A note from
Stratus Admissions Director of MBA Admissions Susan Cera on how Covid19 will impact MBA Admissions this year:
As the world is facing great uncertainty and things are changing day to day, so is the 2019-2020 MBA admissions cycle. Now, MBA admissions committees are working diligently to respond, preparing for the possibility that many international students may be unable to get visas and be present on the first day of classes this fall. While this may surprise you, this means that in the 15 years that I’ve been involved in MBA admissions, there has never been a better time to submit a Round 3 (or even Round 4) application.
Let’s do some math here. Consider Columbia Business School (CBS) with an August entry cohort of ~550 which is typically comprised of ~45% international students. If one quarter of the international students can’t get their student visas, CBS might be looking to fill ~60 seats that will be left vacant by students who need to defer for a year.
Many top MBA programs have extended their Round 3 deadlines, introduced additional rounds or rolling admissions after Round 3 and/or are offering flexibility with respect to timing for submitting test scores.
While there are a lot of unknowns across all aspects of life right now, there is one thing that I know for certain. If you don’t apply to your dream MBA program, you WILL NOT be accepted. Here are five reasons you should consider applying in Round 3.
1) You Came up Empty Handed in Rounds 1 and 2. Perhaps you shot for the stars in Rounds 1 and 2 and don’t have an acceptance letter in hand. While there will likely be a lot of wait list movement in the months to come, wouldn’t you like to KNOW that you can be heading to business school this fall? What were the next schools on your list?
2) You Are Already Planning to Apply This Fall. If you have your target test score and have started figuring out your strategy to apply later this year, it might make sense to accelerate your timeline. Why wait until December to find out if you might be starting a program in the summer of 2021? You could be sitting in class before you even thought you would submit your applications.
3) You are Uncertain About Your Job. With unemployment applications at an all-time high, everyone is wondering if their position and paycheck will be secure in the weeks and months to come. If you aren’t sure where you stand, maybe it makes sense to apply to business school now. Being a student during a down economy is a great way to "ride out" a recession and re-emerge with enhanced skills, knowledge and a broader and deeper network.
4) You Have Test Anxiety. I’ve worked with many clients who perform incredibly well on practice tests only to freeze up when they enter a testing center. Both ETS and GMAC are working toward flexible testing options which should be available in April. Imagine taking the GMAT or GRE from the comfort of your own home. This may be just what it takes to get the score you KNOW you are capable of. Furthermore, many MBA programs have extended the testing deadline to accommodate applicants whose testing plans have been disrupted.
5) You Weren’t Able to Visit Schools. You may have thought that it didn’t make sense to submit applications until you set foot on campus. Since most campuses are closed, you are not as disadvantaged as in other years for not having sat in on classes or gone on a tour. Many programs have switched gears very quickly and are offering online information sessions, chats with students and virtual tours. Now you can do your research from the comfort of your own couch.
There are many candidates for whom Round 3 applications make sense. Others may not be quite ready. Not sure if applying in Round 3 is right for you?
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