Question on B-School Application Rounds

Question

Hi, New to the forum here. I am also new to the B-School application process, but am considering giving a first shot at applying to B-schools this fall. I have a few questions which I will progressively post, and would appreciate it if the experts on this forum can answer

Right now, I have a question on B-School application rounds. Many schools have multiple (4) rounds of applications, and then rolling applications after that. What is the difference between, say, round 1 and round 2? Is it mainly a way for admissions committee to access # of admit spots available progressively through the application year? I would assume it is advantageous to submit before round 1 deadline since admitted spots decrease from round to round, correct? Is there any advantage in, say, waiting to submit application in round 3 and 4? Finally, assuming you are targeting round 2 deadline, is it possible to start/submit part of the application material during round 1? Thanks in advance for reply!

highhopes · Answer

I think it's mainly a way for admissions staffs to spread their workload more evenly. Luckily for them since some people are born procrastinators and others are born planners, it distributes the load okay.

For schools with three rounds, the third round will have very few spots, while the first two rounds will probably admit roughly the same number of folks. Applying round 1 is probably more peace of mind for the applicant than anything else. Everyone will tell you to just submit when you think your app is the best. If you can get it done in time, might as well go for it (you'll get your decision earlier), if not, might as well go for round 2.

For schools with four rounds, generally you're okay applying in round three still from a probability perspective, though you won't get your decision until late spring.

tmino · Answer

Try to aim for R1 and apply to your top choices. Then, should things not go as planned you have R2 to apply to back up schools. Always avoid R3 (or R4 where applicable). Even for schools with 4 rounds I'd still avoid R3. Often, after R1 & R2 2/3 of the seats will be gone, with 1/3 left between R3 & R4.

Some more stuff on rounds:
https://www.skoolix.com/MBA-Admission-Re ... hentoapply

Good luck!

asimov · Answer

The general feeling regarding application rounds that all except the last round have fairly equal chance. My view on the rounds is that R1 is a trial round and may offer some advantage. Since the quality and volume of applicants have been increasing, school does not have a good feel the year's application at R1.

School can over or under estimate the quality/volume in R1.

1) If the school underestimate in R1, a less qualified applicant can in theory get accepted.   Advantage applicant.

2) If the school overestimates in R1, I believe it still take the conservative approach and waitlist the applicant when in doubt. The applicant is then re-evaluated in later rounds, thus compared with a more complete picture.   In this case, the applicant is not disadvantaged.

Thus, in my opinion,  it's better to apply early if possible . However, this does not mean you can cut corners for R1. You still need to put together the best possible application. If you believe that your later application (not last round) will be much better, you should apply later.

Question on B-School Application Rounds

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