Reblahgging this from 2010… since some people didn’t get the memo about “binding.” Apparently, there’s lots of people who didn’t carefully consider the big picture when they pulled the trigger on an Early Decision/Action application to Columbia or Duke or whomever. Because as you now know, those are “binding” apps, meaning that by…
While much of the blahg is available completely for free, the content here is reserved for members with full blahg access only ($9.95/month for six months, cancel anytime). Please login to view this content or purchase a membership.
arun says
hi,
I think anybody who applies in ED and then applies to any school higher in ranking than that has either no respect for commitment(which is really bad seeing a lot of top b-school alumni doing dishonest things) or is an idiot. anybody applying to binding ED knows what he is getting into and as adults we should be ready to face consequences of our actions. If schools don’t follow up on such candidates they should. this would nip in bud the tendency to take rules for granted. I would even vote for employing a third party agency for the same. the schools would be doing a great service to business community which now more than ever requires etical leaders.
essaysnark says
@arun, two comments: 1) it’s not unethical to apply to other schools at the same time provided you yank your apps when the ED school admits you. 2) why would the ED school where a commitment was broken want to enforce the commitment in light of clear evidence that the applicant is unethical? why would they want that person? (as to the third party agency: not sure what this org would do but also know that we don’t want to live in such a police state). oh yeah one more: we believe in karma.
ok that was four comments so sue us.
me says
i do not condone purposely applying early decision not knowing if you will actually accept. however, it also unofficially known that early decision gives at least a slight advantage to the applicant since it helps communicate firmly that this is their first choice. You can certainly write this during round 1 applications, but it does not come across quite as strongly. Given this, it does bother me that applicants who are fortunate enough to not have to consider financial packages and, therefore, able to apply early decision are given an advantage. Fuqua is by far my first choice, but i have to forego the advantage that comes with applying early decision because i do have to consider financials. is it fair that money should give you an advantage?
essaysnark says
@me, we’re truly lost by what you’re saying. Your first statement is accurate except that it’s OFFICIALLY known that early decision gives an advantage (the schools signal as much in how they talk about it). But the rest of your comments are confusing. Applying early is smart in all respects, including (and especially) financial ones. Applying in earlier rounds almost always gives an advantage in terms of putting candidates in the running for more scholarship dollars (that’s how it works at most schools, HBS is an exception). And what BSers doesn’t have to consider the financial packages? People who can afford to pay for bschool out of pocket are few and far between. What is your point? Not seeing how money is giving anyone an advantage anywhere you look in this. You’re gonna have to explain yourself.
me says
Your link only addresses round 1 vs. round 2, and between these two rounds I agree that a big advantage in applying round 1 are scholarship opportunities. However, I’m not convinced that more scholarships are awarded during BINDING early decision vs round 1. Is this true? That’s a genuine question. What is the impetus for schools to award scholarships to those who must attend? Scholarships are carrots that schools dangle to convince applicants to attend, no? Fuqua explicitly states that those who are reliant on funds should not apply early decision. By definition, this means there are folks who can apply with no regard to scholarships. They can attend whether or not Fuqua decides to give them money. This has prevented me from applying early decision. I suppose I can clarify that all applicants have to consider funds. Some more than others. I happen to lay on the “more than others” spectrum where money has definitely prevented me from applying early decision.
essaysnark says
Your thinking seems misguided on many levels. Duke is not saying that they will not offer scholarship money to their EA applicants – not at all. What they’re saying is, if you’re not bound and determined to go to Duke no matter what – regardless of whether they will pay you to go there – don’t apply EA. Clearly they’re sick of the headaches of people being lame and not understanding a) what “binding” means; and b) not appreciating the value of an MBA, full stop.
Some people KNOW they want and MBA, and they KNOW they want to go to Duke (or whichever school) – thus, EA is perfect. We’ve met lots of people like this.
Many people also recognize that scholarship money is a bonus — they want the MBA. If the scholarship money happens, they consider themselves blessed. They are making the decision to get an education based on the value they know it will bring – not because someone will grant them noney to pursue their own goals.
You seem to have it a little backwards.
An MBA has an incredible ROI, and there just isn’t that much scholarship money floating around out there to subsidize the education of people who are on a track to become wealthy anyway.
It’s not like you’re applying for a PhD program in philosophy. Last time we checked, there aren’t too many jobs available for people coming out of doctoral programs, and the jobs that exist don’t pay too well – thus, there’s more institutional support for such a noble endeavor. Might be just as self-serving to seek a PhD as an MBA – the one being educated is still the one who gets the education – but the material gain is a little different by comparison.
We’ve had LOTS of clients get accepted through the ED rounds at every school that offers them and still get scholarship money. The schools appreciate the BSer’s motivation, and dedication, and their accomplishments — that’s usually how those awards are granted. Yeah, we’ve seen it a lot.
But please, don’t count on it. It’s not the right way to be approaching this whole proposition.
me says
I never said Duke will not offer money to those applying Early Decision. I said that the Duke is telling their applicants that scholarship amounts should not matter to folks applying to early decision. It matters to me, so I cannot apply early decision period. I can’t imagine that I’m alone in this boat. Yes, EA is perfect for those who KNOW they want to go to a certain school, who KNOW that want an MBA, but ALSO know that they can afford to go whether or not they get any money. And yes, many people do see scholarships as bonus, but many do not. I apologize for not being more clear.
At the end of it, does the chance of not receiving scholarships deter people from applying early decision? Of course it does. Whether you think this is philosophically correct and backwards in thinking is a moot point.
essaysnark says
Awesome – you clearly have your mind made up and it’s good you’re not applying Early Decision. You sound like you’re definitely top bschool material – good luck with it!!