2020-2021 MBA application deadlines – When is the last date to apply to business schools?

The MBA Application season has officially begun, with several top business schools announcing their MBA Application Deadlines for Fall intake 2021. In this article, we have collated and presented the 2020-2021 MBA application deadlines to the top business schools for your handy reference. We also discuss how many MBA application rounds are there and help you decide which Round is best suited for you.

Bookmark this article for future reference as it will be periodically updated as more business schools announce their application schedules.

Here is a brief outline of this article:

• MBA Application Deadlines 2020 – 2021
  • How many Rounds are there to get into Top Business Schools?
  • Which MBA Application round should you apply?
  • Why should you apply in Round 1 or Round 2?
  • What is the early decision MBA Application deadline, and who should you take advantage of it?

MBA Application Deadlines 2020- 2021

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we can expect this year’s MBA Admissions to be very competitive. Why? Generally, when the economy goes down, applications to business schools go up. This might be the case for MBA intake 2021.

Besides, due to uncertainty, many MBA aspirants that were planning to apply for September 2020 intake might apply for 2021.

Also, many business schools are offering deferred enrolment to their MBA batch 2020 due to travel restrictions and difficulty in gaining visas which might lead to an increased application for 2021 intake. However, there is a risk for international and Indian students who will be applying to 2021 intake in the US.

Check out how Covid-19 Pandemic had affected Business Schools and MBA Aspitants/ current students. 

The current US Visa rules state that if a student who is currently enrolled in programs that are entirely online for the Fall semester (2020) will have to come back home. There is a possibility that this might discourage International MBA Application for 2021 intake.

According to Poets and Quants, admissions consultants are already reporting that they are seeing an increase in both bookings and interest of candidates who intend to apply in Round 1 MBA Application deadlines in September 2020.

There are only a handful of business schools that have announced their new application deadline and forms. You can click on the essay topic links to check out MBA Essay tips for each business school.

Here are the latest MBA Application Deadlines 2020 -2021 of top MBA Programs: 

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How many Rounds are there to get into the Top MBA Programs?

As you can see from the table above, generally, there are three rounds. However, few business schools like Georgia Tech Scheller, Rice Jones, Cambridge Judge, NYU Stern, and Michigan Ross have more than three rounds.

Which MBA Application round should you apply?

Your decision to choose which MBA application round to apply to depends on several factors. Following are some of the factors you should consider while deciding which MBA application round you should apply to:

1. Application Readiness
2. Target Business School Ranking
3. International Applicant

Application Readiness

If you are done with your GMAT and have finished polishing your other application materials such as Resume, Letters of Recommendations, etc., then it is advisable to apply either during the Early Decision Round or Round 1.

Learn more about applying in Round 1 vs. Round 2

If you are still working on your essays or other aspects of your MBA application, then it is advisable to apply in Round 2. You can use the extra time to make sure you submit the strongest MBA application possible.

Learn more about how you can improve your MBA Applicant profile & boost your MBA Application. Your GMAT score has a 22% weightage in your MBA application, learn more about MBA application factors, in this article.

Target Business School Ranking

If you are applying to the Top 15 MBA programs, then applying early is advantageous. Due to a large number of robust applications received by the top business schools for their MBA programs, the acceptance rate for the later rounds (i.e., Round 3 & Round 4) is significantly lower.

International Applicants

International applicants require more time for visa processing, and other formalities, and hence business schools encourage international applicants to apply early in Round 1 or Round 2.

Many business schools also do not accept applications for the later rounds from international applicants. Make sure to check your target business schools’ admissions policies to learn more.

MBA Admission Deadlines: Why should you apply in Round 1 or Round 2?

Since none of the seats are filled in the First Round, it is advantageous to apply in Round 1. At most business schools, early applicants have an advantage over those who apply in later rounds.

This is because, typically, the second application round is the largest and most competitive. The third round is even more competitive due to the vast majority of seats is already filled.

Here are some other reasons as to why applying earlier is advantageous:

• Applying earlier allows you to receive information about scholarships/fellowships from the business schools financial aid office before the date to which you must respond to your offer of admission
• Allows more time to complete recommended quantitative and language coursework before you arrive on campus
• In some cases, applying early provides better access to on-campus housing lottery opportunities at business schools
• As mentioned earlier, applying early allows ample time to complete the visa application process for international applicants
• Opportunity to attend the business schools admit weekends. Sometimes, round 3 candidates lose out on this opportunity to interact with classmates (a significant MBA networking opportunity)

However, it is essential to remember that it is best to apply when you believe you’ve prepared the most polished MBA application possible.

What is the Early Decision MBA Application Deadline?

Some business schools, besides having the regular admission rounds for their MBA programs, also have an Early Decision application deadline. Generally, students who apply in this Round receive an answer before the regular decision applicant is reviewed.

Here are a few things you should keep in mind if you apply in the Early Decision MBA Application Deadlines:

• It signals your Commitment to attend the Business School: Applying to the Early decision round signals to the business school that they are your first choice and commit to attending if admitted. Those of you who have completed their MBA program research and know for sure that a certain business school is your first choice for an MBA can take advantage of the MBA early decision round. Reapplicants also can take advantage of early decision deadlines
• Non-Refundable Deposit may be Required: Sometimes, a non-refundable deposit is required if you are granted admission into an MBA program after applying through the early decision Round. Also, many early action options have a binding component, which means that you must withdraw your applications submitted to other business schools and commit to attending that particular business school. Thus, it is imperative to research and decide if applying in the early decision round is suitable for you.

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FAQs – MBA Application Deadline