ua87 wrote:
Hi Linda,
I applied to seven schools in R2 this year, and got interviews from 4 and waiting for two more decisions (stanford and CBS ( I submitted a bit late))
I am international candidate with an engineering degree from and IVY school with 3.60. and 730 gmat. I have 2 years of investment banking exp. and several ECs.
My concern is that I think that my interviews did not go quite well. (one of them was a phone interview and I think I could not explain my self for several parts)
anyways, my first question is that how much does the interview matter? assuming I did worse than the majority of other interviewees do you think this will be the sole reason for a ding?
I believe that as I got 4 interviews from top schools my overall application package was good right? so if I apply next year in r1 I think I will have a shot? or should I rush now and apply to 2-3 schools?
thanks a lot..
Since you posted this twice, I'll answer in two separate replies. Here, I'll address the first question: how much do the interviews matter? While there is no statistical breakdown to this, I can safely say that the interviews are critical. If the interviewer does not feel that you could contribute in class, keep up with the discussion, and engage personally with classmates, professors, and recruiters, then you cannot be admitted. That said, many people feel they bombed the interview because they didn't get to talk about all of the things they wanted to. That doesn't make the interview a bomb, actually. As long as you came across as charismatic and personable with interesting experiences to talk about, then the interview was fine. While it is best to share multiple experiences in the interview, not sharing them does not mean a ding.