We have released our first invitations for interviews to Round 2 applicants and will continue to do so until the end of the business day on Thursday, 15 February 2007. Full details about the interview process are provided at the time of invitation.
To those of you who have been invited for an interview, will be invited, or offer advice to prospective students: we know that you've heard plenty about the Wharton MBA Interview. Many of you have seen the posts on b-school business boards, talked with alumni, met with adcoms from other schools. There is a lot of information and misinformation out there, so here's the word from the staff who actually conduct the interviews:
PURPOSE
Interviews provide first-hand knowledge of you and supplement information provided in your application. Interviews are one of many factors considered in your final decision. Most interview results are fairly consistent with the application.
STRUCTURE
No advance preparation is required. Questions are straightforward and cover topics such as your reasons for seeking 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, etc. You will not be asked analyze a case study or demonstrate your mastery of particular subjects.
Interviews are blind, which reduces the bias that can arise from having seen your written application and having reached an impression of your ability and/or personality.
Interviews are largely behavioral. Discussion may center on specific examples or detailed descriptions of events, projects or experience that demonstrate how you’ve handled situations and what their outcomes were. Behavioral interviewing assumes that past performance predicts future behavior.
All interviews carry equal weight. There is no advantage to interviewing on-campus or with staff. Arrange the type of interview that is most convenient for you.
GENERAL TIPS
Interviews are a dialogue 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. Just follow the queues of the interviewer.
The interview is 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.
Enjoy your interview