Wharton Interview Type

[reed.parker]

I was recently invited to interview with Wharton. I did all my applications R2 and the only other interview I have had is Kellogg where they assign you to an alum. Wharton gives the choice of either an on-campus interview, alumni interview or HUB interview with a member of the admissions comm.

Wharton says it treats all interviews equally, however I was wondering what the consesus on the board is regarding what type of interview is best. I really like Wharton and want to do what is best for my candidacy.

Thanks in advance

[MBAApply]

The Wharton view isn't a make-or-break, so when it comes down to it, choose the one that you are most comfortable with.

Adcom interviews (on-campus or HUB) tend to be the most formal. The Wharton adcoms are friendly and cordial, but it certainly feels more like a traditional question-and-answer interview. And since it's more formal, they try to stick to 30 minutes. The venue (an office or business center in a hotel or conference center) certainly adds to that feel of formality.

Alumni interviews tend to be more informal. It is less question-and-answer, and more like a conversation. They will certainly ask questions, but it will feel more like a "getting to know you" conversation that you'd have with an acquaintance than an "interview". The venue varies - sometimes at the alum's office, other times at a coffee shop, or even sometimes at an alum's home. Also, the agenda isn't quite as strict - like any conversation, it can go waayyyy off track into various tangents.

There are pros and cons to both. Adcom interviews are safer, but also can be more sterile because they are more formal and structured. Chemistry between interviewer and interviewee becomes a bigger factor in alumni interviews given the looser and more conversational vibe -- as such, if you connect well with the alum it can be great, but if you mix like oil and water it can also feel like a loooooong conversation. Also, alums can sometimes get chatty, where the interview becomes more about "them" than "you" which isn't good for you either (but they may still give you a glowing review anyhow, depending on the alum).

So it's really up to you. If you're really unsure about the alums, then choose the safer option with the adcom (HUB or on-campus; it doesn't matter).