My clients urged me to start this Blog to share my knowledge about MBA Admissions as it relates to Silicon Valley/the Bay Area. I've got a lot to share so I’ll be writing at least once per week until we hit mid-January – Round 2 Deadline time for most top schools.
So, the first question is: Why is Round 2 so important, if there is a Round 3?
The answer is: there really isn’t a real Round 3.
Most of the top MBA programs will have already determined the majority of admits by Round 2 – especially this year. Round 3 is literally used to “round out the class.” A Wharton Admissions officer stated, "you need to be walking on water by Round 3," a representative from Kellogg stated "you really need to be very, very unique," and HBS is looking for "underrepresented voices in the classroom" in Round 3. Last year, Wharton had filled 90% of their class by the end of Round 2.
What does that mean? If you are a teacher, an artist, a musician, someone from non-profit or the public sector, health care… basically anyone not from the major applicant categories (finance/banking, consulting, engineering/high tech) and can provide a unique perspective… then you have a shot at Round 3. If you are in HR, Operations and even Marketing, go for it; surprisingly you are in the minority of applicants. If you are in the major MBA applicant categories above, and miss Round 2, my advice would be to save your application fee, focus on leadership opportunities, and apply early in Round 1 next year.
Other benefits of applying in Round 2 include preference for merit scholarships, housing and time to secure financial aid.
So it's time to stop procrastinating and get those MBA applications written!
Get more insight at http://www.mbaapplicationadvisors.com
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment