3 Scenarios Where It Makes Sense to Only Apply to One Business School

While it’s typically strategic for applicants to apply to multiple B-schools, there are instances where it makes sense to apply to only one. US News recently spoke to experts on those scenarios and how applicants can best position their application if they’re intent on applying to just one B-school.

ROLLING ADMISSIONS

Rolling admissions generally means that a school will consider applications as they’re submitted. In turn, this allows applicants to get a decision faster. Experts say rolling admissions is one scenario where it may make sense to apply to only one business school.

“I actually got admitted around three weeks after I submitted my application,” Laury Fang, who chose to only apply to Columbia Business School. “Columbia’s application opens in early July and if applicants submit on time they can still have plenty of time to prepare for the round one deadline for other schools if they don’t get in.”

COMPANY SPONSORSHIP

Another scenario where it makes sense to apply to only one business school is if your company will sponsor your MBA education. Some companies’ policies only allow for applicants to apply to specific B-schools that have partnerships with your employer and typically offer discounted tuition costs.

“My employer saw the value of the UF MBA for me and their organization and agreed to help reimburse the cost of the program in exchange for a post-graduation commitment as long as I maintained a 3.33 GPA,” Da Chang, who only applied to Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida, says.

DREAM SCHOOL

Some applicants may have their sights set on one dream school. Susan Cera, an MBA admissions consultant at Stratus Admissions Counseling, says many of these applicants reapply after being rejected in the past. Cera typically advises these applicants to strategically map out their ideal timeline before sending an application to one business school only.

“If you are comfortable staying in the role you are in and feel that you would continue to learn and grow if you stay another year then go ahead and apply only to your dream program. But be sure that you will be a stronger applicant before you reapply,” Cera says.

Sources: US News, Fortune