If this is you, my condolences. I’m sure that’s wasn’t the outcome you were hoping for.

For many schools, each month they will ask if you are still willing to be on the waitlist, and each month they evaluate the waitlist. So you could get accepted anytime between now and class starting.

It’s a good idea to consider why you might have landed there. If your test score is subpar then this is a strong hint to retake. If that’s not the case, get some holistic feedback on your application to see if it aptly demonstrates leadership, teamwork, ability to contribute and clear, realistic goals. Then, create a strategy for creating an update effort. Address whatever shortcomings were identified.

So if you have a shallow leadership record in the workplace or community, this might signal for you to step up your commitments in those areas; get a board position if possible. Then submit an update letter to highlight that in a couple months after you’ve demonstrated​​ impact. 

It is unwise to send them continuous updates which will show lack of judgment. However, it is wise is to be strategic about using this time as an opportunity to reposition yourself. At the same time, make sure to submit other applications! Worrying won’t help so continue to create options and possibilities. 

With the quality of life in Rotterdam, kind of a cool place to do an MBA. It has one of the best green energy programs out there, https://www.rsm.nl/ecfeb/home/ 

Applications are accepted through November but earlier the better, as always. 

How long and in what capacity have you known the candidate? *Maximum Length all questions – 375 chars – quite brief

• What is your opinion of the candidate’s motivation and suitability for a career in senior management? 
• What do you consider as his or her principal qualities and weaknesses?
• Please comment on the candidate’s interpersonal skills (Such as performance in a team environment with peers, subordinates and supervisors).
• Please add any further remarks on the candidate that you consider relevant (Additional pages may be attached).

 

Well, Round 2 US application deadlines are coming to a close, and many applicants are seeking a way to leverage their efforts and extend the season.

Applying to European programs is the key – they usually have 4 rounds, and sometimes a January intake.

LBS Round 3 is indeed competitive, but for diverse applicants, it can be a means to submit an additional application to a really outstanding global program. 

Recommendation questions *no word limits specified

#1 How do you know the applicant? How long have you known them for?

#2 What would you say are the applicant’s key strengths and talents?

#3 What would you say are the applicant’s key weaknesses or areas for improvement? 

#4 In which areas of development has the applicant progressed most in the time you’ve known them?

#5 If you are a professional referee, would you work with the applicant post-programme? If you are an academic referee, what will be the applicant’s main contributions to the programme?

Upcoming Deadlines

HEC    3          Sep-19           February 1st 2019

            1          Jan-20           February 1st 2019

            2          Jan-20           March 1st 2019

Letter of Recommendation – no word limits noted

#1 How long and I what capacity have you known the candidate? 

#2 If this is a work-related reference, in what position is/was the candidate employed and for how long? 

#3 What do you consider to be the candidate’s principal strengths/talents? 

#4 What do you consider to be the candidate’s weaknesses or areas that need improvement?

While deadlines close on US schools, things are just beginning for IMD. Round 1 due on 2/1 – if you are a mid-career professional looking for a 1-year European MBA register for this info session 1/17 at 9am ET. 

Also, start considering possible anecdotes for your recommendation talking points

IMD 2019 Recommendation Questions. *no word limit is indicated. 

​​What is your relationship with the applicant? (drop down)

1. How long have you known the applicant and in what capacity?

2. Describe the applicant’s role in your organization. What has his/her single most important contribution been to the organization?

3. What do you consider to be the applicant’s top three strengths?

4. What do you consider to be the applicant’s weaknesses or opportunities for improvement?