Any difference between applying in R1 vs. R2?

Question

Is there any difference at all between applying in R1 vs. R2? Most schools claim that there isn't any difference, but in terms of scholarships and other things, are there any advantages to applying in R1 as opposed to R2?

3underscore · Answer

The earlier you apply, the more scholarships there will be that haven't been given out. Some schools may wait a while on this, but rolling admissions schools definitely have a difficulty in managing them.

milias · Answer

Thanks. I don't think any of the schools to which I'm applying has rolling admissions. Are there any other considerations aside from scholarship money that I should be aware of?

Gil · Answer

There are huge differences in my opinion.

1. When you apply in round 1, you know there's a round 2 in case things go wrong.
2. If you are waitlisted in round 1, you have one more shot of coming off the WL.
3. More scholarships are available to round 1 applicants.
4. If you get good offers in round 1, you can use them to negotiate funds from other schools which are no longer available during round 2.

The only reason to postpone filing the application to round 2, in my opinion, would be if your application would be much better in R2 (i.e., improving GMAT, not enough time to write and etc.).

2012dreams · Answer

i've heard there's really no difference either, and i'm not sure how applying and getting in somewhere in round one gives you leverage in round 2 when your deposit for the round 1 school is more than likely due before decisions are made for round 2.

i'm choosing to apply round 2 because i work for a smaller company and i do not want them to know almost a year before i would leave that i'm thinking about leaving. my company is not a MBA feeder, so the longer i can hold off on basically telling them i'm only here until june/july 2010, the better.

Gil · Answer

You have a very good reason to apply in round 2. I would add that to one of the cases where it may be better to apply in r2, but it doesn't negate the advantages of applying in round 1 that I mentioned.

Specifically, getting into a school in round 1 and then being admitted to another in round 2 can help you get money from the second school. I've seen it happen. You tell them you already paid the deposit for the first school and finances have become very important to you.

In fact, I personally got in off the waitlisted and got offered money when I told them I was going to a school that admitted me in round 1.

milias · Answer

Thank you. That's what I wanted to know.

MBAbot · Answer

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Any difference between applying in R1 vs. R2?

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