Round 2 or wait until next year?

Question

Hi All,

I have a quick question...I am not taking the GMAT until mid September, and I was wondering if it would be wise to apply next year rather then apply for round 2?

I am only 24 years old btw and I have 2 and a half years of work experience so far, so perhaps it would be better to apply next year rather then feeling rushed?

Thanks in advance!

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hey there,

That's a great question. So on one hand, if you take the test in mid-September and crush it (fingers crossed!) then no, R2 applications wouldn't be rushed. You'd have ~ 2 - 3 months with deadlines spanning early Dec to early Jan. However, that said, if your next year is going to be great for your professional and personal development, I think waiting might be a good idea. That way you'll be a stronger applicant, still young, and getting things in R1!

Bhavik

ka0110 · Answer

Q 1What is the yield percentage of decent business schools (Lets say, Ranked 15-50) round wise, how many students get admitted in round 1, then round 2 and so on ?
Q 2 Possible criteria for getting into a round 2 or round 3 in a decent business school in US or Europe ?

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Round one and round two are pretty similar. All things being equal, applicants are slightly better off applying in round one but there is not a very big difference (US based round one/two where round two deadlines are early January). It is important to apply when your application is perfect and ready to submit. Round three is more challenging and the odds of getting in during round three are not as good. Every year people apply and get in round three, but it is certainly harder than either rounds one or two.

Perhaps give me more background info (age, # yrs experience, stats, target schools) and I can help further. Good luck!

Best,
Scott

ARINGO · Answer

This question is highly personal and must fundamentally come down to how you feel. You can also play with our free MBA chances estimation calculator. However I may be able to offer some advice which I hope will assist you in your decision.
Since those that apply during the first round tend to be seen as more serious about the program as they have been planning in advance, there is often a higher admission rate for first round applicants. However, this is not always the case and some programs are less attentive to this.
A concern regarding second round applicants is that the pool is bigger, the highest number of applicants apply in this round, so your chances may be lower. Also, at some universities priority on the wait list is given to first round applicants.
Rushing your application may also have a negative impact on your admission rate. It is advised to take time constructing the essays and preparing yourself for the interview. Not allowing adequate time for both of these may not showcase your capabilities to the admission officers. You want to be able to give the very best reflection of you.
The average age for full-time MBA students is 28, so even if you were to start next year, you would certainly still be younger than the average student.
Whilst I feel this decision is personal and must ultimately be made by you, please take these factors into account whilst making your decision.

All in all, I think you should concentrate on the GMAT, build up another 6 months of work experience and apply “properly” next year, round 1. We would be happy to give you a free chances estimation and you can contact us on www.ARINGO.com (although, I think it is best you do this after your GMAT)
Good luck.

Round 2 or wait until next year?

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