Application Tips - Admission Interview

Interview invites have been going out for a number of weeks, so now is as good time as any for a post on this very topic!

Since our interviews are by invitation only, receiving an one is an indication that we would like to learn more about your candidacy in person since you were so compelling on paper (but those who haven’t heard from us yet, fear not – we’re less than a month into Round 1 and still in the thick of evaluating files!) 

So today I want to address the two most common questions we receive about our interview:

What can you expect from a UCLA Anderson interview?

Interview questions revolve around your reasons for an MBA, career goals, interest in UCLA Anderson, and professional/personal experiences as outlined in your application materials.  As an interviewee, you should be prepared to provide concise yet insightful responses showcasing strong communication skills, demonstrating knowledge of our program, and ultimately expressing why you are a great fit for UCLA Anderson.  The style is very conversational - be prepared for an exchange of ideas, and come with a few thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer.  Our interviews are about 30 minutes in length and mostly conducted by 2^nd year students, either on-campus or via Skype. Remember there’s no preference for one platform vs. another so utilize whichever one fits your needs best.

How can I stand out in the interview?

In addition to knowing your story and being prepared, the interviews that stand out most in my mind are candidates who are 1) authentic and 2) enthusiastic.  We want to learn about who you are as a person, what is unique about you, and how you will add to our community, not whether or not you fit a certain mold for what a “typical” Anderson student is.  And while I know it’s unrealistic to think UCLA Anderson is the #1 choice on everyone’s list, it never hurts to show your enthusiasm for us by providing specifics on how you plan to contribute inside and outside the classroom as a student and future alum.

For additional information on the UCLA Anderson admissions interview, see our Application Requirements website.  As always, let us know if you have any additional questions!

Comments

[Akshay]

Hi Jessica,
UCLA interviews are indeed well structured, conversational and informative.

Is there any approximate timeline for the first round of results for round 1 this year?

Thank You