Awaiting promotion - R1 Vs R2 ?

Question

Hello All,

Currently Assistant Manger, I have a slight chance of getting promoted to Manager by this year-end. I was targeting R1 deadline, but such a scenario tempts to push my submissions to R2.

I am a 26 year old Indian Male having 3 years work-ex of in a global financial institution (analytics / data consulting role) and a year of work-ex in a global Travel company (As software engineer). Extra-curricular side is decent enough. Targeting top 10 US schools.

My only motivation in applying in R1 is that, given I am in an over-represented group of applicants, I would stand the best chance of admit in R1.  Is there any truth in the myth that applying in R1 offers the best chance of admit for an applicant in an over-represented group?  I haven't even started with my applications, but I might manage to pull off till R1 deadline. Though at the risk of being a half-baked one.

If I wait till R2, will the promotion to a Manager role really add further value and fill in the gaps in my application ? Is it worth waiting ? Cant I pin down the leadership side of things in my current role- Assistant Manager ?

Finally, considering all facts, which Round will be a wise choice?

Really appreciate any help on this.

jeffreyadcom · Answer

By the time you get to the MBA admission interviews, your promotion would be in place or you can confidently say that is happening. ADCOMs would be interested in what you do in the new manager role, for atleast 2 years, to reach the next level.

The fact that you are getting promoted shortly, is a testimony to what you have achieved over the years, and is enough to add heft to your application package.  Apply for R1  Less crowd compared to R2. Ping me if you need any assistance.

Admissionado · Answer

"Is there any truth in the myth that applying in R1 offers the best chance of admit for an applicant in an over-represented group? "

Very little. Round 1 and 2 tend to be about balanced in terms of chances

R.e. your promotion, a promotion is always helpful, especially if it means: more leadership. Now do you have to WAIT to tell the AdCom you will get a promotion? I don't think so. Usually you wont have time to have done that much. And applying R1 is preferable for other reasons (mostly to do with timing) And anyhow if your promotion is guaranteed, you can write about it anyway!

Best,
JF

agbsharma · Answer

Thanks jeffretadcom and Jon.

The dilemma here is that my promotion isn't time-bound. I am likely to get promoted by this year-end. However, this chance will fall drastically once my manager / senior leadership gets to know that I am applying for my masters (in R1). In such a case, can I still write this in my essay / tell Adcom of my imminent promotion ?

Additionally, if I get promoted and apply in R2, can I write / talk about a role in which I have hardly spent a few couple of months. Do they ask the time of last promotion, and are they able to cross-check this ?

Thanks.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

I prefer R1 for overrepresented groups as it allows candidates a chance to reevaluate their plans for R2 if R1 does not work out. It seems like R1 may be a rush for you with some schools so you may want to prioritize a few schools for R1 and see how things shake out prior to R2. A promotion matters so this will give you a chance to maybe play both sides

ABatExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hi  agbsharma ,

Thanks for your query ☺

We would definitely recommend that you must definitely apply in R1, especially if you have your GMAT, research, and story boarding in place. As they say, the sooner the better! ☺ Besides, should things not work to your advantage in R1, you always have R2 to consider.

While a promotion is important, we don’t recommend that you delay the applications process for the same. You could always mention your leadership skills through a different lens. ☺

We suggest that you consolidate your existing strengths and achievements and work towards preparing a stellar application ☺

Should you feel the need for a detailed discussion, please let us know.

All the best!

MBADecoder · Answer

I think if your promotion gets stalled because you plan to apply for MBA and will likely leave the company, you should either look for a person different than your supervisor for recommender, or you should wait for the promotion to come through (by year end) before you apply.

agbsharma · Answer

Thank you all.

The concern is that I won't be able to put my best foot forward till R1. My only motivation in applying in R1 is that I am targeting top 10 schools, and as someone in an over-represented group and with a pretty average profile, I feel R1 might be the best shot to punch above my weight.

Seen a number of batch mates with average profiles make it through ambitious schools in R1. This tempts me to go with a not so 100% ready app for R1, and the fear to avoid R2.

Appreciate any further help on this.

Awaiting promotion - R1 Vs R2 ?

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