Tips on Reapplication

[nj2015]

I just got a reject from MIT DUSP for the HCED - Fall 2016. In the results list I saw a comment by someone who said they had got a reject last year but got accepted this year. Would like to know what steps do you take when you apply again, what improvements and how do you tackle reapplications. Would love to know from those who have reapplied and got accepted. 

[CreamyDog69]

I guess find any weaknesses in your application and improve them? Ask a professor who is familiar with you that you think will be honest with you.

[vini@nodnat.com]

Hi, first & foremost, reapply only when you have some new information/achievement to strengthen your profile. So assess your current application, identify the areas you can improve/add upon & then decode the best course of action.

[sjoh197]

My application changed a lot between this year and last year. But that was the key... it changed. 

I really bolstered my research output in my last semester of undergrad. Having a gap year can also give you a lot of time to study more for the GRE if your scores aren't where you want them to be. You can also sign up for a non-matriculating class. And volunteer over the summer in something relevant. Or if you can find an internship and be able to include that on your application, that would really help.

Also, I know that when I looked back over my SOP from last year, it was awful... and I thought it was so good when I applied the first time. Having some extra time to rewrite your sop and maybe get more opinions on it can help. 

It also sounds like you didn't apply/get accepted else where? Otherwise you wouldn't really need to reapply. Perhaps researching other programs that you would have a good fit in to help bolster your chances would help give you more options.