Use the cool-off to improve both the application and the interview, not just one of them. The strongest reapplications usually look meaningfully different on paper and in the interview room.

On the profile side, that could mean stronger project ownership, a promotion, measurable impact, new leadership experience, or a more relevant role. You want the recruiter to see evidence that you progressed since the earlier application.

On the interview side, diagnose the specific weaknesses from the first process and train them directly. If math was weak, isolate math. If you struggled with synthesis or fit stories, do not hide those problems inside endless full cases.

Finally, rebuild your network gradually rather than waiting until the week before you reapply. A year is a long time; use it to become a stronger candidate, not just a candidate who waited long enough. A useful reference is how to recover and reapply to consulting firms.

Promotion plus much better casing was the combo that helped me.

I would keep a list of what actually changed so you can explain the reapplication story clearly.