Your MBA Round 2 Application Status Check

Key Takeaways

• Generally speaking, your best chance of being accepted for an MBA comes in rounds 1 and 2. And although you should ideally apply in round 1, you still have a good chance of being accepted during round 2.
• Before sending off your round 2 application, try to look at every aspect of your application to make sure it’s as strong as possible: your school selection, resume, essays, motivations, letters of recommendation, and GMAT score.
• In some cases, it may be worth delaying your application until round 2 to give yourself the best possible chance of being accepted.

Are you planning to apply for your MBA in round 2?

Although it's generally advised to apply in round 1 if you can, you still have a good chance of being accepted in round 2. There will still be plenty of spaces left in the MBA class at this point, and so if you’re not 100% happy with your application before the first round deadline, it’s definitely worth delaying until round 2. But before you send off your round 2 application, there are a few important questions you should ask yourself first.

1. Am I applying to the right schools?

According to Personal MBA Coach,  the average MBA applicant applies to 5-7 schools. While you shouldn’t use this as a definitive number for your own application, it’s a good guide to work from. Divide your applications into some “reach” schools, some “more likely” schools, and some “safer” schools - especially if you want to secure an acceptance this year.

As universities invest more in their business schools, the number of strong MBA programs is increasing all over the world.. However, the applicant pool is also becoming more competitive. This means business schools will increasingly look to fill their classes with diverse candidates, and you can’t always predict which school might need someone who fits your profile. 

Simply put, adding a broad range of schools helps to balance the odds in your favor.

2. Did I develop a targeted MBA resume?

An MBA resume differs considerably from a professional one. 

A professional resume shows potential employers that you have the specific skills and experiences they are looking for. You are selling your ability to do a particular job and should include industry-specific terminology and jargon. 

On the other hand, an MBA resume should provide evidence that you have been successful and demonstrated leadership in your personal and professional lives. Ultimately, you are selling your future potential.

Make sure that you have taken the time to tailor your resume for your MBA applications. Try to include examples of when you have displayed strong leadership, as well as highlighting the successes you’ve had in your personal life and career. 

3. Do I have a well-articulated personal story?

A strong MBA application tells a clear story. The readers should walk away knowing who you are and what motivates you. This story should be consistent throughout the application components. Your resume, essays, short answer questions, and letters of recommendation should all include the same general message. Any inconsistencies are an instant red flag!

4. Is it clear why I want an MBA?

Have you thought out and articulated why exactly you want an MBA? 

Try to steer away from answers such as ‘getting promoted’, ‘earning more money’ or ‘gaining business skills.’ These are unlikely to grab the attention of admissions teams. 

Instead, try to focus on the skills and experiences you hope to gain from an MBA - and how it will help you achieve your career goals. You should also explain how it will help you to develop as a person and as a professional. 

This is a vital part of your MBA application, so it’s well worth taking the time to make sure you get it right.

5. Does my application include specific information about the target school?

Admissions teams read thousands of essays every year, and so it’s easy for them to determine who is genuinely interested in a school and who crafted a generic essay that they sent to every school they applied to.

Make sure that your essays include school-specific information where possible, such as the classes, programs, professors, and other aspects of the school that you are interested in. Try also to connect your background and interests to the things you would like to do on campus. This gives your application a bit of personality and elevates it beyond some words on a page. 

6. Are my essays strong enough?

Your MBA essays are possibly your best chance to communicate to the admissions team who you are beyond your resume, so it’s vital you make the most of them.

If you haven’t hired professional help, it might be a good idea to firstly have someone else read your essays. Ask someone who is not overly familiar with what you do for work. This will help to ensure you are talking about your experience with the right level of detail for someone outside of your industry to understand.

It’s also crucial that each essay tells the reader something about you. While personal anecdotes can add to or even make a great essay, the goal of your essay is to convince the admissions committee that you will add value in the classroom and on campus. Make sure every essay sends a strong message about what you have to add.

7. Are my letters of recommendation strong enough?

One of the most overlooked areas of the application is your letters of recommendation. 

It’s important to go over your whole story with your recommenders so that they can write letters that help to corroborate that story. If your goals or story have changed as you moved through the application phase, make sure to update your recommenders.

Authenticity is key here, so don’t ask them to write something that isn’t representative of you. Choose your recommenders wisely; people who know you well and know all about your strengths and weaknesses. This will shine through in the application process and catch the eye of admissions teams.

8. Is my GMAT score strong enough?

While it’s possible to win admission to your target school with a below-par GMAT score, there’s no doubt that it could handicap your application. Cross-check your score with the average for the programs you’re applying to. If it’s below the average, it may be worth retaking your GMAT to see if you can improve.

Remember: if your GMAT does fall below the average, you may have to excel in other areas of your application to be accepted. Working on your GMAT could be an easier way to improve your chances of being accepted - particularly if you’re waiting until round 2.

So, should I apply in round 1 or round 2?

The answer to this depends on you and your personal situation.

If you’re 100% happy with your application by the round 1 deadline, that’s when you should apply.

If you’re still not happy with your application and the round 1 deadline is approaching, don’t rush to apply. Wait until round 2 and make sure every aspect of your application is as strong as it can possibly be. That will always be a better strategy than a rushed round 1 application.

Looking for step-by-step guidance? Our MBA Application Guide provides you with exclusive, insider advice to conquering every aspect of the MBA admissions process, including telling your story, your MBA resume, admissions essays, and letters of recommendation. Get the free guide now!

About Personal MBA Coach

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach is consistently ranked #1 or #2.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned over $5.5M in scholarships!