Kenan Flagler (no $) vs re-apply next year

Question

Hi everyone

Wanted your views on the subject.
I have been accepted to the Kenan Flagler MBA program with no scholarship. Really confused whether to join the program this year or re-apply next year (hoping for a scholarship or a better ranked school next year).

My profile: Indian, Male, 25, GMAT 740
Work ex: 3.5 years consulting experience till date
Short term goal: Continue in consulting preferably with MBB or Big 4s as an experienced consultant

I applied in Round 2 to 5 business schools (Kellogg, Darden, Nyu, Ross, UNC) but got interview invites only from Ross and UNC. 
Results: UNC - Admitted (no $), Ross - waitlisted post interview, Kellogg - Interview waiver (almost a ding), Darden - Ding without interview, Nyu - waitlisted before interview.

What do you guys suggest?

stoiczoan · Answer

You have age on your side.

If you think you can bump up your gmat to a 760/770, then definitely apply next year and most probably you should get a T15 program.

If you think you have peaked on your gmat score and cannot do any better, go for KF.

If I were you, I’d try again.

Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum

KS15 · Answer

I agree with the above person's opinion. To add, go to Ross or Stern if you convert or else reapply next year.

bb · Answer

Depends on your job/situation. You can definitely improve next year or you can definitely do worse... Your career trajectory may be looking great right now but will cool next year. You will be potentially reapplying to these schools and you will have to show them how you are different and how you have "grown" or what's something new you have achieved. The issue for many applicants, is that they were so paralyzed during the application process that have done the bare minimum at work from Oct till March.... and since you will most certainly be applying in Oct 2018.... what will you have to show? (possibly a lot but also, possibly nothing).

Age is a good thing and there are many ways to the career ladder besides a FT MBA. There is PT, EMBA, and just good old hard work. Consider the timing and opportunities and what alternatives you have. If your job is going great - maybe stay another year or two. If you feel, you have exhausted the opportunities and growth options and would need to change jobs, applying after being on the job for 6 months is not a great idea either.

P.S. I was at the end of my rope and could not wait 6 months or a year to reapply. I was sick and tired and needed to get out. Hopefully your situation is different.

kabs123 · Answer

Hi all

Thank you for the guidance.
About the GMAT score, I already have a score of 740 and the chances of improving it any further are very slim. I am not sure if it would be wise to spend another 2-3 months on GMAT (will have to restart the preparation again).

I see the following things improving in my profile in next 6 months:
1. Promotion at work (almost certain)
2. Extra work experience which would make my total experience 4+ years

Also, I have not applied to some schools having early rounds such as Duke and Tuck. Hence, I will not be a re-applicant in these schools next year.

I have the following questions:
1. Do you still think that I should join KF and not waste an extra year. (Please note that I don't have any scholarship from KF)
2. I did not even get an interview invite from Kellogg, Darden and Nyu. Do you think the improvements (mentioned above) can substantially improve my profile?
3. Based on your experience, what are the chances of admits from Ross and Nyu after getting waitlited in round two (nyu before interview). Should I keep my hopes high or consider the results as almost a ding?

Regards

bb · Answer

Another option would be to hire a consultant for 4 hours and pay them to review your essays and profile and tell you if they think there is little or significant improvement that can be done. (You can preface this by saying you won’t work with them so there is no conflict of interest in terms of trying to win your business or minimize your negativity). That would be the most bullet proof way of getting an eval.

Also, if you have not used a consultant for your applications this season, you may consider using one next year. Usually (not always) they can add enough value to bump you up.

PS. If you are getting a promotion and feel comfy in your job, perhaps you wait. Combined with a consultant help and time to build your story, you should be able to crack Top 15 and Top 10.

Posted from my mobile device

souvik101990 · Answer

You are young. Reapplications can be TOUGH, but some schools are more reapplicant friendly than others (considering obvious improvements like the GMAT, promotion at work, better EC etc).

What are your goals? If you want to get into consulting, UNC is pretty good at that (McKinsey lists it in its emerging scholars program so they hire from there for sure). That said, MBB at UNC will be tough if you look at the numbers and the resulting odds.

If you think your work situation will improve quite a bit next year, Ross, Tuck and Stern will be welcoming you as a reapplicant as opposed to a few other schools who will take your money but won't really care.

So, in sum, do UNC if your goals make sense at UNC. Reapply if you want to do tech, MBB specifically, or niche finance.

You can also get feedback from a few schools that you applied to. It is generally vanilla but sometimes schools tend to be honest.

kabs123 · Answer

Thank you for the advice. I think the best way forward is to hire a consultant and get a ding analysis.

Kenan Flagler (no $) vs re-apply next year

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