Choice Between Round I & Round II

[becnil]

Hello,

I am planning to apply to Stanford, Wharton, Booth and Haas in Round I and Kellogg and Duke in Round II for FT program starting 2011. I am a Transportation Engineer with 7 yrs of work exp in government, India & U.S. (transportation and infrastructure sector). I wish to become an entrepreneur in infrastructure developments in developing countries.

Given this brief history, which Round should I select while applying to the top schools? I read at several blogs that the Round I usually gets applications from stronger applicants, particularly from the well known feeder industries (Consulting, Investment Banking etc.). Does this mean that I may have a better chance if I apply in Round II?

Stanford says it receives the largest volume of application in Round II, and suggests to apply for Round I. Booth says it awards the most number of admissions in the second round. I am a bit confused. Could you please help with some suggestions?

Thanks a lot,
Niladri.

[julie_shah]

I actually just wrote a blog post about this: https://mymbastory.tumblr.com/

I don't know that I am giving you as precise an answer as you're looking for , but the truth is that you have the best chance of getting in when you application is at its strongest - when your essays and short answers are well-written and well-developed.

In my opinion, I don't think there is anything in the numbers that truly enhances your chances in either Round 1 or Round 2 - you're either going to demonstrate fit, or not. (I would not, however, recommend that you apply in Round 3.)

Last year, I applied to Harvard and Stanford in Round 1, and Wharton, Columbia, and Tuck in Round 2. I did not get in to either of my Round 1 schools, and was admitted to all of my Round 2 schools. There was a significant difference in the quality of my essays and application by the time I got to my Round 2 applications - just because I took more time and thought with them.

I believe that your first application is, by default, going to be your weakest, and your last will be your strongest. (Same goes for interviews!) So, apply that advice as you see fit in choosing your application rounds, and good luck!

Julie

[Kaneisha Grayson]

I agree with most of what Julie said and think it's awesome that she shared her story.

My short advice to you is to apply in Round 2. You don't sound ready for Round 1, and I rarely advise clients to apply during Round 3.

As for me, I applied to both Harvard and Stanford in Round 2: admitted to Harvard, waitlisted and then rejected at Stanford. So there's my story!

Good luck!
Kaneisha