Profile Evaluation

MrMBA22:

Thanks for reaching out. I am happy to respond to your questions:

Q: Can I apply in Round 2 to top schools (Harvard/Wharton/Booth) or will it be better to go for these in Round 1? I am thinking to target lower ranked in Round 1 and go for a moonshot in Round 2. What are your thoughts?

A: You can most certainly apply to Round 2 to the top schools. There's no downside. If you go for the lower ranked schools in Round 1 (and get in to at least one) and then apply to higher schools in Round 2, you will have to deal with losing your deposit and any other upfront commitments if you end up getting in somewhere in Round 2. I just want you to be aware of that.

Q: If I go with Round 1 and Round 2 strategy, how should I manage deposits? For example, if I get an admit, do I have to pay deposit and assume it to be a sunk cost in case I get a better admit in Round 2?

A: Yes, it would be a sunk cost. That's the downside of this strategy. If that's a concern, you should do the opposite strategy. Go for the moonshot in R1 and then target lower-ranked schools in R2. Alternatively, you can do a hybrid and apply to some reach and target/safety in R1 and, depending on the results, do the same in R2.

Q: Any idea on which schools will be willing to give a full-ride or close to it to me?

A: I am sorry but for the schools on your list I don't see it happening. You may get some money from NYU (assuming you get in), but that's really about it. If you really want a full-ride or close to it, you need to expand your list to include lower-ranked schools.

Good luck!