Other than a handful of business schools where early MBA application windows do seem to matter, there is no real difference between Round 1 and Round 2. However, it is ever so slight shifting… in favor of Round 2, believe it or not. In this blog post, we are going to explore why you could have an advantage applying in Round 2.
1. Fewer elite candidates competing with you
There is no proof of course, apart from our experience here at Amerasia Consulting. But based on our evidence of many years, more “elite” MBA candidates swarm Round 1. Because many of the most type-A, driven, neurotic, passionate, and otherwise on-the-ball type of people are all out in front, starting early and cranking away at their Round 1 MBA applications.
So, the deduction is that you might be able to stand out a bit more in Round 2. And note that at many schools, Round 2 features a higher raw number of applications. So, you get this nice dynamic (for you, the elite candidate) where readers are sifting through “weaker” candidates to get to each great one. Ultimately, creating more of an emotional response to your good applications. The admissions committee is looking for an “oh, sweet, finally a great application” moment.
2. Better access to the elite consultants
Every year it seems that we at Amerasia Consulting are filling up spots earlier and earlier on in the year for Round 1 applicants. Whereas with Round 2, it’s harder to fill up. Part of this is simple math – there is about an eight-month lead up to Round 1. And all the Round 2 “buying and selling” in the admissions consulting world is jammed into a month or two-month time frame. Additionally, as indicated above, based on our experience, there are fewer hard chargers in the Round 2 pool. So therefore, less people looking to spend top dollar to really increase their changes. All of this can open pathways for someone willing to wait a beat, let the crowds swarm past them, and then go have their pick. Also, you can usually get a pretty good deal if you call around and sign up for Round 2.
3. Display of confidence
Again, there is no proof, but based on experience, more HBS clients have gotten in during Round 2 the last few years. And partly, we believe, it is because it shows a really assured attitude. It’s almost an attitude of, “I don't need to scramble around like a maniac for your increasingly, insanely early deadline. I'll lay back. I'm good." Again, can’t be proven, but we believe that confidence gets rewarded. Now, please understand we are not going to tell all our HBS clients NOT to apply in Round 1, but we think there might be a slightly better chance of waiting.
4. Ability to tinker with the admissions formula
Each year, schools seem more interested in changing their essays around and being “creative.” We have them well pegged by now and know what they are up to, but you can still learn from what happens in Round 1 and then apply it to Round 2. Why not give yourself a glance at ho9w things are shaking out? The question boils down to, would you rather just go for it or watch someone else do it first?
All in all, we are not talking about a radical shift between the two rounds. But if you really add up all the pros and cons of Round 1 versus Round 2… it might be Round 2 that comes out ahead.
Are you having difficulty deciding between Round 1, Round 2, or Round 3? We can explain the differences and benefits of each school in more depth. Be sure to schedule an initial consultation where we can discuss your personal journey. Even if you are looking to stick with the tried and true race for Round 1, we can surely help!
