Contrary to popular opinion, business school admissions is not just a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" decision-making process. After reviewing your application, admissions committees have several options at their disposal.
Admit
Congratulations, you're in! But read the letter carefully. The committee may recommend or in some cases, require, that you complete some preparatory course work to ensure that your quantitative or computer skills meet their standards.
Reject
At the top schools, there are far more qualified applicants than there are spaces in the class. Even though you were rejected, you can reapply at a later date. If you are intent on reapplying, the onus will be on you to demonstrate that you're a better candidate next time around than when you applied previously. This may involve improving your GMAT score, taking additional courses, gaining substantive new experience or writing better essays.
Deferred Admissions
This decision is reserved for when the admissions committee considers you a strong candidate, but believes you would benefit from an additional year or two of work experience before attending. Most applicants now have at least two years of experience before applying to school, so deferred admission is not as common as it once was.
Reject with Encouragement to Reapply
This is not just a polite rejection. One step down from a deferred admit, it's a way for a school to say, "we like you, and we think with more experience you'd be a strong candidate."
Hold Over Until Next Decision Period
Sometimes the admissions committee isn't comfortable making a decision by the scheduled reply date. Perhaps you're right on the borderline and the committee wants to see how you stack up with the next group of applicants. In this case, all you can do is wait.
Waiting List
Schools use the waiting list to manage class size. The good news is that you wouldn't be on the list if you were not considered a strong candidate. The bad news is that there is no way to know with certainty whether you'll be accepted. Be aware, though, that schools do tend to look kindly upon wait-listed candidates who reapply in a subsequent year.
Request for an Interview
Schools where an interview is not required may request one before they make their final decision. Your application may have raised some specific issues that you can address in an interview or perhaps, the committee feels your essays did not give them a sufficiently complete picture to render a decision. Look at this as a positive opportunity to strengthen your case.
