![\"In-](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/In-Person-Interview-With-an-Adcom-Member-1024x512.jpg\")
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This post is\u00a0part of a series<\/a>\u00a0exploring the different forms MBA interviews\u00a0<\/i>take and how you can ace them all!<\/i><\/p>\n Some MBA adcoms choose to interview candidates individually<\/a>, themselves, and do not delegate this task to alumni or students.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a resource-intensive process, but adcoms get as much as they invest. Moreover, they narrow down the field first, so only those under serious consideration are invited.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Especially for competitive schools, each seat is precious, and nothing substitutes for the adcom member\u2019s own ears and eyes in ascertaining who should have it.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Admissions professionals are trained experts in evaluating candidates, and in this interview method they can exercise that expertise in an optimal setting.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0They can see firsthand<\/em> not just the \u201creal you\u201d but the \u201cwhole you\u201d: your interpersonal finesse + the content of your answers + your physical presence.\u00a0 They evaluate what you say, and also your social skills, speaking (and English-speaking) ability, and demeanor as you interact with them directly.<\/p>\n For these reasons, this type of interview has real weight in the admissions decision.<\/p>\n Harvard Business School<\/a>, MIT Sloan.<\/p>\n In this interview approach, you meet with an adcom member, either on campus or in a city where the adcom is visiting. The interview is a one-on-one conversation with the adcom member, during which he will ask you questions, often a mix of application-specific questions and other questions he\u2019s prepared. Expect any area of ambiguity to be questioned. This is a probing, in-depth interview. If you are socially adept, you will not just answer questions but may also facilitate conversation.<\/p>\n Usually adcom interviews are not blind<\/em>, i.e., the interviewer will have read your application before the interview and will likely have some questions about it.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Benefit: can showcase your strong interpersonal and communication skills to a high-value decision-maker.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Benefit: the fact that some discussion will be based on your application opens the door for more of a dialogue, less of an \u201cinterrogation\u201d feel.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u2022\u00a0Benefit OR pitfall: the adcom is already invested in you to an extent, which can make you more motivated, inspired, and focused \u2013 or more nervous, depending on your temperament.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Pitfall: to ace the interview you must<\/em> find a way to connect with the interviewer even if the natural chemistry isn\u2019t great.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Pitfall: a bad interview with an adcom member could seriously impair your chances.<\/p>\n (In addition to all the common sense advice for good MBA interviews<\/a>)<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Review your application closely for areas of potential weakness or things that could raise questions, and be prepared to discuss.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Discuss\/use examples and stories that are not in your application.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Arm yourself with detailed info about the program and new points about how it will benefit you and how you will contribute.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Put your ego aside and do whatever is needed to connect with the interviewer.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Be yourself \u2013 this type of trained, professional interviewer has a radar for inauthenticity.<\/p>\n The best way to ensure that you are prepared for your MBA interviews is to practice with a pro!\u00a0Check out our Mock Interview Services<\/a>\u00a0and learn what you can do to ace those interviews and get\u00a0accepted to business school!\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Perfect Answers to MBA Interview Questions<\/a>, a free guide \u00a0This article originally appeared on blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.<\/em><\/p>\nWhy adcoms use this method<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Some schools that use this method<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Process<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Blind or not blind<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Benefits and pitfalls for applicants<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How to make this type of interview work for you<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Get](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/mba-interview-prep-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Cindy](\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/cindy.jpg\" "\\"Cindy")
<\/a><\/em>Cindy Tokumitsu<\/a>\u00a0has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 15+ years with Accepted. She would love to help you too.\u00a0Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 The Art Of Interviewing - Are You A \u201cCan\u201d Or A \u201cCannot\u201d?<\/a>
\n\u2022 Ask Away at Your Admissions Interview<\/a><\/p>\n