Application Strategy Rounds 1 / 2 / 3

[benjamin.palmore]

Hi,

Can someone please provide some insight into the "Rounds" systems that I'm seeing a lot of top MBA programs using? I'm the first of my friends to go to Business school and I guess Law programs don't really do this. My questions are:

1) Why do MBA programs use "Rounds"? What advantages does this provide them vs. a one time deadline?

2) Are there advantages of applying to Rounds 1, 2, or 3? If so which ones and why? Also if you're application is almost done (i.e. you'll have one GMAT done by Round one but you might be able to make a better application in Round two should you wait for round 2?)

3) Is this the same type of system for most schools or is this questions better directed to an admissions director at the schools I'm looking at themselves?

[mbamission]

Hi Benjamin,

Thanks for writing in. Yes the "rounds" system is an integrated part of the MBA application process, though I'm not sure how this came about while law schools and colleges do not follow this system. mbaMission has addressed this in the past with these blog posts:

http://www.mbamission.com/blog/2010/08/ ... s-round-2/

http://www.mbamission.com/blog/2009/11/ ... verything/

In re: to your questions,
1) As I said above, I'm really not sure how this came about.

2) As a general rule, you want to submit your best application as soon as possible. A strong R2 application trumps a weaker R1 submission. As a general rule you want to avoid R3 if at all possible, since at that point the class is mostly full.

3) Most schools have gone to the 3-round system, although each have different subtleties in deadlines, turnaround times, etc. The schools should be fairly transparent with this information and it would likely be available on its web site.

Best of luck!

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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