Calling all Smeal (Penn State) Applicants: (2019 Intake) Class of 2021

I've accepted as well!

Great! Congrats! Do you know of any whatsapp group that has been created for the admitted students?

I do not, I've never even used the app.

Kind of a lame question seeing the context, but does the submission of all the below mentioned need to happen before the Application deadline of that Round (Feb01)

1. LOR submission by recommenders.
2. KIRA Video submission
3. Official GMAT score report should reach Smeal admin team before Feb 01 ?

Btw .. very grateful to all those who have posted the Smeal interview debriefs !!

Posted from my mobile device

Does anyone know how many days does the school take on an average to send an interview invite from the day we receive the email saying that your application has been sent for review?

Hi Everybody!
I have a question which is bothering me for long. I know Smeal provides TOEFL Waiver for MBA applicant if they can prove english proficiency. I was given TOEFL waiver for my MBA application and on my I-20, issued by the school, It is mentioned that student is proficient in English. I got TOEFL waiver because I studied one year abroad (London) for my Masters and for this I have submitted my Transcripts to the School.

Now, I am planning to Apply for F1 student Visa, But I am in doubt that do I need TOEFL score for my US student Visa Application to prove my English proficiency? OR My I-20 document along with my Master’s Degree Certificate is enough for the same?

I couldn't find any concrete answer to this query. If you can provide me the answer or If you know someone who has been in the same boat OR someone who is familiar with this scenario, will help me in deciding my next course of action.

Thank you for your kind support.

I thought my interview was loooooong and intense! Lol. So many questions, unlike the others who had about 5 questions. It lasted for about 40 minutes.

I made sure I memorised the school site and was reeling out numbers and stats from the school site, almost as if my life depended on it. With the benefit of hindsight, I think my life literally depended on it. I knew that I had to get the fellowship! I did not have the greatest GRE score either, but knew I checked every other box. I had to nail this interview to eliminate any chances of doubt due to my score. The interviewer seemed impressed and even commented that I had obviously done my research!

Word of advice, apply round 1, especially for internationals seeking funding! I cannot overemphasise this. I am talking out of experience. I had applied to other schools last year in round 2, mostly because I was so sure that I was gonna get accepted in round 1 of MSU – Eli Broad. Got dinged after the interview. I was devastated! Applied round 2 for others, and had delays because I had to write TOEFL. I think I might have even started competing with round 3 applicants at some point! Eventually I did not get significant funding from most of the schools I applied to. Right now, I've got full ride and an assistantship from one, a 45% tuition waiver from another and a fellowship from Smeal!

Smeal truly looks at the candidate holistically, unlike other schools. You need to familiarise yourself with the school site. Smeal is all about fit, so best to know why you are applying to Smeal and not any other school.

Questions asked:
• Walk me through your current role as a manager.
• Why Smeal?
• What is your long term goal?
• Tell me how your work experience fits into your long term goal.
• Tell me about a challenging situation where you succeeded.
• Tell me of the most challenging engagement you worked with and why.
• What is the greatest misconception about you? How do you prove them wrong?
• Most constructive feedback that you have been given and what did you do?
• Know Smeal is obviously number 1 in Supply Chain, so what other reasons?
• What other schools have you applied to and status?
• What is your greatest concern about joining the Smeal MBA class?
• What do you look out for in a team and what will you look out for in your MBA team?
• Tell me of a time where you faced an ethical dilemma.
• What qualities do you possess that you think will make you stand out in front of potential employers during interviews?

Questions from me.

I just got my decision and I received a fellowship!