MBA Reapplication - Reasons for Rejection and Developing a New Strategy for New Application

If one has been trying hard and even after struggling through lengthy intricate admission process, one has not been able to get enrolled in a top MBA program. It is definitely a frustrating experience. It is not the time for one to break down and mourn over one`s disappointment, but one need to ponder over the missing factors. One need to look back and analyze what more one could have contributed. It’s time for him/her to develop a new strategy. 

Try to answer the following questions while planning a new course of action along side.
Were you realistic? This is one feature which we always stress upon. Had you mentioned about something which had never happened in real? We always suggest you not to manipulate facts or exagerate in your essays, or else it might drag you into trouble. The admission committee wants to know the real you. If you had added some spice to your story earlier, omit it the next time and present them a real picture of what you actually are and what you have done so far.

• Was it a last minute application? Last minute hurry is often the cause of possible rejections. Developing potential applications takes lot of time, doing them at the last minute increases your chances for rejection because it is likely that your essays were not well written or sufficiently informative. You need to put a lot of time into writing your essays. Take adequate time to think about yourself and implement it strategically in your MBA admission essays. The MBA admission officers appreciate a well thought polished essay.
• Was it due to lack of substantial research for the MBA program you have applied to? If you did not make full use of schools` web-based information, did not attend admissions events, did not visit campus, or did not communicate with alumni or current students, you may not know enough about the school you applied to. Before you decide to apply, you need to make an effective case study of yourself delineating "why you fit the school". Develop an active attitude to explore your target b-schools, before you start with the application process.
• Were you able to express yourself properly in your application essays? Had you portrayed yourself well in your essays? Did you state the remarkable things about yourself? Did you narrate your significant experiences to the admission officers? Have you been able to describe your goals? Did your essays demonstrate your potentials as a student and a professional? And if you had not done these, you cannot expect the admissions people to know your capabilities. Your essays are an opportunity for you to portray your unique qualities and your efficiencies to the admission committee, take absolute advantage of the opportunity.
• Did your resume present your professional, academic, and extracurricular experience effectively? A perfect MBA resume requires effective presentation of your past experience so that an admissions committee can recognize your potential to succeed in the MBA program and in your future career. Did your resume contain clear statements about your accomplishments? Did your resume represent your experiences honestly and effectively? Did your resume showcase your potential as a manager, businessperson, and/or leader?
• How were your interviews? Were you well prepared for your interviews? Were you satisfied with your performance? If you think you had done well and still not selected, consult your friends or colleagues before you go for the next interviews. Try analyzing your mistakes and add perfection to your performance. If you are not confident about interviews, consider applying to at least few schools where the interviews are not mandatory or considered just an opportunity for candidates to know more about the school.
• How were your recommendations? Did your recommendations honestly and effectively endorse you? Did they contain sufficient detail to help an admissions committee understand you? Better try approaching different recommenders or change the pattern of your recommendation letter. You can approach your recommenders with a different format of recommendation letter that would positively make a difference.
• How good was the advice you received from other people about your application? We always suggest you to approach people from your social network for valuable suggestions on your application package. But the people whom you approach, also makes a difference. They should be experienced and should have sufficient knowledge about MBA strategies. We recommend you to approach experienced editors, consultants and essay writers for guidance. Consider writing your own stuff but prefer getting an ethical and professional admissions consultant to advise you.
• Did you consult an admissions counselor?If you used an admissions counselor or consultant and did not get any good results, find someone else. Even if you like the consultant and his/her work preferably go for a second option. You can always approach a different consultant for some fresh advices. You never know, whose tricks work out.
• Was your GMAT within the school`s range or was your GMAT below average? You should proceed taking account of the risk in terms of (1) school selection, (2) the number of programs you need to apply to, and (3) expectations for success. As far as reapplication goes, studying GMAT is almost always necessary for those with less than a 680 GMAT. If possible take it again and if your scores go comparatively higher this time, report it to the admission committee. Higher scores always do help.

Above all, the most important factor is your honesty. You need to present your achievement stories honestly. Make use of all your power words and significant achievements to portray the best of you in your essay. Getting rejected is no fun, but if you are committed to the process, you can make your next round of applications a success.