Alisha Mashruwala is a Partner at OnCourse and a Harvard graduate, and is also a Psychology major with a minor in Economics
Want to study Public Policy in the UK
I want to apply for my MBA. Which are some of the colleges I can apply to for round 2?
—Karina
Most schools that have an MBA program have 3 application rounds. As an international student we do not recommend applying for round 3. However, you still have time as most colleges’ round 3 deadline ranges from November end to December. Assuming that you have already done the GMAT, you should aim to apply before the round 2 deadlines for some of the top universities. Along with the GMAT you will need a resume, about 2 recommendation letters, official transcripts and essays. You could have between 4 and 10 essays to write so it’s essential you begin working on them soon after they release, to meet the round 2 deadlines.
Here are some universities you can consider – the deadlines might change this year. However this is an estimation based on last year’s deadlines. Also your list will vary depending on your GMAT score, your previous academic record and your work experience.
Cornell University – November 28, Northwestern University – December 4, University of Michigan –January 3, UC Berkeley – November 29, INSEAD – December 5.
I want to apply to the top schools in the US. My SAT score is 1990 and I have a predicted 36 points for my IB. My father went to an IVY League school. Will that increase my chances of getting in?
—Rishabh
Over the years, applications to IVY Leagues have been increasing, as they are the most desired of the universities in the US. The acceptance rates of most of these schools fall below 10 per cent making it extremely competitive. We recommend having a score of above 2100 on your SAT in order to qualify to apply to these schools as ‘Dreams’. You should have consistently good grades in school and stand in the top 5 per cent of your graduating class. In addition, the universities look for a stand out factor, which is absolutely vital when evaluating your application. If you make it through this screening process you will possibly be considered for admission and then having a legacy will give you a slight edge through the process. At this point I recommend retaking the SAT, focusing on your school grades and identifying a stand out factor.