R1 or R2-Strategy for Applications

Question

Hi Folks,

I am planning to start applying to B Schools from R1 this Oct. I am targetting the top 20 B Schools in the US and Competetive 2 yr programmes in the UK.

I have read many blogs that advise to hold back from applying to our Dream Schools, say Top 10 schools, till R2. After the rigours of R1 essays, we tend to do improve and by R2 we are in a better position to write good essays and we tend to have a better shot at our dream schools in R2 rather than R1.

I find the above suggestions practical, but, If I apply to a school in R1(Lets say, its not my dream school) and I get admitted by end of R1. Then I start applying in R2 for my dream schools, will I be required to pay any deposit to hold onto my R1 seat in the earlier school? If yes, whats the amount like? So if I pay the amount, I am sure it will be non-refundable...right???? Do they give us any time limit within which we need to make up our mind on paying the deposit or declining the admission??

Next, the chances of landing up with some $$, is it the same for both the rounds R1&R2?? Or the chances of getting some $$ is more in R1??

Looking forward for some tips form you folks out there!!!

Regards

MBAFingersCrossed · Answer

Generally speaking I would apply as soon as you are ready and by ready, expect to put a substantial amount of time into your essays. Given that you've completed your GMAT, which many students tend to be doing over the summer and fall, you are further along than most of the applicants to whom that advice is given. This could be different if you're applying to a lot of schools and would need to compromise quality to just get them all out for Round 1.

You do need to put down a deposit, usually $2k-$3k and it's non-refundable but for round 1 I think you typically get a few months to think things through.

Also on the Round 1/Round 2 debate people also say to apply Round 2 because it's less competitive. That makes little sense unless you presume that schools have a quota for rounds which they generally do not. As a result of there being more qualified students in the first round, there will be that fewer number of slots in the second round.

mattapraveen · Answer

Thanks a ton pal for the advice. I am more confused though after reading your post.

.R1 being more competitive is news for me!!! But it makes sense, many of the re-applicants are bound to apply in R1. But I reckon many applicants also sit down during the Christmas break and put down some good essays. Nevertheless, thanks for the advice. I am planing to take the advice of a couple of admission consultants and will decide soon. I am retaking my GMAT on June 25th to cross the 700 barrier.

regards

runnergirl · Answer

If you apply Round 1 and receive an admit, you mostly likely will have to pay your deposit prior to round 2 decisions from other schools. Most top schools will begin posting their application deadlines and decision deadlines in June. Many schools will also post their deposit deadlines for each round, so this is something you can begin to plan for soon.

In terms of timeline for essays and planning applications, you should allow much more time than you think you'll need for application essays. Personally, I began writing my essays last August while studying for the GMAT. I took the GMAT September 3rd and then began focusing seriously on essays, but soon realized I would not be ready even for late October application deadlines. I worked right up until the Round 2 deadlines for almost all of my schools.

In terms of when to apply to your dream school, I think it depends on how much risk you are willing to assume. A more conservative approach would be to postpone applying to your top choice until Round 2, so that you could use any Round 1 admits/dings to gauge your competitiveness at your top choice. However, if you feel confident enough in your application package prior to the Round 1 deadline, then you should definitely apply round one. At most schools Round One will give you a better shot at scholarships and grants, and having a few extra months to plan your move to grad school is always nice.

One more thing- don't underestimate the time and work it will take to prep your recommenders. If the people writing your recommendations have not done a recommendation letter for a top business school before, you will need to give them a lot of information to assist them with the process.

mattapraveen · Answer

Thanks a lot runnergirl.

Your post answered most of the questions I raised. You did raise a very good point about coaching the recommenders. That will be one hell of a roller coaster ride.

Coming to R1&R2, I have been thinking over it again and again for the past couple of weeks. My applicaiton/resume wouldnt have improved drastically say from Oct 11 to Jan 12. It would pretty much be in the same level. But, my standard of essays will definitely improve after the rigors of R1.

AAAh, so many permutaions and combinations. Lets see. Still some time to go before I can decide.

Thanks once again for the clarifications.

Regards

AN225 · Answer

When exactly will school post their essay questions? Majority of them only mention 'summer' or 'july' in the best case.

cheetarah1980 · Answer

Harvard, Columbia, and Stanford have posted their essays and application deadlines for Fall 2012 admission. I've been checking Wharton's website religiously and there hasn't been an update yet.

Correction: Stanford's essays have not been posted yet. Only the application deadlines are available. Sorry about the confusion.

R1 or R2-Strategy for Applications

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