Michigan Business School MBA
Admissions Interview (cont'd)
What are the specific
characteristics that you target in the applications to help
you identify the 'best fit' candidates?
(1) Demonstrated
ability to handle the rigor of the curriculum and level of
quantitative readiness; (2) How much they understand about
who they are and where they want to go – what they want
from this experience and why Michigan is the best fit for
them; (3) Strength of their achievements; and (4) Strong
professional presence.
What should applicants most
heavily emphasize in their work experience?
The
emphasis should be on the results of their work experience.
Accomplishments should be quantified on their resume. Via
their essays, they should share the kind of roles they have
played and the impact they have made on their organization.
How
important is an applicant's GMAT score and what advice do
you have for applicants who struggled with this exam?
The GMAT
is only one part of the overall application. Combined with
academic performance, it does give an indication of a
student's ability to handle the rigor of the program. In
addition, we are also evaluating how competitive their
performance is compared to the pool and our school's MBA
profile.
If you
come from a less quantitative background, or if your u/g
performance was not as strong, you may want to consider
taking some classes (calc, stats, etc.) to demonstrate your
ability. For those that struggle with the test, make sure
you give yourself enough time to take the test prior to the
application deadline, in the event you want to retake it.
What is Michigan Business School's policy
regarding applicants who have taken the GMAT multiple times?
We consider only their highest score.
What
was the GMAT score range for admitted applicants for this
upcoming year?
This
past year, the 80% range was 640 to 740.
How
important is the interview in the admissions process and
what specific applicant traits are you using the interview
to gauge?
Similar to
your essays, interviews are the other great vehicle to share
your story. Through the interview, we hope to hear more
examples of the types of experiences you have had in both
your personal and professional life, and to get a sense of
your demonstrated record of achievement, your interpersonal
and communication skills, and your focus – why an MBA and
why from our school?
At
Michigan, we never admit applicants without first
interviewing them (applicants are strongly encouraged to
interview prior to submitting their application). To
prepare, research the school, take time for self-reflection,
anticipate typical interview questions, and be yourself.
Practice telling your story to friends and family – they are
already probably asking you, "So, why do you want to get an
MBA." This is a perfect opportunity to sharpen your
message. Caveat – don't become too overpracticed such that
you sound like a recording!
What
types of questions should applicants expect to be asked in
the interview?
The
style of the interview might vary school to school, but in
many ways it is similar to a job interview – resume review,
behavioral event, dialogue, etc.
Are
these interviews conducted blind or is the applicant's file
reviewed beforehand?
Interviews at the Michigan Business School are an up-front
process. This means the interview is conducted prior to when
the application is due. It is conducted by either staff,
alumni or part of the student admissions committee.
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