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Dear Future Business Leader,
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The Waitlist Paradox II – Move to the Front of the Line
So you have been waitlisted. Now you are ready and willing to do everything you can to improve your chances for admission. As we indicated in our last edition of InFocus, some schools have a strict policy against unsolicited materials from waitlist applicants. In this case, please just sit tight and maybe apply to a few more schools to increase your chances of admissions if you don’t wish to defer the MBA studies by another year. If you have applied to a school that does not have such a strict policy, there are quite a few things you can do to improve your chances.
Determine Weaknesses
The school you applied to may suggest a weakness in your application. If they have done so then take every step you can to improve your candidacy. The school may not specifically say what area you need improvement on. If you have good test scores and a strong essay, then maybe your recommendation letters were weak. Whatever your weakness may be, show the school that you have taken actions to improve.
Take Action
A school may suggest that you retake the GMAT, or maybe the TOEFL. If so then you should retake the test. Applicants who do not make effort to improve their application as instructed, show the school that they are not completely dedicated to being admitted – not a good thing. If your recommendation letters were just OK, then send in a stronger recommendation letter or a letter of support from a friend or coworker who can speak on why you would be a good fit for the school. Another thing you can do is visit the school if you have not done so already.
Follow Up
Then write a letter describing your experience and explaining how the visit has increased your interest in their program. Make sure to stay on the school’s radar. You may want to write to the school to emphasize new relevant extracurricular activities. A school would want to see improvements such as a promotion at work, a conference, or an event you organized that was successful.
Focus of the Waitlist Letter
Let the admissions committee know that you are excited to be on the waitlist and you are very interested in the school. The focus of your correspondence should be on your improvements and qualifications. You should also address steps you have taken to ameliorate any weaknesses. Demonstrate to the school how your qualifications are a perfect fit for their school. If you know that you will attend if moved from the waitlist, then let the school know that.
If you don’t hear anything in 3-5 weeks, then write again. Follow up with the school on a regular basis, but do not overdo it. Schools do not want to be bothered by waitlist applicants. Write frequently enough to keep them informed of your interest and improvements, but not so frequently that they see you as a nuisance. What you want to do is demonstrate to the school that you are making improvements since you first applied.
If you have received acceptance into a rival school, then write and clearly outline why this school should move you into the acceptance pool, and if they do so why you will definitely consider them over the rival school. The reasons need to be compelling, not just a change of heart. If the improvement in your situation is substantial, consider making a call to the admissions committee to draw prompt attention to your newly submitted Waitlist Letter.
Again, if you have nothing to add or think that by speaking to an admissions person you will talk your way in, do not contact the school. Only provide important and relevant experiences or a new perspective from supporters. You are not guaranteed to move from the waitlist, but staying in regular contact with the school to inform them of improvements and simply being perseverant will, most likely, put you closer to the front of the line.
Summary of Special Follow-up Tips Thank the school for their consideration and show them that you are excited to be on the waitlist for admission. Express that the school’s philosophy and methods fit your own educational goals. Demonstrate any improvements to your candidacy. (i.e. updated GMAT scores, promotions, additional responsibilities) If you have not had an interview, then if you are available request an interview or campus visit. If this school is your first choice, then let the school know that they are your first choice and that you will attend if admitted. Let the school know of any acceptance to other rival schools. Let them know why they should move you off the list and why you would accept their school over the rival. If the improvement in your situation is substantial, consider making a call to the admissions committee to draw prompt attention to your newly submitted Waitlist Letter. Remember your point of contact and try to follow up with the same person so that his/her impression about you is reinforced each time you submit additional supporting evidence.
If you need insightful advice on how to deal with a waitlist situation or another pair of eyes on your applications, our Admissions Consulting staff members are glad to help you and share their years of experience. Just visit us online and sign up for any services of your interest.
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