ManhattanReview wrote:
This is the type of interview question that most experienced admissions people cringe at. If I were to guess, this was asked by either an alumni or a student interviewer. However, if a question does come up like this, here is how I would handle it:
I hope that you see that there are many more reasons to accept me than reject me. Further, I hope that I have demonstrated my passion for attending your program and my dedication to my studies and my career. Further, x is my top choice and I hope to be admitted and beginning my studies here next fall.
Nevertheless, to answer your question, we all have strengths and weaknesses in some aspect of our application. If I were to pick one reason where my application may not stand up to the competitive levels is my (for example) focused work experience in finance/lack of quantitive studies/limited extracurricular activities/etc. While these might not be as competitive as other candidates, I wish to point out that I chose to work in finance as I drawn to the early responsibility in my career and the in-depth analytical skills that I would develop and use as the base for my career. During the past two years, I have been exposed to many different scenarios, different industries and got to work in a post-crash banking world. These are invaluable experience, challenged me on many levels and serve as the basis from my future career. So, while my career may appear focused to some, to me, it is the foundation of the big plans and high expectations that I have set for myself.
This is the type of take control of the situation that you have to do - totally turn the question around. Do not be down and negative about your background -- but also you have to answer the question but do not dwell on the negative aspect of it and let the interviewer see the other side of it.
Good luck on your interviews. Practice is key. Please do not go into interviews unrehearsed. Also, job interviews are very different than business school interviews.
Kimberly Plaga
Senior Admissions Consultant
Manhattan Review
Kudos Kimberly !!
Amazing reply...i wish i got this ans before my last interview...though i was well prepared for my interview, but the 'non-seelction' part threw me out my gear and i wobbled up to a certain extent.
Nevertheless, Thanks again !!!