Admissions Tip: Post-Rejection Reflections
While we always hope reports of success will dominate MBA LiveWire, the reality is there are only so many seats in a class, and that leading MBA programs reject many more applicants than they admit.
This Admissions Tip is here to help you move forward in the MBA admissions process if you did not receive good news in Round 1.
Reconfiguring Following Rejection
If there is any good news when it comes to being rejected in the first round, it’s that it’s still early in the application season, and not too late to re-adjust your strategy and target appropriate programs for Round 2. Round 2 application deadlines generally fall in the first couple of weeks of January, which leaves a bit more time to prepare a new set of applications. It is also often the case, that your first applications are not the strongest. You learn through this process, and could potentially submit stronger applications for Round 2. Or it might be the case that you need to re-evaluate your goals, and then target a new set of programs that are appropriate for those goals. You could also adjust the competitiveness of the programs you target. So if you struck at all of your R1 targets, you may need to shift your target to slightly lower ranked programs.
Rejection Reflection
You also might want to take a hard look at what the schools which chose not to interview you, might have found lacking. If you failed to make a compelling case for the degree or to properly showcase your experience in your essays, it might be a good time to get a fresh perspective from a third party on your materials. If your recommendations may have been lacking, speak with your writers or seek out new colleagues who might be able to better support your candidacy.
Of course, if there isn’t something as tangible as a poor test score, shoddy essays, or subpar letters of recommendation, you may need to take a longer view. For instance, if you lack professional experience, leadership accomplishments, or outside activities, it might make sense to delay your MBA ambitions, and reapply in a following year. Reapplicants are generally looked upon favorably in the admissions process.
MBA Motivations
Finally, you might want to reassess whether the MBA is the right, next step for you. Perhaps the admissions committees are doing you a favor, and nudging you in a different direction.
Chin Up!
There’s no doubt that receiving negative results can be painful, but it’s how you handle the situation that will determine your future. Don’t lose site of the fact that news of rejection(s) is actually useful feedback in a process that can be quite opaque. Take the feedback to heart, regroup, reassess, and devise a plan to help you reach your goals.
MBA Applywire
I am a deferred MBA applicant with a strong international background, having studied and worked across India, the UK, and the USA. Currently, I am completing a full-time Co-op at Master Electronics, where I focus on business analytics, strategy, and supply chain optimization. Additionally, I have completed three internships in strategy consulting, supply chain, and business intelligence, which have helped me develop a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making, global supply chains, and strategic problem-solving.
Academically, I hold a 3.60 GPA and a 327 GRE score (164V, 163Q, 5.0 AWA). Beyond academics, I have demonstrated leadership and teamwork through winning 11 intramural soccer trophies at Arizona State University. A defining moment of resilience in my journey was recovering from a trimalleolar ankle fracture, during which I successfully managed my internship, academics, and physiotherapy without falling behind.
My global business interests are reflected in projects such as the Nestlé class project, where I explored strategic solutions for market expansion, and the Vibrant Smile Joint Venture project, a simulated strategy project in my MGT 459 class, where my team and I developed a market entry strategy for an electric toothbrush company. These experiences have further fueled my passion for strategy, consulting, and business transformation.
Post-MBA, I am looking to work in strategy consulting, corporate strategy, or analytics-driven leadership roles, ideally in the USA, Europe (France/Spain), or UAE. I am drawn to an MBA for its ability to sharpen my strategic thinking, leadership skills, and global career opportunities. Given my background, I would love feedback on how to best position my profile for top Deferred MBA programs like Kellogg, Wharton, Darden, Haas, and Yale.
- Econ undergrad @ a T20 MBA School
- 4 years military experience @ application
- Three Different roles in the military, ranked top 5% in all three
- Family business is pharma (mid-cap) would like to pursue IB/Consulting or Pharma LDP
- LT goal: Pharma PE family office
Retiring military officer, coming from operations and strategic planner roles. Previous led teams of 80+ people, and looking to grow into a leadership role in a large company in the Pacific Northwest. Undergraduate in Arabic Language and Culture from lesser known school, and a Masters in Theology from Seminary (3.8 GPA in both programs). Will be a practice GRE and GMAT to see which is a better fit.
Questions I am considering:
Will it be better to go to an M7 program or a local MBA program if I want to find a position in Seattle?
Will the GRE or GMAT be a better fit for my application?
Should I be looking into EMBA programs instead, based on the average age of MBA programs?
Should a maintain a federal job while attending a hybrid MBA or EMBA program?
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