CBS vs Reapply H/S Next Year

Hey Alex,

Not to represent what HBS adcom would judge, but personally I believe your profile hasn't been viewed as a good fit for HBS already (after 3 times, well you can tell with closed eyes)

I would suggest you talk to the current student or recruiting director from GSB to understand your chance. Basically, top business schools receive tons of applications every year, and from the convo I have had with some adcoms, it's clear to them that they shall favor applicants whom they think the program can help. Your profile may have leaned towards a more senior side of your professional ladder, and hence adcom might think that this guy should need an eMBA instead of the regular one, and hence spare the chances for more in-need candidates. Again, they must take into account the headroom growth of each students from their program, and where the school is as a propeller to help these students thrive.

If you are weighting between CBS and H/S, I must say that you value the brand name more than what the program can help you (CBS is NOT a mediocre school) - and this, my friend, is very disliked by adcom from HBS. To quote 1 adcom I've talked to: "We don't think we can help overqualified students while there're SO many great candidates out there. Those overqualified ones seem to just want to get in because of the brand name"

That being said, I'm not sure if this is the same sentiment for GSB. You should check it out before deciding to reapply. Also, re-applicants are scrutinized more than first time ones, so be cautious and strategic with it.

Posted from my mobile device