Read the Director's Blog

I know, I know... we haven't even wrapped up the Class of 2010. There's still the Round 3 notification on May 14 and we have a wait list to manage. On that subject, the response deadline for Round 2 admits is May 8; this is a critical date since we then have a better idea of where we stand in wrapping up the class entering in September. Please don't take this too literally — we won't have perfect clarity on May 9 — but I want to share with you how the timeline works.

So, about the Class of 2011. We hope to have our new essay questions posted by mid-May and we'll certainly alert you through the blog about the actual date. We are also planning on doing an outreach event in NYC in May to start the season. Again, stay tuned for actual date and venue.

For those of you hoping to visit HBS classes — our last day of class visits this year is May 9. We will hold information sessions throughout the summer but class visits in the Fall of 2008 don't begin until early October. Detailed information about visiting campus is available on our website.

Here's some more advice. As you explore websites, chatrooms, books and information sessions held by MBA consulting services, be mindful of claims of "inside information" from former members of admissions boards. I've been on the HBS Board for a (very!) long time and I can't begin to tell you how much has changed . Applicants are certainly smart to explore the admissions processes at different schools but, speaking for HBS, be careful about very specific advice that may not reflect current practices. This includes application advice from our own loyal and well-meaning alumni/ae!

To all of our Round 3 applicants, we know it seems like quite a while since you hit the "submit" button.

We plan to send out most of the Round 3 interview invitations during business hours today, April 9. There may be a few additional invitations going out until the May 14 notification date - not sure of the exact number, but probably around a dozen. Some Round 3 candidates who are not invited to interview now may be offered a place on the wait list on notification day, May 14.

As always, we hope this is helpful.

Apologies for not being a more active blogger. This is our biggest application round and everyone in Dillon is overwhelmed with the challenge of reading, interviewing, and getting decisions all set to go.

Here's what will happen on Wednesday (notification day). We will release decisions some time during business hours. I hope it will be in the morning (EST) but we need to make sure all the operational pieces are set. Applicants will receive an email directing them to their ApplyYourself account.

We don't make phone calls prior to this release of decisions so there's no need to wait by the phone. Admissions Board members will make congratulatory calls (and emails if phone is impossible) following the online notification. Admitted candidates will have immediate access to the Prematriculation Website which will have detailed information about Admitted Students' Weekend, financial aid, housing, etc.

Hope this is helpful.

And we do know how hard it is to wait!

Should I apply in Round 3?

This is the most frequently asked question these days.Of course we're not able to give a prescriptive response but let me try to be helpful.

There are always spaces available for Round 3 applicants. There are clearly not as many as in the early rounds but every year we see some great candidates and we make sure that we can make offers.

International candidates may apply but should be especially mindful of the visa application process. If admitted, international candidates should plan on accepting our offer very quickly in order to ensure that the visa process can get underway.

Round 3 applicants should not plan on the availability of on-campus housing, either the apartments or the dormitories. While there may be space available, Round 3 notification is later than the housing lottery.

As is the case for all candidates,Round 3 applicants must be able to include their GMAT and, if applicable, TOEFL scores in order to submit a completed application.

Financial aid is available to all admitted candidates regardless of timing of admission. The very last candidate to be admitted has access to the same amount of funding as the very first admit.