R1, R2, R3 By when should you apply

Dear MBA Aspirants,

The round 1 deadlines are round the corner. The pressure is palpable. There is a long list of tasks that need your attention. It seems just never ending. Maybe a small voice inside you would say, "Don't worry, you still have 2-3 more rounds for the applications. Do it at your own pace". For others who are not aiming for R1 at all, the story would not be very different when the R2 deadline is round the corner, your procrastination would want you to delay till R3.

To understand how colleges really evaluate students, I went through college admission requirements from over 20 colleges. One thing that I found common (in over 80% of the case) is that colleges strongly recommend you to apply sooner rather than later. For international students specifically, R3 deadline makes little to no sense. Why is that so? There are 3-4 rounds of applications. Shouldn't I just apply in either one and be fine? Well I doubt that this thought process would be very helpful. Here are my thoughts on what round should one aim for. -

1. Majority of good colleges clearly mention that international students must apply no later than R2 for providing sufficient time for I20 and visa processing etc.

2. MBA is a fairly costly affair. As an R1 or even R2 admit, you would have sufficient time to apply for almost all scholarships (Most scholarships have a deadline prior or close to R3 deadline)

3. Think from college's point of view. They face a stiff competition and are eager to not lose out on good candidates waiting for better candidates. One in hand is worth two in bush, applies as much to colleges as to the students.

4. Over time, colleges have been receiving a larger number of applicants in R2 than in R1, thus increasing the competition in R2. Additionally from my experience as a Stanford admit, the total number of students admitted in R1 alone, made around 50% of total class strength. Moreover, a close friend - a recent Wharton graduate - was waitlisted after applying to HBS in R2. A possible speculation here was that the admissions team may have admitted someone with a similar profile in R1 and had waitlisted my friend just in case that person dropped out. While this speculation may be wrong, it does haunt her still.

5. Say you were too ambitious or too safe in R1 and hence made it to none of the great colleges or made it to all average colleges. You still have R2 to change your strategy for school selection and pivot as per the R1 results. This way you would not end up delaying your MBA by another year. Your R1 results can help you prepare better in R2.

6. Don't forget to read carefully whether a college has rolling admissions - the college will review your application on first come first served basis. In this case again, sooner the better.

Finally, applying in an earlier round will give you a definite edge. That said, it would be of little use to rush through your application without putting in your best. All I am suggesting is for you to push yourself further to be bring in your best at an earlier deadline. There are 2 months for R1 application deadline. With good strategy, time management and dedication, you will achieve your dreams. Alll the best!!