Current Student
Joined: 05 Jun 2009
Posts: 34
Schools:Kellogg, Fuqua, Haas, Darden
Re: Calling all Darden Fall 2010 Applicants!
[#permalink]
11 Dec 2009, 16:31
Had my interview with a member of the AdCom this morning. All interviews are 100% blind, she knew nothing about me or my application. It started with her asking questions about my childhood, where I was from, what my family was like, etc. We progressed through undergrad and my career, but rather than focusing on "resume-type" accomplishments, we talked more about WHY I made certain decisions, and what matters to me.
We eventually got to "why MBA", but I was never directly asked "why Darden". I tried to weave a few pieces of "why Darden" into our conversation. Before I knew it 45 mins was up, she gave me the opportunity to ask questions....so we talked about job prospects for a bit. After an hour we were still chatting, but she had to cut it off.
Overall I think (hope) it went well, but with interviews like this its always hard to tell. I forgot to mention a few things that I'd hoped to work in. Oh well.
My advice to those still yet to interview:
- create a mini-list of items you for sure want to cover (interesting anecdotes), its easy to get caught up in the conversation, then before you know it you missed your chance to talk about that interesting undergrad EC (since you're already talking about your job)
- be ready to NOT talk about accomplishments, she almost seemed disinterested when I did. I guess it makes sense, there is no point to just regurgitate your resume during the interview - they already have it on file. Talk about something ELSE, something interesting/dynamic
- do your homework and be able to convey sincere interest in the program (I honestly think this is a big part of the interview...they try to gauge this)
She said her comments would be added to my overall application file, then it would undergo a final review and a decision would be made.
Thats about it I guess. Feel free to ask me any specific questions, I'd be happy to help out.
Oh and also, she said they release ALL decisions (including financial aid) on Jan 28th, so no crazy stressful hair pulling out for weeks on end (ahem...Kellogg...). I was happy to hear that.
Best of luck to everyone.