Profile evaluation/Round 2?

[allisonec]

My Profile:

...

I'm starting to feel discouraged. I had considered applying round 2, but after my research I knew I felt very strongly about these particular schools and programs. Should I consider applying to schools in round 2? Wait another year? Or just sit tight, since I really want to go to any of these 4 schools (there are other factors, such as location and network- there are definitely other great schools that I could apply to). Trying to stay hopeful but I have to admit, the wait is not fun!

Any advice or thoughts are very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear allisonec,

If you want to be in business school this time next year, and know you are ready, then I encourage you to apply to some schools in R2 that are outside the top 10 (maybe 1 outside the top 20 for a safety). As before, you want to target schools with the curricula you seek and any other attributes that are important in your MBA experience. Don't get discouraged yet about the 4 from R1--until you know, you don't know. However, it is prudent to have a mix of schools on your list--not just top 10.

If you would rather wait and see, as you are set on only these 4 programs being worthwhile for you, then you will have to decide your next step when you know your options. In the event you are waitlisted, you will want to take steps to reach a positive decision. In the event your applications are not successful, then you can reapply next year and determine then if you want to add reasonable/safety schools to your list.

Hang in there--stay positive!
Lisa