Deadlines can vary by school and rounds. Application deadlines for the Class of 2028 (Fall 2026/August 2026 entry) mostly align with the 2025-2026 cycles, although many rounds have passed as of January 2026.

Round 2 MBA applications begin in early January. This round is suitable for candidates who want more time after receiving feedback in Round 1. This gives you time for a better, more polished submission after Round 1. This round also has better acceptance rates for good candidates. Retake the GMAT or GRE if necessary. 

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MBA Application Deadlines at Top Colleges  & M7

MBA Application Deadlines at Top UK Colleges  

Round 1 deadlines fell between September and October 2025. Round 2 will be completed in January 2026, and Round 3 will be completed in March or April 2026. The decisions for each round are made 6-8 weeks after the deadline, with enrollments taking place in April and May 2026.

Difference Between Round 1, 2 and 3 

MBA application rounds are designated as Rounds 1, 2, and 3. Each differs in timing, types of applicants, seat availability and strategic fit. 

Round 1 typically takes place between September and October. This attracts highly prepared international applicants, those who need visa time. Admission rates at this round are the highest, and it offers the fullest scholarship pools. Decisions for this round are closed by December.  

Round 2 deadlines come in early January. It’s the most popular round that sees diverse applications, providing time for applicants to refine their essays and retake the GMAT or GRE if needed. There are still many seats available at this point, with the final decisions for Round 2 expected to close in March or April.

Round 3 comes in March-April. At this point, there are fewer seats available, and scholarships make it more challenging. Decisions for this round come by May-June, allowing quick enrollment. However, Round 3 is considered riskier than the other two rounds. Many experts advise caution when applying to highly competitive B-schools in Round 3 due to limited seat availability.

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Key Requirements of MBA Applications

Every top B-school across the world like M7 and other top institutions more or less need the same list of things from the candidate. The checklist for top MBA programs across the world needs the following requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree
2. Minimum GPA of 3.0+ 
3. Educational transcript
4. GMAT GRE scores 
5. TOEFL and IELTS scores
6. Typically 2–5 years of full-time professional experience (varies by school)
7. Leadership experience 
8. Essays explaining career goals (Why MBA? Why this university?)
9. Personal story 
10. Recommendation letters from teachers, supervisors who can speak for your candidature
11. Video essays
12. Application fee

Dos and Don’ts for MBA Applications Round 2

Dos 

1. Use the feedback from Round 1 to refine your essay in Round 2.
2. Meet your recommenders and engage with them about what you want in your LORs.
3. Take the GRE and GMAT again if you think you can do better.
4. Network with alumni and research your school for application insights.
5. Submit on time, ideally 1-2 weeks before deadlines.
6. Keep screenshots of confirmations.
7. Highlight your professional growth during this period.

Don’ts  

1. Do not rush your application. This can lead to mistakes and weak applications.
2. Do not use the same application from Round 1. Polish and improve it. 
3. Do not apply broadly. Focus on 4-5 schools of your choice and tailor your applications
4. Do not skip proof reading your essays and letters. 

FAQs

What are the MBA application deadlines?

MBA application deadlines typically apply to both US and international MBA programs. They can vary by B-school and region. Round 1 takes place between September and October, giving higher admission rates at top schools. Round 2 takes place in January, allowing for refined applications, and Round 3 occurs between March and April. Some B-schools have more than three rounds, and later deadlines between April and May. 

Is 3.5 a good GPA in MBA?

A GPA of 3.5 is good for MBA, but most top B-schools look for at least 3.5+. Elite schools like Harvard typically require a 3.6 GPA on average, and so does Wharton. But a score of 3.5 is widely considered competitive enough even for employers who view it as a sign of the candidate’s hard work and ability. 

Which MBA is the easiest?

No MBA subject is considered easier than the other. It all depends on individual strengths and what the candidate finds interesting. If they are inclined towards analytical skills, they may find quantitatively driven specialisations such as finance and operations more manageable. Those with strong communication, leadership or creative abilities may like fields like Marketing or Human Resources. Ultimately, the easiest MBA is the one that aligns best with a candidate’s aptitude, career goals and learning. 

Is 7 CGPA good in MBA?

A CGPA of 7 is translated to 3.0-3.3 GPA on the 4.0 US scale. It is generally considered average to good for an MBA. Its equivalent is 70-72%, which meets the minimum passing requirements.  

When to start the MBA application process?

Begin the MBA application process 9-12 months prior to the intended intake date. For instance, if you want to start your MBA in 2027, begin in early 2026 to align with Round 1 deadlines. Earlier preparation is strongly recommended for candidates targeting scholarships or highly competitive schools.