asimov wrote:
I agree with LetsGoMets, 720/3.6 is a good enough stats where it will not keep your out of the running.
IMO, your waitlist woos may come from:
1) late application, especially for Wharton.
2) fit. Stern, CBS, Wharton are known for finance, but you are trying to change into marketing? My suggestion for next year is to research the schools, apply to marketing schools (maybe use Kellogg as a reach).
I respectfully disagree with asimov on the last point. Those 3 schools are, indeed, "known" for finance, but, for example, Wharton is considered the #2 marketing school in the country according to USNews and its marketing program is very highly regarded. I know of several CPG companies who consider some combination of these three schools in their "core" for MBA recruiting. in full disclosure, i applied to all 3 and i'm not in finance nor am i going into finance and i found the programs to be very robust across disciplines. also, these schools are all trying to diversify their classes and move away from a lot of finance people since there are simply fewer jobs there. however, i do agree that if you do end up applying again in the fall, it's worth looking at a few other schools with heavier marketing/cpg reputations, including kellogg, fuqua, ross.
I do agree with asimov and others that it's probably the late application that hurt you, unfortunately. a lot of schools warn people not to apply R3 because it's much more competitive since the first 2 rounds have filled a majority of the class. that being said, if you *don't* get off any of the waitlists, i would definitely try to sharpen/clarify your career vision, revisit how you presented yourself etc.