MBA Admissions Interview Tips

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General

1. Be yourself; allow your personality to shine.

2. Respond to questions honestly and candidly.

3. Understand what is asked of you. Feel free to ask for a repeat if you don't clearly understand a question.

4. Avoid the "smart-aleck" reply or the clever-flip demeanor (you know, the effort to be cute, snappy alert, falsely witty).

5. Do your homework on the school and program.

6. Be on time. Look nice.

7. Examine yourself. Know something about the MBA and how it can aid you.

Specific

1. Discuss special interests and ask how the school may help you to pursue them. For example, one representative particularly enjoyed talking to a young lady about her interest in fund-raising management.

2. Ask about faculty research and interests, especially in areas that concern you.

3. Review with representatives your work background, highlighting the benefits you received from the experiences.

4. Know something about the MBA degree and what it can do for you. Explore the possibilities of the degree as it relates to what you are seeking.

5. Inquire about the school's philosophy, approach, and direction.  Since management education is young, many schools are still defining and redefining themselves in regard to what they do and how they do it.

6. Inquire about facilities (library, computer equipment), housing, and campus life. A recent graduate chose a school based on its tremendous computer laboratory.

7. If financial aid is critical to you, ask about aid sources, its availability, and the name of the person responsible for administering the program.

8. Describe to the representatives who you are:  your strengths, assets, traits needing development.

9. Discuss your college work, making special reference to those courses/projects that were valuable, exciting, worthwhile, and important to your future.

10. Be frank about problems — real or perceived — without rationalizing, apologizing, blaming, or excusing.  Common problems may include grades, test scores, an inconsistent record, or minimal work experience.