Waitlisted? Follow These Steps

Getting waitlisted by your dream school can bring mixed emotions and questions about what your next steps are.

Susan Cera, Director of MBA Admissions Counseling at Stratus Admissions Counseling, recently put together a list of tips on what applicants can and should do if they get waitlisted.

FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS

The number one rule when getting waitlisted is to carefully read and follow the instructions provided to you by the admissions committee.

“Each school is a bit different,” Candy Lee LaBalle, of LaBalle Admissions, tells mba.com. “Some ask for updates on your profile, but some are very clear that they do not want any communication from you at all. Follow the rules. If a school says ‘no updates,’ then do not send any.”

Sending additional updates or unwarranted information can do more harm than good.

“You don’t want to annoy the admissions committee by sending additional information if it has stated that it does not want any,” Cera says. “Not following instructions can mean a fast pass to the ding pile.”

ASSESS YOUR EXAM SCORES

While your GPA can’t be changed, your GMAT or GRE score can be improved. If your test scores are below the business school’s average, experts recommend considering retaking the exam and submitting an updated score for consideration.

“Assess where you are with respect to the test and how you have prepared to date,” Cera say. “If you have studied on your own, consider taking a formal course. If you need targeted support on a particular section of the exam, investigate tutoring options. Some schools will allow you to submit a score for a different standardized test.”

CONNECT WITH THE SCHOOL

It can also help to show your commitment to the school and interest in their MBA program. If you haven’t already, consider visiting the school and finding ways to connect with the business school’s community.

“Perhaps you might register for a conference related to your area of interest,” Cera says. “Engage with students. Identify areas in which you can (and will) contribute to the program.”

Sources: Stratus Admissions Counseling, mba.com

Next Page: Tips From Harvard Business School’s Admissions Team