reapplication and weak app the first time

[Guest]

I'm applying to a few top schools this year.

I started writing my essays very recently. I am now less confident
of my ability to get a really good app ready in time before the round 2 deadilnes.

I have a few options:

1. Get *something* sorta-good ready, apply to the schools, and try to wing
it. If I don't get in, reapply to same schools, better prepared, in round 1/2
of immediately following year.

2. Wait and apply in Round 3 with a better app. If I don't get in, apply in
R1/R2 of the immediately following year.

3. Don't apply this year. Wait and apply in R1/R2 of the following year.

I'm from a highly oversubscribed category of applicants.

Can applying this year with a weak app hurt my future chances in any way? I might end up changing my focus, essays, etc. etc.

[MBAApply]

Reapplicants aren't seen in an unfavorable or favorable light - given that there's so many reapplicants in the pool at any school, your chances are basically the same whether you're a first time applicant or reapplicant.

As such, just go ahead and apply this year. If you don't get in, reapply next year.

As for Round 2 vs. Round 3, try and hit Round 2 if you can, but if you really can't put together a strong app before the Round 2 deadlines, then by all means apply to Round 3. This is a judgment call only you can make.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com