Admit to a school that they are my #1?

Question

When I began the whole MBA process, I was looking at a few schools. When it came time to apply, I decided to go with the "sniper approach" with the lowest ranked school out of the schools I was considering. After some soul searching I decided that this particular school was the best fit with my goals. My GMAT score is considerably higher than their average and from the beginning I have been "playing it cool" by letting them believe that I was looking at other schools. For example, recently I asked a question about something or other and in my letter I said something along the lines of, "While researching other schools I have found X, what about your school?" My reasoning was that since my GMAT score is well above their average, they might offer me a scholarship if they thought that I was applying to other schools. Now I'm thinking the opposite...What if they think that since my stats are higher than their averages I am just using them as a backup and won't go if admitted, bringing down their yield?

Would it be prudent to send the adcoms a letter stating that they are my first/only choice? If it would mean the difference between being accepted or not, I would definitely do it because I really really want to go to this school and I didn't apply anywhere else. On the other hand, I would be kicking myself in the ass if they WERE going to offer a scholarship and took it back because they knew that I was "in the bag". Of course I would never know...but it would bug me. What would you all do?

dabots · Answer

emoryhopeful should have some good things to say about this. he applied only to emory with great stats, and got an admit and a hefty scholarship.

riverripper · Answer

I am sure emoryhopeful will comment on this when he sees it. He had a terrible GPA and a great GMAT, ended up with a near full ride. I can see why you are stressing. I hope you didnt apply to a school in the 40s and tell them you know X about a specific school way out of their league.

emory post his story in his profile it might be worthwhile for you to read.

 https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/t56279

jessica83 · Answer

Nah, I never mentioned any other schools by name. I only alluded to the fact that this particular school wasn't the only one I was researching. You know, make it sound like I was "playing the field". I think I wrote some great essays letting them know that I extensively researched their school and giving them all the reasons that I want to go there, but then again, they think that I am looking at other schools, hence the dilemma. Do they think that they are "just" a backup school as far as I am concerned? That's the question I suppose.

riverripper · Answer

I dont think a school sees a GMAT 100pts above their average and assume they are your safety school. Dont stress about it too much, there is enough to worry about during this whole thing.

emoryhopeful · Answer

Sorry it took me so long to respond to this, but I had my bachelor party this weekend, and to be honest, I still don't feel right. :lol:

Anyways, Jessica, I don't feel like its necessary to blatantly state that school is your number one school. If you've written well informed essays, that show your diligence about the school, and you've interviewed showing your knowledge of their program, they will not think you only consider them a backup. If your essays were weak and looked like a copy and paste job, then I'd be worried. Personally, I never mentioned anything to Emory about other schools, but I also never said they were my only choice either. I just didn't discuss that with them. I visited the campus twice, sat in on some classes, met with current students and alumni, and I feel it showed on my application. They knew I was interested based on my application. To sum it up, I think you'll be fine, so stop stressing. Most likely the school is not going to turn you down because you're way overqualified. I would tend to side with the argument that they'd be more willing to take a chance on you to improve the quality of their class than worry about yield. Best of luck.

jessica83 · Answer

Thanks for the advice. I guess I will just wait it out and see what happens.

Praetorian · Answer

Thought this may help too: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/t39735

Admit to a school that they are my #1?

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