What exactly is an MBA waitlist, and why are you on one? What does it mean to be placed on a waiting list? Most of the time, it implies you have the academic credentials to get in, but the admissions office wasn't ready to accept you for one reason or another. Business schools use the MBA waitlist to manage their candidate intake over several admissions rounds, ensuring that they have the strongest and most varied class possible.

Unlike being rejected or accepted, being placed on an MBA waitlist does not provide you with a clear path forward. It's not always apparent what it signifies or what you can do to convert a waitlist position into an enrolment. According to business school admissions experts, here's what you should do if you're on the MBA waitlist.

What options do you have? 

If you are on the waitlist, you have a few alternatives if you wish to be admitted. Accepting or rejecting the waitlist offer is the first option. On the other hand, experts emphasize the necessity of accepting waitlist offers only from top-choice schools. 

Another alternative for waitlisted applicants is to send an email expressing their interest in the institution. 

It's critical to have a backup plan if you don't get into your first choice. Experts suggest that waitlisted applicants apply to another university before the May 1 deadline.

Confirm Your Desire to Participate 

You don't want to leave the school in any doubt as to your passion for their program. Therefore, thank them for the opportunity to continue being considered and reiterate your interest and enthusiasm to join if offered the opportunity. Some schools need you to do this through your candidate portal, while others accept the email. 

This response is especially important if you believe your profile is stronger in some areas than the class average, such as your GMAT exam result. One of the reasons you might be on the waitlist is that they're doubtful if you'll accept a spot, which is something you can quickly dispel.

If this isn't the case, it's time to consider what you can do to improve your situation critically and logically.

Maintain An Optimistic Attitude

Finally, it's critical to maintain a cheerful attitude. You'll never know for sure why you're on the MBA waitlist, but you do know one thing for sure: they believe you're outstanding. Keep your interactions with the MBA admissions team polite and have a backup plan if you don't get off the waitlist. Candy Lee suggests applying to different schools in subsequent rounds or even reapplying to your preferred school the following cycle, as waitlisted candidates typically do well in her experience. 

The MBA waitlist isn't the end of your desired business school journey. It might be the start if you follow the steps above!

Also read: The INSEAD MBA offers students a life-changing experience

Summary

If you accepted to be on a waitlist, then following the advice in this post will undoubtedly assist you during your wait. 

These suggestions are crucial. When the admissions committee have to choose between waitlisted applicants who stayed in touch with them, improved their profile, and were eager to join the program versus those who disappeared after indicating their desire to remain on the waitlist, they will almost certainly choose the former. 

As a result, be optimistic, focus on your application, and remain realistic. Your business school waitlist will undoubtedly yield the best results for you.