The belief is that Round 1 is the best round in which to apply to business school. While there is no hard-core evidence to suggest otherwise, some common sense and deduction may point to different results. Let’s run down why there is so much hype to applying in Round 1.
Why there is so much hype about applying in round 1, even if it’s not actually the superior round? Why does it seem so convincing? There are two main reasons to consider:
1. The business schools are creating that hype
Candidates need to understand that when admissions officers are standing in front of a group of potential MBA applicants in May, July, or August, they have one important job to do: get those potential MBA applicants to become actual MBA applicants. No one in the admissions committee is immune to the “top-down” pressures of the numbers game. Every year a mandate slithers down from the Board of the university to the deans, down to the individual offices saying, “More of the good stuff, less of the bad.”
For the admissions committee that often means: a higher yield rate (more people saying yes to you), lower acceptance (being more selective), higher average GMAT and GPA, and of course, more MBA applications. Evidently, the applications are the key to a lot of the math, especially for the acceptance rate. So, if MBA applications go up and the number of applicants that get admitted stay constant… guess what? The acceptance rate becomes lower. Congratulations, you are more selective. And everyone is happy.
Therefore, take it with a grain of salt the next time you hear an admissions officer say that Round 1 is the best round to apply to. Especially if it’s right before the Round 1 deadline. It is almost guaranteed that if you attend that same information session in November, they will say that Round 2 is the best round to apply to. It is their only next opportunity where they can get your MBA application. Remember, before admissions officers can build a class and become curators and gatekeepers, they must sell the school. They must get applications through their door and on their desk to create a class. So, if you’re tempted, just keep this in mind.
2. MBA candidates also increase this sensation
Many of the most type-A, driven, neurotic, passionate, and otherwise on-the-ball type of people are all out in front, starting early and cranking away at their MBA applications.
These are often the same people on message boards, talking at cocktail parties, and otherwise fanning the flames. This is often a feedback loop of everyone telling each other (and themselves) that something is true.
There are, however, a handful of schools where it is indeed beneficial. For example, Columbia ED, Tuck Early Action, Stanford, MIT are all schools where it may be beneficial for different reasons. In this instance, the partial and situational truth can sometimes explode into a universal truth.
We can explain the differences and benefits of each school in more depth if you intend on being a potential client. Interested in hearing more? If you are looking for help with any round, be sure to schedule an initial consultation here. Even if you are looking to stick with the tried and true of racing for Round 1, we can surely help!
