Advise to get off waitlist

Question

Hi folks, I have been following gmatclub and it's been super helpful. I need advise to get off Yale SOM and Ross waitlists.

I am an international with GMAT 770,Q50 V44, (October 2022) and was interviewed at Yale & Ross. Yale interview went well but was waitlisted. Contacted Yale adcom and got an advice that past academic performance was not good and suggested additional coursework to show academic preparedness.

As I have decent gmat score I can't improve further. So thinking to do mba math. Will that help to get off waitlist at both schools? Any additional coursework you guys would suggest? I don't have much time as I got into Tuck and need to finalise schools.

Request to kindly advice and let me know your experiences

Admissionado · Answer

TiNoddy :

Congrats on really good news! Getting into Tuck is fantastic and being waitlisted at Yale, while frustrating, is still impressive. Responding to your points/questions:

Q: As I have decent gmat score I can't improve further

A: Correct. That's clearly not an issue. In fact, it's evidence it was a strength for your candidacy.

Q: So thinking to do mba math. Will that help to get off waitlist at both schools? Any additional coursework you guys would suggest?

A: You should see if you can get more clarity from Yale on what specifically you can do to improve academically. I would be surprised if quant was the reason since you you had a Q score of 50. Therefore, MBA math would seem seem very value-added. What about a slew of Coursera, EdX, HBX, etc. courses? Do you have the time? Could you consider a post-bacc course or live courses at a nearby university? Again, I might even ask Yale if they have courses they recommend for this specific type of feedback.

Q: I don't have much time as I got into Tuck and need to finalise schools.

A: You are almost surely looking at a situation where you need to accept Tuck and put down a deposit. Then, you will have to wait on Yale. You are very unlikely to be in a position where you can take the additional coursework and then somehow have Yale make a decision prior to committing to Tuck. So you're prepared, this could very likely take you into the summer. Have patience and don't give up.

Good luck,
Admissionado

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

I just wanted to say that this feedback from Yale is extremely bizarre given that you have a 3.9 GPA is that based on a 4.0 scale? And your GMAT is sky high? I mean I absolutely doubt the veracity of this. If I could just level with you sometimes they are not able to tell you that you are part of an oversubscribed demographic and they have too many people with a similar profile and they're just waiting to see how things shake out after deposit deadlines with their class GMAT average (they might or might not need you to bump it up) and ability to slot in more diverse applicants. I mean it could very well be your application but it is extremely strange that they would state that you have poor academic performance with that type of GPA and GMAT score. Did you speak to somebody high up? Something is not making sense here.

ARINGO · Answer

Recommended waitlist strategy may include:

1. Take the GMAT again if you think there’s some chance you can improve your grade by 20 points or more.

2. Visit campus and request, in advance, a (second) interview with an admissions officer.

3. Get a couple more support emails from students/professors/alumni.

4. Write a cover letter to the head of admissions detailing recent, significant, positive developments in your career / life and restating your strong interest in the program.

For more waitlist tips, please visit: https://aringo.com/waitlist-campaign/

MrBlackGeorge · Answer

Can you please explain me how will recent positive developments in ones career be good for admiting into MBA program? It just don't make sense to me. For example, I get promotion and my decision is to leave my job for 2 years, to have no salary whatsoever, but to play school with students who are in school for sole reason of getting a job offer? Would those people at Yale think of me that I am insane? Leaving 250k job, to pay 120k for 2 years? So I gotta be promoted, then when I am succesful at my job, I gotta leave it and pepole at the university will think I am so reasonable person? Do explain.

Posted from my mobile device

Admissionado · Answer

MrBlackGeorge :

Your questions are getting at the main question of whether an MBA is worth the investment. Responding high-level to a few of them:

Q: Can you please explain me how will recent positive developments in ones career be good for admiting into MBA program?

A: It demonstrates early career success and talent. The schools want to see you are a high potential person who will also succeed after gradating from their MBA programs.

Q: For example, I get promotion and my decision is to leave my job for 2 years, to have no salary whatsoever, but to play school with students who are in school for sole reason of getting a job offer? Would those people at Yale think of me that I am insane?

A: People don't just look at the MBA as a costly recruiting experience. Many believe there is real value to the academic learnings, network, branding, etc. of an MBA program. How much you personally value those elements may differ from others.

Q: Leaving 250k job, to pay 120k for 2 years? So I gotta be promoted, then when I am succesful at my job, I gotta leave it and pepole at the university will think I am so reasonable person? Do explain.

A: See point above. If you are successful at your current job, don't have any interest in making a career switch, can go up the 'ladder' (without needing an MBA), then you should stay where you are. If you need a change and want to experience the MBA program for reasons listed above, you should consider getting the degree.

The MBA isn't for everyone. It sounds like you are one of those people. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it.

-Admissionado

MrBlackGeorge · Answer

Admissionado  Thank you for your honest reply!

Posted from my mobile device

RickWritersQi · Answer

Congratulations on your high GMAT score and on being admitted to Tuck! It's unfortunate that you were waitlisted at Yale and Ross, but it's great that you reached out to the Yale adcom and got some feedback on what you can do to strengthen your application.

Doing MBA math or any additional coursework in a quantitative field could certainly demonstrate your academic preparedness to the adcom at Yale and Ross. MBA math is a popular choice among MBA applicants who come from non-business backgrounds and want to brush up on their quantitative skills before starting their MBA program. By taking such a course, you can show the adcom that you are willing to put in the extra effort to improve your academic skills and that you are serious about your MBA aspirations.

In addition to MBA math, you might also consider taking some additional coursework in areas related to your intended post-MBA career. This would not only show your academic preparedness but also demonstrate your commitment to your future career goals.

It's important to keep in mind that while additional coursework can certainly help strengthen your application, it's not a guarantee that you will be admitted off the waitlist. The adcoms at both Yale and Ross may also be looking for other factors such as leadership potential, work experience, and fit with the program.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether to pursue additional coursework or not. If you feel that it will help you demonstrate your academic preparedness and strengthen your application, then it may be worth considering. However, it's also important to weigh the costs and benefits of taking additional coursework given your limited time and the fact that you have already been admitted to Tuck.

Advise to get off waitlist

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