onlyneed1 wrote:
I'm interviewing at Darden on Monday (I just got the invite a few days ago). Can anyone that interviewed there let me know what to expect?
As I recall, the interview was blind. Most of the time was focused on getting a broad picture of "my story." I was specifically asked for details that were not in my application, why an MBA now, why Darden, etc.
Of all of the interviews I had (I had five), Darden's was the most confrontational. The interviewer challenged my decision to pursue an MBA and as well as my decision to apply to Darden. This may have been a tactic to see how convicted I was about studying for an MBA at Darden (and an MBA in general), but it was certainly different from other interviews. While I can't promise that everyone's experience at Darden was like mine, I have heard - via word of mouth - that other interviewees have reported similar experiences, including feeling like their interviewer was trying to talk them out of going to Darden or pursuing an MBA at all. I guess my advice is, then, make sure that you have a very clear idea of why you should get an MBA now and why you want to go to Darden. I bet a lot of interviewees make the mistake of getting defensive when faced with this type of "grilling," so make sure you practice your responses and be prepared to keep your cool under unexpected cross-examination.
I hope I haven't made you more nervous. Really, I think that having this information will help you to be prepared going in (I know it would have helped me). The alternative would be to have to deal with it unexpectedly on the spot, which could be disastrous (and is probably why they do it
).
Also, I should mention that when I interviewed, there was a tour and an informal meeting with current students before my interview (just a bunch of current students and interviewees sitting around in the admissions office lobby). Both of those were great experiences. The students were very helpful and down-to-earth, and the campus is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. Oh, but make sure you save some questions for the interview (or at least re-ask the ones you asked the students)!
Good luck!