Three Tips to Improve Your MBA Application After Submission

Now that many round one MBA application deadlines have passed, particularly in the US, many business school applicants are anxiously waiting to hear whether they’ve been accepted, waitlisted or rejected. Most people would believe that their part in the process is now over and that everything now rests in the hands of the various MBA admissions committees in question. However, considering the highly competitive nature of the application process at most schools, and the length of time that it takes to review all of the applications that are received, you might actually be able to improve your ‘standing’ and the strength of your application even after you’ve already sent it in.

1. Boost your GMAT scores if they are low

First, it’s never too late to retake the GMAT. As long as your application is in on time, most schools will accept ‘updated information’ that is relevant to the admissions process – and that includes a more recent (and hopefully better) GMAT score. The GMAT is one of the few pieces of the MBA application that you have the potential to improve relatively quickly. Under GMAC’s current retesting policy, test takers can now retake the GMAT 16 days after a prior attempt - just keep in mind that you’re allowed a maximum of five attempts in a 12-month period, though. Assuming that you have not used all of your attempts up, you have the opportunity to take the GMAT at least once more before the MBA admissions committees will be done reviewing all of the applications received in round one. If you have a clear sense of the areas that you need to work on, investing in some new practice materials and putting in some extra study time could help you to replace a competitive GMAT score with a fantastic GMAT score.

2. Request an interview if it isn’t offered

Second, you have to remember that MBA admissions committees look for strong overall applicants who also have a strong desire to attend that specific school. An interview is a standard part of the application process at certain schools, but not at all of them. By simply requesting an interview (and then ‘nailing it’ if you are granted one), you have the opportunity to prove how interested you are in attending. Most applicants will just send in the MBA application, so going those extra couple of steps to stand out has the potential to significantly improve your chances at getting an invite.

3. Update schools with any new accomplishments

Third, if you achieve any sort of noteworthy accomplishments in the time after you’ve sent in your MBA application, then you should absolutely communicate that information to the schools to which you’ve applied. If you’ve earned a promotion, finished a significant project or received an award, then that additional recognition can help to solidify how fantastic an applicant you are. In the event that you do have something noteworthy to report, you should contact each school’s MBA admissions department to find out how best to forward that information. Be mindful to respect the ‘process’ though – schools will almost certainly want to know your updated information, but you have to make sure not to come across as pushy or bothersome about it. Be professional in the information that you provide and in how you provide it.