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Interview strategy for Round 3 applications

Congratulations! You have been selected to participate in the second round of the MBA admissions process: the interview. Even for the most seasoned interviewee, interviews can be a daunting and nerve-wracking process. But keep these three simple tips in mind and you will be prepared to ace it.

Try to relax.
It can be easier said than done. But keep in mind that the point of the interview is to learn more about you – not to test your knowledge – which will hopefully put you more at ease. The interview is intended to be a conversation to get to know you better as a person, beyond just a résumé or application.

Be prepared to talk about your story.
Practice how to best talk about your experiences, career plans and business school goals. Think about your “fit” with that particular MBA program. If your goals and motivations are clear, you can expect a lively conversation and lots of good questions from the interviewer.

Make sure to ask questions.
At the end of the interview, you will likely be asked if you have any questions. Use this as an opportunity to learn more about the school and the programs it has to offer. Ask opinion-based (not factual-based) questions. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in the school.

Most importantly, be yourself and enjoy the experience – or, at least as much as you’re able to!

About the author

Marc Zawel

Marc is the author of Untangling the Ivy League, a best-selling guidebook on the Ancient Eight. He earned a BA from Cornell University and an MBA from University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Marc chaired the admissions ambassadors at Cornell and the admissions advisory board at UNC.

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