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  • Reapplication Advice
    From: rar  Apr 18, 2012 Posts 4

    Hi

    I applied in R2 last year, but was rejected without an invite. Since I am keen on Wharton, I am planning to apply in R1 this year. Though I have moved to one higher level in my career (with a change in job), I have slightly changed my work area (though within the overall confines of the parent industry), and therefore I have a little change in my career goals - to give you a flavour, I intend to remain in private equity industry, but unlike last time, I now want to build a career in a different space. I am wondering, if this change of goal in a short span of 9 months or so, can be construed negative? Further, I would be turning 33 this year end - is it something that can really hurt my chances, especially since I am a reapplicant.

    Regards

    -R

  • Re: Reapplication Advice
    From: victormlee  May 13, 2012 Posts 2,553
    In reply to

    R,

    I am glad to hear that you are still keen on Wharton; many admits each year were reapplicants. 

    A change of goal in and of itself is not a problem. The question is how it fits into the bigger picture of your intended career path and goal. If you can frame your position and argument well, then there is nothing wrong with being at a stage where you are transitioning. 

    Naturally, an abrupt transition from what was represented in a previous application may surprise some readers, but a good explanation that implictly or explicitly walks the reader through your decisionmaking process could help make clearer that you have a more solid and credible path ahead of you that you can truly realize. The key is not to seem "lost" or inclined to change career directions on a whim. Those who try to arrive at Wharton with ill-defined career directions or trajectories may risk being overwhelmed by the sheer opportunity and expanse of options Wharton offers. This can be a blessing, but also a dangerous curse for the person who is still discovering themselves and their desired career path.

    As for nominal age, that is no problem. The question is how much professional experience do you have, and how is the experience relevant to your past and future.

    While at 33 you would be older than the statistical mean age, there are plenty of people with 10+ years of full-year experience at Wharton every year.

    -Victor

    WG '11 

  • Re: Reapplication Advice
    From: rar  May 13, 2012 Posts 4
    In reply to

    Thanks a lot for the reply Victor. Highly appreciate.

    As I said earlier, my goal is to remain in private equity, but now I intend to move from from conventional PE to social investing (have already taken a job in one such social investing firm), since I find the job to be much more meaningful and impacting.

    With regards to experience, I will have around 100 months at time of matriculation next year.

     

    Best - R

  • Re: Reapplication Advice
    From: victormlee  May 14, 2012 Posts 2,553
    In reply to

    Sounds like you have a "story" in the making...

    Good luck!

    -Victor

  • Re: Reapplication Advice
    From: rar  Aug 08, 2012 Posts 4
    In reply to

    Hi Victor

    Thanks for your earlier responses.

    I am writing this time for another query of mine. As I mentioned earlier as well, I do intend to reapply to Wharton. Given my recent job change, life has been hectic and thus all the more difficult to concentrate on activities other than work. In this regard, wanted to understand, how much beneficial it is to apply in R1, especially being a reapplicant. If it is a huge advantage, I can push myself with 3 hours of sleep everyday and complete the application process. Though ideally, I would prefer taking it slightly easy.

    I know there is no straight answer to this and the stand maintained by admissions office is to apply whenever the application is ready. However, given my situation I explained above, would it be recommended that I apply in Round 1.

    Thanks a lot,

    -R

  • Re: Reapplication Advice
    From: victormlee  Aug 09, 2012 Posts 2,553
    In reply to

    Actually, I think the decision is quite clear for you. Apply in Round 2. If you will not be ready by Round 1 to present your best foot forward, take the time you need to get it ready by Round 2. Reapplicants are encouraged to apply in either Round 1 or Round 2. The nuances of which round might be preferable for a given candidate are far outweighed by the importance of applying only when one is ready. If you rush an application and thus create a subpar result, it doesn't matter in what round you apply - you will likely not be accepted.

    It is perfectly fine for reapplicants to apply in Round 2.

    -Victor

    WG '11

  • Re: Reapplication Advice
    From: rar  Aug 09, 2012 Posts 4
    In reply to

    Thanks for the response Victor. It's great to have such wonderful replies from you. I'm feeling quite relieved with the burden of confusion removed :)

    I had a question that I would like to ask offline. Can I email you for that?

    Thanks a lot

    -R

  • Re: Reapplication Advice
    From: victormlee  Aug 13, 2012 Posts 2,553
    In reply to

    Hi, rar,

    Certainly. Please email me at victor.lee.wg11@wharton.upenn.edu.

    -Victor

    WG '11

S2S: Reapplicants