740 GMAT and Not Getting Into Top-10 Schools

Question

I have a 740 GMAT on first try (49Q) and am a top performer at a Big-4 consulting firm with 3 years experience out of college - specializing in a particular technology area (so not strategy like MBB). I went to a top-15 school (non-Ivy, but its a well known univ.) and graduated with honors and a double major and double minor with lots of stat/math/econ courses. I do not have a ton of extracurriculars outside of work - some volunteering and I do tutoring for the SAT, but it's paid. Goal is to go into consumer products - made the case on my essays for why I would be good (essays were reviewed by friend who now is in industry and had MBA from Stanford).

I got rejected w/out interview from Stanford and Wharton, got WL with interview at Sloan, Booth, Kellogg and accepted at Stern. I'm stunned, especially at not at least getting an interview at Wharton and getting WL at the other schools.

Here are my thoughts:
1) Lack of extracurriculars - I'm sorry but it shouldn't be a volunteer fest to get into these schools. I have lots of leadership in activities from college and make my own money on the side doing SAT tutoring for rich kids. 
2) White Male - I have a fair number of coworker friends in my area who got into these schools/got interviews, the commonality being they are not white males (mostly female). Are the standards that much higher if you are a white male?

Any thoughts on what I can do to get into these schools next application cycle? Or Waitlist advice?

CindyTAccepted · Answer

Hello,

There are two key things that might be the reasons your applications are “under-performing” in terms of results:

1. The presentation itself – how you present your case through your application – may not be great. Considering how competitive these programs are (and you’re competing against the best in the world at Wharton, NYU, Columbia, etc.) you not only need to be qualified; that’s just a starting point. Your applications must be stellar, especially if you’re in a highly represented group, and they must really differentiate and distinguish you within your demographic and industry groups.
2. One or more of your recommendations may be undermining your applications.

To prepare for a new application cycle, I suggest taking a hard look at your  application presentation , and see if it might be improved. I’ve worked with many reapplicants to top programs over the years, and most of the time they are qualified, indeed well qualified, but they haven’t delivered compelling applications the first time around.

For  wait-list , start with the above step (critique your application) and if allowed/encouraged, write a wait-list letter that conveys relevant recent develops and directly or indirectly addresses application weaknesses you may perceive (e.g., you can briefly elaborate on goals and/or on your fit with and interest in the program).

JackSparr0w · Answer

Would you not attend Stern?

luckyseventy7 · Answer

As another over-represented demographic, I think extracurriculars are even more important because those become major differentiation factors. While, I agree on your volunteer perspective, top bschools are competitive and there are plenty of similar applicants who are willing to put in the extra time to volunteer. Seems like everyone I know that applied to mba is a leader, founder or board member of this or that nonprofit. The feedback I've gotten is volunteer experience demonstrates to adcoms at least an effort to 'play the game.' Congrats on Stern and consider using a consultant next cycle if you didn't this last time. Best of luck

bostonbp · Answer

I think you're underselling yourself. Stanford and Wharton are extremely competitive and there is a glut of qualified applications, they can't see them all. I also had what I was told is a strong profile (770GMAT, strong GPA, good work experience with a lot of leadership and 'extras' at work, multiple certifications in finance) and did not receive an interview from either, but was accepted elsewhere and also placed on further consideration at HBS. You were selected to interview at three of the top MBA programs in the world. The triple waitlist must have stung but obviously you had something going for you, and chances are you will get off of one of them.

Why did you apply to Stern if you wouldn't attend? Have you done enough research and sold yourself on the individual programs? That may be something that shone through in your applications.

I read an article a while back that broke down surveys of what adcoms really rate most highly for incoming applicants; WE and GMAT ruled supreme, with community service far down the list. I know they tout that aspect in the media but I think they just want to see that people are doing SOMETHING meaningful outside of work. Of course, some people probably get in based on amazing volunteer work, but for most it is just part of a well rounded application.

740 GMAT and Not Getting Into Top-10 Schools

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