Does the 3rd round lower your chances of getting in?

Question

Hi,

I am an Indian Male who wants to pursue MiM from a European University(Fall 22 intake).

I haven't taken the GMAT or the IELTS yet. I also haven't started working on my SoP yet. (Have been preparing for the GMAT for a month though)
I may seem like a lost cause but I really want to start in September 2022.

Most unis are closing their 2nd rounds in the first week of January.

My question is, what do you people recommend? Should I rush through my GMAT and SoP and try to make the 2nd round, or should I wait, prepare more and apply in the 3rd round?

I am worried because I have heard that it is really rare to get in through rounds after the 2nd round.

Thanks and I wish you luck!

tanu11 · Answer

3rd round is considered risky to apply.
The earlier you apply the better it is!
i would say do both the gmat and the sop asap but do not comprise the quality of your sop and aim for a high gmat score.

AnirudhaS · Answer

Earlier the better. That being said there wouldn't be a third round if the schools didn't accept any in the third. All the best!

AndrewN · Answer

Hello,  IshaanGanoo . I agree with what has been written above in both posts. Some articles for further consideration, written by some of the same admissions folks who are on this site:

1) The Economist— Link

2) Stacy Blackman Consulting— Link

3) Gyanone— Link

All of the above articles indicate that while gaining admission to  US schools  tends to be much more difficult in round 3, the admissions game works a little differently with European programs. If you want to give it a shot, I say why not?

Good luck.

- Andrew

Does the 3rd round lower your chances of getting in?

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