Prospective business school students continuously ponder the question: in which application round should I apply?

The general rule is that applying as early as possible is best, because statistically speaking, there would be less chance of being in an over-represented candidate pool. But evaluating the decision in such generic terms might leave you with more questions than answers about the admissions process.

Undecided applicants tend to struggle with three common variables when considering application rounds: potential GMAT scores, career status and application quality. Let’s discuss each of these and consider their role in application round choice.


1. Potential GMAT score

The first priority is to understand your potential GMAT score, with an emphasis on “potential.”

  • If your current official GMAT score has already exceeded the school’s reported average score, you may consider applying in an early round.

  • If you are burned out from studying the GMAT and are ready to put the test behind you regardless of your score, then you may consider applying early.

  • If you scored 30+ points below the school’s average score and believe that you can score higher, it’s worth postponing your application to a later round.

Although the GMAT is not everything, it is a crucial factor in your application. Showing a strong GMAT, especially one above the school’s average, gives you a better chance to compete against other highly-achieved candidates.

The Economist’s GMAT Tutor offers many resources for those hoping to improve their score, including advice to hone your skills and a free 7-day trial.


2. Meaningful career changes

You may be done with the GMAT but are still undecided about which round to apply in because of a potential career change.

If the upcoming change positively distinguishes you from your peers, then it is worth waiting until the next round. If you are a on a fast track and will potentially be promoted earlier than the average employee, it’s worthwhile to wait to apply until you have received that early promotion.

Not all promotions, however, will improve your standing with an admissions committee. For example, it is very common in the consulting industry for consultants to be promoted every two years. In that scenario, waiting would not favor your application because it is expected that you would hit your next milestone in the natural course of your career.

If you recently switched your career focus (as opposed to just changing employers while keeping the same career focus), then it might be worth waiting until the next round. This will allow you to reflect on your change, your growth because of the change and your impact in this new context.


3. Quality of the application

No matter what is going on with your test scores or career path, applications to business schools generally demand 10-20 hours of work each, including researching the school, understanding the school’s unique offerings, crafting a personal strategy, editing essays, working with recommenders, crafting and editing your CV, etc. Don’t compromise the quality of your application by applying before it’s ready.


What should you do now?

If your GMAT score is where it should be, you’re not undergoing a career change that could improve your chances of being admitted in the future, and you have the time to complete a thorough and professional application, then apply early!



Lulu Curiel is the founder of Ivy Advisors, an elite educational consulting firm that helps people apply to top business schools and beyond. Lulu comes from a multi-cultural background across Asia, South America and the U.S, and is a Harvard Business School graduate.