Round 1 vs Round 2 w/ Promotion

Question

Hello. I will be applying to MBA programs this fall for 2022 matriculation. I would have just over 5 years experience at matriculation, and I have a question regarding Round 1 vs Round 2. The way my current company is set up, promotions in title for my line of business occur on approximately a 2 year basis. I received a promotion at work fall of 2019 and have been told to expect one late this fall as well. Given the timeline, this likely would not occur before round 1 applications. Would it be worthwhile to apply Round 2 instead of Round 1 with a second promotion under my belt?

mbaMissionJA · Answer

Hi, Vigorous - tough to say. I think it depends on your work (are you in an overrepresented field, or a field that has many applicants who might have the higher title level applying), your impact in your job, and what your recommenders might write about. Sometimes you can have your recommenders speak to the fact that you've been put forward for a recommendation, and depending on timing you may even be able to update the schools yourself in the interview process if it comes through mid-round, but timing for interviews might vary. So, the answer depends on you and your circumstance a bit. I could see my answer going either way depending on the circumstances of the situation, but UNLESS you have concerns about spots filling for people like you, or if you can't get your recommender to talk about your imminent promotion, I think I'd wait for R2. Further details could change my opinion though so feel free to check in with one of us for a consultation if you want to discuss more!

Warmly,
Julie-Anne Heafey

Warmly,
Julie-Anne Heafey

Round 1 vs Round 2 w/ Promotion

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