Beat The GMAT - the MBA Social Network

Last week I shared Part 1 of my exit interview with Samir (click here to see it), a Beat The GMAT member who recently got admitted to MIT Sloan.  Today I will be sharing Part 2 of our interview, where we discuss details about his Sloan interview, words of wisdom for future applicants, and other good stuff.

Here are some notes from Part 2 of this exit interview:

(0:27) Describe your Sloan interview experience.

• I did a hub interview in downtown San Francisco with a member of the Sloan Adcom
• It felt just like a job interview in my opinion
• Sloan is pretty transparent on what to expect in the interview.  They actually give you a guide that describes their Behavioral Event Interview style and what they are looking for
• Also, the interviewer has read your essays and knows your background inside and out so they come prepared with carefully thought questions
• In order to prepare, I basically had a good friend of mine do a couple of mock interviews with me.  That being said, I think it’s important not to over prepare. You want to go in relaxed and try to have fun with it

(1:56) Do you think that there was a single, dominant factor that got you admitted?

• I don’t think there’s ever a single factor that gets someone admitted into business school
• It’s a combination of stats (ie. GPA and GMAT), work experience, demonstrated knowledge and enthusiasm for the program and what your goals are

(3:15) What do you plan to do after Sloan?

• Like I mentioned earlier, I would like to lead a technology based venture from idea to IPO.  I know it sounds lofty but you have to have confidence in yourself and shoot for the stars sometimes

(3:42) What wisdom would you like to impart to future business school applicants?

• Applying to business school is an emotional rollercoaster.  You have to deal with sweet victories and dismal defeat
• Whatever you do, try to stay calm and confident and don’t get discouraged if things don’t go exactly as expected