Which MBA Applicants ‘Should’ Apply in Round 1

apply in round 1

Round 1 deadlines at the world’s top business schools will hit over the next few weeks. This round typically sees the most driven, organized, academically and professionally accomplished applicants.  These candidates beat the GMAT months ago and have been prepping their recommenders all summer. If you can apply in Round 1, there are definite advantages to doing so.

First, you’ll have more time to prepare for business school next fall. There’s also less uncertainty around winter vacation time. Lastly, you can start networking with your classmates early. If you have a solid application ready to submit in September or October, take a moment to review our last-minute Round 1 checklist before you hit submit.

While Round 2 historically receives more applications, these three groups should strongly consider applying in the first round.

Reapplicants

Reapplicants should aim to turn in their revised applications no later than the first round when admissions committees are just beginning to assemble the next incoming class. If you fail again, you can realign your expectations and apply to other, more appropriate schools in round two.

However, these candidates must show they’ve made a sincere effort to improve upon their prior application and strengthen their candidacy. Most business schools will have your previous application in your file. So, whatever you submit should demonstrate a fresh approach and how you’ve grown academically or professionally.

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Candidates from an Over-Represented Applicant Pool

Competition for a seat at the top programs is fierce, so candidates from an over-represented industry or geographic region need to think strategically about the timing of their application.

For example, applicants from India face a disadvantage at highly ranked schools, needing a much higher GMAT score to compete with applicants from other regions. While the elite business schools receive a high volume of qualified applicants from India, they want to maintain diversity in the class and, therefore, need to cap acceptances from a single region.

Candidates from overrepresented industries such as ITconsulting, or finance should also try to apply in round 1. By the time Round 2 deadlines roll around, the admissions team may have already admitted many applicants with very similar profiles.

apply in round 1

If you belong to an overrepresented group, submitting your application before your peers are well-represented in the class can be a wise strategy.

Non-Traditional Candidates with Lower GMAT Scores

Applicants with unconventional or less traditional work or academic experience before business school often worry about how admissions committees will assess their records. However, it’s more than okay to be different because no MBA program wants to fill an entire class solely with candidates from investment banking or consulting.

B-Schooled Podcast Episode #209: Advice for Military (and Other Non-Traditional) Applicants

For entrepreneurs with no traditional work experience, military applicants, or individuals from professions where an MBA is not typically required, having a low GMAT score does not have to mean the kiss of death. Just aim to apply in round 1. Later in the admissions cycle, fewer spots may be available for low-scoring candidates as schools consider driving their GMAT average higher for ranking purposes.

Finally, we would urge applicants to apply a few days before the deadline to ease some of the last-minute pressure and congestion on the programs’ servers. Do a thorough review, hit submit, and take comfort in knowing you did your best.

Final Thoughts on Who Should Apply in Round 1

As you prepare to submit your Round 1 application, remember that timing can be as critical as the content of your application. By applying early, you’re giving yourself the best possible chance to stand out in the eyes of admissions committees when the slate is fresh and the opportunity to shape the class is at its peak.

Whether you’re a reapplicant, a candidate from an overrepresented group, or a non-traditional applicant with a lower GMAT score, Round 1 can provide the strategic edge you need. Take advantage of the resources available, fine-tune your story, and go into this process with confidence. The journey to your dream business school starts now—don’t miss the chance to make the strongest first impression.

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Stacy Blackman Consulting offers multiple services to meet your MBA application needs, from our All-In Partnership to test prep to hourly help with targeted tasks. Contact us today for a free 15-minute advising session to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant.

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