Hi everyone,
Congratulations to those who've been invited to interview at Wharton and good luck! Here are a few tips from our Wharton alum (who is now busily conducting mock interviews over webcam for those interested!):
"First, let me clarify - at Wharton, unlike other schools, the interview won't keep you out of the school. However, it is obviously one of the many things that counts towards the strength of your application and can come down on either the "Yes" or "No" side of your decision heavily. So it's key to be prepared.
The style is almost always conversational - regardless of who you interview with. Your answers to the 'script questions' should be authentic, well thought out and prepared - Why Wharton, Why MBA, Why Now, ST / LT Goals, Walk through your resume, etc. Prepare these in front of a mirror / webcam - you have no idea useful this can be! Even better, do a mock interview with us or with someone else.
For the behavioral / leadership / teamwork questions, have a few thoughts in your mind that you can pull out and use if the opportunity presents itself. Know yourself, know the school, know your story. Be friendly, humble and project your accomplishments without coming off as arrogant. Body language is important!
One thing that people often forget to do when they explain why they want to go to Wharton is explain the MBA bit, spew out a bunch of things that they like about the school, but forget to explain how the school's offerings tie in with their short term and long term goals. Make this linkage very clear in your interview.
Finally, remember, the school is called "The Wharton School". NOT "Wharton School of Business", NOT "Wharton Business School" and NOT "Wharton GSB".
To do a mock interview with a Wharton alum, send us your preferred time slots (EST) in an email at essaycritique@gmail.com.
