Everything You Need to Know About B-School Admissions Rounds

Everything You Need to Know About B-School Admissions Rounds Most full-time MBA programs accept applications in three separate rounds: round one, round two, and round three. Its key to apply to business school when youre fully prepared, and this can take some planning. Which of these rounds should you apply in? What are the timelines for decisions? When applying to b-school, its important to be educated on the different rounds, as well as rolling admissions, in order to make the right admissions decision for you. Looking to plan your b-school admissions timeline? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about b-school admissions rounds. B-school admissions rounds one and two Round one deadlines typically fall in September or October, with decisions sent to applicants in December. (Certain programs may offer an Early Action round with an even earlier deadline.) Round two deadlines generally fall in November, December, or January, with decisions returned between January and March. For the best results, admissions officers often encourage MBA candidates to submit their applications in the first two rounds. In addition, students who are interested in scholarships, grants, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid should apply in round one or two, as most awards are allotted during these two rounds. Though round one does offer more opportunities for applicants, as most of the class seats are open, students applying to MBA programs should still make sure that their applications are at the highest quality to increase the likelihood of acceptance. Allow time to make improvements and submit your application in round two if the following points apply to you: Your application isnt quite complete during round one. You would like the retake your GMAT or GRE. [RELATED: 3 Ways to Prepare for a Business School Interview] The final b-school admissions rounds Some business schools have three admissions rounds, while others have more. These are the least advantageous of the rounds, as most seats at schools have been filled during the previous months. In the final rounds, including round three, admissions officers are looking to augment their classes with students who stand out from the crowded field. The individuals who have the greatest opportunities for success in these rounds are qualified candidates who have some combination of solid experience, high test scores, superb academic performance, and refined career focus. [RELATED: How to Make the Most of Your Business School Campus Visit] B-school rolling admissions While many MBA programs have separate, dedicated rounds for their applications, some offer rolling admissions. This means candidates for these programs can submit their applications throughout the year for the upcoming semester. Columbia Business School, for example, is a full-time MBA program that has a rolling admissions policy. Therefore, if youre applying to Columbia as a full-time MBA student, you can send in your application throughout the year. Note, though, that its still beneficial to submit your application as early as possible. [RELATED: 4 Steps to Take Today to Prepare for B-School] All in all, the best time to submit your MBA application is when its fully ready. This means your submission includes polished essays, glowing recommendations, and your highest GMAT or GRE score. Additionally, you should be ready for your MBA interview. Plan aheadyou should not apply to business school on a whim. Select the b-school admissions round that works best for your individual situation so that you have the greatest opportunity to attend your top choice business school. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

10 of the Top Small Colleges in the U.S.

10 of the Top Small Colleges in the U.S. When high school students begin looking for colleges, theyre forced to prioritize the things they want. A strong athletic program, a hard-to-find-major, or a particular location can all influence a students desire to attend. So, too, can sizefor many students, the choice of big schools vs. small schools is one of the most important factors. While there are reasons to attend a big school and reasons to attend a small school, finding an academic institution that suits your needs is crucial to success in your continued education. For those students looking for a smaller college (perhaps with 5,000 students of less), we present you a list of some of the very best. California Institute of Technology The California Institute of Technology is a small private university in Pasadena, California. Known for its abundance of Nobel Prize winners and recipients of the National Medal of Science and Technology, the school accepts only 8% of applicants and specializes in engineering and science. Claremont McKenna College Located in Claremont, California, Claremont McKenna College is a private liberal arts college known for its programs in economics, government, and public affairs. The college accepts only 9.8% of those students who apply to the prestigious school. The school has only been co-ed since 1976. Pomona College Another California school to make the list, Pomona College is located in Claremont and only offers undergraduate education. It is one of the most endowed liberal arts colleges in the United States and accepts 12.1% of applicants. The college is associated with the Say Yes to Education Compact, offering free tuition to inner city youth. Swarthmore College Swarthmore College is a private liberal arts college in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, and it was one of the first co-ed colleges in the U.S. They accept 17% of applicants. The school is part of a consortium with Bryn Mawr College and Haverford College, which provides an integrated library system and gives students the opportunity to cross-register for classes. Amherst College Amherst College is a private liberal arts school in Amherst, Massachusetts. There are 38 majors to choose from, and it is said that students enjoy the open curriculum. Approximately 14% of students who apply are admitted to the school. Bowdoin College Located in Brunswick, Maine, this East Coast college offers a student-faculty ratio of 9:1. Theyve also got a 118-acre coastal studies center on Orrs Island. Bowdoin accepts 14.9% of students. Perhaps best of all, Bowdoin is a no-loan school, meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need with grants. College of the Ozarks College of the Ozarks sits in Point Lookout, Missouri and is a Christian liberal arts college. They offer over 30 majors and charge no tuition for full-time students, instead offering a student work program, so its no wonder that admissions are difficultthe school accepts only 9% of applicants. Alice Lloyd College This Pippa Passes, Kentucky college offers 18 degree programs and roughly 20 students to every faculty member. The school has a high percentage of first-generation students, and around 33% of students who apply are admitted. Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT is a private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is well known throughout the world for its programs in physical sciences, engineering, and biology. The school also boasts a high number of Nobel laureates and National Medal of Science recipients, many Rhodes Scholars and MacArthur Fellows, and Fields Medalists. It is understandably difficult to enrollonly 7.9% of students are admitted. U.S. Naval Academy The U.S. Naval Academy is a four-year school in Annapolis, Maryland, educating officers for commissioning in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. To get in, candidates must be nominated for admission, usually by a member of Congress. Candidates must also be between the ages of 17 and 23, unmarried and childless, and of good moral character. Theyre given applications, standardized tests, physical tests, etc. Only 7.9% of applicants are admitted. While some of these schools may to difficult to get into, they certainly offer some rewarding perks. By planning your strategy for college applications well in advance and studying up on the kinds of things admissions officers are looking for, youll undoubtedly increase your chances of going to one of the top small colleges in the United States!