The interview is a critical component of the admissions process; thus, it is important that you are prepared. Come ready to tell your story and ask questions to learn more about us. At UCLA Anderson, interviews are by invitation only and are required before admission can be offered. If you obtain an invite for an interview, this means your application has received an initial review and we would like to learn more about you.
Those candidates selected for an interview have the option to either participate in an on-campus or skype interview, whichever is most convenient for you. Our admission interviews are conducted by current second-year MBA students at UCLA Anderson. This allows applicants to better understand our culture and gain insight on the “Anderson Experience” from a student prospective.
Here are two common questions about the admissions interview:
What can you expect from a UCLA Anderson interview?
Our MBAs will ask various questions regarding your reason for an MBA, career aspirations (both short term and long term), professional experience, community involvement and of course, your interest in UCLA Anderson. Thus, make sure to showcase strong communication skills with answers that are concise yet insightful, and demonstrate your knowledge of the program, your field of interest, and why you’re a great candidate for UCLA Anderson.
Don’t be nervous; the interviews are meant to be conversational! Come ready to ask a few meaningful questions for your interviewer. Our interviews are only 30 minutes, so take advantage of this one-on-one opportunity.
How can I stand out in the interview?
Aside from being prepared and sharing your story, the best way to stand out is to show personality and enthusiasm. We want to learn what your unique qualities are, and what value you can bring to the UCLA Anderson community. So, do your homework on UCLA Anderson; our program, student resources, career services, student engagement, etc. — and, tell us how you plan to contribute to our community as a potential student and alumnus/a.
Lastly, it is important to remember that our interviews are blind to avoid interview biases, so never assume that the interviewer has already reviewed all the parts of your application.
For any additional information on the admissions interview or the admissions process in general, I encourage you to review our Requirements and FAQ webpages. If you have any questions throughout the application or admissions process, please do not hesitate to contact the MBA Admissions and Financial Aid Office.
Best of luck!