How To Successfully Reapply To MBA Programs

It’s disappointing if you did not get accepted to your dream MBA program on your first attempt, but don’t lose hope. You can always try again.

Reapplying is not at all uncommon. For example, typically around 10% of MBA students at HBS were reapplicants, which means one in 10 had to try more than once. So, if you are not admitted, all is not lost. With some extra self-reflection and effort to address any gaps or weaknesses in your application, you may well be able to turn your failure into success.

Future MBA applicants should keep in mind that it may take them more than one season to secure a spot at your dream school, so factor this into your timeline. It’s wise to err on the side of starting your journey to business school a bit too early than too late. 

 (Fortuna Admissions offers more tips on timing your MBA here.)

What is involved in reapplying to an MBA program? 

The process for reapplying to an MBA program and the information you’ll need to submit differs across business schools. Will you need a whole, fresh new application, or just an updated essay? Will you need to interview again?

Reapplication processes tend to fall into three general models — and many variants. 

1. Complete application: Some MBA programs like Stanford Graduate School of Business may require reapplicants to submit a completely new application; they say they ask for this because the details they collect on their application form change each year. That may include updated essays, letters of recommendation, and any other required documents.
2. Modified application process: Some programs ask reapplicants to update only specific sections of the application, such as essays, and submit any information that has changed since your previous application.
3. Reapplicant question/section: Some school’s MBA application may have a specific section for reapplicants to complete. Typically, this will ask about career progress, additional education, or new achievements since you last applied. 

If you’re considering reapplying, the first step is to confirm exactly what is required, so you can plan your time and resources accordingly. 

What will schools want to know when I reapply to their MBA program? 

No matter what else an MBA program requires from reapplicants, they will all want to know what has changed since you last applied. Usually, you will address this in an essay. 

For example, Harvard Business School and the Wharton School ask you to Please use this “ hare with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words maximum)

Kellogg asks a similar question and adds, “What steps have you taken to become the strongest candidate you can be?” (250 words maximum) Columbia Business School gives you the most space — up to 500 words — to explain how you have enhanced your candidacy since your previous application and to “detail your progress since you last applied and reiterate how you plan to achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA professional goals.”

Chicago Booth wants to know, “Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application? “(300 words maximum)

In your response, you will want to share anything demonstrating that you are now a stronger candidate. Briefly highlight your motivation for reapplying, and tie that to your fresh achievements and experiences if relevant. If your short- or long-term career goals and reasons for seeking an MBA have changed, explain why. 

Visit Fortuna’s website for more advice on how to shape your reapplication information and what to include or to book some focused coaching sessions.