MBA Waitlist: When You’ll Hear Back and What to Do If You Got Waitlisted
MBA decision release time is a whirlwind of emotions—some candidates are celebrating, others are regrouping after a denial, and then there’s the in-between group: the waitlisted.
If you’re on the MBA waitlist, you’re not out, but you’re not in either. It’s like standing outside the gates of your dream school, watching admitted students walk in while you wait for the door to open.
The big question on your mind is:
📌 When will they decide? And what can I do to improve my chances?
I’m writing this article in March, so the timing is geared toward Round 2 waitlisted candidates, but the strategy and logic apply to Round 1 waitlists as well—the process and decision-making dynamics don’t change.
The good news? The waitlist is not a rejection—far from it. The admissions committee saw potential in you. The challenge now is that time is no longer in your control, but strategy still is. Let’s talk about when you’ll hear back and how to make the most of this phase.
Why MBA Waitlist Decisions Take Time
If you’re imagining an admissions officer reviewing waitlisted candidates one by one, as new test scores or waitlist updates roll in, that’s not exactly how it works.
MBA programs rarely admit candidates from the waitlist on a rolling basis. Instead, they wait until they have two critical pieces of information:
1. How did Round 2 yield?
AdComs don’t just admit students—they fill and shape a class. After Round 2 acceptances go out, schools track how many admitted students submit deposits. If yield is lower than expected, they look to the waitlist to fill seats.
This means most schools won’t make major waitlist moves until they know their numbers, which takes time.
2. Are There Strong Candidates in Round 3?
For schools with a Round 3 deadline, waitlist candidates might not be re-evaluated until the admissions committee has seen the final batch of applicants. If Round 3 brings in exceptional candidates, they might take priority over waitlist movement.
This is why most waitlist reviews happen several weeks after the Round 3 deadline, not immediately.
So When Will You Hear Back?
While every school has its own process, here’s a general pattern:
⏳ First, they tally Round 2 deposits.
⏳ Next, they assess Round 3 applications.
⏳ Then, they re-evaluate the waitlist (often in batches, not individually). This step typically happens at multiple points, depending on how many spots open up as admitted students accept or decline their offers.
If you’re on the waitlist, it’s a waiting game—but it’s also a strategic game.
What You Should Do Get Off the Waitlist
Being on the waitlist doesn’t mean being passive. In fact, there are high-impact actions you can take to improve your chances.
1. Follow the School’s Waitlist Instructions (Really, Follow Them)
First things first—read the waitlist communication carefully.
Many schools run waitlist webinars—it’s best to be there so you don’t miss important insights
Some schools allow updates (new test scores, promotions, additional coursework).
Others explicitly say not to submit anything beyond confirming your interest to remain on the waitlist.
Whatever their policy is, follow it. You don’t want to hurt your chances by overloading them with information they didn’t ask for and asking as if you are above the rules.
2. Send a Thoughtful Waitlist Update (If Permitted)
If updates are allowed, a short, well-crafted letter can help. This isn’t about reminding them you exist or how desperate you are to be admitted—it’s about adding value.
Your letter should:
✅ Thank them for the opportunity to remain under consideration.
✅ Reiterate your strong interest in the program.
✅ Provide meaningful updates (new GMAT/GRE score, job promotion, any new substantial professional accomplishments, relevant coursework).
🚀 Pro tip: Avoid fluff. If your letter doesn’t actually make your candidacy stronger, it’s better to stay silent.
3. Improve Your Academic Readiness (If Needed)
If your test score was a weak point, retaking the GMAT/GRE is where you can make the biggest difference. Admissions committees don’t just look at test scores in isolation—they also consider how your score impacts the class profile and how competitive you are compared to others on the waitlist. Even a modest increase can help strengthen your case.
If quantitative readiness was a concern, you might also consider taking MBA Math or an online quant course, but keep in mind that these rarely have the same impact as improving your GMAT/GRE score. While additional coursework can help demonstrate academic preparedness, your test score carries more weight in waitlist decisions—both as an indicator of readiness and in shaping the overall class profile.
If you’re deciding between test prep and supplemental coursework, prioritize the test if your score is below the school’s median or on the lower end of the range.
Admissions teams want to see momentum. If you’ve taken on new responsibilities at work, started a high-impact project, or achieved something noteworthy, highlight it in an update.
This doesn’t have to be limited to work—extracurricular leadership, volunteer initiatives, or industry involvement can also help. The key is to be objective about where your profile was weaker and focus on demonstrating growth in those areas.
5. Engage with the School (The Right Way)
Some candidates think waitlist strategy means collecting endorsements from current students or alumni. That can work if it’s authentic—but if you’re cold-emailing students and fishing for letters, it’s obvious.
Instead, focus on:
✔️ Attending school events or webinars (if available to waitlisted candidates).
✔️ Having genuine conversations with students or alumni.
✔️ Subtly reinforcing your fit—without being pushy.
Engagement should be about learning, not lobbying.
The MBA Waitlist Is a Test of Patience and Strategy
There’s a reason the waitlist process is stressful—it’s unpredictable. No one can say for sure how much movement there will be. But the strongest waitlist candidates stay engaged, improve where they can, and position themselves as the best possible choice when the school makes decisions.
Final Takeaways
📌 Don’t panic if you don’t hear anything immediately—waitlist decisions happen in waves.
📌 Follow the school’s instructions carefully before sending any updates.
📌 Make strategic improvements to your profile, focusing on impact and growth.
📌 Stay engaged with the program—but don’t force endorsements.
MBA waitlists require patience, but the right strategy can make all the difference. If you’re unsure how to approach your waitlist strategy, I offer Get Unstuck sessions where we can craft a tailored plan to strengthen your candidacy. In just one focused session, we’ll identify what matters most for your specific situation and ensure you’re taking the right steps.
🔗 Book a Get Unstuck session and let’s turn the waitlist into an opportunity.
Onwards and upwards,
Petia