Mission Admission is a series of MBA admission tips; a new one is posted each Tuesday.
In recent weeks, many candidates have received responses from MBA admissions committees that can be far more frustrating than rejections: “You have been placed on the waitlist.” So, what should you do when your status is uncertain? The first thing is listen to the admissions committee. If the admissions committee tells you not to send follow-up material of any sort, then do not yield to temptation and send material that you think will bolster your case. If you (misguidedly) choose to send additional information when it has not been requested, then you will most definitely identify yourself in a negative way—not the type of message you want to send to the group that will decide your fate.
Are there any exceptions to this rule? Yes. If you know a current student or an alumnus/alumna who can tactfully, diplomatically and independently work on your behalf, you can have this third party write a letter to or otherwise contact the admissions committee on your behalf. But, again, this is acceptable only if this individual truly understands the delicate nature of the interaction. If you have no such person on your side, you will have to wait patiently, as difficult as that may be.
Next Week: Admissions Committees that accept additional information
