3 Tips for Round 2 MBA Application Success

We hope you're having a great holiday (if you're celebrating Turkey day in the States). But regardless, we hope you're hard at work on those R2 applications!

Gaining admission into an MBA program isn't getting easier but the team at Critical Square thought we would embrace the holiday spirit and help our readers out by sharing these 3 tips for round 2 MBA application success. With round 2 application deadlines for top MBA programs around the corner there is no time to spare when it comes to securing your spot for next year's incoming class. Because your odds of admission dramatically drop in later rounds, submitting your best application in round 2 is crucial. So how about we get to those tips?

Tip 1: Put a timeline together and get started immediately. Most applicants run into trouble because they don't plan ahead and sufficiently budget enough time to create quality applications for multiple schools. With the holiday season in full swing it is easy to get distracted by all the food, family, and shopping so planning and discipline is key. Set deadlines and make sure you hold yourself to them. For tips on navigating your application around the holiday season check out this article. Remember your first application will be the most difficult and can take weeks to complete while subsequent applications usually take a bit less. Procrastinating the writing of your essays until Christmas is a quick path to the ding pile.

Tip 2: Focus on finishing one application at a time. It's tempting to work on multiple applications at the same time when applications share similar questions. Don't do it! You'll end up confusing yourself or writing very broad and generic essays to fit both schools instead of being focused on tailoring your essays for what each school wants. Successful candidates tell a unique story for each school and you can't tell a well put together story that resonates with the admissions committee if you are jumping around. We also don't recommend the first application you work on being your top school because your essays will get better as you find your groove. Save that application to be your second or third application that you get to.

Tip 3: Be willing to adjust your list of target schools. We cannot stress the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to round 2 applications. Some applicants take the aggressive approach of applying to six to eight schools in round 2 and run the risk of spreading themselves too thin. When time becomes an issue, you need to strongly consider cutting down your list of target schools in order to create quality applications. We recommend starting with your list of stretch schools where the odds of you getting in are low and instead focusing on schools that are in line with your GMAT and GPA. If you are only committed to getting into the best programs (even if it is a long shot) and won't settle for anything less, then it becomes even more important to eliminate schools that you aren't serious about attending.

We wish everyone luck with their round 2 applications. Because round 2 matters so much we invite you to schedule a free consultation with us to further discuss your application strategy. Having the right partner on your side will relieve that anxiety you have before hitting submit and our team offers a great variety of services at the right price to meet anyone's needs. Don't forget to also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates and news!