Interview.

Question

Paul,

How important is an interview? I read a lot of posts that they're dinged after interviews. 
Does the interview decide an application status? I though that essays contribute more than haft? The importance of an Interview is driven by nationality? 

Thanks

PaulBodine · Answer

GMATcram,

The interview is a major datapoint, like essays, work experience, numbers, and reco letters. No element in the application weighs more than 50% in the adcoms' decision. Regarding nationality, the interview is more important for applicants whose native language is not English because it enables schools to gauge your English skills. A great interview can sometimes compensate for weaknesses elsewhere. A bad interview can sometimes spoil the good impression made elsewhere. It's a way for schools to determine whether the person in the application is who the same as the person sitting in front of them.

Dilshod · Answer

But what about telephone interviews? 
How can adcom determine, whather the applicant himself is being interviewed?

BTW, i got an invitation for the interview after my apps. initial screening hence, do you have any ideas on-
- What percent of interviewed applicants gets admitted?
- Does the fact that i've been invited for an interview AFTER they looked thru my apps somehow strenghten my chances?

Forgot to tell, I'm applying to BYU, marriott MBA program.

thank you,

PaulBodine · Answer

Dilshod,

Not sure why you ask your question about adcoms determining whether it's really you during the phone interview. Obviously, having someone do it for you would be a monumentally stupid act.

The percentage of interviewed applicants who are ultimately admitted varies considerably from school to school, but generally speaking it is a good sign if you are invited after your application has been reviewed. For some schools the odds of admission rise to 50% or higher for interviewed applicants, but again this varies school by school and I have no data on that for BYU.

Dilshod · Answer

Thanks. 
You wrote that adcom may view interview as a way of determining whether it was the same guy/gal who filled the apps.. And I just wondered, how can the adcom, using phone interview, do so.

Thank you again, you doing great job.

PaulBodine · Answer

By "same guy who submitted the app" I wasn't referring to two different people. I was talking about situations where an applicant has written essays that don't really capture who he is, i.e., through exaggeration or excessive self-marketing.

Interview.

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