Calling all Smeal (Penn State) Applicants: (2020 Intake) Class of 2022

Smeal (Penn State) MBA Application Deadlines: 2020 Intake

Round	Application Deadline	Expect a Decision By
EA	Tue, Oct 1, 19	Dec 1, 19
R1	Dec 1, 19	Feb 1, 20
R2	Feb 1, 20	Apr 1, 20
R3	Apr 1, 20	Jun 1, 20

Admissions Essay

What are your short-term and long-term career goals? How does your past experience enable you to achieve these goals? How do you see your MBA experience fitting into this plan? (600 Word Limit)

Class Profile for the Class of 2020

• Number of Students 58 (Women 34%; Int'l 30%)
• Average Months Prior Work Experience 62 months
• Average GMAT 657 (Mid 80% Range 560 - 720)
• Average GRE: Quant 157; Verbal 157
• Average Undergraduate GPA 3.40
• Undergraduate Major Distributions
  
  • Business 47%
  • Science and Engineering 40%
  • Humanities and Social Sciences 13%

Did anyone get the interview invite today?

Hi aulakhdilpreet3 I got an interview invite today via email.

When did you submit your application?

Posted from my mobile device

All the best CD20 and smahzabeen for your interviews.

I am posting here links of the interview resources available on GMATClub which you can utilize for your interview prep.

• Check out Smeal interview debriefs section; You will find quite a few interviews debriefs of previous applicants
  
• Need more practice questions? Here is a massive collection of 100+ actual interview questions asked at various bschools in recent years.
  
• Additionally, we recently posted a lot of short videos about MBA interviews on our YouTube channel. Don't forget to check them out to get insights into interview prep from renowned MBA experts. I am listing them a few here..
  
  • Keys for a Successful MBA Interview - What to expect, What to Prepare for, and What NOT TO DO
  • MBA Interview Insights - Tips to Ace your Interview!
  • Who is the Best MBA Interviewer - Adcom, Current Student, or Alum?
  • MBA ADMISSIONS INTERVIEW: On Campus Vs. Off Campus
  • Interviewing with Adcom vs Current Student vs Alum
  • Common Mistakes to Avoid During the MBA Interview

Hope that helps! Good luck for the interview. Do share your interview experience with us on forum as you complete your interview.

Has anyone got any update from the adcom?

Hi,

I was trying to submit my TOEFL score with code 2660. After selecting Graduate organisation. It asks for department code. Which for graduate management school is 02. But when I enter that, it says data not found. I'm not sure what code to use. I have sent multiple mails to Smeal. Didn't get any response. Anyone else facing this issue? Please help.

Posted from my mobile device

vvskakarot

Where did you get the "02" code? I can't see it on their website?


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When you select 2660 on the ETS website. You're promoted to enter department code. There is a pdf link under there for codes. 02 is for management studies. But that is not getting accepted when enetered.

But anyway, I got a reply from smeal. They said i can use any code. Thanks.

Posted from my mobile device

I see few R1 applicants already got their decisions. Congrats smahzabeen, Draud, ssonesh, and arib on getting admitted. Feel free to share further details i.e. whether you got a call or email or portal update, any word on scholarships etc.

Has anyone taken the kira video test recently for Smeal ? What kind of questions can i expect ?

Thanks Naren. I got an informal mail from Michael first telling me that I'm admitted and he also mentioned about the fellowship in the mail.

Next day, I was sent an official mail with all the details. I have received a full tuition waiver, a monthly stipend and subsidized health insurance. Mike also mentioned that he didn't call to congratulate because it was late in India when he sent the mail. So admitted students can expect a call when a decision is made.

All the best to those applying. PM me if you need any further info.

As for the Kira video assessment, questions that are asked are random. 3 video questions and one written essay of around 300 words were asked to me.

Example:
1. Favorite tourist destination
2. If you had a time machine, where would you like to go?
3. Favorite teacher and why?
4. Hobbies or what do you like to do in your spare time?

Posted from my mobile device

ssonesh congratulations
I think, you can definitely help me out here
How did you answer the video interview, cleverly or just casually?
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If it's a behavioral question or a question where you have to narrate a story, follow the STAR format.

Otherwise, just make sure you look at the camera, speak like you're having conversation with someone and use proper grammar. That must be enough.

Posted from my mobile device

Wow! Applied to just 3 schools and admitted to all of them with scholarships. That is 100% strike rate! Very impressive performance, ssonesh. Congrats!

Thanks Naren! But it's not 100%. I had applied to ISB too but got dinged without interview because of poor mentorship. I only realized how stupid my ISB essay was after I changed my consultant. Glad I took the decision of changing my consultant midway.

Posted from my mobile device

ssonesh

Is there a separate video/skype interview apart from Kira video assessment?
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Yes. Kira video assessment is compulsory for all applicants while the personal interview is upon invitation if the candidate is shortlisted.