Dealing with the Final Ding

by , Mar 9, 2010

You've worked so hard and have nothing but dings to show for it. Sure, it's upsetting. Sure, you never want to think about b-school ever again.

It's time to gain a little perspective.

Sulk, mope, cry, exercisedo whatever you need to release your frustration, and then move on.

Take a deep breath and coolly analyze your situation. What are your qualifications for the schools you applied to? Were you competitive at those schools? Did you demonstrate fit? Did you do something wrong in presenting your qualifications, either in your application or during your interview? Is it possible that you aimed too high?

If the answer to the last question is "yes," then I urge you to not give up the fight and consider applying this year ASAP (if your target programs are still accepting applications) or next year to schools that are ranked a little lower than this round's choices. Broaden your horizons to the top 30, for example; not everyone will get into the top 10 b-schools.

Schools ranked lower than spot 15 always expect a surge of applications during the later rounds from applicants who have been rejected from the top 15. They do not count this against you. In fact, a few years ago, the then director of admissions at Georgetown told me that he was quite pleased that Wharton rejects immediately turned to Georgetown as their runner-up option. And the admissions director at UNC's Kenan Flagler expressed a similar sentiment, saying that she also welcomes highly qualified third round applicants, even those who apply as late as late February or March.

If these non-top-10 options support your goals and you still have time to apply, why not go for it? Otherwise, if you're not ready to give up on your HBS or Wharton dream, you can use the next six months to improve your qualifications and determine how to present yourself more persuasively.

Not sure if you can evaluate your application and qualifications objectively? Consider investing in a professional MBA Application Review. An Accepted.com professional can analyze your qualifications, evaluate your application, and provide advice for future reapplications.

For excellent reapplication resources, please see:

• Take 2: How to Reapply Right to Business School Webinar, a recorded webinar.
• "MBA Admissions: Application Advice for Reapplicants," an article.
• Create a Better Sequel: How to Reapply Right to Business School, an ebook.