Strategy to increase admission possibility

Question

Hi guys,

I only have a quick question,

I am waiting for the final decision from my first choice (already 1 month and 3 days), in the meantime, I have been admitted to another business school, should I write to my first choice that I have been admitted to another school saying that I have limited time to accept?

I mean, the question is, could be this a good strategy to increase my admission possibility to my first choice showing that other schools are interested to me? (They are equally ranked and both in Europe)

Thank you very much, this waiting is killing me!

George

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Admissionado · Answer

Georgelakers :

I do not know if that is going to make any difference and, in fact, it might be risky. If you seem impatient or pushy, your top choice school may use such a request against you. As cynical as that may be, I happen to believe these schools have processes and do not really care as to your personal circumstances, especially if it's about managing an offer from another program. They will not look at your more favorably because you received an acceptance elsewhere. This isn't exactly the job market where you might be able to play one company off of one another. The only exception comes to scholarship money and potential matching of funds.

That all said, I am still confused about the issue. Can you extrapolate on this conflict? What would you be losing if you went with the current school and then waited things out? Is it a security deposit issue or something else?

Georgelakers · Answer

Admissionado

Thank you very much for your help,

The problem is that they ask for 8,000 (not refundable) payment in order to guarantee your seat.

So basically you believe that the best strategy when you are waiting for a decision is to don't write to them and just wait. Correct?

Many thanks, I really appreciate 😊

Posted from my mobile device

Admissionado · Answer

Georgelakers :

This is a low risk, low reward situation. I doubt if you asked for an earlier decision that they will grant it to you. I also doubt that asking will actually backfire on your candidacy.

One other option: you could ask your second choice school if they would delay the security deposit deadline. I doubt they will grant it to you unless you have a valid reason (waiting for another school does not qualify as one), but you could certainly try. They will definitely not take your seat away.

The deposit of $8,000 is the cost of having a bird in the hand and two in the bush. You have to ask yourself, is $8,000 worth the guarantee of having a seat in my second choice and, if I get in, the delta between that seat and the one for my top choice. There is no wrong decision. It's all about your willingness to give yourself optionality.

Georgelakers · Answer

Admissionado thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it, I have great news, I have just received a Scholarship from my second choice, but they say that they cannot extend my deadline deposit and unfortunately I cannot afford to risk 8k

I have the last question: even if I write to my first choice just that they are my first choice but I have applied to another school as plan B, receiving a scholarship, if it could be possible to have a priority in their decision because for me is extremely important to do my MBA this year? Might be better? thanks, really I am getting crazy George

Admissionado · Answer

Georgelakers :

My previous point still stands: low risk, low reward. You can try that line of argument but I doubt it'll make a difference. At the end of the day, go with your gut!

Good luck,
Admissionado

Strategy to increase admission possibility

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