Who Should Apply to Yale SOM in Round 3?

The advice applicants often get when they mention to friends and colleagues that they are considering applying in Round 3 is simple: “Don’t.” But for many of you, applying in our Round 3 deadline in April is actually perfect timing. After all, the deadline does exist for a reason—we admit many excellent students in Round 3! And, while we do admit fewer students in Round 3 than in other rounds, what is commonly not discussed is that we also receive fewer applications in that round. So, the number of students admitted has more to do with the number of applications we receive than anything else. Talented applicants will still stand out in Round 3.

I will let those who actually lived the experience—our current students—speak for themselves. Best of luck, and I look forward to getting to know you through your application!

Why did you apply in Round 3?

“I applied to Yale SOM in Round 3 because I was finishing up a sustainability project that I thought would greatly benefit my application. I think there’s an ongoing myth that no one gets in during Round 3, and that’s definitely not the case. I also didn’t want to wait another year to apply to business school, so I went all in on Round 3!”
—Eric Pan ’21
Hometown: Waukesha, Wisconsin
Pre-MBA Position: Venture capital, Warby Parker

“I started applying to MBA programs pretty late in the cycle because I was trying to get my GMAT score as high as possible. I was retaking the exam. At some point, I figured I actually didn’t need a ‘perfect’ score to be successful in the application, so I applied in Round 3.”
—Adedoyin Lawal ’20
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Pre-MBA Position: Investment Banker, Afrinvest

How did you approach your application as a Round 3 candidate?

“I made some very clear goals and timelines for myself, and I stuck to them. The great thing about Round 3 is that there’s almost no waiting around: you decide, you prepare, you apply, you hear back—like ripping off a Band-Aid!”
—Carmen Gonzalez ’21
Hometown: Montevideo, Uruguay
Pre-MBA Position:  Senior manager, marketing analytics, Wyndham Destinations

“A lot of people discouraged me from applying in Round 3. Some told me that Round 3 was used to round out the incoming classes in specific ways. I approached it from the perspective of who I am in Round 1 is the same person I am in Round 3.” 
—Stephanie Wayne ’21
Hometown: Los Angeles, California, and Bethesda, Maryland
Pre-MBA Position: Data Scientist/Product Manager, Nielsen

What advice do you have for candidates considering a Round 3 application?

“Don’t be deterred by Round 3, but also don’t submit an application if you’re not ready. Applying to business school is a taxing process, both from a physical and mental standpoint. However, I knew that Yale SOM was the perfect match for me, so I went for it.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is to connect with students (current and alumni) before, during, and after the application process. We’re always willing to chat! I still remember receiving my admit call while boarding the NYC subway for my morning commute, and then subsequently crying all the way to work. I promise it’s worth it. Good luck!” —Eric Pan ’21

 “Round 3 is a great time to apply if you are clear on what you want and why you want it, and if you already have prepped for the GRE/GMAT. Be very focused on your applications—I think this is good advice no matter what, but especially for Round 3. The more targeted and strategic you are, the easier it will be to wrap it up in time and feel confident in your candidacy. “
—Carmen Gonzalez ’21