This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.
APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:
THE INTERVIEW
Here at UCLA Anderson, the interview is a required component of the admissions process. However, the interviews are invite only. They take place in every round and it is possible to receive an interview invitation at any point before the decision release date of the round in which you applied. If you are selected for an interview, you will be notified after the admissions committee has reviewed your application. For this year, all interviews will be conducted virtually via Zoom. There is no difference between interviews conducted on-campus or Zoom, as the virtual option was an option that we always had before Covid-19 restrictions. All interviewers are trained to evaluate communication skills, focus, reasoning, passion, and understanding of the opportunities that a UCLA Anderson MBA provides.
So if you're invited to an interview, that is great news! That means you're one step closer in the admissions process. I know that it can be a little intimidating to think about your MBA interview but there really isn't any reason to worry. The purpose of the interview is to get to know you better, confirm that you are the person portrayed through your application, and gauge your fit for the program (as well as our fit in your future plans). To make this even less nerve-wracking, the interview is with a current 2nd year student! Think of this as a conversation with a peer where you're talking about your career goals and personal interests. At the end you also get to ask questions about what their student experience has been like here at UCLA Anderson.
The questions that will be asked of you are things you should already know because they will be asking about your professional goals and your interests! The only person that will know that is you. Just remember though, the only application material the student interview gets from you is your resumé, so anything you put on there is fair game for them to ask.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your interview:
- Be yourself. Don't over analyze and try to strategically create a persona that fits what you think we are looking for, just be sincere. There is no cookie cutter profile that we are searching for, nor do we want you to fit into a specific mold. We want to learn about who you are as a person, what is unique about you, and how you will add to our community.
- Remember that this is a conversation and as such it should not be limited to a simple question and answer format. You should be ready to provide complete and succinct responses to any question but let the conversation take its natural course.
- Be ready to answer questions about yourself and why you chose UCLA Anderson as one of the schools to apply to. This includes knowing how you could contribute to the community and how you see yourself getting involved.
- Be professional and respectful regardless of who you're interviewing with. Interviewing with a student does not mean the interview is any less important.
- Do not expect your interviewer to provide you with feedback - literally or figuratively.
In summary, relax, be prepared, and give us an opportunity to get to know you.
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