Round 1 vs. Round 2 vs. Round 3

Shining Light on 3 Myths Regarding Round 3

Shining Light on 3 Myths Regarding Round 3

There are many common myths surrounding the Round 3 MBA application deadline. You may have heard, “the class is pretty much full,” “you have to be a truly unique applicant,” and “only European programs admit people that late.” There are, of course, bits of truth in these myths, but only bits. Here are the real facts.

Applying Round 1 vs. Round 2 — Why You Might Want to Wait.

Applying Round 1 vs. Round 2 — Why You Might Want to Wait.

In the last post, we discussed the virtues of applying in round one, but there are a few reasons why you might want to consider applying in round two instead. Firstly, you should be considering your personal readiness to submit an application no matter what strategy you employ for timing.

Applying Round 1 vs. Round 2 — The Epic Battle of Choices.

Applying Round 1 vs. Round 2 — The Epic Battle of Choices.

There is little more debated in the b-school application world than whether it’s better to apply in round one or round two. Most can agree that the third round is the most challenging, but late night discussions have endured and fights started over the topic of whether to submit for the first or second deadline. 

Advice for Applying to MBA Programs in Round 3

Advice for Applying to MBA Programs in Round 3

The common myth surrounding Round 3 of the MBA application process is that you can't, or shouldn't, apply late in the admission cycle.  "The class is pretty much full" is one refrain.  "You have to be a truly unique applicant" is another.  "Only European programs admit people that late" is yet another. As with anything, there are bits of truth in these sound bites ... but only bits.

Should I apply Early Action / Early Decision?

Should I apply Early Action / Early Decision?

Deciding when to apply to school can often get applicants mentally twisted, as they attempt to inject strategy into the process.  We will speak more specifically to this decision in another post, but at this time of year, it makes sense to first talk about early action.  More and more schools it seems, have an early action option which throws yet another wrench into the round one vs. round two vs. round three discussion.

Applying Round 1? This Year's MBA Deadlines Are Earlier Than You Think.

Applying Round 1? This Year's MBA Deadlines Are Earlier Than You Think.

Normally, once the fireworks go off on the 4th of July, that's our signal to start digging into the apps in earnest, as "October" Round 1 deadlines are a few months away.  However, in recent years, the deadlines keep getting earlier and earlier.  I know I had to really reset my own calendar given these changes, so I figured I'd do a public service and list them out here, calling special attention to the front-loaded nature of the deadlines. 

Looking for an MBA Advantage? Consider Round 2

Looking for an MBA Advantage? Consider Round 2

I've been having this conversation a lot lately with individual clients, so I thought I'd take it out wide.

Basically, the idea is that Round 2 might be offering a slight advantage, based on theories of market inefficiencies and so forth.  For years, I would say the prevailing belief is that Round 1 is the best round in which to apply to business and while there is no hard-core evidence to suggest otherwise, some common sense and deduction may point to a different result.  So let's quickly run this down. 

What is Going on at NYU Stern? ... and Lessons Learned

What is Going on at NYU Stern? ... and Lessons Learned

If you are a Round 2 applicant to NYU Stern's MBA program, then this post won't catch you by surprise, but there seems to be something very odd going on in the NYU admissions office this year.