How to Manage Your Time for Round 2

Round 2 deadlines usually land around the first week of January, and for some reason, R2 always feels more stressful. Maybe it’s the “last chance” pressure for international students, or the fact that it coincides with the end-of-year holidays… whatever it is, time flies. The good news? With proper planning and a clear timeline, you can mitigate a lot of that stress. Here’s my recommended approach for R2 applications:

If applying to 5 schools:

Start as early as September, and no later than October—even if you’re still studying for the GRE/GMAT.

• September: Resume prep & networking

• October: Start Application 1; continue refining resume if needed

• November: Applications 2 & 3; reach out to recommenders

• December: Applications 4 & 5; finalize recommendation letters

If applying to 3 schools: Start no later than November, ideally October, so December is less stressful.

• October: Resume prep & networking

• November: Application 1; reach out to recommenders

• December: Applications 2 & 3; finalize recommendation letters

A few key points:

• I recommend allocating about a month for your first application—some may finish faster, but having the time buffer ensures quality work.

• Networking should happen throughout the entire application period, so starting early is always better.

• December and early January are especially stressful with holiday festivities. Don’t be the person editing essays on NYE—start early!

For anyone looking for further guidance on strategizing MBA/Master’s deadlines and improving applications—especially essays, I offer a free 30-minute consultation call. Even if we don’t end up working together, I provide a deep evaluation and actionable advice to help you craft your story and maximize your chances at top programs (with scholarships!).

Book your free call here and let’s get you on track. 加油!