There’s tons of advice out there on how to interview for business school, but what about the group interview?
Before you think that you won’t have to do a group interview, you should know that if you show up for any kind of group tour or super day, you’re actually doing a group interview. That’s right, schools gather multiple applicants together intentionally so they can observe how you interact with others and handle yourself in a dynamic group environment.
While you might interview one-on-one with a current student or someone from the admissions committee, essentially the rest of the day is a group interview. Notice how most organized visits include multiple applicants who tour together, eat lunch together and visit classes together. Typically, schools have assigned ambassadors or admissions fellows to host visitors in small groups, usually second year students who take you around and answer questions.
Don’t be fooled into thinking your every move isn’t being analyzed.
After your visit, not only will the feedback from your interview be recorded and considered by the admissions committee, but also your hosts will be asked to submit feedback, which in turn will also be considered. Business schools know they have a highly talented student body, so the good schools will leverage this talent to help them decide who should be getting in.
The opinion of current students is often just as highly regarded as that of the paid admissions committee. Think about it, who knows better the kind of person who would fit in well with the school than those currently experiencing it. Schools are not top in their category for no reason. They are a top business school because they know how to woo the top talent, both in the student body and in the faculty ranks.
Professors will have opportunities to give their feedback of the applicants who visit their classrooms.
Make sure you pay attention in your class visit, but don’t speak out in class unless you are specifically asked to do so. Your student host will be evaluating how well you pay attention as well as how you are treating your fellow applicant group as well as the current students. Make sure to appear interested and actively listening. Don’t feel the pressure to take notes or answer questions, however, lest you be perceived as trying too hard.
For schools with actual group interviews, where three or more applicants retreat in to a room and are asked questions or required to participate in some kind of organized activity or problem solving exercise, know that how you handle yourself will be evaluated just as closely as what you say. Group interviews are not necessarily designed to pull out your best thinking, but rather to put you in situations where you must rely on your fellow interviewees to work together and/or handle difficult or stressful situations or discussions. It’s a fine line, but make sure you can walk yourself through participating actively without railroading or running over your fellow participants in the process. Using the “yes, and…” approach will help. Feel free to disagree, but do so with respect and consideration. If you keep these tips top of mind, you will come across as a team player, which is highly valued in business school.
For information on how we can guide your business school application process, email us at mba@amerasiaconsulting.com or go to http://www.amerasiaconsulting.com/contact