Applying In Round 3? Here’s What to Consider

If you’re intent on applying in Round 3, it’s important to know what you’re up against.

“It’s a well-known fact that in Round 3 of the MBA admission process, the odds are lower compared to earlier rounds,” Petia Whitmore, founder of My MBA Path, says.

That’s due to the fact that once Round 1 and Round 2 applicants are admitted, there are simply fewer seats left.

Dr. Marlena Corcoran, founder of Athena Mentor and contributor at Forbes, recently offered a few tips for Round 3 applicants and offered a checklist to help you decide whether or not you should apply or wait.

FIND WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE

Round 3 can be particularly competitive as admissions officers are looking to round out the class profile.

“In Round 3, it’s all about ‘shaping the class,’” Whitmore, a former dean of MBA admissions at Babson College, says. “At this point, the class is already close to the enrollment target and the admissions committees have a clear picture of the incoming class’s composition in terms of stats, skills, experiences, backgrounds, and demographics. They are interested in enhancing its composition.”

If you’re applying in this round, it can be helpful to highlight your unique perspective, background, or experience.

“Given the continued interest in improving the gender imbalance, this means strong women candidates might have better odds,” Whitmore says. “Someone with advanced professional experience in AI might have better odds, given how relevant that topic is. An amazing candidate from a country that only sends a few MBA candidates a year to a top school might catch the attention of the adcoms more easily.”

SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT

If you need financial support to pursue an MBA, your chances of landing a scholarship in Round 3 are significantly lower than Rounds 1 or 2.

“I’ve had success with clients winning scholarships in Round 3, though I generally advise candidates to apply earlier if they absolutely want or need scholarship support,” Laura E. Nelson, founder of L.E. Nelson Consulting, says. “While scholarships aren’t a guarantee in any round, the candidate could be successful in earning scholarships in Round 3, especially if he or she has a differentiated profile.”

INCLUDE A REASON

There are a number of reasons why you may be applying in a later round, from personal to professional. Nelson says applicants should consider utilizing the optional essay to communicate your reason for applying in Round 3.

“I’m working with a candidate on a Round 3 application whose close family member passed away a few months ago. Understandably, he had to divert his focus elsewhere during this time,” Nelson says.

Sources: Forbes, My MBA Path