Stern 2012 - Calling All Applicants

Just had my interview with a member of the admissions committee. It was about 30 minutes long and very friendly/casual. It went by really quick. They gave me a Stern t-shirt when I signed-in as well as a packet of information about Stern that is specifically tailored to my interests. The interviewer had a glass of water on her desk waiting for me when I walked into the room. She started by giving me a background about herself and then jumped into questions. Questions were as follows (not necessarily in this order but it's the best I could recall from memory):

- Walk me through your resume
- What have you learned in your current job that will help you in your future goals?
- Describe what you do at your job
- If your goals do not pan out, do you have alternative career choices?
- What do you consider to be your greatest achievement at work? Greatest failure?
- Can you reiterate your short-term goals?
- Is there anything you want to tell me that I have not already asked you?
- What do you plan on doing at Stern while you are here?
- What convinced you to apply to Stern?
- Do you have any questions for me?

As most of you probably know, the interviews are NOT blind. The interviewer has thoroughly read your application beforehand and will ask you questions about your goals and ambitions. Make sure you have a thorough knowledge of the school, its programs and culture, extracurricular activities, etc. Do your research please. Stern is huge on "fit". She told me that it sounds like I knew a lot about Stern already and "did [my] homework".

She told me to expect a decision back before the holidays - i.e. in two weeks or less. Talk about fast.