Inside the Admissions Interview

At SOM we think of interviews as an opportunity to learn more about a candidate, beyond what’s listed in their application. It’s also a great chance for candidates to speak with a member of the SOM community and learn more about the program.

In terms of timing, interview invitations are sent throughout the admissions round. Our goal is to interview 30-40% of our applicant pool. While some candidates may hear from us shortly after submitting their applications, the majority of invitations are extended in the middle to end of the round. Because we review applications in random order, the timing of an interview invitation is not a reflection of the overall strength of a candidate’s application.

Most of our interviews are conducted by second-year students who have gone through a rigorous training process; however, some are conducted by admissions staff, alumni, and other members of the SOM community.

What can you expect in an SOM interview? Some of our second-year student interviewers share tips and give you the inside scoop on the process.

Devon Smith '10

I’m hoping to be a candidate’s advocate to the admissions committee. So I’m looking for stories that demonstrate their leadership skills, their experience working within a team, and their approach to solving complex issues. I take notice when a candidate seems at ease during the interview, and also passionate about their future goals.

Igor Khayet '10

Business school is a huge investment in time and money. Make sure you have thought through your goals after graduation and why an MBA from the Yale School of Management will help you achieve these goals. Finally, don't assume that the admissions committee is looking for a specific candidate. You have been chosen for an interview for a reason and it will serve you well to present yourself authentically to the interviewer.

Edwin Lee '10

Mostly, I look for fit with the school's mission. Everyone here, whether faculty, staff, or students, believes in the mission, "educating leaders for business and society." So I look for candidates who have thought deeply about how their work affects society as a whole. That doesn't have to be in the nonprofit sector or volunteer activities outside work. In fact, I often see candidates who "oversell" their volunteer work. Business contributes tremendously to society — the important thing is that the candidate embodies contribution to the greater good in his/her daily life.

Sarah Smith '10

I have the most fun interviewing when I get to talk with someone who is really passionate about what they do and where they are going. I love it when candidates light up when talking about a project they have worked on, or an idea that they have for launching a business after business school.



Admissions Office
Yale School of Management
135 Prospect Street
Box 208200
New Haven, CT 06520-8200
203.432.5635, Admissions Office
203.432.6380, Visitor Center
fax 203.432.7004
mba.admissions@yale.edu