I think round 3 is comparable to round 2 in these situations, meaning you're not disadvantaged by applying then. The only thing is that most consultants seem to recommend applying earlier if you are an overrepresented applicant type. So round 3 still works at schools with a 4th round but the schools might be more open to candidates in earlier rounds. It probably depends every year on the number of apps in each round, too.

I agree, it's probably easier to get admitted in round 3 where you also have a round 4, since the school saved more slots after the first 2 rounds for 2 more rounds.

Our advice is to apply in the round in which you can submit your strongest application. With that said, the earlier, the better is generally the rule of thumb.

Thanks for the feedback guys. My general takeaway is, while it would be better to apply in round 1 or 2, applying in round 3 at these 4 round schools isn't quite as prohibitive compared to round 3 applications of schools who only have 3 rounds.

I'm in the exact same situation as well. Debating on whether i should apply to haas round 2 or wait for round 3. I'm currently working on columbia as well, but i think i can squeeze in haas. It seems like at haas, round 3 is at a slight disadvantage to round 2 since it's such a small class.

ksc1940, I completely agree. Haas is the main "4 round school" I'm looking at but there does seem to be a slight disadvantage there. It's difficult for me to imagine my chances at a disadvantage, given that the school already has the bar set quite high (especially undergrad GPA), and, as you mentioned, has a small class size.

I would just apply in the round in which my application is good enough. My philosophy is don't apply too early if you need more time to put the last touches on your application just for the sake of applying in the earlier rounds and don't apply too late (ie last round) just because you are scared that your application "is not perfect" and maybe having more time would help.

If you put in a strong application even later rounds should do fine, doing justice to all aspects of application is a must though. Essays must be brilliant, recommendations should have touched upon all your positive points, factual details all to the best of your knowledge. But earlier the better still.