Calling all Cornell NYC-Tech MBA Applicants(2018 Intake) Class of 2019

Admitted on: 2017/11/20
GMAT: 750, Q49, V42
GPA: 3.3
WE: 40 months
Location: United Arab Emirates
Heard back via: Email

What to expect before and during your interview:

Know that it's only 1 interview this year. In previous years there was a phone interview first, then an on-site interview. But the phone screen has been done away with.

You should expect to get a "case", which is more like a business scenario for which you have to give a recommendation on what course of action to take. This will come via email about 24 hours before your interview. You'll have to prepare a 5-minute presentation and give your reasoning and recommendations regarding the case as the first part of your interview.

The case is pretty ambiguous by design. It's a test of your logical reasoning and analytical abilities. Just make sure you back up your decisions or recommendations with solid logic or objective evidence. It's totally okay to invoke outside statistics, market research, or other evidence that you found while analyzing the scenario given in the case. The key here is to not make blanket statements or sweeping generalizations. Remember GMAT critical reasoning while preparing your presentation, and don't make false assumptions or improperly draw conclusions. If you make logical inferences and draw conclusions based on the evidence you present, you'll do just fine.

You won't be able to use a computer or white board but you can bring paper-based visual aides (just make sure you bring multiple copies).

The case portion is only 5 minutes long so pay close attention to timing. It goes by quickly and you'll want to make sure you get to say everything you intended to regarding the case. Definitely practice your timing before you arrive for the interview. After the presentation, you'll get a few follow up questions on the case.

After that, the interview is pretty standard. Be prepared to walk through your resume, answer a standard behavioral question or two, talk about your goals, explain why Cornell Tech, and then at the end, to ask your interviewer a few questions of your own.

The last part I actually think is the most important. The questions you ask really show your level of interest and fit with the program. Cornell Tech is so radically different from other MBA programs and there's so many exciting new things on the horizon, such as the Roosevelt Island campus, that there should be plenty of good questions to ask.

Since this isn't your traditional b-school program, I've been asked in the past what to wear. I had the same question myself when I interviewed, but I went with a casual suit and NO tie. I'm sure you could get away with something more casual, as I was still the most dressed up person at Cornell Tech that day (it's a very startup company like atmosphere), but I felt like it struck the right tone. That said, I would've felt ridiculous in a tie.

In general, it's really important to just relax and get in a good groove with your interviewer. This will help your case presentation flow naturally and your answers to other interview questions come off in a genuine light. Everything, in general, is really conversational and it's definitely not a high pressure atmosphere! The admissions staff is really warm and friendly and that definitely helps you to get comfortable.

Lastly, be sure to arrive a little earlier than you normally would, since you'll have to check-in with Google security in the lobby. There's also two entrances to the building (left and right if facing the building from 8th avenue). I went in the left entrance, which unbeknownst to me is just for Google employees, and had to walk back out and go to the entrance on the right-hand side, which took an extra 5 minutes or so just to get to the security desk.

Good luck to everyone with upcoming interviews! Feel free to DM me if you have any questions.