Every application season is different from the one preceding it and the one that follows. This ebb and flow affects the applicants to each cohort in different ways. For example, some years a program might experience an influx of female applicants, in other years there could be an uncharacteristically high number of tech professionals applying, and in a third case total application numbers may be lower than expected. Depending on their demographic, each of these scenarios might increase or decrease a given applicant’s chances of being admitted that season and, as an unfortunate result, many people find themselves unexpectedly rejected from their target programs and left with a choice: to reapply or not to reapply? At Transcend Admissions Consultants, we fully support reapplicants and, in most cases, believe that their second attempt makes them a stronger candidate. But our optimism for reapplicants isn’t shared by all.
On top of the feelings of dejection that can accompany rejection letters, there are misconceptions shared by many people that reapplicants will have a more difficult time succeeding in being admitted the second time around. However, our experience helping thousands of clients apply since 2010 shows that this idea is unfounded and very often reapplicants go on to be successful in their programs and beyond. Let’s take a look at a couple of these common myths.
Most schools do not welcome re-applicants
It is rare for MBA programs to discourage reapplications. In fact, in most cases, the opposite is true. UCLA Anderson, for example, states very clearly, “You will be evaluated by the same standards as first-time applicants, so there is no disadvantage to reapplying.” If you feel that you are a qualified candidate and you have the determination to reapply, there is nothing wrong with reapplying. Being persistent enough to try to improve your profile and reapply can show the admissions committee the dedication you have for furthering your education at their school. If you are applying to the same school in the next application cycle, we recommend applying in Round 1 or an early decision round in order to display your enthusiasm and give yourself the best chance to receive an interview invitation and be admitted. When preparing to reapply, be sure to carefully review and follow the reapplication policy, which can vary from school to school. You may also want to reach out to the admissions team to see if they will offer you any feedback on your previous application or tips for reapplying.
If you did not get in the first time, you are unlikely to get in the second time
To this we say: experience matters. Creating and submitting a few MBA applications is a long and involved process. After going through this process you will have gained a lot of insight into crafting interesting essays and composing yourself in a high-pressure interview. You will have done a lot of self-reflection, identified your strengths and weaknesses, rehearsed your best stories, and gained a clear-eyed understanding of what you still need to do to reach your career goals. In fact, we find that when people reapply, this past experience proves very valuable and increases their chances of success the second time. As they say, practice makes perfect.
[Conclusion]
It’s never fun being rejected. But being a graduate school reapplicant offers opportunities to tell stories about growth and determination that can work in your favor. If you find yourself rejected from your target schools but intent on reapplying, you’ll want to work hard to build your profile in the time between application seasons. As a reapplicant, your essays and CV will be strengthened by highlighting promotions, new work projects and responsibilities, skills growth, and an overall initiative to improve yourself with your career goals in mind. Use your experiences to your advantage to build a stronger profile of yourself, one that admissions committees won’t be able to resist.
If you’re considering reapplying for the fall 2024 intake and you’d like to discuss your situation and strategy, book a FREE 20-minute consultation with us today.