LBS Round 4

Question

Hi,

I really want to apply to LBS but it is now Round 4 in terms of application rounds. As I want to focus on putting together good applications and there is another deadline around the same time (for IESE), I want to make sure its worth a shot so late in the stage. IESE has communicated to me that my profile meets their requirements and has encouraged me to apply. Is LBS Round 4 really only reserved for a select few? Do you think it is worth me putting together an application so late in the game for LBS or should I just move forward focusing on IESE at this point. To put things in context my profile is below:

27 Year Old Male
Background: grew up in Pakistan, undergrad in the US, work experience in the US and UK 
Education: 
BA (Double Major) in Economics & Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania 
GPA 3.5 
Graduated Cum Laude in 2001 
GMAT: 660 (42 Q = 66%, 38 V = 85%) AWA 5.5 
Work Experience: 
Almost 5 years at a top Canadian Investment Bank (2 years in New York and 3 years in Toronto), in which time I have been promoted from Analyst to Associate. I will be able to get solid recommendations from senior Managing Directors within the firm. 
Languages: English, Urdu 
Other: League level squash and cricket player. Involved in numerous alumni roles for Penn, including interviewing undergraduate applicants. Involved in fundraining for earthquake victims in Pakistan.

Alternatively, do you suggest I email an adcom at LBS with my CV and see what kind of feedback and ecouragement I receive (if any)? I appreciate your feedback and will move forward on that basis.

Thanks very much in advance.

Accepted.com · Answer

Fahd,

In the past LBS has given conflicting signals on one's chances in their final round. They once told  Business Week , "It's fair to say that you have a slightly diminished chance of getting an offer on that May deadline than you do in the earlier ones, because our acceptance rates certainly seem in the last few years to have increased quite dramatically. The best time to apply is up to that March." But more recently they've said, "You have as good a chance of getting   in any admissions round as another. Basically what we try to do is make offers based on the volume of applications we know will come in different rounds. So my advice to all applicants is to apply when you're ready."

In my opinion, your odds are unquestionably lower in the last round regardless of the number of slots left simply because applicants with your profile are more likely to have already been admitted by later rounds than they are in earlier rounds. I do like your idea of simply asking them for some sign of encouragement, however. If they give it, then go for it.

Good luck!

hellom3p · Answer

Fahd,

I am curious what was LBS's response?

Fahd · Answer

I outlined my profile and sent my CV to the Admissions Director, who responded to my email in about 4 to 5 days. His response was that while it is impossible for him to assess my chances, LBS does reserve a number of places in the fourth round. I read somewhere that last year about 19% of LBS students were admitted to the MBA program in Round 4. Given that there are only 4 rounds, it doesnt seem that there is a significant disadvantage to be applying this late. On that basis, I have sent in my applications and am keeping my fingers crossed. Good luck with your applications. Hope this helps.

Fahd

Accepted.com · Answer

Fahd,

Thanks for sharing LBS's response. 

Good luck,

froggy · Answer

Hi Fahd, I was in your position last year and applied to London Business School at the very last moment. I am having great time in since September 2005 :-)

Good luck, Cheers, F.

LBS Round 4

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