Business School Admission Interview Tips

[dshin]

I applied for University of Michigan's Evening MBA program (Ross). I just got an email to schedule an interview. It's been 7+ yrs since I had to interview for anything.....what types of questions can I expect? How much does the interview impact admission decisions?
Also how should I dress? Standard business suit?

Thanks.

 

[83glt]

Given the current economic climate... do yourself a favor. Forget about the business school interview and become a bankruptcy lawyer instead.

Seriously though, I imagine business attire would be appropriate for a business school admissions interview.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

dshin.

Charcoal or navy suit, in a traditional cut, White or light blue shirt with barrel cuffs. Navy or Burgundy tie, navy or charcoal socks.

Dark brown or black shoes and matching belt (if you dont have side adjusters).

The most preferable shoes would be lace up cap toes.

No jewelry other then a wedding ring and a watch.

Shave, have your hair cut, smell good, but dont load up on the cologne.

Good luck, and most important is to have all your materials in order.

 

[MrGimpy]

It's a good time to be going back to b-school. Since you're doing evening courses, you should take one class per semester. That way, you'll graduate in about 10 years when the economy starts to turn the corner.

As for tips, show that you've thought this through:

• Do you want to advance in your career or do you want to change careers?
  
• How will b-school help you do this?
  
• How will this particular b-school help you do this? (ie. Why this program?)
  
• What type of experience do you bring? (ie. What will you add to the program?)

Being prepared for some standard job interview questions won't hurt, either. (Strengths, weaknesses, describe a time when you failed and what you learned, five-year plan, etc.)

Best of luck!

 

[dshin]

Thanks for the replies.

How important is the interview? How much weight is placed on it?

 

[Tarmac]

A lot of weight is placed on the interview, I believe most schools reject about 1/2 of interviewees. But you should be upbeat, you are much further along than everyone else.

Your application already is adequate, they are trying to see if you are a good personality fit, that you are not a weirdo, and also one more thing - that you want to be in their particular program and are excited about it. You should do some research as to why their particular program is for you.

Also prepare answers for any "how can you explain your poor performance in _____" type questions. Don't dwell on it, just have succinct explanations for them.

 

[nerdykarim]

I'm going to necropost this one. Anyone have any more advice? I have an MBA interview next week.

In particular, I don't have a lot of experience in the business world, but I'm applying as a joint JD/MBA. My GMAT is above the mean by 60 points or so, so the numbers look good...I just need to get around the whole "you're too inexperienced" thing.

 

[marin]

Originally Posted by nerdykarim

In particular, I don't have a lot of experience in the business world, but I'm applying as a joint JD/MBA. My GMAT is above the mean by 60 points or so, so the numbers look good...I just need to get around the whole "you're too inexperienced" thing.

The importance of experience depends on the school to which you're applying. At the most competitive schools, the pool of candidates is large. Demonstrated leadership/success/experience is an important filter because the schools want to admit people who are most likely to be highly successful alumni and donate another new building.

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