Updates from the Wharton Innovation Group

MBA Admissions Blog — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 18:42:00 GMT

Greetings All,

Two years ago, Dean Robertson asked me to create an innovation group at Wharton with the goal of identifying and developing opportunities to substantially improve business education. At the Wharton School, we take great pride in our innovative learning environment and forward-thinking culture. In keeping with this spirit, we would like to share a few updates for the 2012-2013 academic year that will impact and benefit potential students interested in joining the Wharton community.

First, in collaboration with the Office of MBA Admissions, we are excited to be rolling out a new evaluation model, the team-based discussion, for the upcoming application cycle.

This new component was piloted with both current Wharton students as well as with prospective students during the 2012 Round 3 interview process. After thoughtful discussion and positive feedback, we are excited to officially launch this evaluation method during the upcoming application cycle. The team-based discussion will allow candidates the opportunity to interact with fellow applicants through discourse involving real-world business scenarios, which will highlight how they approach and analyze specific situations. Our hope is that this will give applicants a glimpse into Wharton’s group learning dynamic – which is central to our program. We believe that this type of assessment also serves as a tool to take prospective students ‘off the page’ and allows us to see firsthand the ways in which they can contribute to our community of diverse learners and leaders.

As we continue to roll out information regarding the team-based discussion process, please check the Office of MBA Admissions website for further details and updates.

In addition, propelled by strong interest from our student body, the Wharton MBA will be piloting a Semester in San Francisco, which will provide the opportunity for a select group of 2nd year students to spend their fall term at our Wharton San Francisco campus. We are also excited to announce new Lifelong Learning initiatives that will provide a rich array of resources and learning opportunities for alumni of all of Wharton’s degree programs.

Changes in the business school environment, whether internal or external, are key factors that drive innovation. We look forward to your participation in the innovative programs and processes on the horizon.

Sincerely,

Karl T. Ulrich

Vice Dean, Innovation

Tips on the Wharton MBA Admissions Interview

MBA Admissions Blog — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:33:00 GMT

Invited to an interview? Here are some tips directly from the Admissions Committee to to help prepare you…

PURPOSE

Interviews provide additional information about your candidacy that is included in the final reviews of your application. As such interviews, are not the decisive factor in your admissions decision. In most cases, interviews are fairly consistent with the application. At Wharton, the person who interviews you will not have read your application. Remember to bring a copy of your resume to the interview.

STRUCTURE

Interviews are blind, which reduces bias as your interviewer will have no preconceived ideas of your ability or personality based on your written application.

Interviews may include behavioral questions. Questions may center on specific examples or detailed descriptions of events, projects or experience that demonstrate how situations you’ve faced in the past have been handled and what you learned from them. Behavioral interviewing assumes that past performance predicts future behavior.

No advance preparation is required. Questions are straightforward and cover topics such as why you seek an MBA, why you feel you are a good fit for Wharton (vice versa), what your career goals are, how you spend your spare time, what you value, about what you are passionate, etc. You will not be asked analyze a case study or demonstrate your mastery of particular subjects.

All interviews carry equal weight. There is no advantage to interviewing on-campus or with an admissions staff member. Arrange the type of interview that is most convenient for you.

GENERAL TIPS

Interviews are dialogues or exchange between two people. Steer away from pre-rehearsed speech and over reliance on your résumé. We are interested in getting to know you as an individual, so follow the cues of the interviewer.

The exact length of the interview does not indicate how well the interview went. While we schedule 30 minute interviews, they may vary a bit. Deviations from the schedule are random and unrelated to the candidate.

Do not expect the interviewer to give you feedback – literally or figuratively. Be careful to avoid any interpretation of verbal or non-verbal communication, as both may mislead you.

Interviews are not a popularity contest. The interviewer is assessing your fit for the Wharton MBA program, not whether or not the two of you would make good or best friends.

The key is to relax, be genuine, and enjoy the opportunity for us to get to know one another.

MBA ADMISSIONS BLOG : Interview

Updates from the Wharton Innovation Group

Tips on the Wharton MBA Admissions Interview