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FROM Jones(Rice) Admissions Blog: Admissions Deadlines: What do they mean? |
![]() Katie Radcliffe Associate Director of Admissions With the Round 1 application deadline two weeks behind us, you may be wondering what to make of all of these dates. Here are my answers to some frequently asked questions about deadlines: Q: Are the application deadlines the same for all three MBA programs (Full Time, MBA for Professionals and MBA for Executives)? A: Applications to the Full Time MBA program are evaluated in four decision rounds. This means that, based on when you submit your completed application package, your application will be evaluated in the corresponding round. Applicants to the MBA for Professionals and MBA for Executives programs are evaluated on a rolling basis. This means that the evaluation process will begin immediately when your application package is complete, regardless of when you submitted. Q: What do the decision dates mean? A: As Full Time applications are evaluated in rounds, each round comes to an end on the corresponding decision date. All applicants to the Full Time program will be made aware of their admissions decision on the same day--the decision date--by phone call or email. For example, if you have submitted your complete application package on or before Monday, January 5th, 2015, you will receive your admissions decision on Friday, February 27th, 2015 (and not a day sooner). Applicants to the MBA for Professionals and MBA for Executives program will be made aware of their admissions decision roughly 4-6 weeks after they have submitted all of their application materials. Q: I will not be able to submit one or two parts of my application before the deadline. Can I still be considered in the current decision round? A: With rare exception, a Full Time MBA applicant will only be considered in the current round if their completed application, essays, resume, transcripts, letters of recommendation, GMAT or GRE scores, and optional video have been submitted on or before the corresponding deadline. If you have an extenuating circumstance that will prevent you from submitting an application material by the deadline for the round in which you wish to be considered, please let us know. We are more than happy to advise you on any unique situations regarding your application materials. You can reach us at +1 (713) 348-6154 or [email protected]. Applications to the MBA for Professionals and MBA for Executives programs are evaluated on a rolling basis, so it is not necessary for applicants to adhere to the published deadlines. The application deadlines are there to provide you with some parameters when thinking about this process. Q: Can I submit other parts of my application package before actually submitting my online application? A: Yes. You may submit your application materials in any order you wish. When we receive a piece of your application (e.g. letter of recommendation, GMAT score, optional video), we will start a folder for you, which will be held until the rest of your materials are submitted and your application package is complete. Your application will then be evaluated in the current round (Full Time applicants), or will begin the evaluation process immediately (MBA for Professionals and MBA for Executives applicants). Q: The application package requires several materials and feels a bit overwhelming. Where should I start? A: You may start wherever you feel most comfortable. However, if you are looking for guidance, we recommend starting with GMAT or GRE preparation. These entrance exams are given in a unique format and can be tricky if you are unfamiliar with them. Start studying early (we recommend at least 100 hours of study) so that you can take the exam feeling prepared, and allow yourself enough time to retake it if you feel that your score does not accurately reflect your abilities. Scores are valid for five years and we will only consider your highest score when evaluating your application. Once you are satisfied with your GMAT or GRE score, decide who will write your letter(s) of recommendation and ask them. Allowing as much time as possible for your recommender(s) to submit their letter will show that you respect their time, are serious about getting your MBA, and will generally put them in a better mood than if they were asked at the last minute. Q: I didn't apply in Round 1...do I have any chance of being admitted? A: YES! The Admissions Committee values fit with the Rice MBA Class of 2017 over any other criteria, including timing of submission. Students are admitted and awarded merit-based scholarship in all four rounds. We will never "run out of space" for qualified applicants who have proven that they will be an asset to their Rice MBA class. Q: I am an international applicant...do I need to apply earlier? A: Applications from prospective international students are accepted in all four rounds and are evaluated according to the same timeline as domestic applicants. While international applications are still accepted and evaluated in the later rounds, we recommend submitting your application in the earlier rounds if possible. Securing student visas, funding, housing, and generally adjusting to the idea of moving to another country can take longer for international students. Applying early will ease the transition process, but only if you feel that your application represents the best and most accurate picture of your abilities. Q: When is the best time to apply? A: Whenever you feel that your application package best reflects your abilities. Take the time to put together a quality application and then submit it as soon as you can. Having a timely admissions decision can only help you get a jump start on planning the next two years of your life. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 |