Wait List Approach

Question

So I've been wait-listed at a Top 5 program...I know, I know, almost impossible to get in. But gotta try, right?!

NOTE: I was informed by my program that I was wait-listed only for space reasons, and that there is nothing I really need to improve in order to be accepted. That being said, they also said that if I have any significant updates, to definitely let them know.

Anyway, I was wondering- is it better to send 1 e-mail containing all my major updates, or send 3 separate e-mails spaced out over a couple weeks?

My updates will be as follows:

Work

1. After taking an NYU investments course, I conducted a proforma of an condominium investment portfolio and produced estimates for break-even, profit, and loss price points. With the portfolio now officially on the market, purchase offers have been within the range I had initially projected.

2. I oversaw a $50,000 building renovation at a land-marked property functioning as a business hotel. I developed a scope of work, presented a proposal to our Tokyo investors, and managed the bidding process. I then led a cross-departmental team to ensure the renovation met the standards and necessities of our entire corporation. In doing so, I enabled our investors to avoid unnecessary tax payments while simultaneously increasing their product quality and profit margins.

Entrepreneurial

Over the course of two months, I've created a brand on-line. My website has seen an increase in unique hits from 600/month to over 3,000 per month. Via my brand, I have been recruited to write for 5 major web-sites (again, major in this field), using the same moniker and linking back to my original site. The brand is basically a moniker I use to write for the said industry, and has become relatively well-known in a very brief amount of time. I have worked hard to network and set up agreements and relationships with players in the field.

I feel this is relevant because I am hoping to major in marketing/branding and strategy. The Top 5 program I am referring to is one of, if not THE best, in marketing,

Education

To strengthen my own analytical skills, I have started taking courses through MBA Math. In doing so, I hope to better prepare myself for the quantitative rigors of an MBA education.

Anyway, so what do you guys think?

jordanhendrix · Answer

who cares what we think....send it in!
lol, it sounds good though

getmba2013 · Answer

lol fair enough, b/c I suppose there will be a mix of opinions...

What I meant was--- do they prefer ONE e-mail with everything, or is it better to update them throughout the waiting process?

Thanks!!! 8-)

ConsultMasaki · Answer

As old as this post/question is, I'm offering my two cents as this is a frequently asked question by my clients. 1 e-mail containing all major updates is the way to go. I understand the motive behind "3 separate e-mails spaced out over a couple weeks" (=wanting to keep the line of communication open with the school). But if you're on the waitlist, it's in your interest to deliver all major updates promptly in one go, as the school is weighing your candidacy against applicants in later/current rounds who are under active evaluation. Timeliness matters. Also note, if there is any steadfast rule in waitlist approach, it is that you take the school's waitlist instructions seriously. If the school says, "only contact us with major updates," it literally means, only contact them if/when you have major updates. A major update is defined as valuable information that may tip the scale. That could be promotion at work, higher GMAT score, having retaken that quant course you failed in undergrad (and earning an "A" grade this time around), etc. The more tangible and quantifiable the update, the more convincing because it shows your determination to improve and grow. Clarification on something in your application that you wish you had explained better could also be a plus, as it demonstrates self-awareness on your part. Reaching out to the school multiple times "just to say hi" or to reiterate that you love the school without offering additional insight may be construed as pestering and desperate, and may ultimately backfire.

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