AVM

11-16-2001, 03:44 AM

"Since the time has come for an interview - can you provide info about the etiquette for such events, i.e. should I pay for the dinner if we meet at the restaurant, should I wear a suit etc."

-If you meet for meal, which rarely happens, you will not be expected to pay. If you offer to pay, or are insistent on paying, this could look like a bribe. The only time you will have an interview over a meal would be with an alumni interviewer - and alumni interviews are generally much more informal than staff interviews. You should wear a suit to any interview for business school - there are no excepetions.

"Any particular insights about interview process at HBS and Wharton? "

These programs are quite different. Harvard accepts a small percentage of candidates outright (without an interview) and then meets with about 20%-30% of the applicant pool for evaluative interviews. Of that group about half will be offered positions in the class. Generally speaking, the Harvard admissions committee conducts the interviews with candidates.

Wharton interviews the top 40% of the pool and only offers places in the class to those candidates they have interviewed (unless a candidate cannot make an interview for unique reasons). Wharton interviews are performed by students on campus and by either admissions staff or alumni off campus. The admissions committee does a fair amount of outreach to candidates (offering interview slots in London, Tokyo etc.)

In either case, the interview at both schools will require you to discuss your resume, career goals and desire to attend the program. It is helpful to practice interviewing before hand - most people cannot articulate the contents of their essays when placed in on the spot.

Best of luck in the admissions process. Feel free to visit www.clearadmit.com for more information about our mock interviewing services.

-Graham

graham@clearadmit.com