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28 Mar 2016, 18:38
Kudos
Bookmarks
I am currently waitlisted at Booth (round 2 app) and was wondering if any of the consultants have advice on how to best proceed. I will do update letter and send a resume update (nothing major) but am wondering if retaking the GMAT would be worth it? GMAT is likely the strongest part of my profile but not that far above the median.
Profile
Work exp: 3 years in big 4 audit, 1 year in deals advisory, consistent top rating and promoted ahead of firm track
Education: BS (3.55)/MS (3.78) from a good but no name state school
CPA
Essays were admittedly rushed so not the best - I would say a B-. Weak points being a little generic on why Booth and the goal essay not perfectly linking to what I would get from Booth MBA
Solid recommendations
Interview went great - interviewed e-mailed me afterwords and mentioned he gave very positive feedback.
GMATL-740 (49Q/44V/8IR/6AWA)
Just some fluff volunteering, nothing anyone would care about
Would a best case 760 verusus my existing 740 meaningfully improve my chances of admission given the time studying and cost of taking the exam again? Just trying to figure out if I should just focus on updated materials or spend the next month studying.
Profile
Work exp: 3 years in big 4 audit, 1 year in deals advisory, consistent top rating and promoted ahead of firm track
Education: BS (3.55)/MS (3.78) from a good but no name state school
CPA
Essays were admittedly rushed so not the best - I would say a B-. Weak points being a little generic on why Booth and the goal essay not perfectly linking to what I would get from Booth MBA
Solid recommendations
Interview went great - interviewed e-mailed me afterwords and mentioned he gave very positive feedback.
GMATL-740 (49Q/44V/8IR/6AWA)
Just some fluff volunteering, nothing anyone would care about
Would a best case 760 verusus my existing 740 meaningfully improve my chances of admission given the time studying and cost of taking the exam again? Just trying to figure out if I should just focus on updated materials or spend the next month studying.
28 Mar 2016, 19:41
Kudos
Bookmarks
I would not recommend you invest your efforts in that way. Frankly, I think it would send the message that you aren't able to focus on the highest priority - your goals, unique contributions, and separating yourself from others with your profile. You have solid stats, and good progression, but your profile is pretty generic. Its extremely unfortunate that you didn't end up hiring an admissions consultant who could bring forth the unique contributions you could offer, what sets you apart, liven things up a bit in your essays/resume/LOR - in sum, position you differently. Booth receives so many apps from ppl with your profile - and it's your job to show how you stand apart from them.
Applicants often overestimate the impact of numbers - they are necessary but not sufficient. No one is moved or inspired by GMAT scores, it doesn't glue them to the page or make them champion anyone. You need to make both an analytical and emotional connection with the adcom. Self-awareness, passion and vision for your legacy is a hot commodity in short supply. I would recommend hiring a career coach, doing some assessments and above all, informational interviewing so you get very clear on your goals and also the contributions you can make to the class. My blog might be helpful to you.
Once you are clear on these things, research the school as well as you can so you can demonstrate genuine fit with their special programs, culture, and values. I like the Clear Admit guides, but also connect with students and alumni, do a campus visit if you haven't already. Attend their online and in person events. Plan to wow them on the effort you put in.
Booth is very big on fit and embodying their values - and this is why they changed the main essay. Did you include photos? I put in a lot of time with my Booth R1 candidate on that particular prompt because of creative expression element - but leveraged the opportunity to separate her and she got in, Chinese women with very marginal credentials.
After doing these things, put together an update letter that makes up for the halfhearted essays - one that shows focus, clarity, uniqueness, self-awareness and connects the dots for them with past, present and future.
Would recommend the same for MIT!
Best of luck to you!
Farrell
Applicants often overestimate the impact of numbers - they are necessary but not sufficient. No one is moved or inspired by GMAT scores, it doesn't glue them to the page or make them champion anyone. You need to make both an analytical and emotional connection with the adcom. Self-awareness, passion and vision for your legacy is a hot commodity in short supply. I would recommend hiring a career coach, doing some assessments and above all, informational interviewing so you get very clear on your goals and also the contributions you can make to the class. My blog might be helpful to you.
Once you are clear on these things, research the school as well as you can so you can demonstrate genuine fit with their special programs, culture, and values. I like the Clear Admit guides, but also connect with students and alumni, do a campus visit if you haven't already. Attend their online and in person events. Plan to wow them on the effort you put in.
Booth is very big on fit and embodying their values - and this is why they changed the main essay. Did you include photos? I put in a lot of time with my Booth R1 candidate on that particular prompt because of creative expression element - but leveraged the opportunity to separate her and she got in, Chinese women with very marginal credentials.
After doing these things, put together an update letter that makes up for the halfhearted essays - one that shows focus, clarity, uniqueness, self-awareness and connects the dots for them with past, present and future.
Would recommend the same for MIT!
Best of luck to you!
Farrell
dave15446
PersonalMBACoach
Expert
Personal MBA Coach Founder
Joined: 11 Sep 2010
Last visit: 24 Apr 2026
Posts: 3,807
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Status:Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting from a Wharton graduate - Helping applicants get into top global business schools since 2008
Affiliations: Wharton, MIT
Location: United States (NY)
Overall Client Admit Rate: 96%
Expert reply
28 Mar 2016, 20:10
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dave15446
Thank you for the detailed post. I don't recommend retaking the GMAT as it will likely not get you off the waitlist. Your profile is good but nothing stands out, and if you admitted that your essays were rushed, they probably hurt you. The bar for the application is extremely high and if you didn't do your Booth research and soul searching for why you fit in, adcom probably realized that. Also you are coming from audit which works, but usually my successful audit clients either have a bit more experience or have something else interesting about their profile that makes them successful.
For now, I recommend trying to see if you can do something outside of work and take more of a leadership role at work. If you want to chat more about waitlist strategy, drop me a note. I don't see you being able to do a ton at this point honestly. You may wait and roll the dice and start preparing for R1 just in case.
[email protected]
Best,
Scott
