mwatkins wrote:
Hello,
I applied for several MBA programs last year and did not get an invite to interview for any of them. I am really worried to re-apply as I feel that all the effort and time I expend will be of no use. I have read so many views online that conflict and would like to know what to do. Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would like to know the following:
1. Will any schools look at me attractively since I do not have any new updates or changes in my life?
2. Do I apply to the same schools? Or choose different programs?
3. Should I wait a few years before re-applying?
My basics are:
Female
GMAT - 740
GPA undergrad - 3.86/4
Career: 4 years in the finance industry
ST Goals: Investment Banking
LT Goals: Start hedge fund
Please advise.
Marlene
Hi Marlene,
Let me start by saying that your stats are good, and on the face of it, they make you competitive for any b-school out there (yes, the top one too!!). There could be a couple of reasons for not getting any interview invites. Let me try listing them out:
1. you did not select your b-schools too well. Maybe you applied to only aspirational b-schools, with no schools where you had a realistic chance of making it in. Well, this contradicts my previous statement. That's because I don't really know the quality of your work experience and achievements, which go a long way in making you stand out in a highly competitive pool base that applies to the top US b-schools.
2. You did not present your career goals well.
3. Your essays did not convey your strengths and achievements in an impressive way.
4. Your resume and recommendation did not convey your career progression.
Not getting invited for interview is probably a combination of more than one of these factors. If you are interested send us one application at
contact@mbadecoder.com and we can give you an analysis of areas where we think you lost out.
Now to answer your questions:
1. many re-applicants work very hard to bring on changes in their profile. These could be related to career progression (promotion, change of role & responsibilities) or to extra curricular involvements. For a re-applicant, the re-app essay is critical. If you have nothing substantial to write in there, the adcoms will not be impressed.
2. If nothing has changed in the past year, I would suggest you apply to new b-schools. If you got feedback from any b-school where you applied last year and think you can you can address that through this year's reapplication, then it may be worth a shot, else no!
3. whether you want to apply now or wait another year depends entirely upto you. It could depend upon where you want to apply (same b-schools, for which you will need another year to enhance your profile) and your career goals (do you need an MBA NOW or can it wait another year).
Hope that helps!!