The Duke R3 results are out for some. I'm still on the waitlist. With re-application becoming more likely I've decided to work on my candidacy for next year - primarily by taking an online course to build an alternate transcript, and by pursuing a different/advanced position on my team.
Essay Snark has provided an awesome analysis on re-applicant strategy that I've been going over in my head since I've been waitlisted.
1. Look at your profile.
730 GMAT (48Q/42V)
73/100 Engineering GPA
4.5 Years of Work Experience
I've been a bit insecure about GPA since about second year of undergrad. My game plan here is to take a course this summer to prove (partly to myself) that I can be a strong performer at shcool.
2. Look at your target schools.
This year I targeted mid to large sized top 15 programs (Fuqua, Stern, Haas, and Anderson) which resulted in 3 dings and a waitlist. I was also admitted to a smaller top 20 program - a school that I recently declined.
3. Look at where in the process you were rejected.
In Round 1, I was rejected by Stern, Haas, and Anderson without interview.
In Round 2, I re-wrote all of my essays, got better recommendations and was interviewed at both my schools - admitted & waitlisted.
After getting rejected at pretty much every point in the process (and also admitted at one program that turned out not to be for me), I learned that mis-steps can happen at any point in the process - so you need flawless execution all the way through.
Speaking of flawless execution - its about time I hit the books and go for that "A" in accounting!
