Assistance in question regarding Round 1/2 applications.

[nehaberi86]

Hi,

I am looking at applying to schools for the 2011 Sept intake. Some of the schools i am targetting are INSEAD Singapore, ISB, NUS, NTU Singapore. Also, i will be appearing for the GMAT in Sept. end.
However, i am a little confused as to how much of a difference the Round 1/Round 2 applications make.

If i were to apply to certain schools (my preferred schools mostly - INSEAD, ISB, along with a few others) in the second round, would it make a difference as opposed to applying in the first round? The main reason for targeting the second round is due to time constraints at work, time required for completing the apps, etc. Also, i have been told that applying to your dream schools in the second round often results in better applications.

Kindly let me know incase there are any advantages in applying in Round 1 and if so, then should i be targetting my dream schools in Round 1 itself?

Thank you for the help!

[Tani]

People differ on the advisability of first versus second round applications. Some feel second round is better because the admissions staff has a better view of the total applicant pool and is not as concerned with holding back slots in case stellar applicants show up later. Some also feel that the first round is the most difficult because it tends to include those people who are really ahead of the game and have their highest GMAT scores and recommendations together early.

In the end, the best time to apply is when your application is in the best possible shape. I have counseled people to apply to top schools in the third round and seen them get accepted. A huge percent of the class in any year is accepted in the second round.

I sense that you are concerned about your ability to put your best case in front of the committee in time for round one. If that is true, I would wait.

Good luck.

[nehaberi86]

Thank you for the great advice! Will surely consider the same. The reason i mentioned some of the schools i am interested in was they are all in Asia and i was wondering if any of them treat the applicaiton rounds any differently from other schools. Either way, i will work on getting my applications into good shape before applying.

Thank you again!