Explaining R3 Apps?

Question

Hey guys. I'm submitting a round 3 application to Wharton (which is probably just a waste of time). And I'm wondering, should I use the 5th optional essay to explain why I submitted in the last round and not earlier? Or should I just not bring it up at all?

fluidian · Answer

The schools explicitly tell you that the third round is tough, but Wharton at least claims that there will be space available for exceptional applicants. That said, if the essay makes you sound more exceptional, then do it...you're still in a situation where you need to differentiate yourself, so make that a priority. Every applicant can probably tell some kind of story for why R3...so unless you have something great, I'd probably skip it. My concern is that such an essay could easily come off as either complaining, trying to justify laziness, or getting dinged elsewhere. If you're positive you're not going to communicate those things, you might be ok...otherwise skip it.

Jerz · Answer

I can only think of a few situations where using the optional essay to explain applying in R3 would help you. We're talking things like "I was in a remote region of Nepal with the NGO I founded building schools for orphan children and had no access to the internet, telephone or FedEx from June 2008 until after the R2 deadline". Other than that, attempting to justify why you are applying in a later round would likely come off negatively so I'd avoid it.

domtri33 · Answer

No excuse. Wharton expects preparedness and creativity. Can you say carrier pigeons?

alank19 · Answer

No I certainly don't have anything that would make me seem exceptional in that regard. I just feel like thats something the adcom would wonder about, especially at Wharton. But I guess you're right, I don't have anything that would impress them so I think I'll skip it.

Also, do you guys know if they save a percentage of seats for every round like Stern? Or is it a more straight forward first come, first serve basis with all the seats being potentially filled in the first round like UNC?

sajal09 · Answer

"I was in a remote region of Nepal with the NGO I founded building schools for orphan children and had no access to the internet, telephone or FedEx from June 2008 until after the R2 deadline". quote] I would like to mention that even in remote Nepal, there is internet and telephone available - btw, haven't you heard of high-speed internet in Everest base camp? (which for me was a first-hand experience) :-)

I do get the point though. Don't use the optional essay unless your reasons are truly exceptional!

Explaining R3 Apps?

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