Day 18: MBA Applications-Rounds, Timelines & Deadlines
So when should you apply to B-School?
The Intakes- Fall, J-Term & more
The major intake will be the Fall intake (around August/September) for B-Schools in the US and many European B-Schools. There are also January intakes available for many programs like Columbia business School (J-Term), INSEAD, Singapore Management University, SPJIMR, et al.
Most top MBA programs have 3 rounds for applying (for the Fall intake). For example, for Fall 2022, here are the typical deadlines.
But for international applicants, in most B-Schools, only the earlier rounds like Rounds 1 & 2 are applicable (and highly recommended as well due to visa considerations et al).
It is best to check out the structure, duration, et al of the program and understand the recruitment cycles as well for each program.
Timelines
Another important question- when should the preparation start? If you ask me, your path to the MBA started in college itself and when you decided on your first job.
On a more serious note, most people start the serious preparation almost 1-1.5 years before the deadline. This will allow you to work on strengthening each element and not feel rushed. And personally, by doing it this way, you will enjoy the process and go in completely ready.
(And then there are some who do all of this just 3 months before the deadline too!??).
Deadlines
Deadlines are typically almost 10 months to a year prior to the actual MBA start date. So for example, to join a top US B-School in Sep 2022, you would be applying for Round 1 deadlines in Sep 2021.
Round 1 vs Round 2 vs Round 3?
The biggest dilemma is always this. Round 1 or Round 2- to which round should you apply?
Round 1: Definitely my first choice. If you are confident and 100% sure that you have your best application ready. This means that you have your best test score, have spent ample time on essays, and have given the recommenders time to work on the recommendations. If not, then apply for the next round. Apply whenever you are ready.
Also, here's some AdCom jargon. If you are in an over-represented demographic (or a highly competitive section of applicants due to the sheer number of applicants- think Indian male engineers, Chinese applicants, Caucasian white males ) of the applicant pool, you may want to apply early and get the early bird advantage.
So why Round 1?
?Apply when there are the maximum # of seats available.
?Avail tuition discounts, application fee waivers, lower application fees, etc.
?Get competitive scholarships (this!). That doesn't mean that Round 2 or later folks won't get scholarships (unless explicitly mentioned like at ISB where Round 2 applicants will get only up to 75% tuition fee waivers). But yes, the pot of scholarship money in the beginning is full.
?Get ahead of the competition (especially if you fall in that over-represented applicant section- there will not be as many ' similar' applicants like you in Round 1 as compared to Round 2).
When should you consider other Rounds?
??Not meeting average test scores for the targeted MBA program. You know you can do better but need time.
??When your essays et al are not ready (this needs good research).
??When you don't have the other components in (example- recommendations, TOEFL/IELTS, etc.).
??When you don't have enough time to submit your 'best' application - MBA applications as you would have realized, needs time. In the month leading to the deadline, I have applicants spend as much as 2-4 hours on research, connecting with alums/AdCom/current students, essay-writing and assembling the various components.
Be honest, should I even try for Round 2 or later?
It depends...
...on your goals for the MBA
... on your personal (what happens if you go to the next round) & professional situation (where you are at your career)
...on your profile (how competitive it is)
...on your readiness
Later rounds exist for a reason (to admit applicants) and are a means of getting in. So don't just decide by what worked for others or the popular notion doing the rounds on the forums. There are always many factors to consider.
Apply in one round though- this will be a lot easier for you (in terms of getting that decision for putting together everything and of course, for your recommenders too).
Check your MBA readiness today! (check comment below for details).
Aim for Round 1. If not, there is always the next round. Ultimately, whatever works to get you there.
Relax, get set and go!
#21dayMBAPlan #mbaprep #getMBAready #wearecareerlabs #management #mbaprep
Check out your MBA readiness! Watch the video here- https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/careers-with-krithika_21daymbaplan-mbaapplication-getmbaready-activity-6837995661527523328-E_LH