Are you giving your application another shot this year? I've worked with many reapplicants, and the most common misconception out there is that being rejected once will impact your future chances to get into your dream school. Nothing is further from the truth. Every cycle, every applicant pool is different. B-Schools start every recruiting cycle on a clean slate, which gives you a new opportunity to put your best foot forward. This article will discuss the 5 elements that will help increase your odds this time around.
Standardized Test
The first step is to consider factors you still have control over; you cannot change your GPA at this point. You can, however, boost your GMAT or GRE score. This is particularly important if the rest of your application doesn't show evidence of strong quantitative skills. Standardized scores inform AdComs on your intellectual agility and your ability to thrive in a demanding academic environment. You will need to demonstrate that you took active steps to improve your quantitative and verbal skills after your first rejection, and if you can significantly increase your GMAT or GRE, you will be in good shape!
Refine your career goals
One of the most common reasons why applicants get rejected is because of unclear or unrealistic career goals. Before submitting again, it is critical to reassess your career path so far, your short- and long-term career goals, and how an MBA will help you get there. The most common mistake we've seen in career goals essay is the lack of connection between where you've been and where you are going. Take some time to reflect on your goals and use LinkedIn to look up alumni from your target school(s). Where did they land post-graduation? Then how did they evolve 5- or 10-years post-graduation? This research work will help you articulate your own goals in an ambitious but realistic way.
Upward Mobility
Have you received a promotion at work since you applied? Have you taken on additional responsibilities at work or moved on to a new company? Any professional upward mobility will be help boost your profile. When sharing these professional accomplishments, be sure to highlight leadership and analytical skills.
Extracurricular Activities
If you feel that your lack of community engagement harmed your profile, continue to seek leadership opportunities within an outreach organization. If you are already involved with one, try to take on a more significant role or seek additional volunteering opportunities. Also take on other hobbies. Extra-curriculars show AdComs that you are a well-rounded individual, an important quality to have as a future business leader.
Additional Essay
Some schools require an additional essay for reapplicants. This essay will allow you to address the specific steps you took to improve your application. You want to carefully craft this section to address your initial weaknesses (to convey a sense of self-awareness) and describe how you managed and overcame these weaknesses.
Need assistance with articulating these qualities in your application? The Admission Concierge is a one-on-one approach consulting service, founded by a former director of admissions with extensive experience in guiding applicants through the application process, including interview prep and post-admission assistance.![]()
Standardized Test
The first step is to consider factors you still have control over; you cannot change your GPA at this point. You can, however, boost your GMAT or GRE score. This is particularly important if the rest of your application doesn't show evidence of strong quantitative skills. Standardized scores inform AdComs on your intellectual agility and your ability to thrive in a demanding academic environment. You will need to demonstrate that you took active steps to improve your quantitative and verbal skills after your first rejection, and if you can significantly increase your GMAT or GRE, you will be in good shape!
Refine your career goals
One of the most common reasons why applicants get rejected is because of unclear or unrealistic career goals. Before submitting again, it is critical to reassess your career path so far, your short- and long-term career goals, and how an MBA will help you get there. The most common mistake we've seen in career goals essay is the lack of connection between where you've been and where you are going. Take some time to reflect on your goals and use LinkedIn to look up alumni from your target school(s). Where did they land post-graduation? Then how did they evolve 5- or 10-years post-graduation? This research work will help you articulate your own goals in an ambitious but realistic way.
Upward Mobility
Have you received a promotion at work since you applied? Have you taken on additional responsibilities at work or moved on to a new company? Any professional upward mobility will be help boost your profile. When sharing these professional accomplishments, be sure to highlight leadership and analytical skills.
Extracurricular Activities
If you feel that your lack of community engagement harmed your profile, continue to seek leadership opportunities within an outreach organization. If you are already involved with one, try to take on a more significant role or seek additional volunteering opportunities. Also take on other hobbies. Extra-curriculars show AdComs that you are a well-rounded individual, an important quality to have as a future business leader.
Additional Essay
Some schools require an additional essay for reapplicants. This essay will allow you to address the specific steps you took to improve your application. You want to carefully craft this section to address your initial weaknesses (to convey a sense of self-awareness) and describe how you managed and overcame these weaknesses.
Need assistance with articulating these qualities in your application? The Admission Concierge is a one-on-one approach consulting service, founded by a former director of admissions with extensive experience in guiding applicants through the application process, including interview prep and post-admission assistance.