Round 3 MBA 2023 vs R1 2024

Welcome!

We are here to deal with the most debated topic- Round 3 vs Round 1- the best round to apply. As we know, the MBA Application for Round 3 for 2023 intake is around the corner and as it's the toughest round to get in, applicants are having a second opinion. Well, we got you! 😉

In order to understand which round of MBA Applications applicants should apply to, this article will provide interesting insights and factors that one can consider before deciding.

If you have gotten dinged in the last few rounds or need direction for your MBA applications, feel free to book a 1:1 session with our experts who are current students and alums of top B-Schools.

Now let’s begin!

Quick Snapshot

Say every coin has two sides. Whether you opt for round 3 or round 1, they both have their own pros and cons.

Schools do not want anyone to miss out on an opportunity because they could not apply for round 1 or round 2 by virtue of some circumstances; that is why they consider round 3. However, the acceptance rate is a major factor to weigh in, especially if you come from an over-represented background, and hence this article will help you evaluate your options in the best possible way.

Best scenarios to apply for Round 3 MBA deadlines?

When from the non-traditional category, for instance, a minority, military, or an entrepreneur, the candidate will have decent odds in round 3.

However, it's not to say that applicants with traditional backgrounds should not apply in Round 3 at all, but to set the expectations right, they will have a lower acceptance chance. With limited slots available, candidate must fine-tune their focus on schools where they’ll make a compelling impact over adcoms. A strong, well-thought-drafted application is critical. Candidates must ensure their academic profile aligns with the school’s average GMAT, GRE, and GPA. In addition to academic background, it's important that you factor in your post-MBA goals as well as community and cultural fit to the schools before applying.

Suggested Reading- 4C's of choosing the best B-Schools

Also, there will be some schools that are more favorable to certain candidates' backgrounds in Round 3. This will be a golden opportunity to make a remarkable impression in Round 3 would be easier for them.

Before beginning any application procedure for Round 3, ask these questions to yourself and think logically.

Do you believe your current score and profile will get you into your targeted school?

Can you devote the time required to build a strong application for Round 3?
Why could you not apply in Round 1 or Round 2? (B-Schools would like to know the reasoning behind you applying so late in the cycle)

Only If you have a satisfactory answer to all these questions, then we suggest you go for round 3.

We'd also suggest you take expert opinions from consultants, students, and alums.

If you'd like, you can book a 1:1 Free profile evaluation session with our experts (who are students and alums in the top 10 B-Schools) to get in-depth feedback on your chances in Round 3.

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Advantages of Round 3 MBA application?

1. The good news is tier 2 business schools have higher acceptance rates in Round 3. In this case, candidates who do not want to apply for round 1 MBA 2023 application might consider these business schools.

2. Time is money! You can build your profile and utilize the time to work on a project that can reflect your leadership, or you can consider retaking the GMAT again for a better score.

3. You can analyze the flaws of the first mover and turn the mistake into an opportunity by using your strengths.

If you want to build your brand in front of adcoms and struggling with questions related to the application on how to connect the dots in your essay. Check out our process involved in creating your brand.

Best colleges to apply for Round 3 MBA 2023 application

Name	Deadline	Acceptance Rate
Wharton	29 March 2023	17.4%
Kellogg School of Management	05 April 2023	6.7%
Chicago Booth School of Business	11 April 2023	29.6%
Dartmouth Tuck School of Business	27 March 2023	30%
Duke Fuqua School of Business	28 March 2023	27.8%
Michigan Ross School of Business	03 April 2023	24%
Virginia Darden	05 April 2023	22.2%
Yale School of Management	11 April 2023	10.5%
University of California Berkeley Haas	06 April 2023	40%
London Business School	27 March 2023	35.5%
Carnegie Mellon Tepper	12 March 2023	8%
MIT Sloan	11 April 2023	19,4%

Best scenarios to apply for Round 1 MBA 2023 deadlines?

We all know there is always an advantage as well as a disadvantage for the first mover. The advantage is that round 1 of applications generally has a smaller pool of candidates; hence, candidates have a better chance of being accepted. However, delaying from Round 3 to round 1 of the next intake can also mean losing one full year, the luxury of time that many applicants may not have.

Advantage of Round 1 applications -

You need to strategize your plan in a way that you can always stay ahead of your competition. To understand this, first consider why choosing round 1 is an advantage.

Round 1 MBA Application increases the chances of selection as no students have been admitted to the institutions till now, and the competition is relatively lower as most applications are not ready with their scores or applications.
It shows the confidence and seriousness that you have on your application that will create an impact on adcoms.
It shows b-schools as your first preference, which is also a small factor in creating an impression. They say one should not miss even the smallest of opportunities to mark an impression!

Successful Stories who applied in Round 3

Overall, whether to apply in Round 3 of the current intake or Round 1 of the next intake will depend greatly on your overall profile, background, and situation.

Free Profile Evaluation with students and alums of top B-schools