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
Veteran. Company sponsored.
BA in Sociology, Saint Petersburg State University (2022)
MRes in Sociology, Sciences Po Paris (2024)
Languages: English, Russian, French.
My motivation
For a long time, I aimed for an academic career in sociology, but after my master's (for which I traveled to Paris), I realized the academic world wasn't for me, and I wanted something bigger. And more lucrative.
I started working in data/business analytics and research at smaller Russian consulting agencies. But as a russian expat who lives in Georgia, I can only work remotely. And even though I love the work, it is not doing much for my long-term career.
After some thinking, I decided that an MBA is an excellent way to (1) grow my skills in business and finance, (2) grow my network, and (3) get my foot in the door of the European job market. My childhood dream is the UK, but I also consider France or Spain.
My experience
I started with research roles back in university around 5 years ago. After graduating from master's 2 years ago, I started working as a Data Analyst at a rather small research and consulting firm in Russia. Marketing, go-to-market, competitive analysis for large IT infrastructure products — that sort of things.
I moved up rather fast from a junior to a middle and middle+. Then moved to a different company to a comparable position. But now it was less IT and more real estate planning.
In both places I not only did the analysis but also proposed and implemented a range of AI-powered tools for lead generation and knowledge base.
International experience
After leaving Russia in 2022, I've lived in Turkey, Georgia, France and Spain. In France I did my studies, in other countries I simply lived and worked remotely, mostly for Russian-based employers.
Application process
I have already applied to IESE in R1. Now I'm waiting for R2 in LBS, and the January intake in INSEAD.
My problems
I realize that my greatest weaknesses are problably a short work experience and a low GMAT. I can retake the GMAT, and I'm counting on a score around 650. But with work experience nothing can be done quickly.
I want to get to school as soon as possible because right now my work does not do much for my career and does not advance me towards Europe where I want to live. I do not count much on the scholarships, but naturally it would be nice to get them.
My questions:
1. How competitive is my profile at these schools, and how much does a GMAT retake from 595 matter for admission?
2. My real estate experience is on the market/consumer research side, not deals or finance. Is the real estate narrative credible, or should I lead with consulting?
3. Does my nationality, or having worked mostly for Russian-based employers, hurt me in admissions or in EU/UK recruiting?
4. Are there other schools I should add or swap in given my priorities?
MBA LiveWire
Applied - 08/30
Interview Invite - 10/14