Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant

Dear all,

First, thanks for the many advices posted on this forum, it has a huge value for prospective applicants like me.

I plan to apply to a few schools, among which HBS and INSEAD, for a starting date in September 2015.

My target is to submit an application to HBS in round 2 (early Jan 2015), with an expected final decision towards end of March 2015 (if somebody has a more precise info on the date, you are most welcome!).

I wonder whether I should apply to INSEAD in round 2 or round 3 (out of 4 rounds):
- in round 2, application mid-November, final decision expected 23rd Jan 2015: if admitted, I will have to pay the non refundable deposit before I hear from HBS (unless no interview)
- in round 3, application mid-January, final decision expected on the 20th of March, similar timing to others schools', no need to pay deposit if accepted to HBS

Imagining that I am admitted to both (one can dream!), it comes down to: is there a difference in competitiveness between rounds 2 and 3 now that there are 4 rounds (school says no, but maybe some have a different experience)?

Thank you all in advance for your advices.

I would recommend you apply to INSEAD as soon as your application is of a high quality. Applying later could or could not make a difference depending on the number of quality applicants applying in previous rounds who have a similar profile to you. Why chance it? If you are accepted to both schools, consider that a high-class problem (like a business have too many sales).

Good luck,