Admissions Tip: Managing Round 2 MBA Deadlines
Anyone who’s familiar with the MBA application process knows that December moves forward at an accelerated pace, mixing work with holidays and application preparation. Come the New Year, Round 2 application deadlines come swiftly. See just how many deadlines overlap in our handy chart of Round 2 MBA application deadlines.
To help this year’s Round 2 applicants avoid the classic time crunch, we’ve compiled some basic advice on how to approach the MBA deadlines at a reasonable pace.
Plan to be busy in December.
If you are not bogged down by professional obligations in December, this makes for a great opportunity to devote time to working on your MBA applications in the evenings. The last weeks of the year can easily be split between résumé drafting, essay writing, recommendation coaching, GMAT prep, school research, and more.
Think carefully about the timing of the R2 MBA deadlines.
Looking at the deadlines chart, it becomes clear that some deadlines may be easier to make than others. A candidate applying to NYU Stern and MIT Sloan could have a more leisurely December when compared to someone targeting Harvard, Stanford and Wharton. Assuming about three weeks of research and writing for each school’s application, take a look at the deadlines and count backwards to determine a start date for each. It is entirely possible to meet same-day deadlines, such as Wharton and HBS, but doing so requires a well-planned schedule and consistent progress.
Consider taking some time off from work.
We realize that many MBA applicants work 70 hours/week and haven’t had a day off in months. For such applicants, a day or two away from their work desk can really do wonders for focus and organization. Applying to business school is a serious undertaking, and in the long term you won’t regret having given yourself enough time to prepare strong applications. Many successful candidates take a week off in December to make the final push. It’s not a glamorous way to spend your vacation time, but an offer to attend a leading MBA program can make the sacrifice well worth it.
Get your recommenders on board early.
It’s always a good idea to engage your recommenders early and inform them about the process and your timeline. Sit down with each recommender, perhaps over lunch or coffee or via Zoom. No matter the setting, present them with an outline of the deadlines and the process. It’s then a wise idea to meet again shortly thereafter, as many applicants will then be in a position to share their background materials (a résumé, career goals essays, etc.) to help their recommenders understand—and support—their message.
Happy planning!
MBA Applywire
I am a deferred MBA applicant with a strong international background, having studied and worked across India, the UK, and the USA. Currently, I am completing a full-time Co-op at Master Electronics, where I focus on business analytics, strategy, and supply chain optimization. Additionally, I have completed three internships in strategy consulting, supply chain, and business intelligence, which have helped me develop a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making, global supply chains, and strategic problem-solving.
Academically, I hold a 3.60 GPA and a 327 GRE score (164V, 163Q, 5.0 AWA). Beyond academics, I have demonstrated leadership and teamwork through winning 11 intramural soccer trophies at Arizona State University. A defining moment of resilience in my journey was recovering from a trimalleolar ankle fracture, during which I successfully managed my internship, academics, and physiotherapy without falling behind.
My global business interests are reflected in projects such as the Nestlé class project, where I explored strategic solutions for market expansion, and the Vibrant Smile Joint Venture project, a simulated strategy project in my MGT 459 class, where my team and I developed a market entry strategy for an electric toothbrush company. These experiences have further fueled my passion for strategy, consulting, and business transformation.
Post-MBA, I am looking to work in strategy consulting, corporate strategy, or analytics-driven leadership roles, ideally in the USA, Europe (France/Spain), or UAE. I am drawn to an MBA for its ability to sharpen my strategic thinking, leadership skills, and global career opportunities. Given my background, I would love feedback on how to best position my profile for top Deferred MBA programs like Kellogg, Wharton, Darden, Haas, and Yale.
- Econ undergrad @ a T20 MBA School
- 4 years military experience @ application
- Three Different roles in the military, ranked top 5% in all three
- Family business is pharma (mid-cap) would like to pursue IB/Consulting or Pharma LDP
- LT goal: Pharma PE family office
Retiring military officer, coming from operations and strategic planner roles. Previous led teams of 80+ people, and looking to grow into a leadership role in a large company in the Pacific Northwest. Undergraduate in Arabic Language and Culture from lesser known school, and a Masters in Theology from Seminary (3.8 GPA in both programs). Will be a practice GRE and GMAT to see which is a better fit.
Questions I am considering:
Will it be better to go to an M7 program or a local MBA program if I want to find a position in Seattle?
Will the GRE or GMAT be a better fit for my application?
Should I be looking into EMBA programs instead, based on the average age of MBA programs?
Should a maintain a federal job while attending a hybrid MBA or EMBA program?
MBA LiveWire
Interviewed on the 6th of February
+ scholarship
Received call around noon today
Vet