Interview question

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Interview question

by DownsJM1 » Tue Mar 10, 2009 9:44 pm
Hello,

I am interviewing with a middle-tier school in a few weeks, with a solid resume and a GMAT score that is 40 points about their average. It is a state school, and they say that there are a fair amount of scholarships that are given out every year. Naturally, I want a piece of that.

I feel good about my interviewing skills, and feel confident that after a lot of preparation, I will properly wow them. But I also want to let them know that a scholarship will guarantee me going there.

I was thinking about, at the end of the interview, asking about what they believed my chances of acceptance would be. And if the interview went well, and they say something positive about my chances, saying that I'm looking at other schools, and am very much interested in their school, but that a scholarship would guarantee my acceptance of their invitation.

My question is, is that out of line? Is that playing a bit too much hardball? I know to do it with tact... so should I give it a shot, or leave that one up to chance?
700+ or bust.
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by Cindy Tokumitsu » Wed Mar 11, 2009 4:14 pm
Hello,

In the interview I advise against asking what your chances are. The interviewer may not have all the information at hand and feel reluctant to make a quick guess on such an important matter that would normally involve careful thought. In addition, it could be off-putting. I suggest that you look for opportunities to mention in the interview that you value the school’s merit scholarship opportunities, but you also might not want to say that the scholarship is the factor that will guarantee your acceptance when the interviewer might view such acceptance itself as valuable. You’re clearly a strong candidate for the school, and you can and should take comfort in that fact, and wait for the decision.

Later on, if you receive other acceptances but need to hear from this school on the scholarship issue to make your decision, you can cross that bridge when you come to it, maybe contacting the school at that time.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, Accepted.com
www.Accepted.com

Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
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by DownsJM1 » Wed Mar 11, 2009 5:41 pm
Thanks! :)
700+ or bust.