Should I apply to MBA programs in Round 3 or 4?

Here’s a question we are asked frequently: Should I apply to MBA programs in Round 3 or 4?

We’re 17 days into the New Year and Round 2 deadlines at many business schools have already passed. If you’re debating whether to apply in Round 3 or Round 4, we’ll make the decision easy for you: apply in Round 3.

Why You Should Apply in Round 3

Here’s our most compelling argument:

It can take up to 4 months to get your F-1 student visa.

If you apply to business school in April or later, even if you are accepted, your F-1 student visa may not be processed by August, when orientation starts. We have had previous students who had to wait a year after being accepted to prestigious schools because their visas weren’t approved by August. In fact, many b-schools have an early cut off for international students to ensure accepted students get their visas in time.

Later rounds are more competitive than earlier rounds.

Classes fill as the rounds proceed, so often by the third round, much of the class will be full. Imagine how competitive that makes Round 4. Moreover, waitlisted applicants from Round 1 are often admitted or declined with or after the second round, further reducing the number of seats available.

In our opinion, the early bird gets the worm. If you can’t apply in Round 3, think about applying for the next year (Round 1, of course) and make sure that business school is really something you want to do.

Not sure whether you are ready to apply for Round 3?

Here’s a quick checklist of things you should have already done if you are ready to apply for Round 3:

Completed your GMAT preparation.
Taken the GMAT at least once.
Started the application form.
Reworked your CV/resume’.
Requested your transcript.
Had your transcripts translated if they are not in English.
Started your MBA essays.
Requested your recommendations.

If you have already done all this, then you are in good shape to finish the application by the Round 3 deadline. If not, wait until Round 1 of the next cycle.