Benefits and Drawbacks of Applying during Round 2

If you're deciding between applying for Round 1 or Round 2 or planning to apply during Round 2, here are the key benefits and drawbacks of applying for Round 2

Benefits

1. Ability to Strategize Deadlines

   1. One of the best advantages of Round 2 is that it can be strategized with Round 1 deadlines and the Round 2 deadlines. that fall our of the usual January deadline (there's a few programs that fit in a Round 2 deadline around October or November). At the same time, some programs also have their Round 1 deadline in October or November. So if one starts the application early enough, there's an opportunity to strategize between the application deadlines--optimizing the programs one can apply for. Many of my clients will strategically apply to some programs in R1 and another batch for R2 to apply for as many programs as they can--while taking advantage of some of the deadlines in between. Furthermore, Round 2 is an opportunity to learn from mistakes during Round 1

2. More time to Strengthen Application Deliverables

   1. This is likely the most common benefit of applying for Round 2. The majority of applicants find themselves needing more time to get the GMAT/GRE score that they want and the extra 3-4 months between R1 and R2 deadline allows one to improve their score. And it doesn't just end at GMAT/GRE score; for many applicants, Round 2 also gives them time to improve their work experience, decide on recommenders, additional time for the essays, and if necessary--improve their TOEFL/IELT score

3. More clarity on MBA/Masters Goals

   1. Along with time to improve deliverables of the MBA/Masters application, Round 2 also gives applicants more time to decide on their post MBA/Masters goal and elaborate the details pertaining to this. Articulating one's post MBA/Masters goals is often a crucial element of the application and with the later deadline of Round 2, applicants can think this through more thoroughly

4. More time to network and find programs that are a good fit

   1. Besides thinking through goals and deliverables, the additional time from a Round 2 deadline also allows applicants to do the crucial research of which program is the right fit. Often, applicants underrate the importance of a good fit, which is best determined by interacting with the program directly (via alumni, current students, or admission events). Thus, with the additional time before Round 2, one can make sure to do this. In fact this was something yours truly did to get admitted to UCLA Anderson--I networked heavy and left a good impression that made me desirable candidate (said by Admissions Committee themselves after admitted)

5. More time to Craft Your Story

   1. Finally, the extra time given by Round 2 allows an applicant to bring this all together in the story they craft. The extra time to put together the deliverables, network and understand programs, and think through the MBA/Masters goals holistically allows one to find their own brand and improve their story--leading to an overall improved application

Drawbacks

1. More competitive

   1. Statistically speaking, Round 2 is always just a bit more competitive. For some programs, they take the same number as Round 1 but given that R1 has less applicants, by simple math, the chances are lower. An application will need more effort to stand out because of this.

2. Less scholarship opportunities

   1. Here's the truth: MBA and Masters program will typically hand out the bulk of their scholarships in Round 1 leaving less to distribute during Round 2. Furthermore, while there are still scholarship opportunities in Round 2, due to the competition of Round 2 there's less incentive to extend scholarships as admissions committee know that Round 3 is even less likely to lead to offers

3. Less time to network with class and adjust

   1. While applying to Round 2 does give one more opportunity to network with alumni and current students, the flip side is that Round 2 leaves less time to network with your future class and handle logistics of attending an MBA program--especially as an international student (such as visa, finding housing, getting a car, etc.). As admission decisions for R2 are typically in March and April and most programs start in September, you're given less than 6 months to handle all of this. From my own experience as a Coach, I typically notice that my international clients wanting to travel to the program location even earlier to adjust and start building a community. Round 1 would give much more flexibility in this situation.

Takeaway: Ultimately, Round 1 is a better deadline to be applying for if you're ready--especially if you're looking to get scholarship But as most applicants need the extra time to wrap up the whole application, Round 2 is still a solid choice and allows for one to really bring together their story which could lead to more admissions rather than rushing Round 1. (Round 3 should be avoided -- especially international). Thus if you're early on in the process of applying, my recommendation is Round 1 but if you're already in the process of Round 2 or if Round 1 is unlikely due to needing more time -- make sure to consider the benefits of applying for Round 2 and use it to your advantage.

For those looking for further guidance in strategizing the MBA/Masters deadlines and improving their application, I invite you to schedule a free 30 minute consultation call with me here. It's 100% free and even if we don't work together, I provide a deep evaluation and advice on your application journey. Nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Let’s help you discover your story and get y’all into some top MBA and Masters programs (with scholarship!) 加油!