【2025 Latest Edition】What You Must Do to Prepare for MBA Round 2 Applications

Hello, this is TJ, founder of Alpha Advisors.
Applications to the world’s top MBA programs are divided into multiple rounds each year from September to January. Round 1 has already passed, and many may feel they “missed the deadline” or “were not ready in time.” In reality, Round 2 still offers a significant opportunity. With the right strategy, admission to the top schools is well within reach.

Round 2 MBA Applications Still Offer a Big Chance

Top schools such as Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Chicago, and Columbia have their Round 2 deadlines set around January. For those who could not apply in Round 1, this is the most critical opportunity.

Of course, the time left to prepare is limited. However, if you prioritize correctly, a last-minute success is still possible.

2025 MBA Application Schedule (Round 2 & Round 3 Deadlines)

Round 2 still holds major opportunities for admission and scholarships, and many applicants choose this round as their main attempt. Especially for those aiming for a career change or seeking scholarships, applying in Round 2 is crucial.

Below is a list of major MBA programs and their Round 2 and later deadlines.

United States

・Harvard Business School：2026年1月5日
・Stanford Graduate School of Business：2026年1月7日（Round 2）、2026年4月7日（Round 3）
・MIT Sloan School of Management：2026年1月13日（Round 2）、2026年4月6日（Round 3）
・Chicago Booth School of Business：2026年1月6日（Round 2）、2026年4月2日（Round 3）
・Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania：2026年1月6日（Round 2）、2026年4月1日（Round 3）
・Columbia Business School：2026年1月6日（Round 2）、2026年3月26日（Round 3）
・Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management：2026年1月7日（Round 2）、2026年4月1日（Round 3）
・UC Berkeley Haas School of Business：2026年1月8日（Round 2）、2026年3月31日（Round 3）
・Dartmouth Tuck School of Business：2026年1月5日（Round 2）、2026年3月25日（Round 3）
・Yale School of Management：2026年1月6日（Round 2）、2026年4月14日（Round 3）
・NYU Stern School of Business：2026年1月15日（Round 2）、2026年4月15日（Round 3）
・Duke University Fuqua School of Business：2026年1月8日（Round 2）、2026年2月24日（Round 3）
・Georgetown University McDonough School of Business：2026年1月7日（Round 2）、2026年4月1日（Round 3）
・University of Michigan Ross School of Business：2026年1月5日（Round 2）、2026年3月23日（Round 3）
・University of Virginia Darden School of Business：2026年1月7日（Round 2）、2026年4月1日（Round 3）
・UCLA Anderson：2026年1月6日（Round 2）、2026年4月7日（Round 3）
・University of Texas at Austin McCombs：2026年1月15日（Round 2）、2026年4月1日（Round 3）
・USC Marshall School of Business：2026年1月15日（Round 2）、2026年4月15日（Round 3）

Europe & UK

・London Business School：2026年1月5日（Round 2）、2026年3月23日（Round 3）
・University of Oxford Saïd Business School：2026年1月7日（Round 4）
・University of Cambridge Judge Business School：2025年10月6日（Round 2）、2026年1月5日（Round 3）、2026年3月30日（Round 4）
・INSEAD：2025年11月4日（Round 2）、2026年1月20日（Round 3）、2026年3月10日（Round 4）

▶ See the latest application information for each school here: MBA Program List

Key Components and Strategies for MBA Applications

The following elements are essential when preparing for Round 2 applications. Each component can directly affect admission decisions, so it is critical to balance your preparation across all areas.

・Standardized Test (GMAT/GRE/EA)
Even if you have not yet reached your target score, it is worth continuing test preparation right up until the application deadline. GMAT and GRE can be retaken multiple times, and achieving a higher score just before submission can be a major advantage. The Executive Assessment (EA) is accepted by some MBA programs and offers a practical option for working professionals, as it is easier to prepare for in a shorter timeframe. Choosing the right test strategy based on your background and target schools is essential.

・English Proficiency Tests (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
For international applicants, English proficiency tests are mandatory. In addition to TOEFL and IELTS, an increasing number of schools now accept the Duolingo English Test. These exams assess reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills, and focused preparation over a short period can often lead to noticeable score improvements. For candidates on the admissions borderline, just a few additional points can determine the outcome.

・Essays
Essays provide the best opportunity to articulate “Why an MBA?”, “Why this school?”, and “What are your post-MBA career goals?” They must connect past experiences, your current role, and your future career vision in a logical and compelling way. In Round 2, competition intensifies, making it especially important to demonstrate “fit with the school,” “unique qualities,” and “potential for impact.”

・Recommendations
Recommendations serve as an essential third-party evaluation. Ideally, your recommenders should be supervisors or project leaders who can speak in detail about your contributions. The content should align with your essays and reinforce a consistent narrative. Request recommendations early and align with your recommenders on the key strengths to highlight.

・Interview Preparation
In Round 2, interview invitations often arrive quickly, leaving limited time to prepare. Common questions include “Tell us about yourself,” “Why an MBA?”, “Why this school?”, “What are your career goals?”, and “Describe a leadership experience.” In addition to fluency in English, logical structure and persuasiveness are essential. Even within a short timeframe, repeated mock interviews can make a significant difference.

Why MBA Applications in 2025–2026 Are a Unique Opportunity

1. Student visa restrictions under Trump’s return

One of the most significant structural changes this year is the return of Trump to power in the U.S. and its implications. For example, some restrictive measures have already appeared, such as limiting admissions from certain countries. However, U.S.-allied countries face fewer obstacles. Reports from applicants indicate that visa interviews have resumed for some time now, suggesting that the impact may be limited.

2. Fewer applicants as more people take a “wait-and-see” approach

Due to geopolitical uncertainty and Trump’s policies, some applicants are choosing to delay their studies abroad. Application numbers from countries such as China and Russia are expected to drop significantly, and even in regions less affected, there may be candidates postponing their applications. However, this creates an ideal “contrarian” opportunity. When applicant numbers fall, acceptance rates rise—similar to what happened during the COVID-19 era. Those who applied at that time are now MBA graduates with high-paying careers, earning upwards of $300,000 annually. A similar window of opportunity is emerging right now.

3. Relaxation of testing requirements → The end of the test score era

Recently, the GMAT Focus Edition and Executive Assessment (EA) have been adopted, making the testing process more flexible, and the weight placed on test scores in admissions decisions is declining year by year. Even M7 schools like Columbia now accept the EA, and more programs are allowing Duolingo English Test results. However, this does not mean admission has become easy.

If less emphasis is placed on test scores, what becomes the key differentiator? The answer is essays. Therefore, your long-term career vision and the substance of your essays are now the decisive factors in admission.

This year, those who think, “I’ll wait and apply in a few years,” risk missing what may be the most favorable admissions cycle. At Alpha, more candidates than usual have already begun preparing their applications early, with many working on documents and essays ahead of September deadlines.

Conclusion: If You Aim to Succeed in MBA Round 2, Take Action Now

Round 2 still offers ample opportunities to gain admission to top MBA programs. By organizing what needs to be done in a short time and setting the right priorities, success is within reach. The key is taking action immediately.

For guaranteed MBA success, turn to Alpha Advisors’ personalized coaching! With 17 years of proven results, TJ—former Sumitomo Corporation, Chicago Booth MBA, and Goldman Sachs IBD—will rigorously train you. Consult Alpha today!

Free Consultation Here! ＞ Free Consultation

【Reference Article】Details of the MBA Advisory Program with Numerous Top MBA Admissions Here! ＞ 【For MBA Study Abroad, Choose Alpha Advisors!】

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TJ Profile

TJ: Formerly with Sumitomo Corporation, where he worked in the Corporate Accounting Department overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and performance management for over 800 domestic and overseas group companies, as well as IR (Investor Relations) activities. Selected as the youngest trainee for Sumitomo Corporation of America (New York), where he contributed to the restructuring of a U.S. electric arc furnace steel business invested in by Sumitomo. Later joined the Project Finance Department, where he was engaged in arranging large-scale financings for infrastructure projects in developing countries and financing for Jupiter Telecommunications. Selected as a company-sponsored candidate for overseas MBA programs.

Earned his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with concentrations in Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Organizational Management. Founder of the University of Chicago Japanese Association. Initiated and executed the school’s first-ever “Japan Trip”, which has since become an annual tradition.

Subsequently joined Goldman Sachs Japan’s Investment Banking Division, where he advised on numerous M&A transactions in the media and consumer sectors, supported capital raising including IPOs, and worked on private equity investments and corporate restructuring assignments.

Selected as one of only six fellows (out of over 200 applicants) for the 4th Entrepreneurial Leadership Program of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai), where he received mentorship from leading entrepreneurs including Hideo Sawada, Chairman of H.I.S.

Served as President of the Chicago Booth Alumni Association in Japan (2006–2010). Has guided numerous candidates to admission at top MBA programs (Harvard, Stanford, and other leading schools in the U.S., Europe, and Asia), graduate schools, universities, and boarding schools. Track record of placing students at leading global firms including Mitsubishi Corporation, McKinsey & Company, Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, Google, Big 4 consulting/FAS, Dentsu, Toyota, MUFG Bank, Nomura Securities, among others.

Renowned for his rigorous one-on-one coaching for TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, and GRE, with a reputation for pushing candidates to fully complete their preparation. Highly regarded for his ability to design and achieve career and academic goals with unmatched quality and precision. As a result, he is in high demand as an advisor, with numerous requests to work directly under his guidance.