12.28.10 Round 2 Vs. Round 3?? Decisions, Decisions....Decisions.

R2 vs R3 '10..or R1 '11

So here’s an update on where I am in the process. I take my GRE soon. And, depending on where my scores are, the possibility of having to push back my applications another round is clearly present. I asked my Admin Coach about this and she highly advised against it. And, said, I would be better off waiting another year and applying Round 1. My thoughts are simply this, why would I wait another year when I could do more studying and just apply R3? Now, because I am a Single Parent I present a different factor in my candidacy. I understand there tons of Admissions Coaches that advise against this. My coach said that I wasn’t a Round 3 Applicant. Then, I thought, what are round 3 Applicants? When I get to school are they going to be interrogating me about which round I got in? Seriously?? Who’s gonna have time for that?

Lol…But, my thoughts are, I need to apply when I am fully and completely ready. If I feel like its going to take a little more time to conqueror the test taking aspect then so be it. But, I do not feel like its going to take me another year. I know there are advantages to applying the earlier rounds. But, for me particularly, I have to consider the timeframe in reference to uprooting my son for school. And, if we start next fall, he’ll finish PreK & kindergarten around the time I graduate in May 2013. Thus, the next move for my career & us will be one of stability and me establishing us permanently in a location that allows me to buy a house & continue raising my son in a stable environment.

With that being said, if it takes me pushing my application back to R3 to get the results I need so be it. I am 90% done with essays. My recommendations are ½ way done. It’s a big help knowing these two major factors are out of the way. With that being said, I have been studying for the last several months, but I know I can better maximize my time now that my essays & recommendations are wrapped up for the most part.

Another challenge was taking a test course. I attempted to do so several times. I signed up for 5 Courses this year. Two had technological difficulties. The other three were canceled….SMH. Lol, I couldn’t hit the jackpot to save my life! Now, for sure, I have solid dependable childcare… that was another HUGE FACTOR! As a single parent, having that aspect covered is helps me navigate the process better.

I am going to reference a podcast where, I heard Dee Leopold, HBS MBA Admissions Director say there are viable reasons for a student to apply in Round 3. And, I fall into the category of wanting to put together the best application possible in order to maximize my candidacy in order to secure a spot in the Class of 2013. There are disadvantages. However, I think its safe to say that I’d rather do R3‘10, than R1’11. At this point, now if the universe says differently, then so be it. But, for now I m going to focus on getting a top score and applying to R2. The story will unfold as time progresses.

Also, I google Apply Mba R2 vs R3 this article came up. It is right on time! So, view it if ya’ need it. Its helpful info from Veritas Prep:  http://www.veritasprep.com/blog/2010/12/admissions-101-round-2-or-round-3/

As Always…Be Luv!

Rashida