When to apply??

[mobenny]

Hi,

I have been studing for the GMAT for a very long time now and I am planning to take the test again in about a month. I am considering to apply in round 1, which would mean multi-tasking apps and GMAT for the next month and wrapping up the apps for the Oct. deadlines. Or, focusing on GMAT for the next month and re-taking once more (would be third time) if necessary.

How advantageous is round 1?

Also, I was wondering if you consider minority applicants different when looking over profile evaluations?

Thanks.

[mbamission]

We recently addressed your first question on our blog. The short answer is that you should apply in the first or second round - and only after you've had enough time to put together a strong application. I've including our blog post below - http://www.mbamission.com/blog/2009/07/ ... ond-round/

Occasionally, a candidate calls us and asks, "Isn’t it better for me to apply in the second round because all of the best and most prepared applicants apply in the first round?" The answer to this question, in short, is "no!" All things being equal, it is better for candidates to apply early - no places have been given away in the class and the admissions committees are "fresh" (and are thus reading applications more attentively). Even if there were to be better candidates in the first round, the schools would not limit themselves to an absolute number of places offered, but would instead accept more great candidates or possibly defer better candidates that they are not entirely certain of until the second round, via the waitlist. So, you should try to apply early, but only apply when you can be at your best. As we have discussed in other posts, quality should be the main determinant in applying in the first or second round, with timing only acting as a tie-breaker.

Regarding your second question, when we do a profile evaluation over the phone or on a message board, we base the response on the information provided.

Hope that helps!

Monica Okrah
MBA Mission
646-485-8844
Website: http://www.mbamission.com
Blog: http://www.mbamission.com/blog
MBA Mission Insider’s Guides: http://www.mbamission.com/store.php
Free Consultation: http://www.mbamission.com/consult.php

[mobenny]

Thank you!

In regards to the second round. Do you recommend applying as soon as your app is strong and keep in mind that earlier is better. Also, what about recommenders. Do you suggest setting them up to submit a few recs for round 1 although I may apply later?

Thanks.

[mbamission]

Double check your target school's application policies, but for most programs (unless it's a school like Columbia with rolling admissions), it won't matter if you submit your application 2 months or 2 days in advance of the deadline. The applications are not typically reviewed in the order received. As for the recommenders, there is no advantage to having them submit them during Round 1 if your application is going to be submitted in Round 2. The only benefit is that you'll have peace of mind knowing that they are done!

Monica Okrah
MBA Mission
646-485-8844
Website: http://www.mbamission.com
Blog: http://www.mbamission.com/blog
MBA Mission Insider’s Guides: http://www.mbamission.com/store.php
Free Consultation: http://www.mbamission.com/consult.php