As many of our readers know, several of the leading MBA programs offer admissions feedback sessions to applicants who did not make the cut. We’d like to use today’s blog entry to underline the importance of these feedback sessions for those of you who are considering reapplication.
While not all schools offer feedback, a handful of them do (e.g. Wharton, Kellogg, Chicago, etc). Additionally, some programs occasionally offer feedback ‘by invitation’ to top candidates who may have just missed the cut (e.g. Tuck, MIT/Sloan, etc). In all cases, if you are given the opportunity to get feedback you should take advantage of it. There are several reasons for this:
1) Signing up for a feedback session demonstrates that you are motivated to learn more about your application’s weaknesses and are seeking to improve going forward (with the intention of reapplication). Most schools make note of these sessions and keep these notes in your file in the event that you do reapply.
2) A feedback session gives you a chance to learn something about your candidacy – from the source. Feedback sessions can draw your attention to a perceived weakness you were unaware of or confirm your own thoughts with regards to areas for improvement.
3) In addition to demonstrating your passion to improve and your intent to learn more about your candidacy, signing up for a session suggests a dedication to the MBA program in question. Since not all reapplicants bother to get feedback, the fact that you take this aspect of the process seriously can work in your favor.
4) In many cases, a feedback session can be the beginning of a relationship that is forged with a member of the adcom. If the person gives you feedback, you should email them a ‘thank you’ letter and take advantage of the opportunity to develop an advocate for your candidacy on the committee.
Stay tuned to this blog for some tips on proper feedback session etiquette in the near future. In the meantime, be sure to sign up for feedback sessions if your target school offers them. Here are the details on a few:
Wharton Feedback
Instructions: http://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/mba/admissions/reapply/
Forums Discussion: http://s2s.wharton.upenn.edu/wh-wharton/messages?msg=14185.1
Note: yesterday was the first day that reapplicants could sign up for feedback and the office had some minor issues with call volume (as discussed in the forums).
Kellogg Feedback
Instructions: Email the admissions committee using the title “Request for Feedback”. You will then be contacted to schedule an appointment.
Forums Discussion: Forum Discussions
Chicago
Instructions: http://www.chicagogsb.edu/fulltime/admissions/decisions.aspx
Forums Discussion: Forum Discussions
