Percentatge of students applying to 2 or more MBA programs

Question

Hi,

Does anyone know what is the percentage of MBA applicants that chose to apply to 2 or more MBA programs simultaneously?

Also I would like to know why is this regarded as a better application strategy (except for lack of time before the schools' application process ends) than to apply to one MBA program at a time in order of your choice.

Thanks!

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hey there,

If that number isn't 100%, then it's 99.9999%. VERY FEW people will apply the way you're suggesting. We don't advise clients to apply to any more than 5 programs in a given round but every client we have ever worked with is applying to more than 1 school at a time. The average is 4 schools / applicant (3.8 but let's round

).

Yes, it takes a lot of time, but that's what you're signing up for. And thousands of people do it (successfully) every year.

Bhavik

). Yes, it takes a lot of time, but that's what you're signing up for. And thousands of people do it (successfully) every year. Bhavik

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

As mentioned above, most people apply to more than one school at a time. This is largely driven by the fact that there are so few rounds (two "good" rounds for most schools, round one and two), thus you pretty much have to apply to multiple schools at a time unless you only plan to apply to two programs. That said, clients often split applications across rounds, doing three in the first round and two in the second round for example.

In terms of the actual timing within the round, I recommend that applicants try to focus on no more than two applications at a time. It is very possible to do them one at a time also, which still allows you to get in the mindset of one program, finish the application and move onto the next if you are efficient.

Good luck!

GeneralEducation · Answer

Hi

It is always good to apply to 3-5 schools and most of the aspirants do this. Try selecting a couple of stretch schools, moderate schools and safe schools to maximize your chances of getting the admission. This tool will help you analyse your chances:  https://goo.gl/RZg44t .

Hope this helps.

navrip · Answer

Thank you all for the info!

It does make everything clearer. My concern was just that: how, when applying to 4 or 5 programs simultaneously, can one get in the mindset of the schools, (really) concentrate on each application (even though the essays are pretty much on the same topics) and, most importantly, show a natural interest for that particular program during the interviews? It's somewhat like asking 5 girls to marry you at the same time right?

PersonalMBACoach's advice of focusing on no more that 2 applications seems logical.

GeneralEducation · Answer

Hi,

You might be correct to a certain extent. But to maximize your chances and you will have to choose the right mix of schools. Its good to have a natural interest for a particular program and try keeping it as your target school and other will act as back up schools. But the vital part is choosing the right back up schools . I think this will help:  https://goo.gl/nkBG1K

All the best

Percentatge of students applying to 2 or more MBA programs

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