No interview req from Kellogg. What does it mean?

Question

My friend recently applied to Kellogg and since he lives in a remote part of the US, they said they were waiving the interview requirement since they couldn't find alums to do it and that it wouldn't count against him.

Now I wonder why this is. If someone with equal credentials living in Chicago did a bad interview, that would put him at a disadvantage.

How does this waiving work? Sounds unfair to me.

rhyme · Answer

Its simple really... he lives in an area they couldnt find someone near enough to him to interview, so they waived it. Seems fair to me... what would have been more appropriate? To just deny him?

BTW, hows Kellogg treating you? Werent you admitted around August of last year?

fluffydot · Answer

Isn't there an option for phone interview?

I think there definitely is a disadvantage, unless his credentials are absolutely stellar. And unless he lives in Alasaka, it shouldn't be impossible to find an alum within a few hours drive. With app volume so high, it wouldn't be hard to find another candidate with equal qualifications who is able to interview.

From the adcom's perspective, I would question how serious this applicant is about going to the school. I know most ppl on this board would fly out to chicago for an interview just to show some initiative. I think the disclaimer is just there to cover their butts.

Again, I have no idea who your friend is, he could just as well get in without the interview. Let us know what happens

eazyb81 · Answer

I'm surprised they didn't request for him to come to campus or at least do a phone interview.

Nsentra · Answer

I think an interview should be looked upon as an opportunity to further strengthen one's candidacy, not some survival task. So in some sense the guy without an interview has one less data point the the adcom can go by, I don't think that's necessarily in his favor.

Granted I am a terrible at interviews, so I'd love to forgo this part, but without this skill I am not going to get anywhere in the recruiting process anyways.

Java Programmer · Answer

Yeah man, I joined Kellogg last Fall, done with 2 Qs. It's been quite a challenge to balance everything, but I am pulling through.... how far along are you?

I think NSentra makes a good point here. Possibly my friend lost a chance to impress the folks at Kellogg. He lives within the 48 states, but Kellogg said there were no alumni in that area.

Yup, they should have done a phone interview at least...

Nsentra · Answer

so.. what are your impressions so far? how did internship recruitment go? what are your career goals?

usctrojan098 · Answer

My understanding is that the waivers are temporary, and 100% of all admitted candidates are eventually interviewed. That is, if the adcom likes his application, then they  will  schedule an interview (likely a phone interview) with him. If they are sure that they will not admit him, then they won't waste anybody's time (theirs, the candidate's or the alumnus').

Yes, an interview is a great opportunity to strengthen one's application. However, I don't think that even a stellar interview will overturn a poor application. If Kellogg's on the fence or leaning towards admit, then they will very likely interview.

No interview req from Kellogg. What does it mean?

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