Round 2: What you need to know

by DJNY 20:02 0 comments

Round 1 is almost over. If you are not done with your applications, don't rush to finish it now. There is another round right around the corner - Round 2!

Round 2 is the round in which schools get the bulk of their applications. This is also the final round for most international students. This is also the final round for most types of financial aids. Needless to say, if you want to give yourself maximum leverage, make sure you put your best foot forward in round 2 instead of rushing in to submit applications in round 1.

Its better to create a killer app then to create an OK one.

So, what do you need to know about Round 2:

1. Events: Most schools will visit a city near you before the R2 deadlines! There are a number of online and face-to-face events conducted by the MBA tour, the economist, and other such organizations. If you haven't attended one yet, you need to do that now!
http://www.thembatour.com/bschool/calendarEvents.html
https://success.economist.com/products/online-fair

2.  Webinars: Attend school webinars when possible because videos presentations are less distracting and you can research better.

3. New Students: R2 is also the best time to contact new students (from the latest fall batch- if schools allow). These students can tell you their experiences better because memories are fresh about the first month at a new school campus.

4. Luxury of Time: R2 also gives you time to build an even stronger bond with your inner circle including recommenders, reviewers and other brand champions. You can also take a step back from the hellish schedule of R1 to get a better sense of the big picture.

5. Priorities: Even though you have plenty of time, this is not the time to apply to 5 more schools. Depending upon how you did in Round 1 in terms of interview invites and other success metrics, you may now need to ensure that you modify your strategy a bit. Learn from your mistakes. And then apply to the schools that fit the bill. Remember, you really shouldn't be looking to apply in R3. So, R2 is it! Make sure you remember that R2 is your last round.

R2 is the golden ticket for most people. If you have had a great experience interviewing and now know yourself better, then R2 will be a breeze for you. All the Best!