End of Round 1 versus Beginning of Round 2?

[zmaster85]

As the title states, is there an acceptance rate or bias difference between applying at the end of Round 1 versus the beginning of Round 2? Particularly in Harvard and Columbia's cases?

Thanks.

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi,

Thanks for your post. In general it is always best to try to apply in round 1 regardless of the school. There are several reasons for this:

1. It can send the message that perhaps this school is your first choice (schools like to think that is their yield is important)
2. All the seats in the class are open
3. Round 1 tends to be a smaller round than round 2

Since round 2 tends to be the largest round of applications at all bschools, it is advantageous to apply in round 1 if possible. However, it is ALWAYS best to apply when you are ready. Don't rush an application just to hit a round 1 deadline.

In the case of CBS, they are on rolling admissions with Early Decision and the Regular Decision periods. Sticking with my "apply when ready" advice above, I will add that there is indeed an advantage to applying early in the rolling admission period rather than later. The reasons for this are the same as listed above.

Regards,

Stacey