You’ve missed round 1 of the MBA admissions cycle. But does that mean you’ve missed your chance of starting an MBA in 2025? Not necessarily…

There’s always a buzz around applying in round 1. All the spots in the upcoming intake are still up for grabs, there are more scholarship opportunities, it demonstrates motivation and good planning…the list goes on. 

But how vital is it to apply in round 1, and does it really give you a better chance of acceptance? Although the Admissions Committee hasn’t yet offered any spots for the new cohort, the round 1 applicant pool is typically very strong, and it can take a lot to stand out. As well as considering a round 1 candidate in the pool of fellow early applicants, the AdCom also must decide if the candidate is going to stack up against applicants from the later rounds. 

While there are advantages to applying early in the admissions cycle, this should not be at the expense of the strength of your application. I would only advise applying in round 1 if your application is truly the best it can be. It isn’t worth rushing to submit, only to feel that your application didn’t do you justice. 

If you do want to start your MBA in 2025, there is still plenty of time. Schools have multiple rounds for a reason, and there are places offered in each round. Rather than focusing on things that are outside of your control, like the acceptance rate of each round, concentrate on ensuring that your application is truly reflective of your abilities and potential. 

If you’re targeting round 2 or round 3 and would like some support or reassurance, why not book a free initial consultation and see how I can help. 

We also have two Admissions Bootcamps coming up – just in time if you are targeting a late 2024/early 2025 deadline.