To Admissions Counselors: I am currently waitlisted at NYU Stern, my top choice. I would love to get off the waitlist and get in. NYU fits in the category of "show me you love me" type of school. What can I do to strengthen my application? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

My profile is as follows:
- Top 3 UGrad in technical field with 3.0 GPA
- Masters in engineering field, 4.0 GPA
- 700+ GMAT
- 1 1/2 years of analytics at Top Tier Investment Bank
- 1/2 year at an international non-profit
- 1 year at a rising Financial Services firm
- Extensive volunteer work as a Mentor and co-founder of two new chapters in two different cities
- Two letters of recommendations from former boss and mentor at Investment Bank.
- A peer letter from current Stern MBA student and former coworker.

My below average UGrad GPA was addressed in an optional essay, which explained that I worked multiple jobs while studying so that I could pay tuition. This experience proved invaluable as I was able to manage multiple workloads and improve my time management skills.

I sent an update letter informing them of my recent promotion, CFA studying efforts, and new community service activities. I also plan to visit campus as well.

NYU also accepts additional professional letters of recommendations. I have two possible sources:
1) a peer with whom I volunteered in many volunteer activities
2) A current Sloan MBA student with whom I worked pro-bono at my 1/2 year in the international non-profit

Would you recommend sending a letter? What else can I do to strengthen my application? Thanks in advance.

Hi Futurestrategist,

I hope the following information helps. While the waitlist may imply additional pain, it is usually an opportunity to further market yourself to the admissions team.

If additional materials are encouraged, you may wonder what is appropriate to send. Every situation is unique, but the following is a list of things to consider:

1) Is your GMAT score below the MBA program’s mean? If so, consider retaking the GMAT test.
2) Did you make any contacts within the admissions committee? If so, then now would be the right time to reach out to these people and ask how you can improve your candidacy.
3) Reiterate your interest in the MBA program and commitment to the business school through written communication.
4) Do you have someone who could write a recommendation for you to provide a new perspective on your abilities and personality?
5) If you have any differences to report related to personal or experiences, write a letter outlining these changes.
6) If you have not yet interviewed or the MBA program and an interview is offered, make sure to take the opportunity!


I hope this was of help Futurestrategist. Please let me know if there are any other questions I can answer.

Best Regards,

Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team
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Stacy Blackman | Stacy Blackman Consulting Inc | http://www.StacyBlackman.com | +1 323.934.3936
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