gpb14 wrote:
I've got a few questions for the current students (or anyone else who may know). I originally intended to apply in R1 but don't think I'll have a solid application ready in time. Can you guys help me with the following questions:
1) Stern's website says R1 applicants are given priority consideration to merit scholarships. How much of an advantage do they have? For example, are 75% of scholarships typically awarded to R1 applicants?
2)Is there an advantage to applying earlier in R2 (e.g., December 1 vs. January 15)? I'm still confused by Stern's concept of rolling admissions. Do they review earlier applications first, or do they simply render decisions on a rolling basis (regardless of when you submitted)?
Thanks!
1). Of students with Stern scholarships I talked to, all of them received them in R1. I think Stern gives the majority of the scholarships out in R1 partly because R2 is so late in the year and they need to be competitive with other schools so if you are applying in R2 you will need to be really good or really lucky to get one. I would encourage you to apply in R1 if at all possible.
2). What I have been told was that no applications are looked at until the deadline for that round. I know that is the case for R1, but not as sure about R2. I seem to recall someone last year getting an interview invite for R2 before the R2 deadline, but I that person had someone "important" (no idea who) call the school. I would recommend contacting the admissions office for a definitive answer. I am fairly sure they will say they do not review apps until after the deadline.
Class of 2013 Sternie here. Regarding scholarships, a number of people including myself got ours in R2. The common pattern seems to be really high GMAT scores like at least higher than 730, not necessarily impressive backgrounds. I would say Stern is very generous with scholarships and if you want to get one, either 1) apply early or 2) ace the GMAT.