Ask Stacy Blackman

Most applicants that contact me assume that Round 1 is the best time to apply and will kill themselves to submit all apps in Round 1 for their target schools. My work with clients throughout the years does not in any way support the idea that Round 1 is better. I have seen equal success rates for both rounds. Despite that, my clients are so convinced that Round 1 is the key to success, that I decided to conduct an informal survey with admissions committee members at several top schools. The findings: there is no evidence that round 1 is better than round 2!

Some specific feedback:
- In R2 we are more likely to take risks on less ideal candidates
- There may be a slightly higher success rate for R1 candudates but we attribute that to the fact that more accomplished candidates apply in R1, not the fact that chances are better.
- We know what the we want the class to look like. If you are not a good fit in R1, the best we will do is waitlist you. At that point you are competing against R2 anyway.
- R1 can be harder because the adcomm may take a "let's wait and see what comes in R2 attitude"
- R1 sometimes has more competition so can be more challenging

My interpretation:
1) There is no evidence that R1 is better than R2
2) There is clear evidence that a strong application is better than a rushed one
3) Apply only when you are ready! Period.

Certainly early cannot hurt when it comes to scholarships. Some schools have specific deadlines for aid and certain scholarships and programs. Guidelines would differ school by school, and it may be best to call your target schools and ask them. Submitting when is best for you is still the overall rule of thumb.

rajesh_ctm wrote:I had visited Chicago GSB for an information session, and I heard a surprising thing from an admissions staff. She said R1 is slightly more competitive, because they receive the best prepared applications in that round.

Hm...that is interesting--but I would think that this admissions person wouldn't say that you have a better chance of getting admitted if you apply during Round 2.

You are generally at a disadvantage applying in R3.