How to ace the Wharton Group interview phase of the admissions process?
While the format for the Wharton interview group sets apart from all the other MBA interviews, the basics remain the same and what is demanded of the applicants remain tough and precise!
1) Applicants must show to the admissions committee that they are a team player first and foremost! They must show that they have the ability to come up with productive and innovative ideas, all while showing respect to others and while helping to elevate the dialogue and results for all the team.
2) Applicants must also show that they have the ability to listen, and listen carefully! It is critical to look like you are not dominating this interview. Instead, applicants must act like they are engaged in a conversation. If the applicant talks more than anyone else in the group, they might come off as arrogant and selfish, which is exactly what the admission committee is looking to eliminate from the set number of applicants to be admitted they have.
3) Applicants should never try and attack other applicants, sabotage them or make they look and feel bad in front of the admission committee. No matter how much you disagree with their point of view, it is critical to respect it and to also disagree with it respectfully all while citing the reason why you disagree with said opinion or statement.
4) Always avoid sounding like you are the smartest applicant in the group! While it is important to try and set yourself apart from the other applicants trying to get admitted too, it is preferable to do it in a less noticeable manner!
5) Have Fun! People do not want to work with or talk to someone that is tense and grip all of the time! It is important to look and feel approachable, and to most of all try and engage in conversations with your teammates to get to know them better.
6) Do not try and control everything! It is important to always be flexible even during tense and critical situations. Group situations can be extremely sticky and tricky, and if the applicant don’t get along with the group they are working with, it is important to try and not panic about it. The ultimate goal from the interview is to look articulate, active and demonstrate your ability and willingness to positively interact in a group setting.