To apply through The Consortium, or not?

Question

I am debating on whether or not I want to apply to USC - Marshall and Tepper through The Consortium's common application... or just to submit their school's application. As my first choice for schools is USC, I don't want to appear lazy or anything by applying using the Consortium's common application. I will, nevertheless, be completing the Consortium's application to apply to some other schools. Does anyone have any advice on which route would be the most beneficial for admission?

cheetarah1980 · Answer

Why do you think you would appear lazy by applying through the Consortium's common application? Schools have no such perception of Consortium applicants. They actually encourage people who have demonstrated commitment to the Consortium's mission to apply via that application. Plus you would be considered for Consortium membership and a full-tuition fellowship if you're admitted. Unless a school has an Early Decision round that you'd prefer to apply in vs. Consortium's R1 I don't see the downside at all.

feellikequitting · Answer

You would be foolish not to apply through the consortium. If you can demonstrate that you fit in their application criteria, it would be foolish for you not to at least try to apply through them. 
For the same fee, you can apply at USC, UCLA, and four other schools. If you know someone at USC, let's say a wife/husband/father in law who graduated from there, you can mention that in your 
application that USC makes you fill out online, helping your application out a bit, and who know's, you might be accepted, and be awarded a fellowship through the consortium.

Or, If the fellowship is meaningless and you come from a wealthy background, and or most likely you won't be paying for it, Employer or Parents/Grandparents, you shouldn't apply. Guy's like me, Need that scholarship and are willing to do the work. If you don't need it, you shouldn't apply through them. Someone that really needs it can be awarded that fellowship.

elleesie · Answer

Thanks cheetarah for the reply! It's not necessarily that I think that I would appear lazy. I just didn't really know what to think. Thanks for the information, though. I guess my final decision comes to when I decide to apply. USC's deadline for Round 1 is November 1st, while Consortium's Round 1 is November 15th. I wonder if that would really make a difference.

elleesie · Answer

Thanks for your advice. Maybe my lack of confidence in the whole thing stems from being considered for Consortium membership, although I do fit into their application criteria. Like you, I do need any form of financial assistance and would be overjoyed if I was awarded the Consortium fellowship. While I do plan on applying to a few "reach" schools that are out of state, added costs for living expenses will realistically prevent me from attending unless I am offered financial awards. I will definitely take what you said into consideration.

Thanks, again.

cheetarah1980 · Answer

The schools know how to handle when the Consortium deadline doesn't align with the Round 1 or Round 2 deadline. It doesn't make a difference to how your application is reviewed. Some schools review apps and render decisions during each Consortium round (Johnson) while others combine all Consortium apps into R2 and announce decisions of admission and fellowship awards in March (Ross). I don't know if USC is a split round or combined rounds school.

ebonn101 · Answer

As one who didn't have the option of applying through the Consortium, I'd highly recommend you take advantage of your ability to do so. I think it's a considerable opportunity and saves you a ton of time and energy that would otherwise be diverted to multiple schools.

Admissionado · Answer

No doubt! Three essays, six schools. BAM! Plus it becomes muuuuuuuuch cheaper to hire your consultant

cheetarah1980 · Answer

I think folks have the wrong idea about the Consortium common app. It is hardly 3 essays that can cover up to six schools. Each school has supplemental essays in addition to the two essays from the common app. They also have their own (albeit shorter) application page as well. Some schools are merciful and only add 1-2 additional essay questions. But I have seen some schools add 3-4. Depending on which schools you choose applying through the Consortium can be just as much work as applying through the traditional application process.

Admissionado · Answer

True that... But still, it usually ends up being significantly less than when the folks apply for all the schools seperately..

MBAbot · Answer

Automated notice from GMAT Club MBAbot: 

A member just gave Kudos to this thread, showing it’s still useful. I’ve bumped it to the top so more people can benefit. Feel free to add your own questions or solutions.

 This post was generated automatically.

To apply through The Consortium, or not?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards