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april.flowers

Joined: 16 Jul 2009
Posts: 32
Interview Prep
Sat Feb 12, 2011 07:57 PM
Hey all,

It's been a while but after taking some time to get more work experience, I'm back in the MBA saddle again - that is, I've applied to the following programs (from my top choice to my backups, top to bottom:)

Yale
Wharton
USC
London Business School
INSEAD
Schulich

I've been invited to interview at Wharton and USC in the next coming weeks, and I was curious to see if anybody had any good tips for interviews.

Mainly, I've been trying to put my work experience in perspective to explain how an MBA would fit with my career goals, especially what I hope to achieve while I'm in my MBA program.

I'm mainly worried that they might ask me why, if I'm applying to schools all over the world, would I be interested in their particular program - I want to be specific about what qualities make each school desirable.

Is it bad that I've applied to such a wide range of schools?

What about other tips? Especially from people who have already been through the process.

Thanks!
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april.flowers

Joined: 16 Jul 2009
Posts: 32
Interview Prep
Sat Feb 19, 2011 09:17 PM
Come on guys, anything?

I was wondering if anybody had any experience with setting up "mock interviews" with friends? I was going to try to do this, but I'm not sure what kinds of questions they should ask me.

My interviews are soon! Help!
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Evan2007
Joined: 06 Apr 2007
Posts: 209
Interview Prep
Mon Feb 21, 2011 12:11 PM
I've tried to do this with a friend, and I think it helped her out.

I think anticipating questions is probably not the right approach. We didn't really manage to correctly anticipate anything beyond the standard 'So, why do you want to come here?'

But I think it is a good idea to practice talking about yourself and your goals confidently, as well as the "sore thumbs" in your profile - those weak points that they will want to know more about. In short, practice telling your own story.

If you're like me, writing this stuff down might also help structure your thoughts.

Oh, and make sure you prepare some good questions for them, too!
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april.flowers

Joined: 16 Jul 2009
Posts: 32
Interview Prep
Sat Feb 26, 2011 06:58 PM
Thanks for the help Evan!

I think that the "sore thumbs" advice is really apt - I hadn't really thought about how I would explain the year long gap of unemployment I had while traveling the world - but to talk it out with somebody really helped.

Good questions for them too is key. Any advice beyond the mundane "What are you looking for in an applicant," or "Why did you interview me?"
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Evan2007
Joined: 06 Apr 2007
Posts: 209
Interview Prep
Tue Mar 22, 2011 10:22 AM
Probably more so than "why did you interview ME?" I think the questions for the admissions people need to reflect that you have a sincere interest in the school.
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