2nd round applications still feasible now? - CBS, HBS, SGSB

Hey -

Do you think it is still feasible to do the applications for CBS, HBS and SGSB for the second round? Would have full-time availability until end of Dec to prepare them as well as the GMAT.

Are the odds ip for CBS significantly lower when choosing the regular vs the early decision?

Thank you

7 Comments
 

All depends on the GMAT my friend. You can do your essays and the actual apps in 2-3 weeks if you put your mind to it (though you should start drafting essays now). It's not worth starting until you get a benchmark on the GMAT though.

As indicated, you'll also want to give your recommendation providers plenty of time. I'd give them 2 months and tell them they have 6 weeks. It will probably get pushed to the last minute.

 
Best Response

Kind of depends on how strong your stats are.. if you have a great profile (fancy undergrad and employer) that makes you an obvious fit for these schools, you can do it in 3 months (you can do well enough on GMAT after 1-2 months of study and throw applications together in a month). However, in order to really have your "best" application, I think the process takes at least 6 months, which includes 2-3 months studying for the GMAT, plus plenty of time to think about what you want to do post-MBA, sufficiently research and visit schools, talk to current students pursuing same post-MBA career, develop your story, write your essays, obtain recommendations, re-address/edit essays 2-3 weeks after writing them, etc.

You can do it, but I'm not at all envious of the tough/stressful next 3 months you're going to have.

And yes, much better to apply to CBS in early decision. But throwing in an unsuccessful 2nd round app this year then applying ED next year isn't bad either. As long as you show some sort of significant profile improvement in your reapplication, it could help to be unsuccessful this year.

 

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