Apply R2 or R3?

Question

Need your help here guys.

Background: CSC undergrad, working in business development in a fairly huge company here for 2 years with many awards and mentorship experience, have done many internships, passion projects, and a part-time to aim towards my goal of getting into the entertainment business.

I scored a 540 on my GMAT (please don't judge, family passing affected my results). I will be writing my GRE on 24th January since my mock was comparably better and I'm confident I can get much a higher score than the GMAT. Just that I'll be writing it after the R2 deadlines.

Given the schools I'm applying to are okay with accepting an updated score post the R2 deadline, do you suggest that I do that and apply in R2 or apply in R3 after receiving my GRE score? I'm in a huge dilemma over here so any inputs would be greatly appreciated.

MyMBAPath · Answer

All things being equal, it's always better to apply in R2 than R3. This is even more true if your schools accept test updates.

My usual advice about R2 vs R3 is here: https://www.mymbapath.com/insights/how- ... tion-round

MBAGuide · Answer

Hi  rollingtides  hope this finds you well

The key here is to consider how soon after the R2 deadline you can submit an update to the school on your improved score GMAT/ GRE. If the schools feel that your submitted GMAT score is far below average for your target audience and your profile is not strong enough, they may not wait before rejecting you. For this reason, you should apply when you feel your entire application is in top shape.

Without knowing what schools are in consideration here, it is not feasible to give a clear answer.

Best wishes

Admissionado · Answer

rollingtides : You need to check each school's policy. Several will not accept a GRE/GMAT score after the deadline. That would be unfair to other candidates and to the AdCom that needs to follow a strict timeline for reviewing all completed applications. You have a few options here: (1) Apply in R2 and retake the GMAT to have in case you are put on a waitlist (that's when an updated GMAT/GRE score can matter). Given your low score, I wouldn't advise this. It will make a potential reapplication strategy challenging unless you go for an entirely different set of schools next year. (2) Apply R3. I don't advise this given the limited seats available and the uncertainty of your next GMAT attempt. (3) Apply R1 of next year. It sounds like you are on the younger side compared to other applicants. What's the rush? You are better off putting forward a stronger application in R1 than a weaker one in R2/R3. We're here to help, so please reach out if we can be of additional assistance. https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/ Admissionado

Apply R2 or R3?

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