For those who didn't make it this year...

Folks,

A number of you worked very, very hard towards your MBA application, applied to your dream schools and for whatever reason, didn't get in.  Here are some thoughts from one of our alums who was dinged everywhere with his first application but got in as a reapplicant...

"First of all, I know how much it hurts.  This is what you've wanted your whole life, or at least, the majority of your adult life, and now that it didn't quite work out, you have no idea what to do.   Easier said than done, but look ahead.  Here are the options you have:

1. Reapply in 2010

• Apply in 2010 - Round 3 to a few schools that you like
• Reapply - Many, many reapplicants are admitted - I was, much to my absolute surprise
• Gives you time to strengthen your candidacy and plan a solid reapplicant strategy
• Effort as a reapplicant is generally lesser than the first time you apply
• Demonstrates that you really want to go to B-school
• In the grand scheme of things, one year really isn't a long time
• You know your fate by December 2010 or March 2011 (Round1 or Round2) - not that far away!
• Suggestion for 2nd year Reapplicants:  If you really want to go to B-school and have applied to H/S/W two years in a row, think about applying to the other "big" schools - Booth, Kellogg, Fuqua, Ross - all fantastic programs.

2.  Rethink it later this year

• Re-evaluate work and your personal life in June / July this year and decide where you stand
• Is this something you really want?  Maybe not?  Maybe the 2 years and the $ are not worth it for your situation after all?
• If it is something you want, where should you really apply?  Where do you have a good shot at getting in?  Give it some thought and plan a solid reapplicant strategy

3.  Forget about it

• Look around you at the successful people around you - you'll realize that very few of them have MBA degrees
• No one needs an MBA degree to succeed -- and this is not the end of the world
• Consider the part time and executive programs - wouldn't it be nice to keep earning as you study?
• A few years later, you might look back and think this was the best decision you ever made

When I was dinged, nothing anyone said was any consolation for me.  I reapplied and got in, but never really forgot how much it hurt when I didn't.  Hang in there, and figure out which of the three above you wanna do.. it's really not as bad as you think."

Wondering what to do next?  Consider our alum consulting service - write to us at essaycritique@gmail.com