Wharton vs. reapply to HBS/Stanford

Question

Just received my round 2 decisions - offer from Wharton, but dinged from Stanford & HBS.

I'm a UK applicant and Wharton doesn't have much of a rep over here... could anyone outline the merits of reapplying to HBS / Stanford vs. Wharton?

Time is on my side by the way - I'm only 24

highwyre237 · Answer

Wharton doesn't have a lot of rep in the UK? That sounds pretty crazy to me for some reason...

Either way, read this
https://essaysnark.com/2012/05/i-got-int ... -stanford/

Why do you feel you'd do better next time? I would first see if Wharton allows you to defer your decision.

CobraKai · Answer

#1 HBS and GSB are two of the toughest schools on the planet to get into. Re-applying guarantees nothing.
#2 If you turn down Wharton, there will be plenty of people happy to take your spot, and if they don't let you defer, don't expect them to welcome you back with open arms next application cycle after spurning them once.
#3 If Wharton doesn't have a good rep in the UK, why did you apply there?
#4 What about LBS?

efc1 · Answer

Thanks for the responses guys!

highwyre: I think I'd have a better chance next year for a few reasons - a bit older, more (relevant) work experience & also a lot of people from my company were applying this year. I also think I could have done a much better job at the Stanford story & HBS interview (I can't follow that link as don't subscribe - what is the gist)

CobraKai:

#1&2 - Understood! I appreciate that trying again might mean I get nothing. If its a risk that has a 50/50 chance of paying off I'd take it though

#3 OK I'll tone down 'Wharton doesn't have a big rep' a bit! Essentially having looked at the courses, spoke to alums etc I think HBS & SGSB are much more in line with what I want to get out of an MBA. HBS delivers 10x more than the other 2 on rep, and Stanford's curriculum is much more in line with what I'm looking for. Applying to Wharton was a bit of a marginal decision, but nonetheless I'll definitely go to the admit weekend & check it out.

#4 - LBS / a European school isn't an option

CobraKai · Answer

Seeing how GSB accepts ~6% and HBS ~12%, it's far from a 50/50 chance. Also, as a re-applicant you'll need to be prepared to show how you've become a better candidate since they'll have this year's application on file.

Just curious as to why? Not enough rep as HBS and GSB? Not sure what your goals are post-MBA, but just be aware there are programs outside of HBS and GSB that can help you reach your goals.

Best of luck with whatever you decide, though! It's quite an achievement to get into Wharton!

highwyre237 · Answer

Ah, sorry didnt realize you needed to subscribe to read that one, nevermind.

Either way, will you be unhappy at Wharton? will you always wonder what if? If so, ok... don't go and try again. Do I personally think you are crazy? yes.

I doubt 1 year will change your chances much. Simply 1 year of experience (without a sweet promotion) probably wont matter.

Just curious, how close did you get to H/S? Were you interviewed?

efc1 · Answer

Yeah I think that is essentially the crux of it - I feel would look back on it with regret if I didn't try again (slightly crazy I appreciate...). Obviously its a great position to be in though & I'm not knocking Wharton as a school!

Quite a lot has changed already since I wrote my application (will have spent 9 months on secondment at a client by the summer, with higher level of responsibility than in consulting) so I'm hoping that would make a difference.

I got an interview at HBS, not at Stanford.

re: #4 - a big draw for me is going to a US school. By staying somewhere I know well (London) I'd be missing out on quite an essential part of the MBA (widening horizons & network, new culture, etc). I've covered half of the academic part in my undergrad/work training already & would be able to enter into my preferred industry without an MBA (which in reality is what I will most likely do if I don't choose Wharton).

highwyre237 · Answer

Well, I think you answered your own question. Reassess after the welcome weekend, but it's your choice.

Just don't make this decision as if it's Wharton this year VS H/S next year. Your decision is really Wharton this year vs no MBA + a glimmer of hope at H/S next year.

efc1 · Answer

Yeah I'll make sure to see the campus etc before its final

Thanks for the advice - & agree with you - its more likely than not its no MBA

jko · Answer

Just something I'd mention:

Without a good promotion or title change, your chances may actually be worse next year than they were this year. I know you mentioned you took on some new responsibilities this year, which is good to mention. However, if you're making the same salary (roughly) and have the same title that you did last year, it may not be enough.

What I mean is, if you had 2 promotions in 2 years, that is pretty impressive. You apply to schools, dont get in, decide to re-apply. Now you've had 2 promotions in 3 years, which is less impressive. That's just something to consider, maybe it doesn't apply to your case if the changes you've made at work are substantial.

You should also consider how friendly each program is to re-applicants. Stanford indicates 'reapplicants are at no disadvantage for having applied and been rejected' which I would tend to interpret as 'certainly no advantage, and possibly a slight disadvantage despite what we just said'. I think HBS may be more favorable towards re-applicants, but don't quote me on that.

For next year, you should decide whether it's "HBS or bust" or HBS or Stanford or bust", because you mention that you feel HBS rep is 10x that or Stanford/Penn, and that Stanford's curriculum is in line with your interests. But which one is more important to you? If next year you get denied at HBS but admitted at Stanford (or vice versa), are you going to be happy at Stanford? Or are you going to be in the same position again.

ManhattanReview · Answer

Just a few comments that may help you make your decision:

Wharton does have a great global reputation. I worked for Bain in London after graduation and many of my classmates ended up at top tier UK and Euro firms. 
If you turn down Wharton this year and re-apply next year -- do not expect them to welcome your application. They know that you are playing them so they would most probably play you. 
HBS and Stanford do not like to admit they made mistakes in their admissions process -- so re-applying your chances would not be that great. If you do re-apply, your candidacy would have to be different from the last one that you submitted. What you submitted did not work.

Kimberly Plaga
Senior Admissions Consultant 
Manhattan Review

panama5565 · Answer

A girl in my Wharton interview group told us after the interview that she had been admitted the previous year but decided not to go. This year she was dinged. Don't assume that Wharton will be a "bird in hand" during next year's application cycle. In my opinion the girl was kind of assuming that she'd get in again and it showed in her attitude and lack of preparation for the interview. It's a real possibility that you reapply next year and don't get in anywhere.

Ultimately, this crazy process comes down a lot to luck (how many applicants total, how many from your industry/company, who interviews you, etc.) - you might get in to H/S next year and be the happiest person in the world that you waited, but it's equally likely that you'll be on the forums this time next year bemoaning your decision to forego one of the best business schools in the world (clearly, I have a biased opinion

). Just go into Welcome Weekend with eyes wide open.

efc1 · Answer

I'd like to revisit this and thank you all for the advice.

As an update: I did turn down Wharton in 2013, changed job and reapplied to H + S this year. I was admitted to both this week.

Feeling incredibly lucky to be in this position, and incredibly glad I followed my heart and not my head!

BazingAu · Answer

Congratulations!

sab7a · Answer

I'm speechless 
Good job and congratulations  efc1 
No wonder Stanford and HBS admitted you
Question now: HBS or Stanford?

efc1 · Answer

Thank you!

That's the million dollar question I guess. My gut feeling is HBS, but I'll think it out over a few Christmas beers. Both schools would be a dream come true.

hibye · Answer

can you please share your profile?

efc1 · Answer

I'll pm it to you

okay · Answer

could you pm it to me as well?

bgpower · Answer

efc1, Congratulations! Did you already take your decision? (Mine would be the GSB)

Can you btw pm me your profile as well? I'm looking forward to an application in R1 2015! Thanks you!

Wharton vs. reapply to HBS/Stanford

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards