MBA Interview Details

E-mail Address:	Anonymous
Age:	25-29
Gender:	Female
Ethnic Background:	Hispanic
Intended Area of Study:	Real-Estate
Name of School:	NYU Stern
Interview Date:	3/2009
Type of Program:	MBA
Part Time Program Type:	Full Time
Were you given options as to the date of the interview?:	No - I interviewed on Stern's Perspective Diversity Weekend. Had I been unable to attend I would have had an option to schedule another interview date.
Could you choose the interview's location?:	No - I live in NYC so I interviewed on campus.
How many interviews were scheduled?:	1
How many interviewed you?:	1
How long were the interviews?:	30 min
Who were the interviewers?:	Alumni
What was the most difficult question?:	Given today's economy, what is your Plan B if you can't get the summer internship or job that you are interested in? Even though I was prepared to answer this question, my interviewer mentioned that a lot of prospective MBA students are so locked into their plan that it's almost like tunnel vision and they haven't giving much thought to a back-up plan.
What was the most interesting question?:	Aside from your work experience and accomplishments, what do you bring to the classroom? This question was asking for your strengths and good qualities. Instead of listing words like "team player" I was a little more specific stating that I came from a diverse background (architecture) could offer a different perspective in a sea of bankers. I am a creative thinker/problem solver...etc. He was very happy with my answer.
Any other questions you remember?:	Why an MBA? Why Stern? What are your short term and long term goals? Give me an example of when you displayed leadership at your current job. What other schools did you apply to? How do you think the new administration (Obama) will affect the practice of sustainable design and what are your feelings on this? (I work for a sustainable/green company) Do you have any questions for me?
Did you feel prepared?:	Yes - Overall it was a pretty relaxed interview. My interviewer made it clear that he was a liad back guy and wanted to conduct the interview in a conversation-like manner. He was clearly not trying to stump me with difficult or unexpected questions. He was very familiar with my application, work experience and essays so he did not have to ask me about my resume. NYU also did a good job of matching me with an alumni who had a lot in common with me. I am an architect in the healthcare industry and my interviwer was, previously before his MBA, a mechanical engineer in the healthcare industry. So he understood everything I spoke about in regards to my work experience.
How did you prepare?:	I had a few fellow MBA applicants mock interview me. I downloaded a lot of questions from Accepted.com and prepared answers for all the ones I was unsure about. Having filled out 5 applications last fall and winter also made me feel very confident about my story, goals, strenghts etc.
Did you receive any feedback at the end?:	Yes - My interviewer expressed to me that he was impressed by my answers and my commitment to learning about Stern and having a good answer to the question "why Stern?". At the end we talked about his experience at Stern, post MBA and even his experience as a new father. He was very friendly. I was told that I would hear a decision within 2-3 weeks.
What was your opinion of the Faculty?:	I have attended about two or three mock classes (as part of the perspective activities) and found all the professors very engaging and dynamic. The classes have had a high level of student participation and the professors themselves a great sense of humor. Overall I was very impressed.
What was your opinion of the Alumni?:	Alumni have had nothing to say but nice things about Stern. They are still very active with Stern and regularly attend MBA events. I thought this was a good sign.
What was your opinion of the Students?:	the students again, mirrors what I said about the alumni. Very engaged and helpful. Several students emailed me to see if I had any questions and put me in touch with students in the Real Estate program. I think Stern was the only school where I handed out business cards to current students and they actually wrote me before I had a chance to reach out to them.
What was your opinion of the Office Personnel?:	The admissions team were very friendly. A few of them remembered my name, which was very thoughtful. I noticed during some of the prospective students events that some of them carried around notepads and wrote things down from time to time, so even though it seems like they all want you to come to Stern, they are actually observing everyone closely. So make sure you are very social and speak up when you get the chance.
Did you receive a tour?:	No - I am very familiar with the facilities.
What was most impressive?:	The downtown location is ideal.
What was least impressive?:	The new renovation taking place currently is only for the undergrad portion of the b-school.
Did anything change your opinion of the school? :	No - I attended an event back in October, Stern's Diversity Weekend, which was very enjoyable so I already liked Stern as a school going into the interview. I did, however appreciate the fact that the interview (or rather my interviewer) was very laid back and made a typically stressful activity very relaxing.
Was there something you wish you had known ahead of time?:	Yes - Who my interviewer was and that we had so much in common (both Hispanic, both from a skilled trade background in the same industry) I would have probably not been so nervous the night before.
Suggestions for travel to the school?:	It is very easy to get to via subway.
What other advice can you offer future interviewees?:	Number one thing is to be yourself. Don't panic if you don't have the answer right away. It's ok to pause for a moment before answring the question, it doesn't mean you are not prepared, it means your answer will be better articulated. Lastly, let the interviewer do as much talking as they like. If you are lucky you will get someone who likes to talk about their life, experience, the school etc. Listen intently then ask them a question based on what they said so they know you are listening.