Booth School of Business provides advice to Reapplicants

Rose Martinelli, Associate Dean for Student Recruitment and Admissions, gave advice to re-applicants in her blog post recently. She said that the decision whether to reapply is a personal choice. "For those of you considering, I would encourage you to go back and review your original application. If you were on the waitlist, include the information that you submitted through that process.Consider asking a friend or colleague to give you feedback too.The objective is to understand how well you presented yourself in your original application and identify if there are any areas that you can improve upon this year", she said.

Rose further advised, "Take stock of what you learned through the process of applying last year. Have your goals changed or crystallized? Are there things you can do this year to strengthen any of the main components (academic preparedness, career progression, community involvement, personal/professional focus and/ or self-awareness)? In summary, are there things that you would do differently now just because you know the process AND yourself better? "

She said after you are done with the review it’s time to approach the application. She said, "Be strategic about the messages you wish to convey in the application from data forms to essays and your presentation. While we will include your prior application in your file as background material, make sure that your new application presents your candidacy fully. My recommendation is that you take a fresh approach to crafting your application this year and avoid adapting old essays or presentations."

In her latest blog post Rose provided more advice to re-applicants with respect to various components of application.

"It’s important to approach this as if you are writing your personal business plan for the future.Know what messages you want to convey and map them into the different components of the application before you begin writing."

Every part of the application should be considered as “precious real estate”, with each question having a specific purpose, so take the time to be clear and concise in your answers." she said

With respect to Data Forms, Rose advised, "Take the time and effort to carefully complete the data forms – do not rely on last year’s application to provide us with that information since the forms change a little bit each year. Be thoughtful about your responses and make sure that you balance your desire to give us everything, with our desire to limit the amount you provide. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself – why is this information important for the admissions committee to know about me?If you can answer this, be sure to make your responses concise and relevant."

"Your resume should be one that you would use for any job search, highlighting your role and accomplishments.Again, if you are wondering if you should include particular information, use the relevance factor in making your decision", she added.

On Recommendations, Rose acknowledged and advised, "While we know you may choose to use the same recommenders as in your prior application, ask your recommenders to update the information with your progression. It might also be helpful for you to take the time to meet with them to review your progress during this period and to highlight areas they might use as examples within the recommendation."

On Essays Rose repeated again, "avoid regurgitating information you used last year – whether essays or elements of your presentation.Be bold and start from scratch. Our newest Admissions Insider spends time explaining the purpose of each of the essays, so check out that resource. Essay question 1, part B is the only essay specifically for re-applicants which asks what has changed since you last applied. This could be anything from work experience, new goals or a greater self awareness.Here’s your chance to help us understand your growth from last year".

Lastly Rose threw light on the Evaluation Process. She said, "Each application will be evaluated in this year’s applicant pool. One caveat for you to consider: Don’t expect to be invited to interview this year just because you were last year. Your success in the admissions process this year will be solely dependent upon how you approach your application this year. So take the time and make the effort to put your best foot forward in the process."

All the best to all Re-applicants!

Link: Reapplying Process