Welcome to week 10 of our weekly series of answering prospective MBA applicants' queries about various aspects of the complex, time-consuming, and challenging MBA application process.

Today, we are answering a candidate's question about his waitlist situation.

Question

Hi Poonam,

I hope you are doing well.

I just need some input from you on the waitlist part. I have stated my case and queries below.

I applied to UNC Kenan- Flagler (for its Full-time MBA program with a GMAT waiver) and was invited to interview.  Yesterday, the decision was released, and I am waitlisted. I have got specific queries about the waitlist. I would appreciate it if you could please respond to them.

1. While I understand that no one can predict whether waitlisted candidates will be admitted or not, given the fact that this is a very competitive year. However, based on your experience, what do you think are my chances of getting accepted? I am a Chartered Accountant by qualification with eight years of experience in the tax domain with a Big 4 - I have attached my resume for your reference. Any steps you would recommend to convert the waitlist into an admit?
2. Is it ok to ask your interviewer for feedback?

I look forward to hearing from you. Many thanks for considering my request.

Regards,

Ravi ( not real name )

Our Response:

 Hi Ravi,

I remember you had reached out to me last year as well. Good that you have reached the waitlist status, so there is still some hope. It is a tricky situation because you are neither accepted nor rejected. They like you but may prefer an equally good candidate with a strong GMAT score.

Here is my response (in blue font)

 I understand that no one can predict whether waitlisted candidates will be admitted or not, given the fact that this is a very competitive year. However, based on your experience, what do you think are my chances of getting accepted? I am a Chartered Accountant by qualification with eight years of experience in the tax domain with a Big 4 - I have attached my resume for your reference. Any steps you would recommend converting the waitlist into an admit?

No one can predict the chances of converting the waitlist into an admission offer. But you can take several steps to get off the waitlist.

• Thank the school for considering your application; reinforce how the school’s resources and motto fit your educational preferences and goals. Be positive, and do not mention your disappointment in not being offered the admission letter.
• Each school has different expectations of the waitlisted candidates, so follow the waitlist letter instructions provided by UNC. If the program wants you to provide recent updates on your candidacy (most schools do), follow the directions. For example, if you accomplished an exciting project at work, received a promotion, took a course or certification, or a volunteering initiative since you interviewed, share this information in your waitlist letter. You may also submit an additional LOR if you want.
• Revisit your goals. If you think you could not articulate your short-term and long-term goals in your essays, please do that now.
• You took a GMAT waiver. If possible, take the GMAT. It will show the Ad Com that you are serious about the program and can go the extra mile to get in.

2. Is it ok to ask your interviewer for feedback?

 I would not ask the interviewer about the feedback. (I hope you sent him/her a thank you note/email after the interview).

Lastly, given the uncertainty around waitlist status, you must have a Plan B. I have seen applicants applying to more schools (or considering the school that admitted them) while simultaneously taking the necessary steps to get off the waitlist.

For more details, please go through the following blog:

10 Key Steps You Can Take to Get off the ‘Waitlist’).

I hope it helped.

Good luck,

Poonam

Stay tuned for another MBA query next week.

Links to previous weeks' blog posts:

MER Answers MBA-Related Questions

 Related Resources

10 Key Essay Tips with Examples

Success stories of MER students in their own words

Case Studies

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