Relief

"Umm... Yeah... Umm... We kinda lost your application there, umm... Yeah..."

This was one of the many thoughts that was going through my mind the last couple days in regards to not hearing back from Wharton for an interview. I also spent a lot of time doubting myself, thinking that perhaps I really didn't do a significantly better app this year and, even though I got an interview last year, since I didn't do anything better this time around adcom would just save themselves the trouble and ding me now. Well, much to my relief this is not the case. I finally got my interview!! Now, that doesn't mean my app is actually better this year, but let's just assume so for now ;-). I've decided on an alumni interview this time. I think I can increase the likelihood of a good interview by making sure it is with someone who actually works in a field related to my own. Really, it doesn't guarantee anything great, but it means I need to spend less time explaining my job and less time convincing them of how difficult it is. And there'll be natural work-related topics for conversation. I'll also make sure the alum is young, further increasing the chances of developing a good rapport with him/her. And with any luck, my strategy will work and I'll get in. We'll just have to see...