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Sej588
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LOOKING FOR ADVICE - MSF Program Interviews Coming Up Soon. Afraid Of 17 Mar 2023, 15:07
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I am applying to round 4 of five competitive Master in Finance programs in the US that place well in IB (my goal). I have received GMAT waivers for my top two choices. I am confident I have the right GPA/coursework, essays, letters of recommendation, internship experiences (investment banking and private equity) & extracurriculars to be a competitive candidate and ultimately get admitted into these programs. However, the admissions requirements I fear the most are the video-recorded interviews, as well as the admissions interviews...

I've had a moderate to severe stutter all my life, and it can sometimes get quite severe during interviews and presentations. I haven't let that stop me during my undergrad years. I have been able to mentor other students, present in front of my classes, network, and make new friends.

What do you guys suggest I should do to help me with my situation? Would I count as a diversity applicant?

• Should I speak to someone in admissions before the final application deadline and let them know and see what they suggest?

• Should I mention it in my essays and explain how although it's a weakness, it's made me the person I am today: perseverant, empathetic, and hardworking and how I can use that to make a positive impact on the community?

• Should I disclose my stutter on the day of the interviews?

Thanks, everyone! I look forward to the advice.
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LOOKING FOR ADVICE - MSF Program Interviews Coming Up Soon. Afraid Of 17 Mar 2023, 23:33
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NO to disclosing it to them in any way, before, during or after. While it does NOT get you any waivers from their requirements, it does let them focus MORE on your stutter than other content.
The ONLY and the best way for you would be to PREPARE BETTER.
If these are competitive programs, and you have the time, you might even want to consider working with someone who could give you a better idea of the kinds of questions to prepare for, the tips to work around your stutter and what to do in case you still ended up stuttering.

Hope that helps
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Sej588
I am applying to round 4 of five competitive Master in Finance programs in the US that place well in IB (my goal). I have received GMAT waivers for my top two choices. I am confident I have the right GPA/coursework, essays, letters of recommendation, internship experiences (investment banking and private equity) & extracurriculars to be a competitive candidate and ultimately get admitted into these programs. However, the admissions requirements I fear the most are the video-recorded interviews, as well as the admissions interviews...

I've had a moderate to severe stutter all my life, and it can sometimes get quite severe during interviews and presentations. I haven't let that stop me during my undergrad years. I have been able to mentor other students, present in front of my classes, network, and make new friends.

What do you guys suggest I should do to help me with my situation? Would I count as a diversity applicant?

• Should I speak to someone in admissions before the final application deadline and let them know and see what they suggest?

• Should I mention it in my essays and explain how although it's a weakness, it's made me the person I am today: perseverant, empathetic, and hardworking and how I can use that to make a positive impact on the community?

• Should I disclose my stutter on the day of the interviews?

Thanks, everyone! I look forward to the advice.
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Sej588
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LOOKING FOR ADVICE - MSF Program Interviews Coming Up Soon. Afraid Of 18 Mar 2023, 02:32
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Thank you for your comment. But wouldn’t them focusing only on my stutter and making their decision based on it be considered disability discrimination?

Isn’t disclosing important so that they won’t think I’m nervous?

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LOOKING FOR ADVICE - MSF Program Interviews Coming Up Soon. Afraid Of 20 Mar 2023, 08:04
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Sej588:

Responding to each of your questions:

• What do you guys suggest I should do to help me with my situation? Would I count as a diversity applicant?

I am not sure you will count as a "diversity" applicant, but the admissions committees will definitely take this into account as part of your overall profile and, what I imagine, is an obstacle you continue to overcome. As noted above, you should prepare for the interview as you normally would independent of your stutter.

• Should I speak to someone in admissions before the final application deadline and let them know and see what they suggest?

I do not think that is necessary. If you feel it would calm your nerves, you can put in a call and briefly let someone know that this might be a factor. The admissions committee might provide you with some meaningful advice based on their process or they may just general suggestions.

• Should I mention it in my essays and explain how although it's a weakness, it's made me the person I am today: perseverant, empathetic, and hardworking and how I can use that to make a positive impact on the community?

I assumed that this was already an integral part of your application, most notably in the essays. It won't be perceived as a weakness if you have taken steps to overcome or manage it. If it's a significant part of who you are, include it.

• Should I disclose my stutter on the day of the interviews?

You can let your interviewer know that you do have a stutter and that if xyz happens for them not to be alarmed. I don't see the harm in being upfront in a brief and professional manner. Just don't try to look like you're overcompensating in any way.

If my team or I can be of any help with your application in general or the interview specifically, please don't hesitate to reach out to learn more. A free consultation (link below) might be especially useful for you and the special circumstances you have described.

https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/
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LOOKING FOR ADVICE - MSF Program Interviews Coming Up Soon. Afraid Of 03 Apr 2023, 18:38
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You will not be a diversity candidate. Just prepare and speak slowly. If you start stuttering take a pause and start. No one is going to be a jerk about it. Many programs don't even require an interview.

Also - just a thought. While I realize this must be uncomfortable, you will have to address the issue eventually. Your job interviews will require a discussion and you will have to find a way to control, mitigate or otherwise work around your speech impediment. Have you thought about seeing a speech therapist? You might try mock interviews to gain comfort or prepare.

Good luck man, I am sure you will do well. Admissions are highly understanding and I seriously doubt they would hold any form of disability against you.
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LOOKING FOR ADVICE - MSF Program Interviews Coming Up Soon. Afraid Of 03 Apr 2023, 19:47
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Thank you so much for your comment. I did receive speech therapy but have been unable to do so this past year since I had issues with my health insurance. May I please private message you? Thanks in advance.

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LOOKING FOR ADVICE - MSF Program Interviews Coming Up Soon. Afraid Of 03 Apr 2023, 19:51
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Sure, feel free to message me.
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LOOKING FOR ADVICE - MSF Program Interviews Coming Up Soon. Afraid Of 04 Apr 2023, 15:31
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Thank you, sent you a PM

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