Do you feel like your status as an MBA waitlistee means your application effort is as good as over? Think again – the fact that you've made it to the waitlist of a top MBA program means that you've come ThisClose to getting in. Don't give up now! When the admissions committee turns to the waitlist, you want to be front of mind – and in a positive way. Follow these six steps to increase the likelihood that their next offer of admission will be addressed to you.
- Follow the school's instructions. Some schools ask you to supply waitlist letters or take specific steps (retake the GMAT, take an English class) to show you are worthy of a seat in their next class. If they say jump, you jump. If they say do nothing, then that's exactly what you should do as well.
- Review school blogs and Q&A transcripts. Your target program should offer advice in an FAQ, admissions blog, or forum; plus, you may also want to review recent waitlist chats at Accepted.
- Inform the program that you've addressed your weakness(es). If you raised your GMAT score, took a writing class or math class, took on a leadership position in a volunteer role, or did anything else to strengthen your profile since you sent in your application, then definitely let your target program know. (If you were lucky enough to receive specific feedback from the program, then the steps you'll need to take to improve your candidacy will be clear. If, however, you were not privy to such information, then you need to evaluate your application – an Accepted.com consultant can help – and make improvements based on your own application reflections.)
- Provide an update of your recent positive developments. A promotion at work, a published article, or a new project will further show the adcom that you're a growing, dynamic individual.
- Show that you're still interested. If the school is open to hearing from you, then you should make sure that you're heard. Otherwise, the adcom may think you've lost interest.
- Be considerate. I can't stress enough the importance of complying with the program's wishes. If the adcoms don't want to hear from you, then please don't contact them. And if they are open to waitlist updates, then keep all your communication relevant, meaningful, and succinct. Spammy emails or pesky phone calls will definitely work against you.
Stay tuned – next week we'll discuss the 5 essential elements of an effective waitlist letter.
Accepted.com ~ Helping You Write Your Best
Get off that MBA waitlist with the informative tips on our MBA Waitlist 101 page!
This article originally appeared on the Accepted Admissions Blog, official blog of Accepted.com.
