5 Reasons You Still Have a Chance of Admission in the Last MBA Application Deadline

So you want to apply for an MBA program that starts in 2013, but have missed all the deadlines except the last one? And now are facing a paradox on whether it is worth the effort applying or not. Most of you may have heard that applying during the final round is a waste of time as most of the slots are already taken and that your chances of being admitted are slim. Also, where will all the moolah that goes into studying an MBA come from, especially at the last minute?

Well, there is some truth that goes along with the bad reputation of the final round. Historically, yes, there typically aren’t as many admission’s offers extended during the last application deadline as there are in prior rounds. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have a chance of admission in the last MBA application deadline.

Some of the main reasons why you should apply for MBA admissions even if it’s at the 11th hour are:

• Fewer applicants apply in the fourth round, so while the number of total offers extended during this round might be lower, the admission rate (the percentage of applicants admitted) may be just as high as in the earlier rounds.
• By the time the final round deadline arrives, colleges already know which of the previously admitted applicants have decided to enroll. The MBA colleges can begin to see what the first-year class is going to look like and sometimes, the class will need some balancing. And the final applicants stand to benefit from it.
• A diverse class of students from different former job functions, different geographic locations and different career aspirations makes the already phenomenal learning environment at an MBA college. What that means for you as a potential fourth round applicant is that it’s about being in the right place at the right time.
• Finally, if you submit your strongest application to the admissions committee during the final round and are not admitted, you’re on the radar for the next application season. Applying during the last round and getting denied generally will not hurt any future applications you submit. The dedication and persistence will be noticed.

If you considered the final deadline for admission but ultimately decided that it was a waste of time, we encourage you to rethink your decision. You might be the student we need to round out the class of 2015.

Source: Kelly Lynch

Kelly is a blogger and you can catch him http://blogs.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/