Kenan-Flagler Launches Pilot MBA Program

Applying for Round 1? Read This

As business schools around the country extend existing deadlines and add new admission rounds, everything may seem as if it’s fraught with uncertainty.

Is now a good time to pursue an MBA? What’s going to be different about applying this round? Are international applicants still being considered?

These are all questions that may be top of mind for applicants. And rightfully so.

Judith Silverman Hodara, of Fortuna Admissions, recently discussed a few key takeaways for applicants applying for round 1.

IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO APPLY?

The Coronavirus pandemic has eliminated more than 20 million jobs affecting nearly every sector of the global economy.

For those looking to sharpen their skills and add value to their resumes, an MBA may be a good choice.

Hodara says that while it is a strategic time to pursue an MBA, it’s important for applicants to know that round 1 will inherently be more competitive.

Fortuna Admissions expects to see a similar volume of applications as 2008, estimating a 20% spike across the board with prestigious b-schools, like HBS and Wharton, seeing 10-12% higher volumes.

“That said, having a good five months before round one deadlines puts you in an excellent position for taking the time to prepare a high-quality application,” Hodara writes. “Don’t over focus on the competition or fret the idea that there are likely more people with your job title in the pool. What’s vital is to deliver a strong narrative and a unique story.”

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS STILL CONSIDERED

Despite embassy closures and travel restrictions, a number of b-schools have reiterated that they are committed to admitting and supporting international students.

“I cannot imagine a world in which the schools themselves are the ones that choose to select fewer international applicants,” Cassandra Pittman, of Fortuna Admissions, says. “It would be completely contrary to the values and the intention of every school that I know.”

TEST SCORES

Despite the announcements from some b-schools about waiving standardized tests, experts say applicants should still plan to take exams and score well if they want a good chance at admission.

“The GMAT or GRE supply data points schools have relied on for decades to evaluate candidates across educational systems and geographies, and imperfect as the tests are, schools look to it as proof that you can handle the quant-heavy coursework,” Hodara writes.

Sources: Fortuna Admissions, Forbes, Texas McCombs

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