Author: I’m a current second-year student and graduate ambassador for the Full-time MBA program! Before joining the Stern community, I started at a defense contractor working on nuclear submarine design and maintenance/repair in various roles. I’m a part of several clubs at Stern, including the Management Consulting Association (MCA), Stern Hoops and Softball, and the Adventures Club. In my free time, I enjoy reading (sci-fi, non-fiction), trying new coffee shops/restaurants, and exploring the city!
Like many others, earning an MBA from a top program has been both a dream and a powerful step toward achieving my goals:
- Moving to a major city
- Growing from a personal standpoint
- Pivoting into a career in management consulting
When researching schools, NYU Stern was a clear top choice for me. Located in the heart of New York, Stern sits at the center of one of the most dynamic and influential cities in the world. Being close to home (Rhode Island), New York City offers an unmatched energy and endless opportunities for personal and professional growth. Stern’s small class size and diverse student body foster strong networks and friendships, allowing me to connect with people from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, religions, and experiences. Finally, Stern’s outstanding alumni network and professional relationships with top firms across industries (i.e., tech, finance, consulting, CPG, marketing and more) made it clear that a Stern MBA could provide the opportunities and resources to transform my career and life.
With high hopes of where the MBA could propel me, I applied in Round 1 but was waitlisted. The decision was difficult to process as I initially felt like a failure and I would never achieve my goals. I accepted the waitlist decision and took some time to reflect on where I was in my journey and I realized that a waitlist or rejection does not define you on a personal or professional level.
While waiting to hear back, I began exploring backup options and preparing for the opportunity in case I did receive an invite to interview. There is no exact method to getting off the waitlist since the admissions committee evaluates applicants holistically. After being waitlisted, I continued to grow in my role at that time but did not send any updates to my application, but I’m sharing some tips if you do want to provide updates to the admissions committee.
Tips for Updating your Application While Waitlisted:
Apply when you have the strongest application, not for a specific round.
I rushed my application, which I believe was a major factor in being waitlisted. Taking more time to strengthen my materials and essays could have improved my outcome.
Review your application for areas to improve.
Before applying or after receiving a waitlist decision, take a close look at your application to identify where you could provide stronger support or additional detail.
Provide the admissions committee with relevant updates.
This can include:
- Improved test scores or new professional credentials
- A new work position or leadership responsibilities
- Supplemental letters of recommendation or endorsements (personal or professional).
Additional information provides more data points for the admissions committee to consider.
Show your commitment to Stern.
Engage with the Stern community by attending events that will be helpful to you. Submitting an updated essay that further clarifies your career goals and fit with Stern can also help reinforce your interest.
Although being waitlisted can be disappointing, don’t let it discourage you. Remember to keep working hard in your current role and remain open to reapplying in the future!