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Tips on the Wharton MBA Admissions Interview

Invited to an interview? Here are some tips directly from the Admissions Committee to to help prepare you…

PURPOSE

Interviews provide additional information about your candidacy that is included in the final reviews of your application.  As such interviews, are not the decisive factor in your admissions decision. In most cases, interviews are fairly consistent with the application.

STRUCTURE

Interviews are blind, which reduces bias as your interviewer will have no preconceived ideas of your ability or personality based on your written application. 

Interviews may include behavioral questions. Questions may center on specific examples or detailed descriptions of events, projects or experience that demonstrate how situations you’ve faced in the past have been handled and what you learned from them. Behavioral interviewing assumes that past performance predicts future behavior.

No advance preparation is required.  Questions are straightforward and cover topics such as why you seek an MBA, why you feel you are a good fit for Wharton (vice versa), what your career goals are, how you spend your spare time, what you value, about what you are passionate, etc. You will not be asked analyze a case study or demonstrate your mastery of particular subjects.

All interviews carry equal weight. There is no advantage to interviewing on-campus or with an admissions staff member.  Arrange the type of interview that is most convenient for you.

GENERAL TIPS

Interviews are dialogues or exchange between two people. Steer away from pre-rehearsed speech and over reliance on your résumé. We are interested in getting to know you as an individual, so follow the cues of the interviewer.

The exact length of the interview does not indicate how well the interview went. While we schedule 30 minute interviews, they may vary a bit.  Deviations from the schedule are random and unrelated to the candidate.

Do not expect the interviewer to give you feedback – literally or figuratively. Be careful to avoid any interpretation of verbal or non-verbal communication, as both may mislead you.

Interviews are not a popularity contest.  The interviewer is assessing your fit for the Wharton MBA program, not whether or not the two of you would make good or best friends.

The key is to relax, be genuine, and enjoy the opportunity for us to get to know one another.

05 Nov 2008 02:07 PM in Application Strategy | Permalink