Reapplicant - Advise please

Question

Hello All

I applied to 6 B-Schools during the fall 2013 application cycle and I have been dinged at 4 of them without interview. While it’s been a disappointing season to say the least, I am not giving up just yet. I am currently analyzing the areas in my profile which can be improved and essay’s is one piece that definitely needs to be re addressed. Since I am planning to reapply to the same schools during the 2014 admission cycle, I wanted to know if it is OK to completely change post MBA goals in the re application. Has anyone heard or read Adcom mention anything about how deeply they compare re applicant essays? Will changing your short term post MBA goal completely be seen in negative light? 
Also, among the 4 schools I was dinged by, Haas I believe provides applicant feedback. However, I am not sure about Johnson, Fuqua and McCombs. Any one has any idea if these schools also provide feedback?

Sincerely appreciate your inputs guys.

Admissionado · Answer

Good to hear that you aren't giving up!! Lots and lots of people make it in the second time around, so PERSEVERE! And you can do it.
Changing your goals from application to application can sometimes be a very good idea (esp. if you presented weak or illogical goals) Hard to say in your case specifically without reading your stuff, but if you DO choose to do that, then you also do need to explain the logic behind the change.

Also, consider sending your applications to a consulting firm for a Ding analysis. You can usually get that done for a fair price (by us it's 300 bucks .. i think

), and sometimes you can get great insights about what to improve upon.

mrsustainability · Answer

Thanks Jon. You make a valid point. The logic behind the change in goals will also need to be addressed.

I will check out your firm's services. Thanks.

ManhattanReview · Answer

When starting off with a re-applicant (especially when you are applying in consecutive years) generally do not believe in changing career goals. However, we do believe in enhancing your career goals and making them more comprehensive and compelling. I too recommend that before you start writing your applications (which we always believe in writing new essays, no matter what the instructions say), that you get feedback on what worked and did not work this year. The feedback you will receive will be invaluable and really set you on the right course for the next application cycle.

Kimberly Plaga
Senior Admissions Consultant
Manhattan Review

Call for a free candidacy assessment.

Kimberly Plaga
Senior Admissions Consultant 
Manhattan Review

Call for a free candidacy assessment.

mrsustainability · Answer

Thanks for your inputs Kimberly. I don't plan to change the domain (energy/clean tech) in my post MBA goals. I am looking at changing the function (from marketing to finance) and industry (manufacturing to consulting/finance ). Obviously I will have to back these changes with logical reasons.

french16 · Answer

Regarding which schools provide feedback, I think you can find the answer on the FAQ page on the school website.
Don't give up!

Redtailedhawk · Answer

As an Indian applicant, is it extra tough to have less than 50%tile for acceptance GMAT scores? have you thought about widening the net or retaking?

aerien · Answer

I'll echo a bit what's already been stated.

In your position, I would 1) retake the GMAT and get 700+ and 2) adjust your career goals -- you can change function or industry, but make sure to back it up with reasoning. Perhaps you took on a new responsibility at work that made you realize you'd be a better fit in finance over marketing, etc. That way adcom knows you've thought about this and aren't just choosing finance because you're applying to Columbia (for example).

Good luck! The second time around is still painful, but it's a bit easier/less stressful since you know what to expect and what you're getting into.

mrsustainability · Answer

Thanks French16. I will check out the FAQ pages of these schools.

mrsustainability · Answer

Deleted.

mrsustainability · Answer

Hey Redtailedhawk

Could you please elaborate a little on 50%tile question? I am not sure I understand.

With respect to other B School options, yes I am considering/looking into other schools as well. I am essentially looking for some 'safe/medium range' schools since the schools I got dinged by fall into 'ambitious category'

And yes, I will be retaking the GMAT. Hoping to go past 700 this time.

mrsustainability · Answer

Thanks Aerien. You have some impressive admits. Congratulations... Yes. definitely retaking GMAT and hopefully GMAC gods will bless me with a 700+ score this time.. While it is painful to go through the process again, I am wiser from my experience and hopefully the coming season will yield better results.

kingfalcon · Answer

This is the right attitude to have. Keep your head up and good luck next year! :-D

Reapplicant - Advise please

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