R2 this year and R1 if I get dinged from programs that I apply to
- Travel, chill, and enjoy life in a remote job with 40-50 hr weeks
- Develop side hobbies and detach from career stress. Prioritize learning and development outside of work (language courses, fitness, etc.)
- I could probably even move overseas for a 3-6 month period if I wanted to
Cons of waiting until R1 / arguments in favor of applying R2:
- Not learning as much as I could be in another role, and I don't particularly enjoy the fully remote structure (it can be isolating, and as stated, learning / mentorship is difficult in a remote environment)
- Opportunity cost of staying a year in a job where I'm not building a strong skill set
- I'd be starting school at 29 vs. 28 (feel like 29 is getting a bit on the older side)
- I'm basically kicking the can down the road for another year and a half from now. Could be a positive if I decide to travel between Jan/Feb 2026 at the start of my program and embrace the lack of structure, but it seems like a long time to be bumbling along without much of a plan
- I may get dinged from H/W even with a fully baked app, so I should just apply to CBS now and do my best to get accepted there
I was thinking of applying solely to CBS this cycle since it only requires only one LOR and I wouldn't need to flag to my current employer that I'm applying. That said, in an ideal world, I'd like to shoot my shot at H/W (and hedge my bets with other school apps if I don't get into H/W or CBS), but it could be a waste of time waiting a year to apply to H/W-tier schools if I'm not going to be competitive for those programs in a year. I really wish I had the test done a month ago, but there's not much I can do about that.
Would appreciate any/all advice - is it worth waiting until next cycle or should I go for it now?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown of your situation and advice:
Reasons to Wait Until R1 Next Cycle:
Stronger Application Narrative:
Career Momentum:
Extracurriculars:
Broader Application Strategy:
Personal Development:
Age Factor:
Reasons to Apply R2 This Cycle:
CBS as a Target:
Opportunity Cost:
Risk of Kicking the Can:
Remote Work Challenges:
Recommendation:
Ultimately, the decision hinges on your priorities: whether you're content with CBS as your primary target or if you're willing to wait and aim higher.
Sources: Turning down HBS/GSB/Wharton for the Promote-Through, Wharton, Harvard, and Columbia, Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions, Having serious thoughts about B-school for the first time - can anyone offer any advice?, Q&A: Re-applying to MBB and getting an offer
If I were you I would wait for R1.
Gives you time to craft your story, network with current students and alumni, spend more time on your essays, get your recommenders better prepared, and work with your consultant.
Your stats and work experience are great. HBS and Wharton are within reach if you give yourself time to create a compelling application with the help of a consultant.
Additionally, if your extracurriculars are weak, start getting involved in some sort of volunteering leadership position ASAP. By taking some time to apply R1 you don’t have to embellish any on your application.
If you’re based in the northeast already, I would do a campus visit to each school you’re applying to. Getting boots on the ground is the best way to get a feel for the program and if you can picture yourself there.
Hope this helps.
Your Harvard dreams probably won’t happen. Nothing to do with you, but based on my sample of people I know who have applied, it’s a crap shoot even for great IB and PE candidates and the only ones who tend to get in are those that have some serious nepotism or employer in with a school. Your profile (in the eyes of admissions) looks comparatively weak—you don’t have a perfect gmat and/or the top top of finance prestige work experience.
I also want to acknowledge, you can’t let admissions people define your value. Their job is to pick risk averse picks and “shape a class” many of them couldn’t do an investment banking job and aren’t leaders. Don’t let them define your value or self esteem. I can personally attest that my friends who ended up at Harvard for their mba are not the sharpest individuals I know or even the most impressive. You really can’t get so caught up in it—it’s a path to learn not a stamp of self worth.
So with that, you are left with Wharton and Columbia. I think it’s really foolish to not include booth and Kellogg and mit as well. I know this forum says wait, but you want to get the mba done and move on with your life. The longer you wait the longer you delay life and advancing in a career or your post mba life.
The mba experience tends to be like summer camp where you build a little network within the program and it has its own social circles. All these programs you can learn a lot and they all will have future business leaders. Id look into flights from Chicago to NYC—they really aren’t bad. Like it’s a 3 hour flight. Especially if you are in an MBA, you can leave at 4pm and be at a dinner by 8pm. In terms of network, you can look at placements, but the simple truth is all these programs are exceptional and can allow you to reach near any industry if you have the right prior experience. People love to bash non H/S schools as impossible to land PE jobs and that just hasn’t been true from my experience. Great candidates are able to land great roles—just very few people with blue chip PE work experience go to non-H/S mba programs. They tend to think it’s beneath them even though based on my experience the ones that do are able to go wherever they want.
At this point MBA’s are more of a victory lap and vacation than a place for learning for many. If you flip that narrative and want it to be a place for learning instead of a victory lap, you will be amazed at the resources and opportunities.
Thanks man, I really appreciate the thoughtful response.
I also appreciate the candor, and as much as it pains my ego to write it, I agree completely that HBS is likely out of reach. I also agree that I should broaden my list to include other M7 programs.
Unfortunately, I have ~4 weeks until R2 deadlines, most of which hit between Jan 3rd and MIT on the 14th. I am confident that I do not have sufficient time to put together quality applications for all of those programs you listed, so I would need to prioritize, hence why I was considering putting all my eggs in the CBS basket (they only require one LOR and it's the program I feel most strongly about). Few more thoughts on that below:
1) I can't ask my current firm for a LOR, as I should be up for promotion in the next ~3 months. If I ask now, it may impact my promotion
2) I feel really really bad dumping a LOR request on my old boss given the upcoming holidays and the quick turnaround. I haven't spoken to him since leaving that firm 2 years ago, and I'm worried I could damage the fragile relationship with a last-minute "pls write my letter of rec"' request. The consultants I just spoke to suggested a 6 week to 2 month lead time to coach recommenders through the process, and the timeline I'm working with feels super rushed
3) If I submit half-baked apps in R2 and get dinged, I'm concerned that would reflect negatively on R1 apps next year
I hear you on the opportunity cost of waiting - I'm really concerned about that as well, which is why I feel so much urgency to apply now.
One thought I've had is that if I feel really sick of my current job post-holidays, I could potentially recruit for new corp dev roles in the spring, which would obviate the sense of stagnation in my current role. A move like that may be viewed unfavorably by adcoms, though, so I'd have to be careful with that.
Part of me also thinks that I need to have a more refined vision before going to school, and an extra year may help me refine that viewpoint. I'd need to be proactive with networking, rather than just sitting in my apt waiting for opportunities to come to me (vs. business school next year and opps falling in my lap). But there could be some value in "stagnating" for a year while I do my diligence on programs and other opportunities.
As you can see, I'm pretty indecisive. I know that the clock is ticking in the background, I'm just trying to collect as many datapoints as possible before moving one way or another.
Well in that case you kinda answered your question. I’d note two additional comments:
-round 3 exists for many of these schools you could shoot your shot with a few of them. I don’t think it would badly penalize you—reapplying the next year you can simply note the improvement was better dedication to the application process, but you wanted to take the chance on the low risk option of earlier acceptance.
-don’t sweat the extra years. Gotta enjoy the journey and realize no one is bench marking one year or another. Doing an MBA 1 year from now or this year isn’t going to dramatically alter your life.
OP here, wanted to circle back on this thread from '24 to provide you guys with an update. I thought all of your advice was spot on, and just wanted to close out the thread with a somewhat unexpected / positive update.
I sent in two rushed CBS and Booth applications shortly after writing this post and ended up being rejected by both programs without interview. I was incredibly disappointed by the outcome, but decided to redouble my efforts and applied again this year to the full set of M7 programs. Ended up getting accepted to H/S (among other M7s) and couldn't be happier with the result.
The takeaway for anyone reading this: always shoot your shot at the best schools, even if you don't think you're a competitive applicant (and importantly, don't be afraid to reapply). Based on my experience, I would strongly urge anyone going through the process to apply to the full set of M7 programs. All of these programs are optimizing for different class profiles, and you never know which ones your story may resonate with.
Also highly recommend getting a consultant if you have a complicated career narrative like mine (eg multiple job changes, layoffs, etc). I went from 0/2 last year applying by myself to 5/7 acceptances this cycle. It's definitely worth the 10-15k investment if you're serious about the process.
Congrats! I just got accepted into HBS despite being told my profile was too weak. Agreed with all your points. You never know which program will like you, and you'll have amazing career outcomes at any M7 (or even T10-T15) school.
That’s awesome! Congrats on the acceptance.
I gave the advice on the white friend getting in with a horrible LSAT score. There really is a lesson to be had that the only way to ensure luck doesn’t happen to you is refusing to play a hand.
Reapplying and applying to stretch schools are a cheap option. It’s always worth it. Don’t have imposter syndrome or a mentality that psyches yourself out from opportunity.
I have some different advice. It sounds like you aren’t really sure what you want to do in life
you should come up with an oddly specific vision: I want to run roll ups of midwestern gas stations in the $2-$5m range; I want to run a 100 person threat intelligence firm; I want to be a partner at an oil and gas investments firm
you then need to spend the next year interviewing as many people as possible to find out how they achieved that vision
use those stories to inform what you put in your applications
finally I would apply to all the M7 schools. I think kudos if you get to go to Harvard (I did and it was awesome) but honestly any of the schools outside Harvard will get you the same standard opportunities
Additional thought
If you wait for R1 next year then it’s 2 years a away; you will graduated 8.5 years out of undergrad
I think you need to hit the gas and get in this year if you can
despite the nonsense people say, careers are a race. You only have 40 years total and if you want to get to the top you need to make the most of every year
languishing for 18 more months in your current role doesn’t do much for you
We will agree to disagree on careers being a race—it’s a race to learn everyday, but outcomes come from taking career risk not climbing ladders more effectively.
Plenty of people who take a year to slow down to speed up. Careers are mad lumpy. Bezos completely flipped his career path at 30. Dalio only got going after ‘87 and flailed for his early years.
Languishing in a job is a disaster though. If you aren’t learning when you are in your 20s you are screwing up.
I’m going to a t10 this year and also work a remote job. I absolutely hate the isolation and feel like I’m wasting my 20s. Even waiting til this fall to start feels like a HUGE waste of my time. You can’t optimize for everything in life and there’s no reason to waste another year. Just apply. If you don’t get in, apply to more schools in the next round that you’d be cool with. With my stats I wasn’t supposed to get into my t10 and I ended up getting in with a huge scholarship. M7 is completely overrated. You’re not supposed to just chase prestige. Look at programs that you think will help you grow as a person and be a good fit. Fuck doing a “victory lap” at some random m7 just to slap a prestige badge on your LinkedIn. actually spend that time learning shit, making genuine friends and not half assing it
Thanks man, I appreciate the perspective. Do you not think ~4 weeks is too fast of a turnaround for LORs? I'm probably going to ask but I'm really concerned that I'll piss people off doing this before the holidays.
No man not at all, I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the response you get. Many schools use the same common LOR. Even the m7s that don’t, they’re usually very similar and it shouldn’t take long to craft recs. Also people feel flattered to be chosen to write recs, it makes them feel important and 9/10 times they’ll be glad you asked but I would ask immediately. I gave my recommenders a 1 pager with facts about me personally and professional accomplishments at work and deadlines for all the schools I was applying to to help them brainstorm quickly. You can’t write it for them but nothing wrong giving them a list of accomplishments and facts as a resource
Didn't have the scores / profile to get into Tuck, but I would take that 'T10' program over many of the lower ranked M7. Their alumni network bend over backwards for their own (especially if you want to stay in the Northeast post MBA).
Heck, one of the Tuckies I networked with recently (went to a lower ranked program) offered to help me out more than many of the alum I've been in touch with.
It sounds like you really only want to do the MBA if you get into the schools you want to go to. No one can fault you for that, so if I were you I’d retake the GRE, strengthen your app, hire the consultant and go all in on round 1.
You need to self-reflect on your post MBA goals and see if it's even worth it. I don't think people with your salary / job title should even consider an MBA (that's my opinion).
What was your scores / gre and schooling if you don’t mind me asking? I see you on a lot of threads and want to learn more about the mba.
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