For those of you who are invited for a UCLA Anderson MBA admissions interview, here is some insider information that will help prepare you…
PURPOSE
Interviews are not the decisive factor in your admission, but serve as
additional information that is included in the review of your application. In most cases, interviews are fairly
consistent with the application.
STRUCTURE
Interviews are blind, which reduces bias so that your interviewer
has no preconceived ideas of your ability or personality based on your written
application.
Interviews are largely behavioral. Discussion 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 UCLA Anderson (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. Alumni are terrific interviewers and, like admissions staff, are interested in admitting the best applicants to the program. 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, so follow the queues 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 an individual 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 UCLA Anderson MBA program, not whether or not the two of you would make good or best
friends.
In short, if any rule applies, it is that you be genuine in the interview. Let us get to know you as an individual and not as someone who fits a preconceived image of who you think we want to meet.