What is Yale SOM looking for in the new pre-interview assignment?
This year the Yale SOM application includes two new elements. Firstly, after the application is submitted, candidates are required to answer three video questions in real-time answers. Secondly, candidates who are invited to the Yale SOM interview are asked to submit a quote of their own in advance to discuss in further detail at the interview. Let’s look at the latter.
First, please consider this quote from Dean Kerwin Charles, “Preeminent universities disseminate and produce new knowledge, and some of the best ideas are ripe for revising. However, this demands different perspectives, genders, backgrounds, races, orientations, and points of view.”
Second, we ask that you submit a quote that has special meaning or resonates with you. Please submit no later than 48 hours prior to your interview day (or as soon as possible if your interview is in less than two days).
According to a recent Poets&Quants article, there are several dynamics at play with Yale’s SOM pre-interview assignment:
This quote from Dean Charles highlights Yale’s SOM commitment to diversity in an intellectual and academic context.
It shows that Yale SOM is welcoming people who are open-minded and willing to challenge long-held ideas.
This is a special opportunity for deliberate thinkers and candidates who draw confidence from being prepared to succeed.
Yale SOM is framing the interview as an equal exchange of ideas by asking candidates to bring their own quote.
So, according to Poets&Quants what does Yale SOM want to see?
The quote exchange will only last a few minutes. Therefore, don't forget to prepare the other more important questions and topics too (such as key professional achievements, important personal decisions and possible futures).
Think about where you stand with Dean Charles’ claim and why. Charles is not only talking about diverse perspectives, but he is also talking about the role universities play in creating knowledge and how ideas are evaluated and revised.
Choose one specific situation. Has someone with a different perspective challenged or changed your thinking? Or have you been the challenger, helping someone improve their perspective on the world?
This assignment helps Yale SOM see how you reason, listen and persuade people. When preparing how to support your claims, keep in mind to strike the right tone.