Round 1 Deferred

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That's interesting. I submitted my GMAT score report ~2 days before the deadline and just noticed that the website says reports may take up to 7 days to arrive (I assumed they were submitted immediately electronically...face palm). Do you think they may have pushed my application for this reason?

I had all my paperwork submitted early. Any other reasons for deferral?

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same here. The email from Eileen also asks that the applicant refrain from sending any follow-up materials in the meantime.

Anyone know how likely it is that FCs will be extended an interview in R2 (or does that really depend on the strength of the R2 applicant pool)?

Same question here. Also, do you think they would consider a higher GMAT score?

Posted from my mobile device

Hi All,

I was admitted to HBS in Round 2 after being placed under further consideration in Round 1, so I know ALL the emotions that are going through your guys' heads right now.

What happened?

When you are deferred (or placed under "further consideration") it means that you have been bumped from Round 1 to Round 2. It's not because you were missing any paperwork; it's just because Round 1 is shark round and they don't know if they're going to want to extend you an interview until they can see what the applicant pool looks like in Round 2.

Why are you here?

Your stats are "good enough" to get into HBS. The problem is that your application materials did not paint a compelling and authentic personal narrative to the admissions committee. You were accomplished, but they just didn't believe that the difference that you wanted to make in the world was an important one, or that you were the one to do it. Simply put, you didn't close the deal and the proof is in your essay.

What do I do now?

For all intents and purposes, you should consider yourself to be on the HBS waitlist and need to fight your way off of it. While you're waiting in limbo, all the Round 2 applicants are using these extra three months to rack up accomplishments and paint a better story of who they are. You need to use this time to fix your narrative, get some quick wins at work, and effectively communicate this to the admissions committee. You can see what process we recommend for waitlisted applicants here and here.

Very helpful - thanks so much Nate!

One question I still have is how to reconcile communicating narrative 'fixes' to the adcom and Eileen's ask to not send additional materials. Do you have any insights / suggestions on if sending updates to the adcom may be viewed negatively?

I'll send you a PM. In short, there are a number of things you can do.

Nate - I have the same question about how to reach out given the instructions not to do so. Would love to get your perspective if you don't mind.

Thanks!