|
|
UT Dallas
Full Time MBA
Final Decision:
Interviewed
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
3 months ago Feb 6, 2026
3 months ago Feb 6, 2026 08:02
Interview Details:
• Date: Jan 15, 2026
• Interviewer: AdCom (Blind interview, had resume only)
• Format: Video Call (Microsoft Teams)
• Duration: Scheduled for 30 mins, lasted ~40 mins.
The Experience:
The interview started with a technical glitch (calendar invite missing), but we broke the ice by laughing about technology failing us despite my tech background. The interviewer started off a bit reserved/tired but warmed up significantly once I switched from standard "MBA script" to candid, authentic conversation.
Questions Asked:
1. TMAY: Focused on my journey from Enterprise Architect to GovTech Founder.
2. Career Switches: "I see a lot of jumps in your profile; can you explain?" (I was honest: Startups lacked stability, corporates lacked velocity. I’m looking for the balance).
3. Why UTD? Focused on the pragmatic, outcomes-based curriculum and Business Analytics strength.
4. The "Waiver" Question: She asked why I applied without a score and was transparent that lack of a score might impact merit scholarships (mentioned a specific $30k figure).
• My rebuttal: I explained my quant readiness via my transcripts (IISc, ISB, IIIT) and confidence in being a top performer in class.
5. Plan B / Other Schools: Asked where else I applied. When I mentioned receiving waivers from schools like NYU Stern and Cornell, the dynamic shifted positively.
6. Personal/Hobby: We discussed the Dallas weather and my background as an ultra-runner. Ended on a lighthearted note where I offered to be her running coach.
Key Takeaways for Future Applicants:
• Be Candid: I didn't hide my rejections from other schools or my "job hopping." I owned my story. The "Anti-Selling" approach built trust.
• Scholarship Reality: If you are a waiver candidate, be prepared for the conversation about limited scholarship availability. Have a confident answer ready about your ROI or savings.
• Senior Candidates: As an older applicant (15 years exp), I emphasized that I wanted tools to execute, not just theory. This resonated with UTD's practical culture.
Outcome: Told to expect an Alumni Round next, pending committee review.
Found this helpful?
0
0
Naveen Jindal
Full Time MBA
Final Decision:
Interviewed
Status:
Off Campus with Adcom
Interviewed on:
5 years ago May 6, 2021
5 years ago May 6, 2021 07:05
I was interviewed twice. Once by Adcom and another time by Alum. Both interviews were done almost a week apart.
17th March: Adcom Interview
Questions asked by Adcom were:
1. Tell me about yourself
2. Why MBA and why UTD?
3. Challenges that you will face if admitted to the UTD MBA program
4. Any leadership roles that I have taken up in my professional career so far.
5.How UTD MBA curriculum will help me achieve my future career goals.
6. Any other schools or programs that I have applied to.
Last but not least she asked if I had any questions for her. The interview lasted for about 15 minutes and Adcom was very supportive throughout the interview process. She asked me to stay put and wait for an alum interview if everything went okay.
After 3-4 days, I received an email from alum to schedule a meeting.
24th March: Alum interview
Questions asked were:
1. Tell me about yourself
2. Why UTD and why MBA now
3. My vision towards my future career goals.
4. Any questions if I had for Alum.
The interview lasted for about 10 to 12 minutes and was more on an informal note.
Found this helpful?
0
0
Naveen Jindal
Full Time MBA
Final Decision:
Interviewed
Interviewed on:
5 years ago May 6, 2021
5 years ago May 6, 2021 07:05
I had two interviews, one with adcom and one with the alum
Adcom Interview: Standard interview
1) Tell me about yourself and why MBA and short term goals
2) why JSOM - Important question ( unless you know clearly about the school and have researched properly , we cant answer this properly. I took my majority of the time to explain my answer for this question.
3) Clarification on STEM (only dual degrees qualify for STEM in JSOM)
4) what is the biggest challenge I will be facing for an MBA
5) any questions for them
Alum: Conversational
Same questions but he was keen about understanding more about the job and responsibilites I am currently in and sharing their experiences of how JSOM helped shape their careers.
Found this helpful?
0
0