Schools use the 3^rd round to balance out their in-coming class profile, and this poses a challenge to applicants that is not present in the 1^st or 2^nd round. By the 3^rd round, top programs already have reserved seats for many excellent admits and have very solid waitlists developed. While they may not know the percentage of admitted students that will matriculate, they have a good idea. The 3^rd round becomes more of a case of filling a few holes on a team, than starting to draft a new team. Compounding this problem is the volume of 3^rd round applicants, which is fairly high relative to the available spots due to the timing issues mentioned above. For some programs, this volume is even higher than the number of 1^st round applicants.

So, does it even make sense to apply in the 3^rd round? The answer is yes, if your timing is right and/or you have what the school really needs.  All-stars are always welcome on teams, at anytime. If you have glowing credentials, you will be welcome during any round. Even if all parts of your candidacy don’t glow, you may have elements that a school needs to balance/improve their class. Examples include an exceptional GMAT, GPA, unique work or community experience, or a compelling story. To extend the sports metaphor somewhat, we know multiple professional athletes who have been admitted to Top schools in the 3^rd round.  Additionally, schools may be looking to fill holes in underrepresented groups.  So if you belong to an underrepresented population, applying in Round 3 may make sense.  Examples of underrepresented populations include: military, LGBT, women, ethnic minorities, and non-traditional professional backgrounds.

But it is not mandatory to have outlier characteristics to be admitted in this round.  Schools are very open to candidates who clearly demonstrate that their professional or personal life has led them to the point where they only now comprehend the need for an MBA (as opposed to Round 1 or Round 2 timing).   For example, a military candidate may get his “release” papers  during Round 3 timing, or an applicant may have had have had a recent job rotation, change, or promotion.  In addition, some firms allow employees to take sabbaticals, which can provide enlightenment to an alternative career during Round 3 timing. These transitions can bring the need for new skills or a greater awareness of career goals that require a business education to fulfill.

One line of thinking, which is completely wrong, is a candidate’s strategy to apply in the 3^rd round thinking that they will simply re-apply in the 1^st Round of the following year if they are dinged.  This is a poor strategy because to be a successful  as “re-applicant” you need to prove to the admissions committee that significant changes have taken place since you last applied (when they rejected you).  This is often difficult to do for re-applicants because not much time will have elapsed between  Round 3 and Round1.  Please do not use this strategy.

The burden is on the candidate to demonstrate that their timing is right. When done effectively it becomes evident that the timing of the application becomes one of perfect alignment as opposed to haphazard hope. We help many applicants communicate this alignment every year. If you’d like to talk with us further about whether you should apply in Round 3 or wait until the next season, you can take advantage of our free consultation by clicking on the link.  We wish you the best of luck with your applications!