MBA Reapplicant Strategies

So, you applied to business school last year and didn’t get in. It’s a bummer, no doubt. You put in the hours, crafted your essays, and envisioned yourself walking across that stage to receive your MBA. But don’t despair! Being a reapplicant isn’t a sign of failure; it’s an opportunity. Business schools respect persistence, and a well-executed reapplication can significantly increase your chances of acceptance. This guide will walk you through the essential strategies to transform your application from a ‘maybe’ to a ‘yes’. We’ll cover everything from self-assessment to essay revision, GMAT/GRE improvement (if necessary), and crafting a compelling narrative that showcases your growth and commitment.

Part 1: The Crucial Self-Assessment

Before diving headfirst into rewriting essays or retaking the GMAT, the most important step is honest self-assessment. This involves a deep dive into your previous application to identify its weaknesses and understand why you might not have been successful the first time around. This isn’t about beating yourself up; it’s about gathering data to inform your reapplication strategy.

1.1 Reviewing Your Application: The Post-Mortem

Dust off your old application materials. Yes, it might be painful, but it’s crucial. Print out everything: application forms, essays, recommendations, resume, and test scores. Approach it as objectively as possible, as if you were an admissions committee member reviewing someone else’s file. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Were my essays compelling and authentic? Did they truly reflect who I am, what I’ve achieved, and why I want an MBA? Did they answer the essay questions directly and provide concrete examples? Did I showcase my personality and passion? Were my writing mechanics strong (grammar, sentence structure, clarity)?
• Was my GMAT/GRE score competitive for my target schools? Did my score fall within the 80% range for admitted students? If not, did other parts of my application significantly compensate for a lower score?
• Was my work experience impressive and relevant? Did my resume highlight my accomplishments and demonstrate increasing responsibility and leadership potential? Did I quantify my achievements whenever possible? Did I clearly articulate the impact I made in my roles?
• Were my recommendations strong and supportive? Did my recommenders know me well and provide specific examples of my strengths and accomplishments? Did their recommendations align with the themes and messages in my essays? Did they address my weaknesses honestly and constructively?
• Did my overall application tell a cohesive and compelling story? Did all the different components of my application work together to paint a clear picture of who I am, what I’ve done, and where I want to go? Did I clearly articulate my goals and how an MBA from that particular school would help me achieve them? Did my application demonstrate a genuine interest in and understanding of the school’s culture and values?
• Did I rush the process? Did I give myself enough time to thoroughly research schools, write compelling essays, and prepare for the GMAT/GRE? Did I submit my application well before the deadline?
• Did I address any potential weaknesses in my application? Did I explain any gaps in my employment history, low grades in certain courses, or other potential red flags?

Be brutally honest with yourself. Don’t sugarcoat anything. The more honest you are, the better equipped you’ll be to improve your application.

1.2 Seeking Feedback: The External Perspective

While self-assessment is crucial, it’s also essential to seek feedback from external sources. This can include friends, family, colleagues, mentors, or even professional MBA admissions consultants. Choose people who know you well, are honest, and have a good understanding of the MBA application process.

Share your previous application materials with them and ask for their honest feedback. Specifically, ask them:

• What were the strengths and weaknesses of my application?
• Did my essays accurately reflect who I am?
• Did my goals seem realistic and achievable?
• Did my application demonstrate a clear understanding of why I wanted an MBA from that particular school?
• What could I have done differently?

Be open to constructive criticism. It’s not always easy to hear negative feedback, but it’s essential for growth. Remember that the goal is to improve your application, not to defend your previous efforts.

1.3 Analyzing Rejection Letters: The School’s Perspective

If you received a rejection letter from the business school, read it carefully. While most rejection letters are generic, some may provide specific feedback about why you weren’t admitted. Look for clues about what areas of your application were lacking. Did they mention your test scores, work experience, or essays? Even if the feedback is vague, it can still provide valuable insights.

Some schools offer feedback sessions for reapplicants. If your target school offers this service, take advantage of it. This is a valuable opportunity to get personalized feedback from an admissions officer about what you can do to improve your chances of acceptance.

Part 2: Strengthening Your Profile

Once you’ve identified the weaknesses in your previous application, the next step is to address them. This might involve improving your GMAT/GRE score, gaining more relevant work experience, strengthening your recommendations, or rewriting your essays.

2.1 Improving Your GMAT/GRE Score

If your GMAT/GRE score was below the 80% range for admitted students at your target schools, consider retaking the test. A higher score can significantly improve your chances of acceptance. However, don’t retake the test just for the sake of it. Make sure you dedicate enough time to studying and preparing. A small increase in your score might not be worth the effort, especially if other areas of your application are strong. Aim for a significant improvement of at least 20-30 points on the GMAT or 2-3 points on the GRE.

Before retaking the test, analyze your previous performance. Identify your weaknesses and focus your studying on those areas. Consider taking a prep course or working with a tutor to improve your skills and strategies.

Remember that business schools only care about your highest score. They won’t penalize you for taking the test multiple times.

2.2 Gaining More Relevant Work Experience

If your work experience was lacking, focus on gaining more relevant experience in the year since you last applied. This could involve taking on new responsibilities at your current job, volunteering for a leadership role in a community organization, or even changing jobs to gain experience in a different industry or function.

When describing your work experience in your application, focus on your accomplishments and the impact you made in your roles. Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and highlight your leadership potential.

If you’ve made a significant career change since your last application, be sure to explain why you made the change and how it has prepared you for business school.

2.3 Strengthening Your Recommendations

Strong recommendations are essential for a successful MBA application. Choose recommenders who know you well, are supportive of your goals, and can provide specific examples of your strengths and accomplishments. Ideally, your recommenders should be senior to you and have worked with you closely.

Give your recommenders plenty of time to write their recommendations. Provide them with a copy of your resume, essays, and application forms. Remind them of your accomplishments and the specific qualities you want them to highlight. Be sure to thank them for their time and effort.

If you’re using the same recommenders as last year, ask them to update their recommendations to reflect your growth and accomplishments over the past year. Provide them with specific examples of how you’ve improved since you last applied.

Consider providing your recommenders with a list of bullet points highlighting key achievements and skills you would like them to address in their recommendations. This can help ensure that they cover the most important aspects of your candidacy.

2.4 Demonstrating Growth and Progress

The most important thing you can do as a reapplicant is to demonstrate that you’ve grown and progressed since your last application. This could involve improving your GMAT/GRE score, gaining more relevant work experience, taking on new responsibilities at your current job, volunteering for a leadership role in a community organization, or even changing jobs to gain experience in a different industry or function. Whatever you do, make sure you can clearly articulate how you’ve grown and progressed since your last application and how these experiences have prepared you for business school.

Your essays should highlight these changes and demonstrate how you’ve learned from your past mistakes. Be specific and provide concrete examples of your growth and progress. Show the admissions committee that you’re committed to improving yourself and that you’re ready to succeed in business school.

Consider including an optional essay specifically addressing your reapplication. In this essay, explain why you’re reapplying, what you’ve done to improve your application, and why you’re still interested in attending that particular school. This is a valuable opportunity to address any concerns the admissions committee might have and to demonstrate your commitment to their program.

Part 3: Crafting Compelling Essays

Your essays are your opportunity to tell your story and showcase your personality, accomplishments, and goals. They are a critical component of your MBA application, and they can make or break your chances of acceptance. As a reapplicant, you have a unique opportunity to revise and improve your essays to make them even more compelling.

3.1 Revisiting Your Essays: A Fresh Perspective

Start by rereading your previous essays with a fresh perspective. As you read, ask yourself the following questions:

• Did my essays answer the essay questions directly?
• Did my essays provide concrete examples to support my claims?
• Did my essays showcase my personality and passion?
• Did my essays demonstrate a clear understanding of why I wanted an MBA from that particular school?
• Did my essays tell a cohesive and compelling story?
• Were my writing mechanics strong (grammar, sentence structure, clarity)?

Be honest with yourself about the weaknesses in your essays. Don’t be afraid to completely rewrite them if necessary. A fresh perspective can often lead to a much stronger and more compelling essay.

3.2 Updating Your Essays: Reflecting Your Growth

Your essays should reflect your growth and progress since your last application. Use your essays to highlight the new experiences you’ve gained, the new skills you’ve developed, and the new perspectives you’ve acquired. Be specific and provide concrete examples of how you’ve grown and progressed. Don’t just tell the admissions committee that you’ve grown; show them.

If you’ve made a significant career change since your last application, be sure to explain why you made the change and how it has prepared you for business school. If you’ve taken on new responsibilities at your current job, highlight those responsibilities and explain how they’ve helped you develop your leadership skills.

Use your essays to demonstrate how you’ve learned from your past mistakes and how you’re now better prepared to succeed in business school. Show the admissions committee that you’re committed to improving yourself and that you’re ready to make a positive contribution to their program.

3.3 Tailoring Your Essays to Each School

Don’t use the same essays for every school. Tailor your essays to each school’s specific culture, values, and curriculum. Research each school thoroughly and demonstrate a genuine interest in and understanding of their program. Explain why you’re particularly interested in attending that school and how their program will help you achieve your goals.

Attend school events, talk to current students and alumni, and read the school’s website and brochures to learn as much as you can about each program. Use this information to personalize your essays and demonstrate your fit with the school’s culture.

Avoid generic statements and clichés. Be specific and provide concrete examples of why you’re interested in that particular school. The more specific you are, the more impressed the admissions committee will be.

3.4 The Optional Essay: Addressing Your Reapplication

Many business schools offer an optional essay that allows you to address your reapplication. This is a valuable opportunity to explain why you’re reapplying, what you’ve done to improve your application, and why you’re still interested in attending that particular school. This essay is not required, but it can be a valuable way to address any concerns the admissions committee might have and to demonstrate your commitment to their program.

In your optional essay, be honest and straightforward. Explain why you weren’t admitted the first time around and what you’ve done to address the weaknesses in your previous application. Highlight the new experiences you’ve gained, the new skills you’ve developed, and the new perspectives you’ve acquired.

Reiterate your interest in attending that particular school and explain why you believe their program is the best fit for you. Demonstrate your understanding of the school’s culture, values, and curriculum, and explain how you plan to contribute to their community.

Keep your optional essay concise and to the point. Don’t use it as an opportunity to rehash your entire application. Focus on addressing the specific reasons why you’re reapplying and highlighting the improvements you’ve made.

Part 4: Choosing Your Recommenders Wisely

Recommendations are a crucial element of your MBA application, offering the admissions committee valuable insights into your character, skills, and potential. As a reapplicant, strategically selecting and guiding your recommenders is even more vital.

4.1 Re-Engaging Previous Recommenders

If you had strong recommendations the first time, reaching out to those same individuals is often a good starting point. However, don’t assume they’ll simply resubmit the same letter. Your recommenders need to understand how you’ve grown and what specific achievements they should highlight since your last application.

When contacting your previous recommenders:

• Express Your Gratitude: Begin by thanking them for their previous support and explaining why you’re reapplying.
• Highlight Your Growth: Clearly articulate the specific improvements you’ve made in your profile, such as a higher GMAT/GRE score, new responsibilities at work, or involvement in significant projects.
• Provide Updated Materials: Share your revised resume, essays, and application forms with them. This will help them understand your overall narrative and how their recommendation fits in.
• Suggest Specific Examples: Instead of leaving it to chance, provide them with bullet points or talking points that highlight the key achievements and skills you want them to emphasize in their updated recommendation.
• Respect Their Time: Be mindful of their busy schedules and provide them with ample time to write their recommendations. Don’t wait until the last minute to contact them.

If a previous recommender is unable to write a new recommendation, don’t take it personally. They may have legitimate reasons, such as a change in their professional circumstances or a lack of recent interaction with you. In this case, you’ll need to find a new recommender.

4.2 Identifying New Recommenders

If your previous recommendations were weak or if your circumstances have changed, you may need to find new recommenders. When selecting new recommenders, consider the following:

• Choose Someone Who Knows You Well: The best recommenders are those who have worked closely with you and can provide specific examples of your strengths and accomplishments.
• Select Someone Who is Supportive: Choose someone who is genuinely supportive of your goals and enthusiastic about recommending you to business school.
• Consider Their Seniority: While not always necessary, a recommender who is senior to you can add credibility to their recommendation.
• Ensure They Can Write Well: A well-written recommendation can make a significant difference. Choose someone who is articulate and can express their thoughts clearly and effectively.

When asking someone to be your recommender, be prepared to explain why you’ve chosen them and what specific qualities you want them to highlight in their recommendation. Provide them with all the necessary materials and give them ample time to write their recommendation.

4.3 Guiding Your Recommenders

Regardless of whether you’re using previous or new recommenders, it’s essential to guide them through the recommendation process. Provide them with a clear understanding of your overall application narrative and the specific qualities you want them to emphasize. Share your resume, essays, and application forms with them. Remind them of your accomplishments and the specific contributions you’ve made in their organization.

Many business schools provide specific guidelines for recommenders, including the questions they should answer and the format they should use. Be sure to share these guidelines with your recommenders and encourage them to follow them closely.

Offer to answer any questions your recommenders may have and be available to provide them with additional information as needed. The more information you provide them, the better equipped they’ll be to write a strong and compelling recommendation on your behalf.

Part 5: Addressing Weaknesses Head-On

Every applicant has weaknesses. The key is to acknowledge them and address them proactively in your application. As a reapplicant, you have a unique opportunity to explain how you’ve worked to overcome these weaknesses and demonstrate your commitment to improvement.

5.1 Identifying Your Weaknesses

Be honest with yourself about your weaknesses. This could include a low GMAT/GRE score, a lack of relevant work experience, a low GPA, or a gap in your employment history. Don’t try to hide your weaknesses; acknowledge them and explain what you’ve done to address them.

If you’re unsure what your weaknesses are, ask for feedback from friends, family, colleagues, or mentors. They may be able to provide you with valuable insights into areas where you can improve.

5.2 Explaining Your Weaknesses

In your application, address your weaknesses head-on. Don’t make excuses or try to downplay them. Explain the circumstances that led to your weaknesses and what you’ve done to overcome them. Be specific and provide concrete examples of your efforts.

If you had a low GMAT/GRE score, explain why you struggled on the test and what you’ve done to improve your score. If you had a lack of relevant work experience, explain how you’ve gained more experience since your last application. If you had a low GPA, explain the circumstances that affected your grades and what you’ve done to improve your academic performance.

The key is to demonstrate that you’re aware of your weaknesses and that you’re committed to improving yourself. Show the admissions committee that you’re willing to take responsibility for your mistakes and that you’re capable of learning from them.

5.3 Turning Weaknesses into Strengths

Whenever possible, try to turn your weaknesses into strengths. Show the admissions committee that you’ve learned valuable lessons from your challenges and that you’re now a stronger and more resilient person as a result. Explain how your weaknesses have motivated you to improve yourself and how they’ve helped you develop valuable skills, such as perseverance, problem-solving, and adaptability.

For example, if you had a gap in your employment history due to a layoff, explain how you used that time to pursue personal or professional development opportunities. If you had a low GPA due to a challenging personal situation, explain how you overcame that challenge and how it has made you a stronger and more compassionate person.

By demonstrating that you’ve learned from your weaknesses and that you’ve turned them into strengths, you can show the admissions committee that you’re a resilient and adaptable person who is capable of overcoming challenges and succeeding in business school.

Part 6: Choosing the Right Schools (Again)

Reapplying isn’t just about improving your application; it’s also about strategically re-evaluating your target schools. Were you too ambitious the first time? Did you truly understand the culture and fit of each program? This is an opportunity to refine your school list.

6.1 Reassessing Your Fit

Take a step back and honestly assess whether your target schools are the right fit for you. Consider your career goals, your learning style, and your personality. Are you truly passionate about the programs you’re applying to? Do you believe you would thrive in their environment?

Research each school thoroughly and attend school events, talk to current students and alumni, and read the school’s website and brochures to learn as much as you can about each program. Use this information to determine whether each school is a good fit for you.

If you’re not passionate about a particular school, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to write compelling essays that demonstrate your genuine interest. It’s better to focus on schools that you’re truly excited about.

6.2 Diversifying Your School List

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to a range of schools, including some that are more selective and some that are less selective. This will increase your chances of getting accepted into at least one program.

Consider adding a few “safety” schools to your list. These are schools that you’re confident you’ll get into, even if you don’t improve your application significantly. Having a few safety schools can provide you with peace of mind and ensure that you have options if you don’t get into your top-choice programs.

Don’t be afraid to apply to schools that you didn’t consider the first time around. There are many excellent MBA programs out there, and you might be surprised to find that one of them is a perfect fit for you.

6.3 Understanding Acceptance Rates

Be realistic about your chances of getting accepted into each school. Research the acceptance rates and average GMAT/GRE scores for each program. This will give you a better sense of how competitive each school is and whether your profile is competitive enough.

Don’t just focus on the top-ranked schools. There are many excellent MBA programs that are not ranked in the top tier. These programs may be a better fit for you, and they may be easier to get into.

Ultimately, the best MBA program for you is the one that will help you achieve your career goals and provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. Don’t let rankings be the only factor in your decision.

Part 7: Timing is Everything

Submitting your application at the right time can significantly impact your chances of acceptance. As a reapplicant, you have the benefit of experience and should use it to your advantage.

7.1 Applying Early

Applying early in the application cycle can increase your chances of acceptance. Many business schools use a rolling admissions process, which means they review applications as they receive them. Applying early gives you a better chance of getting your application reviewed before the class fills up.

Applying early also demonstrates your interest in the program. It shows the admissions committee that you’re serious about attending their school and that you’re not just applying as a backup.

However, don’t rush your application just to apply early. Make sure your application is complete and polished before you submit it. It’s better to submit a strong application later in the cycle than a weak application early.

7.2 Considering Round 2

Round 2 is often considered the sweet spot for applications. By this point, you’ve likely had ample time to prepare a strong application, and the admissions committee hasn’t yet filled up too many seats in the class.

However, Round 2 is also the most competitive round. Many applicants wait until Round 2 to submit their applications, so you’ll be competing with a larger pool of candidates.

If you’re not able to submit your application by Round 2, don’t despair. You can still apply in Round 3, but your chances of acceptance may be lower.

7.3 Avoiding Round 3 (If Possible)

Round 3 is generally the least favorable round to apply. By this point, many of the seats in the class have already been filled, and the admissions committee is often looking for specific candidates to fill the remaining spots.

If you apply in Round 3, you’ll need to have a very strong application to stand out from the crowd. You’ll also need to have a compelling reason for applying so late in the cycle.

If possible, try to avoid applying in Round 3. It’s better to wait until the next application cycle and apply in Round 1 or Round 2.

Part 8: The Interview – A Second Chance to Shine

If you receive an interview invitation as a reapplicant, congratulations! This is a significant step forward. However, it also means you need to be even more prepared and demonstrate that you’ve taken the feedback from your previous application to heart.

8.1 Revisiting Your Previous Interview Performance (If Applicable)

If you interviewed with the school previously, try to recall your performance. What questions did you struggle with? What areas could you have articulated more clearly? What feedback did you receive (if any)? Use this information to prepare for your reapplication interview.

8.2 Preparing for Common MBA Interview Questions

Regardless of whether you interviewed previously, it’s crucial to prepare for common MBA interview questions. These include:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why do you want an MBA?
• Why this school?
• What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Tell me about a time you failed.
• Tell me about a time you led a team.
• Tell me about a time you faced a difficult challenge.
• What questions do you have for me?

Practice answering these questions out loud, and be prepared to provide specific examples to support your claims. Don’t just memorize your answers; be flexible and adaptable.

8.3 Highlighting Your Growth and Progress

The interview is your opportunity to showcase the growth and progress you’ve made since your last application. Be prepared to discuss the new experiences you’ve gained, the new skills you’ve developed, and the new perspectives you’ve acquired. Be specific and provide concrete examples of your efforts.

Explain how you’ve learned from your past mistakes and how you’re now better prepared to succeed in business school. Show the interviewer that you’re committed to improving yourself and that you’re ready to make a positive contribution to their program.

8.4 Demonstrating Your Fit with the School

The interview is also your opportunity to demonstrate your fit with the school’s culture, values, and curriculum. Show the interviewer that you’ve researched the school thoroughly and that you have a genuine understanding of their program. Explain why you’re particularly interested in attending that school and how their program will help you achieve your goals.

Ask thoughtful questions about the school and the program. This will show the interviewer that you’re engaged and that you’re genuinely interested in learning more about their school.

8.5 Following Up After the Interview

After the interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewer. Express your gratitude for their time and reiterate your interest in attending their school. This will help you make a positive lasting impression.

Keep the thank-you note concise and to the point. Thank the interviewer for their time, reiterate your interest in the program, and highlight something specific that you discussed during the interview.

Part 9: Maintaining a Positive Mindset

The MBA application process can be stressful and challenging, especially for reapplicants. It’s important to maintain a positive mindset throughout the process and to believe in yourself.

9.1 Managing Stress and Anxiety

Find healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety. This could include exercise, meditation, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies. It’s important to take care of your mental and physical health during the application process.

Don’t let the application process consume your life. Make time for other activities that you enjoy and that help you relax and recharge.

9.2 Building a Support System

Build a support system of friends, family, colleagues, or mentors who can provide you with encouragement and support. Talk to them about your anxieties and challenges, and seek their advice and guidance.

Join online communities or forums where you can connect with other MBA applicants and share your experiences. It can be helpful to know that you’re not alone in this process.

9.3 Believing in Yourself

Believe in yourself and your abilities. Remember why you want an MBA and why you’re qualified to succeed in business school. Focus on your strengths and accomplishments, and don’t let your weaknesses define you.

Don’t compare yourself to other applicants. Everyone’s journey is different, and you should focus on your own progress and achievements.

Remember that being a reapplicant is not a sign of failure. It’s an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and to improve your application. With hard work, dedication, and a positive mindset, you can increase your chances of acceptance and achieve your MBA goals.

9.4 Learning from Rejection (Again, If Necessary)

Even after all your hard work, there’s still a chance you might face rejection again. It’s crucial to have a plan for this scenario. Allow yourself to feel disappointed, but don’t let it derail you. Analyze the situation, seek feedback, and consider whether to reapply again or pursue alternative paths. The resilience you demonstrate in the face of adversity will be a valuable asset throughout your career.

Ultimately, the MBA reapplication process is a journey of self-discovery and improvement. By embracing this opportunity and following these strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of acceptance and achieve your MBA dreams.