Post- Cambridge Interview

The interview went very well. I am TOTALLY excited and I have a feeling I am going to get accepted. Of course, I have been waitlisted, but I remain hopeful.

The day started with all the MBA hopeful's in a lecture hall where Arnoud de Mayer, the Dean of the Judge Business School, introduced himself and several members of the administration. Each gave a very insightful presentation about Judge, Cambridge and the programme at large. I have to say, I am VERY VERY excited about the possibility of joining some of the greatest business minds of our time at arguably greatest school in the world.

Throughout the day we meant and talked at length with several faculty members and also sat in on a seminar by Sir Adrian Cadbury-- yes THAT Cadbury. It was very interesting, unfortunately I had to leave early for my actual one-on-one interview. Well, more like two-on-one as I had two interviewers. I will grossly misspell their last names but Chandar and Stelios (first names) were very interesting and kind and put me at ease (the nerves were really starting to take over at that point!) I think I rambled a little! :-)

After that we had lunch with current MBA students. I chatted with Terry and David about the programme, what they are hoping to do following graduation and my chances of getting accepted. They both lifted my spirits and said they really thought I'd make it. David was also telling me about this great job opportunity he will start when he finishes his MBA. He will be working with Barclay's bank in some sort of international 3-year program. Sounds fantastic! I told him he would have to come back and recruit me in the fall!

Overall the day was great. I met some very nice people and made quick friends with two other women who were there for interviews. Natalie and Lillian had travelled farther than I had-- China and California respectively. Natalie is French and I think Lillian is Lebanese, but I'm not sure. They were both great to chat with and I hope I see them in September!

As I was leaving for the day I had the song "See you in September" stuck in my head! Let's hope it comes true.

They had told us we would hear back either that night or the next morning so I must have checked email about 30 times before I finally realized no one was left at the admissions office! I did send a thank you to the people who invited me-- like to remind them who I am.

The next morning I had a mad dash to the airport that started with a drive to Cambridge train station- a train to Kings Cross, the tube to Paddington and the Heathrow Express to Heathrow. At Heathrow I couldn't resist the urge to check my email-- even though it was possible I would be late for my plane! I checked and with my stomach in my throat I found out I have been waitlisted. A little dissapointed, but still, it's not a rejection so I still feel like I'm in the running! I'm crossing fingers, praying, chanting, begging and basically doing whatever it takes to appeal to a higher power for acceptance! It just feels RIGHT to be going to Cambridge. Let's hope my intuition isn't off!

Yesterday, first day back at work, I made sure to email the Deputy Director of the MBA (whom I had met during the interview day) and thanked him for the opportunity to meet with him and his team. On Monday he had mentioned wanting to talk to me but was then pulled in the opposite direction. I suggested in my email that if he had any further questions to feel free to contact me. When he replied today he said he was in China and would get back to me next week-- here's hoping!

My parents, who are arguable the most supportive people I know (occupational hazzard I guess!) are trying to prepare me in case I don't get in-- they totally believe in me but they don't want me to be upset, which I understand. But I have this feeling that I WILL be accepted. I really want it- of course that doesn't make everything happen but I have a good feeling about this. Again, I hope my intuition isn't wrong!