Tepper 2012 - Calling All Applicants

Great advice. I interviewed at Tepper today. Did the whole class visit, info session, and campus tour. I made some meaningful connections while I was there... and frankly, it's hard not to. Everyone is very nice. The interview questions were very standard. Frankly, we talked about college sports for a good portion of the interview. It was very conversational. I left feeling good, and all of the others that visited with seemed to feel the same way. Here are the questions from my interview:

Tell me about your career. Especially focus on things that I can't get from reading your resume.
So, why do you need an MBA?
Why Tepper?
Why now?
I know that the program will give you a strong analytical background, why else do you want a Tepper MBA? - This question seemed to BEG for specific examples from your school research and interaction with students, adcom, faculty, and the Pittsburgh community. I suggest mentioning several clubs/student orgs that you intend to join and take a leadership role in. Remember, anyone can "join" a club, but I believe that it greatly benefits you to speak with passion about how you intend to take a leadership role.

This was the overall structure of the interview. My interviewer asked many follow-up questions that you should be prepared for. Also, my interviewer was clearly asking for information that is outside of the essays.

My interview lasted approximately 50 minutes. If you interview from this point on, expect it to be with a member of AdCom. I spoke with several members of the committee today, and they were all very welcoming and informal. That is the type of warm experience that you can expect to have at Tepper.

Also, a word of warning. If you are time-pressed and call a taxi to pick you up from campus, plan for the taxi to be 30 minutes late, or not come at all. I was on a tight schedule, and almost missed my travel home because of it. But, a great Tepper first year saved the day and drove me into the center of town. This is the kind of generosity that Tepper showed today. From what I understand, that's what the community is all about.

For those of you who will interview over the next few weeks, best of luck. Feel free to ask me any questions about my experience and I'll be happy to share more with you.

Good luck everyone!