One of the biggest mistakes I see every year is applicants deciding how many schools they'll apply to before they've planned their application strategy.
"I only have time for 3 schools."
"I'll save the rest for Round 2."
But is that really necessary?
In many cases, the answer is no.
Some MBA applications take significantly less time than others. Some schools have later Round 1 deadlines. Many essay questions overlap more than applicants expect. And if you plan your sequence carefully, you can often build momentum instead of starting from scratch every time.
That doesn't mean submitting more applications for the sake of it. It means understanding where you can work smarter without compromising quality.
If you're still finalizing your Round 1 strategy, it might be worth asking yourself:
- Am I applying to as many schools as I realistically can?
- Am I using my essays as efficiently as possible?
- Which schools naturally fit into my application timeline?
- Am I leaving good opportunities on the table simply because I assumed I didn't have enough time?
These are exactly the kinds of practical strategies we'll be discussing in our next
Live Coffee Session.14 August 2026
08:30 PM IST | 08:00 AM PDT
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE SESSIONWe'll cover how applicants can often submit more high-quality Round 1 applications by choosing the right schools, leveraging overlapping essays, and planning their timeline strategically.