Making Decisions After Your MBA/Masters Application: A Guide for the Waiting, Admitted, and Rejected

For those who applied this year, you most likely have heard back from at least one program and whether it's positive or not, it's time to think about how to proceed--even for those still waiting for other decisions. For those who got accepted to only one program--especially their top choice--the decision might be easy but for those accepted to multiple programs or rejected, you're at a fork in the road. How do you move forward? In this post, we'll discuss how to deal with this point of the application, from waiting for a decision, admitted, and rejected.

For those still waiting, how do you handle the anxiety of the wait?

Now if you're still waiting, whether on the waitlist or for a decision in general, you might be dreading that a rejection is coming up. So first things first, I'd like to remind you that it's not over until it's over. That means unless you get a direct rejection, you're still in the game. For those on the waitlist, stay positive, i've worked with clients who were waitlisted even one month before! As you wait for results try and shift your focus beyond just waiting. Do this by:

• Self-Care: Yes, the millennial favorite word and trend, but really, there's value in it. You just went through the hard part of applying so take some time to get back into a healthy routine. All that time you spent studying and writing essays, use it to do something good for yourself like exercising, meditating, or trying a new hobby, and with that in mind...

• Stay productive and continue applying to other opportunities: Keep growing by continuing working or studying other things! The MBA/Masters is not the only path to success so explore other classes or certifications to develop professionally. Also, if you're on the waitlist, this hits two birds with one stone by showing that you're proactively focused on self-development and opportunities.

• Manage Expectations and Reflect: Applying for and getting accepted into a MBA/Masters, especially a top tier MBA/Masters is tough. Just think, the average acceptance rate for top 25 programs hovers around 30% and every year, the competition is stuff but different. Reflect on the hard work you put in, why you applied in the first place, and come to terms that admissions decisions are unpredictable. However, your future is still bright - continue to think of ways how you can reach your career goals, with an MBA or not.

  
  

For those admitted, how do you decide between offers and prepare for next steps?

If you've received an admit to at least one program, congratulations! You're on your way to a huge new chapter! Here's how to prep for it:

• Review Your Priorities: Now that the hard part of applying is over, it's time to do some reflection. What brought you to the MBA in the first place. What were your goals and what aspects of the MBA are most important to you? Make sure to consider your long-term goals--besides landing a post graduation job, the network for your future is just as important. Use a pro-cons list to narrow down the options!

• Scholarships and Financials: Ideally, beyond being accepted you were also able to snag a scholarship or multiple. Either way, it's always good to reach out to the program to inquire about financial aid. Even with a scholarship, it'd be fruitful to discuss your financing options with the finance office. Additionally, at this point, it'd be good to calculate the cost-benefit even further. Consider costs beyond tuition such as housing, cost of living. If you're in a place with limited public transportation, you might even need to consider buying a car. All of this is to say, think hard on finances.

• Visiting and Finalizing Your Decision: With the acceptances underhand, it's a great idea to continue researching your choices. Ideally you can visit the school to get a feel of the campus life and culture but let's be real that's not always in reach. So, if you can't go to campus itself find those who represent it through current students, alumni, and even other admits. Attend those accepted students' event to get a sense of community - remember these are future people you'll be working with - do you vibe with them?

The MBA is a big investment and as you decide between the choices, it's okay to take time to choose what feels best (just remember those deposit deadlines).

For the Rejected, how do we move forward and build resilience?

No one likes rejection and after months of hard work it can feel soul crushing to not be admitted, especially if you were extended interview invites. How do we move forward?

• Acknowledge the Disappointed: it's important to know and embrace how you feel. It's okay to feel frustrated and just with any negative thing that happens, take the time needed to process the emotions.

• Reflect and Learn: After taking the moment, just like those still waiting or who were admitted, it's time to look forward by reflecting on the past. Do a ding analysis on your application, evaluating what you did well and where you could improve. If possible, ask the school directly for feedback or get professional advice from an Admissions Consultant/Coach. For those thinking of potentially re-applying, the advice, if given, can be of substantial help for the next cycle and even if the programs don't provide any feedback, you stand out for your resilience and forward looking mindset.

• Plan your Next Steps: Remember, rejection doesn't define you and we only fail when we stop looking forward. Rejection is just another setback and not a reflection of your abilities or potential. If anything, rejection can fuel growth. As you look forward, plan your next steps on how you will refine your goals, sharpen your skills, and if you're up to it, reapplying with improvements. There's also options of smaller programs or even MBA programs that have a January intake. Find other things that grow your career and improve your application such as internships, side projects, or networking. And if at the end you decide the MBA isn't for you, there's always other options to continue advancing in your career.

Moving Forward, Regardless of Outcome

Ultimately, no matter where you are in the process, you have a decision to make. Stay proactive in growth and take time to reflect on your goals and your future, especially how the MBA/Masters will get you there. As I always tell my clients, I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, and whether it's a setback or advancement, you're developing and moving forward. That's what's important here: refusing to stay where you're at and taking a step forward - growth.

🚀 Ready to take the next step in your MBA/Master’s journey? Let’s make sure you’re on the right path. Schedule a free 30 minute consultation call with me here where we'll evaluate your profile and goals, identify your strengths and areas for improvement, and map out a personalized strategy for your applications. Let me show you how I can help you unpack and communicate your unique story and energize you with confidence throughout your MBA/Masters application journey to reach your goals.

Unlike other Application Consultants, as long as you have determination and dedication, I work with applicants of all backgrounds and reasonable GRE/GMAT scores--including those who have not yet taken it; In my full coaching package, I even include "GMAT/GRE Coaching" (where I provide support in studying but not teaching of the material) so as long as you have determination and dedication, we can work together. Let me help you take the big step of growth by getting you into some top MBA and Masters programs - schedule your free call today! 加油!