First Round Applications

[machichi]

With most of the essays out for the schools and having taken the GMAT and being quite happy with my score, I am feeling confident that I have plenty of time to work on my applications by the first round deadline.

I have a question about the number of schools that people apply to in any given round. At the moment, I am working school by school; the order I've timelined is this:

0) Already did my braindump of everything that matters to me, that i am proud of, etc. etc.
1) Berkeley (tons of little essays feel like good prep for getting my thoughts out there--second choice, target school?)
2) Yale (3rd choice, target?)
3) Stanford (1st choice, reach)
4) Kellogg (4th choice, target?)
5) Ross (5th choice, safety?)

Am I crazy to turn in all 5 by the deadline? I am torn because I want to get into a school first round and be done with it, but am I underestimating how hard these applications are? I've already gotten drafts for most of Haas's essays and am hoping to let them sit for a month so I can come back with fresh eyes.

What's the typical number of applications people do in a round? Is that the same as what's reasonable?

Thanks!

[ronaldo7]

I think it's reasonable if you have the time to work seriously on the essays. Keep in mind that Berkeley has 4 rounds, so it might be OK to submit 2nd round.

[Jon@Admissionado]

Why crazy?? Great!
I like your ambition, and stick to the schedule.
You CAN get that many applications done in this time (the record I personally saw was a young Russian candidate who did 11 applications in about three and a half weeks, but I don't know if I recommend it (was tough on me too! )

The more schools you get in, the earlier, the better.

[PrepMBA.AlexLeventhal]

I think you can get all the applications in, but it depends how much time you have during the week, or is it just a weekend endeavor?

I think that the typical applicant working with me would do 4 applications for Round One if they start early, but some are just better at getting this process and being self critical of their writing.

But ultimately, it's about quality not quantity, and I can't tell you how many clients I get who rushed applications the previous season and are now looking to slow down and be careful with their MBA prospects. Reapplication can be done but it's not always ideal.

Good luck!

[youngjames]

it's certainly feasible to complete that many apps at once, but it all depends on how much time you have to work on them. i've known candds to work around the clock to accomplish what you're trying to do, and i know it will never occur without the right level of discipline and focus.

as you go thru the apps, you should be mindful of avoiding the temptation to reuse essays across the schools. you might start to think that Haas looks like Stanford, or Ross looks like Kellogg. Or, you might spend an inordinate amt of time on Stanford (since that's #1) and too little time on a target program, which then jeopardizes your chances into what was once your target. The schools are good at picking-up if you're recycling the same content. It's ok to reuse the same info, as long as you've targeted the info to the specific program, rather than doing copy/paste, followed by find/replace.

As long as you're mindful of those things, and have the wherewithal to get everything done, then i say to go for it!