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abhicoolmax
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R1 vs R2 Updated on: 11 Jul 2011, 15:45
Originally posted by abhicoolmax on 11 Jul 2011, 15:44.
Last edited by abhicoolmax on 11 Jul 2011, 15:45, edited 1 time in total.
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This year I am applying in few of the Top 10 schools.

* Am 28 yrs now (will be 29 by next fall)
* Have been working in Software Engineering in US for 5+yrs - in my 1st job! It will be ~6yrs by the time I apply. Ohh, I feel old now :-S
* Did my undergrad from IIT Bombay with 9.11 CGPA (out of 10 of-course) in EE.
* Hoping to crack 750 in GMAT, else f'ed! (Hoping to be done with it in the next month!)

In short, pretty average profile, I guess!

Question 1:
Should I fight hard to submit my applications in the R1 of some of these schools given that I will have < 2month till R1 deadline after my GMAT?
OR,
Should I forget about R1 all together and take more time to concertize my resume, essays, recos. etc. and the apply in the R2 instead?
What is a better strategy for me, given my relatively mediocre (I think!) background.

Question 2:
Experts here, please give me any advice(s) that could escalate my chances this year?
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startsnowing
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R1 vs R2 11 Jul 2011, 15:45
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you can target round 1 and then only submit if you are ready. truthfully that's a decision you can make the day before!!
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abhicoolmax
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R1 vs R2 11 Jul 2011, 16:36
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startsnowing
you can target round 1 and then only submit if you are ready. truthfully that's a decision you can make the day before!!
Show more

My main concern is the timing. I guess I want to ask, whether R1 will increase my chance over R2 ? Like I know that R3 is virtually drawn dead for my profile. I am curious whether, in general, it is easier to get into R1 than to R2 for an applicant with normal profile like me.

My current plan is to apply in my "lowest" priority schools in R1 and then to apply in my "highest" priority schools in R2; As by R2 I will be more confident with the whole process. I might be wrong in my thinking and I don't know if this is the right plan - I am hoping for some experts' advice here!
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R1 vs R2 11 Jul 2011, 17:16
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Why do you think your background is mediocre? From the looks of it you have a great GPA. That alone won't get you in to a school but it definitely won't be a weakness to overcome. Do you think you need to have found a cure for cancer to get in? I'm confused about what makes you feel you don't have a good chance.
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R1 vs R2 11 Jul 2011, 17:56
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cheetarah1980
Why do you think your background is mediocre? From the looks of it you have a great GPA. That alone won't get you in to a school but it definitely won't be a weakness to overcome. Do you think you need to have found a cure for cancer to get in? I'm confused about what makes you feel you don't have a good chance.
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I have heard that Top school look at many things. I don't know if I have everything it takes; actually I don't even what it takes. I have lead teams in my company but don't have a role of a manager at work first-of-all. Secondly, and perhaps my biggest fear, I have heard schools also see if you have lead a group/groups "outside work" like some social service community. I have never been involved in any social service activity. Moreover, since I came to US right after I got my undergrad degree, it took me sometime to make my existence here. Apart from with co-workers and few of the meetup groups, I am not involved in significant extra-curricular activities. Although during my undergrad, I was very active in extra-curricular activities - have **** load of stuff to quote - BUT that's past (5+ yrs ago!), who cares? I have heard that they are looking for individuals who can lead their extra-curricular clubs in their school, and network and participate in other activities. I know I am very extrovert person, but I just don't have many achievements "outside work" that I can quote to prove! Although in past 3 years, I have joined a bunch meetup groups that do many activities but I don't lead any of those groups. That's why "I think" mine is a mediocre profile overall - despite great academics and great progression/role at work so-far, I am not sure how to project a niche. They will more likely choose one with a failed startup and not so good acads/current work, than me, no?
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fedexunledded
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R1 vs R2 11 Jul 2011, 22:46
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abhicoolmax
startsnowing
you can target round 1 and then only submit if you are ready. truthfully that's a decision you can make the day before!!

My main concern is the timing. I guess I want to ask, whether R1 will increase my chance over R2 ? Like I know that R3 is virtually drawn dead for my profile. I am curious whether, in general, it is easier to get into R1 than to R2 for an applicant with normal profile like me.

My current plan is to apply in my "lowest" priority schools in R1 and then to apply in my "highest" priority schools in R2; As by R2 I will be more confident with the whole process. I might be wrong in my thinking and I don't know if this is the right plan - I am hoping for some experts' advice here!
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If you're an international applicant, then you should apply in R1 or R2. R3 is very selective and most schools would have already offered admission for a fairly large percentage of the incoming class. Also, getting documentation in order if you're accepted in R3 can be a challenge.
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abhicoolmax
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R1 vs R2 12 Jul 2011, 05:34
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fedexunledded

If you're an international applicant, then you should apply in R1 or R2. R3 is very selective and most schools would have already offered admission for a fairly large percentage of the incoming class. Also, getting documentation in order if you're accepted in R3 can be a challenge.
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Thanks for your advice fedex. Yeah, R3 is NOT an option for me. I am looking forward to 1-2 application in R1 and 3-4 in R2. Hopefully I can prepare 4-6 in ~4.5-5 months time.

Izvos
try the article Admissions Myths Destroyed: Round 1 Is Everything
https://izvos.com/admissions-myths-destr ... verything/
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Thanks Izvoz. Great article. Thanks for sharing. That helps!