It is hard to believe that August is almost here and the first Round 1 MBA application deadlines are just under five weeks away (see deadline summary below). If you are beginning to panic about your timeline, you are not alone. This is a crucial stretch for MBA hopefuls.
At Personal MBA Coach, we have been hearing this question more and more over the past few weeks:
Is it better to apply in Round 1 or Round 2?
While the answer depends on your specific circumstances, the good news is that both rounds can work well—if you apply strategically.
That said, with Round 1 deadlines quickly approaching, it is time to honestly assess your readiness. Below, we break down what you need to know and help you decide whether round 1 is the right time to hit submit.
At Personal MBA Coach, we pride ourselves on offering honest, practical feedback.
Many of you still have time to meet early September deadlines! Not sure if that includes you? Ask yourself these three questions:
- Have you already narrowed down your school list?
- Have you taken (or are prepared to take) the GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (if applicable)?
You may skip this question if your target school offers test waivers and this is a viable path for you. - Do you have a large portion of your August carved out to focus on your applications?
If you answered “yes” to most or all of these questions, there is still time to apply in Round 1.
(Even if you fall short of your ideal test score before the deadline, applicants for whom a low score is the only concern are frequently waitlisted and later given the chance to submit an improved score. The key is to present a strong application across all other areas.)
So, if you have not yet put pencil to paper (so to speak) for your essays, resume, and short-answer responses, do not panic. With focus and the right support, you can still get everything done.
We have successfully guided many candidates through an accelerated timeline—often applying to a few programs in Round 1 and targeting additional schools in Round 2 or beyond. (Note that rush pricing may apply for last-minute support.)
That said, you do not have much time to waste. Check out our Comprehensive Packages and schedule a consultation today to get the process started.
The Still Good News:
If you answered “no” to a few of the questions above—especially if you have not taken your test, confirmed recommenders, or finalized your target schools—Round 1 may not be realistic. But that does not mean you are behind.
While a handful of schools show preference for Round 1, the majority do not. A strong Round 2 application is far better than a rushed Round 1 submission. In fact, many of our Round 2 candidates have been admitted to top programs with scholarships.
Even if you are not applying in September, you should begin working on your materials now to avoid a similar crunch come January. Our Round 2 slots are already filling quickly, so do not wait to get started.
Whether you are aiming for Round 1 or Round 2, now is the time to act. Reach out to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a successful MBA application season.
