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Whether they consider applications on a rolling basis or in individual rounds, there’s no denying the fact that at most top MBA programs, the vast majority of the spots in the class are filled in the early parts of the process. So, why would you bother applying in Round 3?

The truth is, many applicants shouldn’t. If you’ve got a more typical background, good test scores and undergraduate GPA, and a strong resume, you should apply as early as possible – preferably in Round 1, if you can get your application together in time (or if you can’t, consider postponing until the next round.)

But for students whose background is less traditional, or who have unique work experience, Round 3 can be the perfect time to apply. While the third round of admissions can be more competitive, due to the limited availability of remaining class seats, it also tends to be less homogenous.

Admissions committees are always looking to build diverse classes. They want candidates who bring a wealth of different experiences and perspectives to the classroom. When you’re applying in Round 3, you have the opportunity to really focus on your personal brand, and highlight the unique viewpoint you’ll be bringing to their School.

How to Highlight Your Personal Brand in a Round 3 MBA Application

I do want to make one thing clear: what I am not saying is that you should apply in Round 3 if your application has a lot of weak spots. If you are applying to a top-tier MBA program, you should always build the strongest possible application package.

What I am saying is that your personal story – always an important part of business school admission – becomes front and center in Round 3. Admissions committees by this point have read through literally thousands of applications in the previous months, and by that point they all start to run together. So what you want to focus on is where you’re different from the candidates who’ve come before.

The best way to get started is with a really honest personal inventory. What makes you, “you”? What events in your life have brought you to the idea of enrolling in business school? What plans do you have for the future that might be a little different from what everyone else is doing? And why is Round 3 the right time for you to apply?

The specifics of that background will obviously be different for every candidate, but here are some examples of the types of stories that might do well in Round 3:

• People from industries that don’t typically lead to business school, like professional athletes, teachers, artists, or actors, and who needed the additional time to prepare a compelling application package.
• People who realized as they were preparing their MBA applications that they didn’t want to continue in their industry, and needed to refocus on the school that would really suit their changed career goals.
• People with great academics – excellent GMAT scores and a strong undergraduate GPA – but whose work history has bounced around somewhat as they’ve tried to discover their path.
• People from underrepresented groups (e.g. women, ethnic minorities, military professionals, LGBT individuals, etc.) who can bring a different perspective to the group. 

Is Applying in Round 3 Right for You?

If you know that you can put together a strong application, and you can bring a unique background or perspective to your business school cohort, then Round 3 might be the perfect time for you to make your case to the admissions committee.

What you don’t want to do when you apply to business school in Round 3 is give admissions committees any indication that you’re only applying to their school as a back-up, or only because your other plans fell through. The most common MBA essay and interview questions – “Why this school? And why right now?” – will still apply to you, and you need to have compelling answers.

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