Don’t Share Those Updates on Your Candidacy
As you wait to hear back from programs after submitting your MBA applications, it’s normal to have a moment of panic—either immediately, or at some point a little later on. After all, you’ve agonized over your materials for months. Now, you just want to know where you’re going to end up. If only you could get some updates on your candidacy from the admissions office!
When that moment of panic hits, try to remind yourself that you pulled together the absolute best set of materials that you could. Everyone feels extremely anxious in the weeks between due dates and interview invitations. If there’s anything you can do to keep your mind off of “The Wait”—do it.
What you shouldn’t do, however, is contact the school with “updates” on your candidacy. Deadlines exist for a reason. Imagine if each of the thousands of hopefuls kept emailing and calling their dream programs after submitting their materials. The admissions committee would never have time to actually read through those applications and make decisions! The best thing you can do is sit tight and let them do their jobs.
When “What if…” Strikes
“But what if I just got an unexpected promotion?” you might say.
“What if I just singlehandedly brought in $2 million of new business to my firm?”
“What if I was let go two days after the deadline?”
“What if I finally got to visit campus and sit in on a class and now there’s so much more I have to say about why this program’s the best fit for me?”
We’ve heard every type of scenario, but the reality is that it’s extremely rare for anything to happen to someone post-deadline (personally or professionally) that would actually change the adcom’s ultimate decision on his or her candidacy. They’re judging your fit with their program based on a lot of different factors—one new accomplishment probably wouldn’t be enough to sway their decision.
So please, resist the urge to call or email the admissions office after you’ve submitted your materials. Instead, plan to share any exciting updates with them during your interview.
And try not to stress out in the meantime. Remember:
Until next time,
The team at Stacy Blackman Consulting
p.s.: If you’ve been waitlisted, the rules change a bit. Read Stacy’s evergreen blog post in US News & World Report on the do’s and don’ts for communicating as a waitlisted MBA applicant.
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