Gmatsoon
Dear Linda,
I have been waitlisted at INSEAD. Is there anything I can do improve my chances? Any proven strategies that work for INSEAD? For example, can i send in any additional recommendations. For a start I have written them a note thanking them for considering my application, and re-iterating my interest in the program. Can I also follow this up with a call highlighting some of my recent achievements?
Your advice will of great help. Thanks.
Skanda
Skanda,
As you know, the wait-list--or "stand-by" as INSEAD has been known to call it--is fairly new at INSEAD. They have explained in
Accepted.com chats that your wait-list status can be remain undecided until the beginning of the following school year so there is no cut-off date for updating them on new developments. They have also noted that they are open to updates regarding developments that are "drastically new," which tells me that they are *not* open to casual and frequent wait-list letters: save your INSEAD wait-list letters for major new developments. I would not call them; I would send a letter.
Regarding additional reco letters, you might be safer having your recommenders send in "letters of support" on your behalf--that is, short notes of support that come from them rather than full-fledged reco letters that appear to come "through" you. This way you will be less likely to irritate INSEAD.
Good luck!