Can you please explain to me why people apply in R2 and R3?

Question

It looks like there's an advantage to applying in R1. Why wouldn't I submit *all* of my applications in R1? Is it a financial concern about application fees? Is it a concern about having to go on 20 interviews? Am I missing something?

TheIvyLeagueEdge · Answer

1) Ever heard of "Procrastination"? 
2) What about the feeling of, "If I wait for 2 more months, and include the promotion in Jan in my application, it will look so good"?
3) Or the, "I need to do these X, Y & Z before I will be totally ready"?
4) For a lot who have not yet taken their GMATs by Dec, they spend a lot of time just "preparing better" for their GMATs...

Truth be told, there may be a million reasons to avoid hitting the "submit" button just yet, but a financial or real advantage is really the farthest from any such advantages.

redalertmba · Answer

For some schools (i.e. Ross), the acceptance rate is higher than at R1, i.e. 30% vs 40%...which is a substantial difference.

TheIvyLeagueEdge · Answer

Since you haven't quoted your source for this information, I assume this is from forums like gmatClub & P&Q. Try to avoid problems with bad sampling when you pick information.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

I would gather that it is more of a timing thing, in the sense that many applicants are not ready to apply in R1. Some will aim for R1 but because of the GMAT, reccs, or incomplete apps that they push back to R2. Some just decide late and hurry up to make R2 to avoid R3. Everyone's reason is different, but if you have your application package ready to go for R1, it makes sense to submit as it affords you maximum flexibility with your admissions strategy

Can you please explain to me why people apply in R2 and R3?

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