A Profile of Successful Applicants
Our interview questions are designed to identify your stengths and weaknesses for all of these criteria. We particularly probe the following five areas:
a) Professional experience. We seek students who have been exposed to the reality of business and the exhaustive commitment that is required to succeed in top management. Ideal candidates usually have experience working in a managerial position for at least two years after completing their bachelor's degrees. Be prepared to discuss your experience, including volunteer work, and how it shaped your understanding of business.
b) Knowledge of the field. Be prepared to discuss different specialty areas in business and their responsibilities. Interviewers will also expect you to discuss current issues in business, including the economy, taxation, foreign competition, the role of technology and ethical challenges in the field.
c)Personality. Leaders must communicate clearly, handle complex issues, manage stress and successfully interact with people from all walks of life. Be prepared to demonstrate that you are a happy, healthy, well-adjusted person with a strong commitment to leadership. Also be prepared to discuss your experience working on project teams, including situations which yielded less-than-optimal results.
d) Motivation. For many years, applicants flooded top MBA programs because they wanted to make the "big bucks." Others applied because they weren't happy with their current job prospects. Sadly, we've interviewed many candidates who could not articulate why they wanted the degree or what they hoped to accomplish in the future. This is an obvious red flag in the admissions process. Top business schools use the interview process to carefully screen out applicants who are fuzzy on their goals. Be prepared to clearly explain why you want/need an MBA, why you are applying now, and why you selected that particular school.
e) Balance. We seek applicants who are well-rounded and well-adjusted. There's nothing more disheartening than an applicant who looks great on paper who can only talk about his/her grades. There's much more to life and business than memorizing and regurgitating facts. Successful applicants are animated, full of life, with enthusiasm for their family, friends and the world around them. This is reflected through knowledge of current events, sustained interest in hobbies and outside interests and a strong interactive role in their communities.
I CAN is more important then IQ