The first thing to remember when you are applying to a school like HBS and Stanford is that the best people in the world are applying to these schools so it is very difficult for admissions to decipher between and amongst so many over-qualified candidates. Further, you should not be so hard on yourself about these rejections as you seem to be a very strong candidate with a great background and potential and there are many top programs that would love to have you as a student. This means that you pretty much have to pick yourself off and start all over again. In R2, you should definitely apply to Wharton, Columbia, Booth, Kellogg, Haas and other premier programs. You have plenty of time to get your applications in for R2 and with a well crafted application, you should receive multiple acceptances.
If you want, Manhattan Review will take a complementary look at your HBS and Stanford applications and provide you with feedback and a free evaluation. Please contact our office and they will expedite this matter.
Kimberly Plaga
Senior Admissions Consultant
Manhattan Review