Re-applying for Spring - Need tips

[countdrak]

Hey guys!

Bad news is that I got rejected from the 2 schools that I applied to for the Fall semester. Stern and Columbia. My GMAT scores were not great (650 in both attempts). I want to give both schools one more try and enroll in the part time program for Stern and full time Spring start for Columbia.

Any tips on what should change if I want to improve my chances of getting into Stern and Columbia Spring start ? Is there any way I can get some feedback from the Adcom?

I am planning re-take my GMATs and try to get the 700 score, would that help.

Thanks/

[Jon@Admissionado]

Obviously a better GMAT is one key. But there are lots of other things. It's hard to say here, because I haven't read your application. Yet, besides GMAT, the schools will be looking for serious introspection and serious change. So if you just got news about not getting in, reapplying right away now might not be the wisest of ideas, cause you might not have had the time to make any significant changes.

[countdrak]

Thanks!

The part time deadline for Stern is September so I am definitely not going to apply before that. I did not get into the full time program. I am assuming that I have a better chance in the part time program? I am also curious to understand how I can get feedback on my applications to understand what needs to change? Is there a way to contact Adcom?

Again looking for some general direction here to improve, fix and update my application.

[Jon@Admissionado]

You can try contacting the Adcom, most don't give feedback though. But then again, it can never hurt. You can also try us (unfortunately, we cost money though ... but not that much )
We've got a Ding analysis package which could help figure out what went wrong and give you action points to take for next time around:
https://www.precisionessay.com/services/ ... -analysis/

[FutureWorks]

Hi countdrak,

If you are able to get the aimed GMAT score you will have a strong profile gmat wise. However GMAT alone won't determine your chances of admission; beyond the academics will also help you in determining your candidature and your work experience plays a vital role as well. Beyond academics plays an equally important role so make sure you showcase it well. Generally most of the applicants have a good 4-5 years of work experience. Although it is not just the work experience that counts but also what you did there like-what were your achievements, what initiative you took, what changes you drove in your workplace etc. So to leverage this if you can show that in your years of work you have demonstrated the skills business schools are looking for you could put in a strong set of essays. Hence the quality of your work, your academics and beyond academics will play an important role in determining your candidature.

Start thinking what makes you unique and what's that 'hook' that will be key to your application.

[bgbaron]

That's good advice from Precision Essay and Futureworks. Don't assume that admission to a part-time program will be easier than for full-time. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't. Here's the scoop:

Step 1: Determine why you were dinged. Is your GMAT low? yes. How is your work experience? Objectively, how good were your essays?

Step 2: Address the weaknesses in Step 1. Raise your GMAT score if you can. Enhance your work experience. Present yourself more effectively.

Step 3: Broaden your target list of schools. The goal of an MBA is to help you achieve your career goals. Schools that may not be "elite" may still meet your needs.

Good luck.