Leah Derus, Author at mbaSTORY.builders

MBA Application Process Primer.

The MBA application. Quantitative variables.

QUICK LINKS

MBA admissions process. Stakeholders.
The MBA application. Quantitative variables.
The MBA application. Qualitative variables.

I Who are the stakeholders in the MBA admissions process?
II Quantitative variables in your MBA application
III Qualitative variable in your MBA application

The goal of this article is to help you better understand how admissions committee officers evaluate an MBA application so that you can put your best foot forward in submitting you own. I'll cover some background information on who the various stakeholders are in the selection process and then discuss how schools focus on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of an MBA applicant's story.

The MBA admissions process. Stakeholders.

Understanding who the stakeholders are in the MBA admissions process will give you a better sense of how to craft your application to meet their expectations.

Admissions Officers

A school’s reputation is as good as the track record of the alumni it produces. Admissions officers are passionate about their school and responsible for ensuring its continued good reputation. They carry out their mission by selecting a qualified and diverse entering class of MBAs each year. They look for candidates from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds while trying to create balance in terms of the post-MBA goals of their incoming class.

Oftentimes MBA admissions officers have spent their careers in education rather than the corporate world. They are experts in their field but not necessarily in yours. That’s something to keep in mind because you don’t want to assume that the admissions committee member has a deep knowledge of your industry and role. Make sure that your short answers, essays, resume and recommendations convey information in easily understandable terms.

For example, if you’re an Analyst in investment banking at Goldman Sachs, being in one product group over another might be more prestigious - but it would be unwise to assume the admissions committee is familiar with all the intricacies of the hierarchy at your bank. If the role you landed was harder than another you should make mention of how selective entry into your practice group is.

A fundamental issue that admissions officers face is the sheer volume of applications vis a vis the number of places available in their programs. The fact is that only a minority of applicants are under-qualified in terms of the quantifiable application metrics (such as GMAT, GPA, years of work experience). Imagine you’re in the place of an admissions officer. How are you going to differentiate between candidates who, at first glance, seem equally qualified?

Professors & Students

For the most part professors are interested in research, PhD students who help them with research and Masters students on track to become PhD students (who will eventually help them with research). Tenured professors teach most MBA courses and want to work with students who are able to follow along with the academic material presented. Likewise fellow classmates don’t want to be held up in class by a minority of students that are struggling academically. That’s why the admissions committee adheres to certain standards to ensure that students are at or above baseline.

Alumni

Alumni are concerned with professional potential and leadership potential. They’d like future alumni of their alma matter to reflect favorably on the school (and by extension on them). If you’re investing time and money in attending a well-regarded program, you would hope that the reputation and brand value of your degree endures thanks to the continued quality of the MBA classes that follow yours.

Recruiters

Recruiters invest time and money in recruiting at top MBA programs. They host lunchtime presentations and evening mixers in order to identify the best and the brightest candidates. They also spend money directly with the school by purchasing resume books each year and sponsoring scholarships and internships and sometimes making donations to the schools they frequent. The admissions committee must take the desires and needs of the companies that hire MBAs into consideration when selecting an incoming class. In large part, the trend to admit younger candidates in the last five years has been recruiter-driven.

The MBA application. Quantitative variables.

When the MBA admissions committee receives your application, the first data points they'll look at are the quantitative ones. Your application must meet the school's minimum criteria (in terms of GPA and GMAT) in order to progress to a more thorough reading. That fact seems clear when you take a close look at the average and range of GMAT and GPA scores of admitted students. In this section we'll look at how the admissions committee will be evaluating and interpreting your applications data points.

GPA

GPA provides admissions committee insight into your academic track record and potential. A lot of times candidates ask, ‘What’s a competitive GPA for School X?’

Looking at the list most people would assume that since a 3.5 GPA is average, that’s what it ‘takes’ to get into one of these schools. In reality there are a number of factors that are taken into consideration when evaluating a candidate’s GPA. Because schools must read through thousands of applications, it’s in your best interest to point out any circumstantial information or upward GPA trends in the additional information section of the MBA applications. Remember, if GPA is below the school’s average, you shouldn’t automatically assume that you’re not competitive at that program!

University Rigor Not all GPAs are created equal. Generally, if a candidate attended a top ranked university, their GPA will be viewed more favorably than a candidate who attended a much lower ranked university. Grading scale and grading inflation are also taken into account. Admissions committees are fully aware that MIT has a 5 point GPA scale and that Harvard is notorious for grade inflation (the average GPA is a 3.5). If you attended university outside the US, rest assured that the admissions committee is familiar with how difficult it is to enter your university as well as its grading scale. Admissions Committees will look at class rank as a guideline when applicants are able to provide it.

Major Rigor How challenging was your major at university? Perhaps 50% of students received a 3.3 GPA or better in the Communications department while only 10% of students received a 3.3 GPA or better in the Physics department. Admissions committees might consider this fact but that's not to say that being a physics major always trumps being a communications major - the admissions committee wants to admit students from STEM, the social sciences and the humanities.

Coursework Rigor If you took courses at university that were particularly challenging you may want to point that out to the admissions committee in the additional information section. This can be particularly useful if you didn’t do as well in the quantitative section of the GMAT as you expected to.

Circumstances Admissions committees will temper their evaluation of your GPA with circumstantial information. Examples include working to support yourself financially throughout college, beginning a family at a young age, suffering from a major health issue etc. To a lesser extent, a great deal of community involvement or participation in an extracurricular activity at an exceptional level (such as qualifying for the Olympics) could work to temper a lower than average GPA.

Trend Many times candidates regret not performing as well as they could have during their first year at university. A cumulative GPA can be damaged because of one or two bad semesters. The admissions committee is forgiving and will look at your transcripts to see if there is an upward trend in your GPA from your first semester of university to the last.

GMAT

You might assume that you need a minimum of a 700-730 to be competitive at these schools. The reality is that schools accept a range of scores. If you're a strong candidate with a good written application, the admissions committee will be more inclined to consider interviewing you even if your GMAT is below their average.

A lot of times candidates think that every 10 point increase in a GMAT score translates into a significantly better probability that they'll be interviewed at a particular program. That's not true. If your GMAT score equals the school's average GMAT score, sitting the exam again and again to get a few extra points won't impact your candidacy in any significant way.

To better understand how schools view the GMAT, imagine that you’re going to run a marathon. To do that reasonably well you need to be dressed appropriately. You might show up wearing running shorts and a t-shirt…I might wear leggings and a tank top. We’re both correctly dressed for the activity at hand, but our choice of clothing doesn’t correlate with our individual outcomes. In other words, in order for the admissions committee to consider my application I need to meet the minimum GMAT score requirement (let’s say the school's average is 720 and I have a 710). You’ve also met that minimum requirement with your score of 780 but that doesn’t mean you’ll be interviewed and I won’t. We're on an equal playing field. Once the minimum criteria are met the admissions committee begins taking a qualitative look at our applications.

Quant and Verbal GMAT Scores: Beyond your overall score, the admissions committee will look at how a candidate did on the quantitative and verbal sections of the GMAT and consider how those scores relate to your GPA. If you were a math major in college and got a 99% on the quant section and a 40% on the verbal section, the admissions committee might wonder how strong your qualitative reasoning or written communication skills are and vice versa if you were a literature major at university. Most schools want to see people at the 68th percentile level in quant which is a 47 or 48 raw score.

GRE

99% of MBA programs accept the GRE in lieu of the GMAT . The GRE can be a good alternative to the GMAT when you’re scoring below a school’s posted average. That’s because the average GRE score doesn’t affect a school’s rankings and by extension, in admitting you, its average GMAT remains unaffected.

That said, if you can submit the GMAT then I’d suggest you do so. It’s like going to a pot-luck dinner. Everyone is expected to show up with a dish to share. When you don’t submit the GMAT you’re not doing ‘your part’ to contribute to the school’s statistics. So do your part if you can but submit the GRE if you really need to.

One advantage of the GMAT is more widely recognized by employers. During your first year of business school you’ll be recruiting for internship opportunities at employers who are familiar with the GMAT. In particular consulting and IB applications will ask for your GMAT. Being able to say (and write on your resume) that you have a 730 GMAT rather than an equivalent GRE can be an advantage in terms of increasing your desirability in the eyes of employers.

Most top 10 MBA programs don't publish GRE data, luckily a few do. It would be reasonable to assume that at top 10 MBA programs (Yale - Harvard) a 162-164 Verbal and Quant score is average. If the school you're interested in doesn't publish average GRE scores, then use the school's average GMAT to benchmark it using this data set.

Professional Qualifications

CFA, CAIA, CPA, PMP, Six Sigma - these qualifications are nice to have (if you already have them) but it isn’t worth pursuing a professional qualification solely for the purpose of applying to business school. The CFA alone takes three years (or more) to complete! Your time may be better spent on other activities at work or outside of work.

Strengthening the quantitative aspects of your application

If you feel that your GMAT, GPA and transcripts don't speak to your quantitative skills then you should take steps to build an 'alternative transcript' to show that you’re serious about improving your skills and demonstrate the school that you have the ability to succeed academically. The best way to do that is by taking a graded course online. I suggest taking a descriptive AND inferential statistics course (if you haven't already done so in undergrad). UC Berkeley offers for-credit online courses.

Harvard CORe Courses will not help your application. While it might be a neat learning experience on a personal level, if you’re only taking Harvard's CORe to bolster your MBA application you should save your money.

The MBA application. Qualitative variables.

Once the admissions officer determines that you meet the school's quantitative expectations their focus turns to the qualitative aspects or 'storyline' in your application. While a lot of candidates spend time fretting over GPA and sitting the GMAT, the qualitative portion of the application is what will make or break your chances of receiving an interview and an admit.

Career Trajectory

Promotions and Increases in Compensation Promotions and increases in compensation are the easiest ways for the admissions committee to ascertain how rapidly you’ve progressed professionally. Progressing at an above average pace early on in your career is a sign that you are an ambitious, high achiever who will continue to excel as an alumnus/a of their MBA program. Admissions committees will look at promotions and compensation together and independently. If you’re title hasn’t changed but your salary has gone up, the admissions committee would view that just as favorably as the inverse situation. If a candidate works for a family business the admissions committee will apply a ‘discount rate’ to their career trajectory based on how strongly they believe that nepotism played a role in the roles and responsibilities a candidate has had access to.

Increases in Responsibility Some people think that career trajectory is reducible to the most recent functional role you’ve held or the amount of money you earn. Depending on your industry/company, with only three years of work experience, you might not be in a position to be promoted because of cultural or corporate norms. If you don’t have any promotions on your resume, it’s important to show progression in other ways. You’ll want to focus in on demonstrating responsibility through projects you’ve worked on or had oversight for. Better yet, you should try to build up a story of increasing responsibility through the bullet points you choose to include in your resume as well as the stories you highlight in your essays. A candidate can show responsibility through project-based leadership and mentorship even if he/she doesn’t have direct oversight for the wider project or any direct reports.

Overall you want to paint a story of making an impact (professionally and through extracurricular activities) rather than just ‘serving time’ as an analyst (or otherwise) for two years. They’re also looking for candidates who demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and take action by looking for opportunities to improve themselves.

Short & Long-term Goals

As discussed earlier, recruiters are one of the many stakeholders in the work the admissions committee does in selecting candidates to admit. Admissions committees look for the majority of their students to align with the types of job offers available during on campus recruiting. While business schools are open to some of their students pursuing entrepreneurship or finding permanent offers off-campus, the schools also want to meet the needs of on-campus recruiters. Admissions officers want to see ambitious but attainable goals from candidates because it signals that the candidate has a good handle on how they might market themselves either vertically (within their current role/industry) or horizontally.

Be aware that MBA program rankings are affected the percentage of students employed immediately and then three months post-MBA. Another reason schools steer clear of candidates with less than realistic short-term goals because those students could endanger the schools statistics, and, by extension, it’s rankings.

Credibility Attainable is the operative word when it comes to crafting short-term goals.

I’m currently a marketing professional at Proctor and Gamble. Post-MBA I’d like to transition to an Associate position at a hedge fund.

The problem with this goal is that at first glance there’s not an obvious relationship between working in the CPG industry and working in a hedge fund. Therefore it seems unattainable to the admissions officer (not just from a logical point of view but probably also based on past cases he's dealt with). Now this candidate may have a very good reason for why working in a hedge fund is in fact an attainable goal - but he’ll need to give a more in-depth explanation of that in his goals essay and short answers.

Lots of MBAs are career switchers but it’s important to show how your short-term goal, builds, in one way or another, on the skills and successes you’ve accumulated to date.

Why an MBA? & Why School X? Aside from what your short term goals are, schools want to know why an MBA is critical to obtaining those goals and how their school can help you in that endeavor. Essentially you need to convince the school that you’ll benefit from the MBA program more than the next candidate. When you’re offered a place in an MBA program it means that 5-9 other people were turned down! Essentially the school is betting on the fact that you’ll get more value out of the MBA than another candidate and that ultimately will you add more value to the school as an alumni then the person who wasn’t offered a place.

Visit the school’s career services website and look at the employment report. It can be extremely useful to have a look at the types of industries MBA students at a particular school come from and also in which industries and at which employers they end up post MBA. That information can help you target the right schools as you develop your application strategy. You may also consider citing the school’s strong track record in placing students in X industry or Y company in your essays or short answers.

Your fit statement with the school shouldn’t be generic. It’s not enough to drop a few catch phrases or reference a few resources you saw on the school’s website. A good litmus test is that if you can replace the name of the school in the passage you’ve written then your school fit statement probably isn’t specific enough to the school or relevant enough to your particular situation and goals.

Visiting the school or reaching out to current students and alumni provides you with anecdotes which will help you craft a believable storyline as to why a particular school is a great fit for you. You’ll draw on specific interactions and conversations you’ve had. Most schools keep class visits open through April. If you’re planning on applying in round 1 (September/October), you’ll want to plan your class visits during the beginning of the year (February - April). Class visits usually open again in early October.

Volunteer & Extracurricular Activities

MBA admissions officers are aware that certain work schedules (70+ hours/week, extensive travel) make doing community service very difficult. They also know that community service isn’t as customary in certain countries. They still value community involvement and leadership outside of work. But leadership or extracurricular activities can take many forms! Ideally you should be able to demonstrate long-term involvement in an activity you’re passionate about. That could mean volunteering with an NGO or professional organization or involvement in a particular sport, hobby or activity. It’s less about what you did and more about the impact you made or the level of passion that you brought to the activity. Activities that you’ve engaged in over a longer period of time are preferable because they show vision and commitment on your part. Travel and commitments to family and friends can also be good fodder for discussing your life outside the office.

Much like a judge sentences a petty criminal to community service, many MBA aspirants feel that the MBA Admissions Committees have essentially sentenced them to community service as well. Well, nothing could be further from the truth.

If you are slogging through your time as a volunteer, you are certainly not helping yourself. Time is not the most important factor in the 'quality' of your community work in the eyes of the MBA Admissions Committees—the impact you have on others is what is crucial and revealing. Indeed, the spirit with which you have executed your time serving your community is what will impress the committees.

by Leah Derus

MBA Reapplicants. Should You Reapply to B-School?

QUICK LINKS

MBA Reapplication.
Troubleshooting your previous MBA application.
What business schools say about MBA reapplicants.

MBA Reapplication.

Last year you applied to business school…but all didn’t go as planned. Perhaps you got into an MBA program but declined the offer. Maybe you’re still on the wait-list at a school you would love to attend…but as time passes, the likelihood of being offered a place is dwindling. Whatever the case, it’s a new application season and you’re looking to make a fresh start.

Getting into a good MBA program is a lot like dating. How many times has this happened to you: You leave a first date thinking ‘Mmmm let’s never do that again…‘ but then, a few days later, you begin saying to yourself, ‘I should really see if X wants to go out next weekend‘. I’m guessing it’s unlikely you’ve ever found yourself in that situation. That’s because first impressions matter. When contemplating a reapplication, it’s important to ascertain what sort of first impression your application might have made on the admissions committee.

The explanation for why a past application didn’t result in admit usually falls predominantly into one of two categories: ‘Weak Points’ or ‘Damaging Information’. Weak points can be addressed in your next application but it’s almost impossible to walk back damaging information. If you’re dealing with addressable weak points it’s usually a green light to reapply. When something ‘damaging’ is identified many times it’s best to move on and target MBA programs that have never received an application from you. Examples of damaging information can range from divulging too much information about one’s personal life, to simply coming off as immature or egocentric. Such was the fate of a former client. In year 1 he applied to MIT Sloan (on his own). Ding without interview. In year 2 I got him in at Harvard (where he had not submitted an app in year 1) but MIT still wouldn’t interview the guy in year two.

Unfortunately these people are in a catch-22 situation (no egomaniac thinks he is one) so for all intents and purposes everyone is going to assume that their application was merely weak, and not damaging. So let’s turn our focus to areas of weakness.

Troubleshooting your previous MBA application. Weak Points.

Weak points are objective areas of your application that you could improve upon. The most common areas of weakness include:

Problem: Spotty academic performance. Remedy: Show better academic potential by increasing your GMAT score, getting an A in a master’s-level course
Problem: Work experience that doesn’t stand out. Remedy: Use the time between your first and second application to demonstrate professional advancement. Take on more responsibility at work (i.e. volunteer for special projects or to help out in other teams/departments), get a promotion, change employers (only if you plan to remain in the position for 24 months).
Problem: Unrealistic professional goals or goals that weren’t specific enough. Remedy: Re-evaluate the professional goals you presented to the admissions committee and possibly adjusting course.
Problem: Shoddy recommendations. Remedy: Analyze whether other recommenders might be more effective communicators or be in a better position to speak to your most recent achievements

What business schools say about MBA reapplicants.

Reapplications make up 10% of Booth’s applicant pool in any given year. Reapplicants must demonstrate through their essays, career growth, and/or academic preparation that they are now a stronger candidate who will add to the Booth community.
– Booth Adcom

If a student applied in a previous year, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. We love that you love Tuck and want to attend. Each year, we offer admission to some reapplicants who present a great case for why them and why Tuck.
– Tuck Adcom

INSEAD is blunt:

We are expecting a significant change in the applicant’s profile. Perhaps it is a promotion, international assignment or change in job. An improved GMAT score is not sufficient however.
– INSEAD Adcom

by Leah Derus

2022-23 Berkeley Haas MBA Interview Questions & Guide.

QUICK LINKS

Berkeley Haas MBA Interview Overview.
Mock MBA Interview Service.
Examples of Berkeley Haas MBA Interview Questions.

Berkeley Haas MBA Interview Overview.

Each year the Berkeley Haas admissions committee invites a limited number of applicants to interview for its MBA program. Top MBA programs like Berkeley Haas generally interview 2-3 applicants for every available place in their upcoming MBA class. While an invite is sign that you’re in the running for an admit, you’re also now part of a highly competitive subset of the overall applicant pool. You can prepare for your interview with the help of this guide and, optionally, the Mock Interview Service.

Tip: Wondering if interview invites have already gone out? Check out MBA LiveWire for real-time updates.

Interviews conducted by students and alumni.

During the 2022-23 MBA application season, live Berkeley Haas MBA interviews are led by students and alumni of the MBA program.

Resume-based Interviews.

The Berkeley Haas MBA program conducts resume-based interviews. A resume-based MBA interview is one in which the interviewer has read your resume but has not read the the rest of your MBA application (recommendations, essays, short answers etc.).

If your MBA interview is in-person, we suggest bringing a paper copy of your resume to the interview location as a courtesy to the interviewer. If your interview takes place online then consider having a PDF copy of your resume handy should the interview request that it be sent via email. Sometimes a busy current student or alum MBA interviewer will not have spent much time reviewing the applicant’s resume before the interview. That’s why Berkeley Haas MBA applicants should be ready to give their interviewer a 2-minute overview of themselves (note that this is often the first interview question anyway, ‘So tell me about yourself…‘).

Influence of interview on admissions decision? Low to Moderate.

The reality is that a successful interview will not help you lock in an admit to Berkeley Haas’s incoming MBA class, but a failed interview can hurt your application. That’s because with so many students and alumni conducting interviews, it’s hard for the admissions committee to normalize positive feedback (one student interviewer might say Tom is ‘great’ while another might report that he’s ‘interesting’). That said, it’s still pretty easy for the admissions committee to take into account blatantly negative feedback “The candidate was totally unprepared to answer even simple questions.” “The candidate was rude.” “The candidate’s English was very difficult to understand.”

Your main goal when interviewing with a current student or alum is for them to like you and to feel that you have something to contribute to the school (both in terms of the professional perspective you will bring to the classroom and the contributions you’ll make within the student community).

Berkeley Haas Mock MBA Interview Service.

In addition to practicing interview questions on your own, our mock interview service can be a great way to receive feedback on your responses (with a view to improving them).

A mock interview session with mbaSTORY.builders will help you develop and refine answers to a few specific MBA interview questions (like Tell me about yourself? What are your goals? Why MBA? Why school X?). More general questions (Strengths/Weakness?) and behavioral questions (Tell me about a time when…?) are then used to help you develop a core set of stories. Most people have 4 to 8 core stories which they learn to use to answer a variety of interview questions.

Below you can listen to former clients answer MBA interview questions and receive feedback on their answers. You can earn more about

An audit professional answers the question Tell me about yourself in part 1 and receives feedback in part 2 and an employee compensation consultant answers the behavioral question Tell me about a time when you mentored someone in part 1 and receives feedback in part 2.

Part 1. Candidate answers the mock interview question Tell me about yourself. The candidate responds by giving a chronological overview of his work experience (which is a common approach people take to this interview question).

Part 2. Feeback on candidate's response to the mock interview question Tell me about yourself. The candidate learns to structure his answer to this question in terms of professional growth (rather than chronologically).

Part 1. Candidate answers the behavioral mock interview question Tell me about a time when you mentored someone. The candidate gives a lengthy response (listen to part 2 for feedback).

Part 2. Feedback on candidate's response to the mock behavioral interview question Tell me about a time when you mentored someone. The candidate learns to provide necessary background information and a broader sense of the candidate's philosophy of mentoring.

Berkeley Haas MBA Interview Questions.

Here’s a list of core questions to practice before your Berkeley Haas MBA interview:

Tell me about yourself.
What are your short-term goals and how can Berkeley Haas help you achieve those goals?
What would you get involved in outside the Berkeley Haas MBA classroom?
What would others say are your two core strengths and one area for improvement (weakness)?
+ Prepare stories for at least 3-5 behavioral questions of your choice. You can access a list of behavioral interview questions organized by categorically at our sister website, resumeSTORY.builders An example would be: Tell me about a time when you encountered pushback. Tell me about a time when you worked in a professional setting that was diverse. What was one challenge you encountered? Tell me about a time when you received constructive feedback.
Have you ever encountered a diversity issue in an organization?
Is there anything you’d like to talk about that we didn’t cover?
+ Prepare two solid questions for the interviewer.

Here are some mock interview sequences for the Berkeley Haas MBA program. Studying the sequences will give you a sense of the questions Berkeley Haas interviewers tend to ask.

Sequence 1. Berkeley Haas MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Walk me through your resume.
Why pursue an MBA at Berkeley Haas?
How would you spend the summer between first and second year?
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced at your current employer?
What was it like mentoring an at-risk high school student?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you feel you added value to a team effort.
(Behavioral Question) Give me an example of a time when you overcame a hurdle.
Any questions for me?

Sequence 2. Berkeley Haas MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Why an MBA and why Berkeley Haas?
What is one thing that you did that you’re really proud of?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you had to collaborate with someone who had a different working style or a different communication style from you.
(Behavioral Question) Can you tell me about time when you convinced someone or a group of people to see things your way?
How do you work with all the different people that you do? How do you communicate with them?
(Behavioral Question) Can you tell me about a time when you received a piece of constructive feedback. What did you do to address the issue raised?

Sequence 3. Berkeley Haas MBA Mock Interview Questions.

What is the world’s biggest misconception about the pro tennis world?
Why Berkeley Haas?
What made you decide to choose philosophy as your major at university?
Tell me about the hardest situation you’ve ever been in at work? What did you learn from it?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you stepped outside of your defined role.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you mentored someone.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you failed.
What else should I have asked you?

Sequence 4. Berkeley Haas MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Tell me about yourself
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you took initiative.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you were part of a team that was struggling.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a goal you’d set for yourself.
Tell me more about your thesis in college.
Do you have any questions for me?

Sequence 5. Berkeley Haas MBA Mock Interview Questions.

What made you decide to start your own company during college?
Tell me something you’ve learned about yourself.
Why were you selected over more experienced colleagues to be the project lead?
Was it difficult managing those same colleagues (given that they were older/more senior)?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you identified a new way to do something or to approach an issue.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you encountered an obstacle or someone prevented you from doing something?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you showed initiative.
What questions do you have for me?

Sequence 6. Berkeley Haas MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Why an MBA? Why Berkeley Haas?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me a time when you created something / were creative.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me a time when you deal with a difficult colleague.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me a time when you were under a tight deadline.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me a time when someone persuaded you to change your opinion.

by Leah Derus

2022-23 London Business School MBA Interview Questions & Guide.

QUICK LINKS

LBS MBA Interview Overview.
Mock MBA Interview Service.
Examples of LBS MBA Interview Questions.

LBS MBA Interview Overview.

Each year the LBS admissions committee invites a limited number of applicants to interview for its MBA program. Top MBA programs like LBS generally interview 2-3 applicants for every available place in their upcoming MBA class. While an invite is sign that you’re in the running for an admit, you’re also now part of a highly competitive subset of the overall applicant pool. You can prepare for your interview with the help of this guide and, optionally, the Mock Interview Service.

Tip: Wondering if interview invites have already gone out? Check out MBA LiveWire for real-time updates.

Interviews conducted by alumni.

During the 2022-23 MBA application season, live LBS MBA interviews are led by alumni of the London Business School MBA program.

Application-based Interviews.

The LBS MBA program conducts application-based interviews. That means that your alumni interviewer will have access to your entire application before meeting with you but the extent to which your interviewer will take the time to actually read through your entire application is debatable. Most interviewers will have at least read a candidate’s resume and goals statement (What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these?). That’s why we suggest that you prepare a 2-minute overview of yourself for the beginning of the interview (note that a common first interview question is ‘So tell me about yourself…‘).

If your MBA interview is in-person, bring a paper copy of your resume to the interview location as a courtesy to the interviewer. If the interview takes place online then applicants should have a PDF copy of their resume handy should the interview request that it be sent via email.

Influence of interview on admissions decision? Low to Moderate.

The reality is that a successful interview will not help you lock in an admit to LBS’s incoming MBA class, but a failed interview can hurt your application. That’s because with so many alumni conducting interviews, it’s hard for the admissions committee to normalize positive feedback (one alum interviewer might say Tom is ‘great’ while another might report that he’s ‘interesting’. That said, it’s still pretty easy for the admissions committee to take into account blatantly negative feedback “The candidate was totally unprepared to answer even simple questions.” “The candidate was rude.” “The candidate’s English was very difficult to understand.”

Your main goal when interviewing with an alum is for them to like you and to feel that you have something to contribute to the school (both in terms of the professional perspective you will bring to the classroom and the contributions you’ll make within the student community).

London Business School Mock MBA Interview Service.

In addition to practicing interview questions on your own, our mock interview service can be a great way to receive feedback on your responses (with a view to improving them).

Below you can listen to former clients answer MBA interview questions and receive feedback on their answers. You can earn more about

Part 1. Candidate answers the behavioral mock interview question Tell me about a time when you mentored someone. The candidate gives a lengthy response (listen to part 2 for feedback).

LBS MBA Interview Questions.

Here’s a list of core questions to practice before your LBS MBA interview:

Tell me about yourself.
What are your short-term goals and how can LBS help you achieve those goals?
What would you get involved in outside the LBS MBA classroom?
What would others say are your two core strengths and one area for improvement (weakness)?
+ Prepare stories for at least 3-5 behavioral questions of your choice. You can access a list of behavioral interview questions organized by categorically at our sister website, resumeSTORY.builders An example would be: Tell me about a time when you encountered pushback. Tell me about a time when you worked in a professional setting that was diverse. What was one challenge you encountered? Tell me about a time when you received constructive feedback.
Have you ever encountered a diversity issue in an organization?
Is there anything you’d like to talk about that we didn’t cover?
+ Prepare two solid questions for the interviewer.

Here are some mock interview sequences for the LBS MBA program. Studying the sequences will give you a sense of the questions LBS interviewers tend to ask.

Sequence 1. LBS MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Tell me about yourself.
What are your short term/long term goals?
What exactly attracts you to operational management and specifically in Asia given that your experience to date has been in Europe?
Have you had any difficult cultural experiences being European and working in Europe? Do you anticipate any in Asia?
What is something that your colleagues/clients really like about you?
What is your leadership style?
(Behavioral Question) Can you tell me about a time when a team member was underperforming? What did you do?
What do you like to do for fun?
Any questions for me?

Sequence 2. LBS MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Can you walk me through your work experience?
What did the Innovation Team you were a part of do during the merger?
It seems like you’re on a really great career track at your current employer. Why leave for an MBA?
Why LBS specifically and which non-academic activities would you pursue at LBS?
(Behavioral Question) Can you tell me about a time when more than one person in a group wanted to lead the group or project? (i.e. several people competing for one leadership role)
Can you talk about your leadership responsibilities within the projects you manage?
Can you tell me about a company you admire and why?
What is your proudest accomplishment?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you wish you could get in a time machine, go back, and have a ‘do over’. (i.e. change history)
(asked in second language) How would you compare North American culture to Spanish culture?
(asked in second language) Do you have any questions for me?

Sequence 3. LBS MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Walk me through your resume.
Why did you opt for the international rotational program? How did you adjust to a new culture so quickly?
What is your secret to managing others? (Question is akin to, Tell me about your leadership style.)
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? in 15 years?
Why an MBA now, if you really want to be an entrepreneur you could start your own business without one?
Why LBS?
What is the most challenging part of your current job?
What is your international experience?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you had to convince someone senior to you of your idea.
Could you tell me about the extracurricular project/activity that you are most passionate about?
Can I answer any questions about LBS for you?

Sequence 4. LBS MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Tell me about your background.
What are your short-term goals?
Why an MBA? Why LBS?
What professors and activities are you drawn to in LBS?
Why not London Business Schoool or HEC?
Explain the business model of the startup you would like to build.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you experienced conflict in the workplace.
How do you find time to do all that you do? Could you tell me more about your work with the ABC Foundation?
Could you share one strength and one weakness with me?
What question do you wish I would have asked you?
Any questions for me?

Sequence 5. LBS MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Tell me about yourself.
What was your gap year in South America like? There must be a lot of differences between Argentina and Canada.
How have your nonprofit experiences shaped your career goals?
Do you think you will benefit from an LBS MBA even if most people in your class have a more traditional business background? (i.e. a background different from the candidate’s)
’s program given that not many of your classmates will have a similar background to you?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you led a team of peers (i.e. without direct authority).
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you didn’t have all the resources you needed to complete a project or task.
How do you handle situations when you have to think on your feet (little time to prepare)?
Are you considering other MBA programs or alternative graduate programs?
You mentioned that you interviewed at Yale’s MBA program. Yale has a much stronger nonprofit program than LBS. Why would you choose LBS over Yale (assuming you were admitted to both programs)?
What do you like to read and what is one trend that you’ve been reading/thinking about recently?
What do you hope to get out of your LBS experience?
I’m happy to answer any questions you might have!

Sequence 6. LBS MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Tell me about yourself?
Why an MBA? Why LBS?
Why not do an MBA in India (the candidate currently lives in India and plans to return to his home country)?
What are your short term and long-term goals.
Please describe two strengths and two weaknesses?
Have you managed people and what did you enjoy about it? dislike about it?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you coached someone.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when a team you were a part of was underperforming.
Any questions for me?

by Leah Derus

2022-23 Duke Fuqua MBA Interview Questions & Guide.

QUICK LINKS

Duke Fuqua MBA Interview Overview.
Mock MBA Interview Service.
Examples of Duke Fuqua MBA Interview Questions.

Duke Fuqua MBA Interview Overview.

Each year the Duke Fuqua admissions committee invites a limited number of applicants to interview for its MBA program. Top MBA programs like Duke Fuqua generally interview 2-3 applicants for every available place in their upcoming MBA class. While an invite is sign that you’re in the running for an admit, you’re also now part of a highly competitive subset of the overall applicant pool. You can prepare for your interview with the help of this guide and, optionally, the Mock Interview Service.

Tip: Wondering if interview invites have already gone out? Check out MBA LiveWire for real-time updates.

Interviews conducted by students or admissions committee members.

During the 2022-23 MBA application season, live Duke Fuqua MBA interviews are led by students or admissions committee members.

Resume-based Interviews.

Duke Fuqua MBA program conducts resume-based interviews. A resume-based MBA interview is one in which the interviewer has read your resume but has not read the the rest of your MBA application (recommendations, essays, short answers etc.).

If your MBA interview is in-person, we recommend bringing a paper copy of your resume to the interview location as a courtesy to the interviewer. If the interview takes place online, then consider having a PDF copy of their resume handy should the interview request that it be sent via email. Sometimes a busy interviewer will not have spent much time reviewing an applicant’s resume before the interview. That’s why Duke Fuqua MBA applicants should be ready to give their interviewer a 2-minute overview of themselves at the beginning of the interview if asked (note that this is often the first interview question anyway, ‘So tell me about yourself…‘).

Influence of interview on admissions decision? Moderate.

Fuqua’s admissions committee members are obviously well-trained in conducting interviews. Its student interviewers are likewise trained (albeit to a lesser extent). Admissions committee member-led interviews are probably more likely to influence admissions decision than student-led interviews which have only a moderate influence on admissions decisions. That’s because with so many students conducting interviews it can be difficult for the admissions committee to normalize positive feedback from students (one student interviewer might say Tom is ‘great’ while another might report that he’s ‘interesting’).

Duke Fuqua Mock MBA Interview Service.

In addition to practicing interview questions on your own, our mock interview service can be a great way to receive feedback on your responses (with a view to improving them).

Below you can listen to former clients answer MBA interview questions and receive feedback on their answers. You can earn more about

Part 1. Candidate answers the behavioral mock interview question Tell me about a time when you mentored someone. The candidate gives a lengthy response (listen to part 2 for feedback).

Duke Fuqua MBA Interview Questions.

Here’s a list of core questions to practice before your Duke Fuqua MBA interview:

Tell me about yourself.
What are your short-term goals and how can Duke Fuqua help you achieve those goals?
What would you get involved in outside the Duke Fuqua MBA classroom?
What would others say are your two core strengths and one area for improvement (weakness)?
+ Prepare stories for at least 3-5 behavioral questions of your choice. You can access a list of behavioral interview questions organized by categorically at our sister website, resumeSTORY.builders An example would be: Tell me about a time when you encountered pushback. Tell me about a time when you worked in a professional setting that was diverse. What was one challenge you encountered? Tell me about a time when you received constructive feedback.
Have you ever encountered a diversity issue in an organization?
Is there anything you’d like to talk about that we didn’t cover?
+ Prepare two solid questions for the interviewer.

Here are some mock interview sequences for the Duke Fuqua MBA program. Studying the sequences will give you a sense of the questions Duke Fuqua interviewers tend to ask.

Sequence 1. Duke Fuqua MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Why an MBA?
What are your career goals?
Why consulting?
How would Johnson help?
What clubs do you see yourself getting involved in?
What type of leadership roles would you want in those clubs?
Tell me about a time you were a leader.
What is an example of you being a team player?
What is your role in your organization?
What other programs are you applying to? Why?
What is it about finance that you don’t like?
What have you done to connect with Fuqua students?
Have you reached out to any current students?

Sequence 2. Duke Fuqua MBA Mock Interview Questions.

What is something you would like to share that is not already on your resume?
What is your day-to-day like? How is your team made up?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you had an opportunity to be innovative or make decisions on your own?
Why not Dartmouth? I hear Hanover is also a great place to live.
What do you plan to do while at Fuqua?
Since you are already in a Consulting role, why do you want to come to Johnson just to do Consulting again?
What other schools are you applying to? Why did you select these, other than clearly wanting to be in New York?

Sequence 3. Duke Fuqua MBA Mock Interview Questions.

(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time in your career where you’ve handled responsibility.
How would colleagues describe your leadership approach?
What job are you seeking post-MBA? Why do you need an MBA to achieve these goals?
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
Do you like you current job? Why do you want to leave it?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you were taken outside of your ‘comfort zone’.
To which other schools are you applying?
Do you have any questions for me?

Sequence 4. Duke Fuqua MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Tell me why you chose the college major you did.
Why MBA? Why now?
Why consulting?
What’s the best part of your job?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you were in a leadership position (either formally or informally).
Why Johnson?
What other schools did you apply to?
How would your coworkers describe you?
Tell me where you see your current industry in 10 years.
How have you prepared for the heavy quantitative emphasis at Johnson?
What would you bring to the Johnson community?
How would you be involved with outside class?
Is there anything you would like to add?

Sequence 5. Duke Fuqua MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Tell me about yourself
Why an MBA now?
Why Johnson?
How would you define a leader?
(Behavioral Question) Give me an example of when you were a leader.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a conflict you faced in the workplace?
If I called your supervisor, what would he/she say about you professionally and personally?
How would you contribute to our community?
Is there anything you would like me to tell the admissions committee?
Do you have any questions for me?

Sequence 6. Duke Fuqua MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Walk me through your resume.
What do you do at your work?
Why an MBA?
Why Now?
Why Johnson?
How would your friends describe you?
What are your weaknesses? What would your friends say your weaknesses are?
(Behavioral Question) Describe a time when you had to influence others to do something at work. Tell me how you changed their initial thoughts or approach to a problem.
If I could tell the Admissions Committee just one thing about you what would you want me to say?
The admissions committee reviewed your file and commented that your GMAT score is a little low compared to our other applicants, and that you don’t show a lot of quant work at your current job position. How will you prepare for the tough workload at Johnson? The quant classes might be hard for you.
Do you have any questions for me?

by Leah Derus

2022-23 Michigan Ross MBA Interview Questions & Guide.

QUICK LINKS

Michigan Ross MBA Interview Overview.
Mock MBA Interview Service.
Examples of Michigan Ross MBA Interview Questions.

Michigan Ross MBA Interview Overview.

Each year the Michigan Ross admissions committee invites a limited number of applicants to interview for its MBA program. Top MBA programs like Michigan Ross generally interview 2-3 applicants for every available place in their upcoming MBA class. While an invite is sign that you’re in the running for an admit, you’re also now part of a highly competitive subset of the overall applicant pool. You can prepare for your interview with the help of this guide and, optionally, the Mock Interview Service.

Tip: Wondering if interview invites have already gone out? Check out MBA LiveWire for real-time updates.

Interviews conducted by students and alumni.

During the 2022-23 MBA application season, live Michigan Ross MBA interviews are led by students and alumni of the Michigan Ross MBA program.

Resume-based Interviews.

Michigan Ross MBA program conducts resume-based interviews. A resume-based MBA interview is one in which the interviewer has read your resume but has not read the the rest of your MBA application (recommendations, essays, short answers etc.).

If your MBA interview is in-person, we suggest bringing a paper copy of your resume to the interview location as a courtesy to the interviewer. If your interview takes place online then we recommend having a PDF copy of your resume handy should the interview request that it be sent via email. Sometimes a busy current student or alum MBA interviewer will not have spent much time reviewing the applicant’s resume before the interview. That’s why Michigan Ross MBA applicants should be ready to give their interviewer a 2-minute overview of themselves at the beginning of the interview if asked (note that this is often the first interview question anyway, ‘So tell me about yourself…‘).

Influence of interview on admissions decision? Low to Moderate.

The reality is that a successful interview will not help you lock in an admit to Michigan Ross’s incoming MBA class, but a failed interview can hurt your application. That’s because with so many students and alumni conducting interviews, it’s hard for the admissions committee to normalize positive feedback (one alum interviewer might say Tom is ‘great’ while another might report that he’s ‘interesting’. That said, it’s still pretty easy for the admissions committee to take into account blatantly negative feedback “The candidate was totally unprepared to answer even simple questions.” “The candidate was rude.” “The candidate’s English was very difficult to understand.”

Your main goal when interviewing with a current student or alum is for them to like you and to think that you have something to contribute to the school (both in terms of the professional perspective you will bring to the classroom and the contributions you’ll make within the student community).

Michigan Ross Mock MBA Interview Service.

In addition to practicing interview questions on your own, our mock interview service can be a great way to receive feedback on your responses (with a view to improving them).

Below you can listen to former clients answer MBA interview questions and receive feedback on their answers. You can earn more about

Part 1. Candidate answers the behavioral mock interview question Tell me about a time when you mentored someone. The candidate gives a lengthy response (listen to part 2 for feedback).

Michigan Ross MBA Interview Questions.

Here’s a list of core questions to practice before your Michigan Ross MBA interview:

Tell me about yourself.
What are your short-term goals and how can Michigan Ross help you achieve those goals?
What would you get involved in outside the Michigan Ross MBA classroom?
What would others say are your two core strengths and one area for improvement (weakness)?
+ Prepare stories for at least 3-5 behavioral questions of your choice. You can access a list of behavioral interview questions organized by categorically at our sister website, resumeSTORY.builders An example would be: Tell me about a time when you encountered pushback. Tell me about a time when you worked in a professional setting that was diverse. What was one challenge you encountered? Tell me about a time when you received constructive feedback.
Have you ever encountered a diversity issue in an organization?
Is there anything you’d like to talk about that we didn’t cover?
+ Prepare two solid questions for the interviewer.

Here are some mock interview sequences for the Michigan Ross MBA program. Studying the sequences will give you a sense of the questions Michigan Ross interviewers tend to ask.

Sequence 1. Michigan Ross MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Walk me through your resume.
Why pursue an MBA at Michigan Ross?
How would you spend the summer between first and second year?
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced at your current employer?
What was it like mentoring an at-risk high school student?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you feel you added value to a team effort.
(Behavioral Question) Give me an example of a time when you overcame a hurdle.
Any questions for me?

Sequence 2. Michigan Ross MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Why an MBA and why Michigan Ross?
What is one thing that you did that you’re really proud of?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you had to collaborate with someone who had a different working style or a different communication style from you.
(Behavioral Question) Can you tell me about time when you convinced someone or a group of people to see things your way?
How do you work with all the different people that you do? How do you communicate with them?
(Behavioral Question) Can you tell me about a time when you received a piece of constructive feedback. What did you do to address the issue raised?

Sequence 3. Michigan Ross MBA Mock Interview Questions.

What is the world’s biggest misconception about the pro tennis world?
Why Michigan Ross?
What made you decide to choose philosophy as your major at university?
Tell me about the hardest situation you’ve ever been in at work? What did you learn from it?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you stepped outside of your defined role.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you mentored someone.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you failed.
What else should I have asked you?

Sequence 4. Michigan Ross MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Tell me about yourself
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you took initiative.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you were part of a team that was struggling.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a goal you’d set for yourself.
Tell me more about your thesis in college.
Do you have any questions for me?

Sequence 5. Michigan Ross MBA Mock Interview Questions.

What made you decide to start your own company during college?
Tell me something you’ve learned about yourself.
Why were you selected over more experienced colleagues to be the project lead?
Was it difficult managing those same colleagues (given that they were older/more senior)?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you identified a new way to do something or to approach an issue.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you encountered an obstacle or someone prevented you from doing something?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you showed initiative.
What questions do you have for me?

Sequence 6. Michigan Ross MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Why an MBA? Why Michigan Ross?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me a time when you created something / were creative.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me a time when you deal with a difficult colleague.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me a time when you were under a tight deadline.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me a time when someone persuaded you to change your opinion.

by Leah Derus

2022-23 NYU Stern MBA Interview Questions & Guide.

QUICK LINKS

NYU Stern MBA Interview Overview.
Mock MBA Interview Service.
Examples of NYU Stern MBA Interview Questions.

NYU Stern MBA Interview Overview.

Each year the NYU Stern admissions committee invites a limited number of applicants to interview for its MBA program. Top MBA programs like NYU Stern generally interview 2-3 applicants for every available place in their upcoming MBA class. While an invite is sign that you’re in the running for an admit, you’re also now part of a highly competitive subset of the overall applicant pool. You can prepare for your interview with the help of this guide and, optionally, the Mock Interview Service.

Tip: Wondering if interview invites have already gone out? Check out MBA LiveWire for real-time updates.

Interviews conducted by trained admissions committee members.

During the 2022-23 MBA application season, NYU Stern MBA interviews are conducted by trained admissions committee members.

Application-based Interviews.

The NYU Stern MBA program conducts application-based interviews. That means that your admissions committee interviewer(s) will have access to and will have reviewed your entire application before meeting with you. But don’t expect questions highly tailored to your application (like at HBS). At NYU Stern the questions are typical and predictable (often focusing on goals).

Influence of interview on admissions decision? Moderate to high.

When a school relies exclusively on a small group of trained admissions committee members to conduct interviews (as does NYU Stern), the interview plays a more significant role in the admissions process than at schools with student and alumni interviewers.

NYU Stern Mock MBA Interview Service.

In addition to practicing interview questions on your own, our mock interview service can be a great way to receive feedback on your responses (with a view to improving them).

Below you can listen to former clients answer MBA interview questions and receive feedback on their answers. You can earn more about

Part 1. Candidate answers the behavioral mock interview question Tell me about a time when you mentored someone. The candidate gives a lengthy response (listen to part 2 for feedback).

NYU Stern MBA Interview Questions.

Note that a lot of schools have begun asking about diversity, equity, and inclusion during interviews. You should be prepared to talk about these issues and how diversity, equity, or inclusion have played out in your work. Here are some mock interview sequences for the NYU Stern MBA program. Studying the sequences will give you a sense of the questions NYU Stern interviewers tend to ask.

Sequence 1. NYU Stern MBA Mock Interview Questions.

How do you want to start?
Being a football player in college must have required time management. What was your game plan for managing your time?
(Follow on question) Why did you decide to continue playing football, given the tradeoffs with your social life?
I wasn’t able to find much information online about your current employer. Could you summarize their business for me?
Tell me about your transition between Goldman Sachs and your current employer.
What are some of the trends your watching in the credit card industry?
What has been the biggest difference between working as an investment banker and your current role?
Are there specific examples that highlight those differences?
What do you like to do for fun?
How would you explain an IPO to a high school student?
I know your goal is to join a VC firm post-MBA, but what’s your dream job?
Anything else you would like to add?

Sequence 2. NYU Stern MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Tell me about yourself.
Tell me about specific college activity you were involved in. Are you still involved?
Did you get the offer to join McKinsey because your dad is a partner there?
Who is a business leader you admire and why? (Follow on question) What’s one weakness you need to address in order to be a leader like him/her (the leader cited in first part of question)?
What are your goals further down the road?
What’s an interesting story you’ve read about recently in the news?
(Follow on question) Can you argue for and against (news story that was cited in the previous question).
What role has roller derby played in your life?
Which of the two businesses you founded was your favorite?
Anything else you’d like to share with us?

Sequence 3. NYU Stern MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Tell me about yourself.
Tell me about the assisted living industry (Follow-up questions included: Who are the best-in-class operators? Describe the assisted living customer. How will the industry evolve over the next 5-10 years?).
Drawing from your experience at PE firm X and consulting firm Y, tell me about your favorite project
Given the amount of deal activity at the moment, what is your prognosis of the future of the PE industry?
Now that you’ve experience both Consulting and PE, do you have a sense for which you prefer/where you’d like to focus in the future?
Recommend something to me.
Tell me about XYZ story from your essay.
Explain the concept of founder equity dilution to me.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
What is some constructive feedback you’ve received recently?
What is some constructive feedback you gave recently?
Is there anything else you wish we’d covered?
How have you had such great experiences while traveling?

Sequence 4. NYU Stern MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Pretend that I haven’t read your application – tell me about yourself.
If you came to NYU Stern, what is one industry or sector you would like to learn more about from your classmates?
Why did you choose to start your career in Peru?
Which industries that are currently doing well in South America?
How is Peru different from Ecuador and other countries in South America?
What would you miss about your current life in Texas if you came to NYU Stern?
I want you to argue for and against employee unions.
What are two things that differentiate you from your peers?
From your resume I can tell that you are interested in renewable energy. What should I know about current trends in energy policy and renewable business initiatives?
What is your short-term career goal? and how will you use an NYU Stern internship to help you advance toward that goal?
(Follow on question) What if that doesn’t work out (internship plans)?
Imagine that we’ve already made you an offer at NYU Stern. Tell me what sort of students you’d like to have sitting next to you in class.
Do you like the outdoors? Why or why not?
What are you reading currently?
Is there anything that I haven’t asked that you wish I had?

Sequence 5. NYU Stern MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Tell me your story, starting with decision to study literature at Stanford.
What did it feel like to not be challenged before transferring schools?
Teach me something you’ve learned since graduating college.
I know you’re interested in entrepreneurship. If you had the funding to start a company right now, what would the company be like?
What are you reading right now?
What is one thing you read online this week?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you had to persuade someone at work.
How would your peers/colleagues describe you?
What would they say is one area in which you could improve?
When are you most effective at persuading others – when you’re in a small group or in a large group?
Do you have any questions for me?

Sequence 6. NYU Stern MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Why study at the University of Wisconsin and why physics?
Was joining Tri Delta sorority a distraction from your studies?
When did you know you wanted to work at Fermilab in Illinois?
Can you explain how the Large Hadron Collider works (in terms that a high school student could understand)?
How did your work help lower the Large Hadron Collider’s annual operating cost?
If we invited your coworkers into the room, what would they say are two of your strengths and two opportunities for improvement?
(Follow up question) Most of your colleagues are scientists. Do you think that a group of business people would highlight different strengths and weaknesses?
Who is a business person you admire who doesn’t have a STEM background?
How do you get your news?
(Follow up question) What’s an interesting article you’ve read recently in The Atlantic?
Can I answer any question you might have about NYU Stern or the admissions process?

by Leah Derus

2022-23 Dartmouth Tuck MBA Interview Questions & Guide.

QUICK LINKS

Dartmouth Tuck MBA Interview Overview.
Mock MBA Interview Service.
Examples of Dartmouth Tuck MBA Interview Questions.

Dartmouth Tuck MBA Interview Overview.

Each year the Dartmouth Tuck admissions committee invites a limited number of applicants to interview for its MBA program. Top MBA programs like Dartmouth Tuck generally interview 2-3 applicants for every available place in their upcoming MBA class. While an invite is sign that you’re in the running for an admit, you’re also now part of a highly competitive subset of the overall applicant pool. You can prepare for your interview with the help of this guide and, optionally, the Mock Interview Service.

Tip: Wondering if interview invites have already gone out? Check out MBA LiveWire for real-time updates.

Interviews conducted by students or admissions committee members.

During the 2022-23 MBA application season, live Dartmouth Tuck MBA interviews are led by students or admissions committee members.

Resume-based Interviews.

Dartmouth Tuck MBA program conducts resume-based interviews. A resume-based MBA interview is one in which the interviewer has read your resume but has not read the the rest of your MBA application (recommendations, essays, short answers etc.).

If the MBA interview is in-person, bring a paper copy of your resume to the interview location as a courtesy to the interviewer. If the interview takes place online then applicants should have a PDF copy of their resume handy should the interview request that it be sent via email. Sometimes a busy current students or alum MBA interviewer will not have spent much time reviewing the applicant’s resume before the interview. That’s why Dartmouth Tuck MBA applicants should be ready to give their interviewer a 2-minute overview of themselves at the beginning of the interview if asked (note that this is often the first interview question anyway, ‘So tell me about yourself…‘).

Influence of interview on admissions decision? Moderate.

Cornell’s admissions committee members are obviously well-trained in conducting interviews. Its student interviewers are likewise trained (albeit to a lesser extent). Admissions committee member-led interviews are probably more likely to influence admissions decision than student-led interviews which have only a moderate influence on admissions decisions. With so many students conducting interviews it can be difficult for the admissions committee to normalize positive feedback (one students interviewer might say Tom is ‘great’ while another might report that he’s ‘interesting’).

Dartmouth Tuck Mock MBA Interview Service.

In addition to practicing interview questions on your own, our mock interview service can be a great way to receive feedback on your responses (with a view to improving them).

Below you can listen to former clients answer MBA interview questions and receive feedback on their answers. You can earn more about

Part 1. Candidate answers the behavioral mock interview question Tell me about a time when you mentored someone. The candidate gives a lengthy response (listen to part 2 for feedback).

Dartmouth Tuck MBA Interview Questions.

Here’s a list of core questions to practice before your Dartmouth Tuck MBA interview:

Tell me about yourself.
What are your short-term goals and how can Dartmouth Tuck help you achieve those goals?
What would you get involved in outside the Dartmouth Tuck MBA classroom?
What would others say are your two core strengths and one area for improvement (weakness)?
+ Prepare stories for at least 3-5 behavioral questions of your choice. You can access a list of behavioral interview questions organized by categorically at our sister website, resumeSTORY.builders An example would be: Tell me about a time when you encountered pushback. Tell me about a time when you worked in a professional setting that was diverse. What was one challenge you encountered? Tell me about a time when you received constructive feedback.
Have you ever encountered a diversity issue in an organization?
Is there anything you’d like to talk about that we didn’t cover?
+ Prepare two solid questions for the interviewer.

Here are some mock interview sequences for the Dartmouth Tuck MBA program. Studying the sequences will give you a sense of the questions Dartmouth Tuck interviewers tend to ask.

Sequence 1. Dartmouth Tuck MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Could you please walk me through your resume?
Why are you pursuing an MBA? Why do you feel that you need an MBA?
Why Tuck?
Short- and long-term goals
What is your greatest accomplishment?
(Behavioral Question) Describe a time when a project wasn’t going well.
(Behavioral Question)Tell me about a time when you failed.
What does Tuck’s motto mean to you?
How are you in a group dynamic?
How do you motivate people? How would you apply this in a small team setting?
What constructive criticism have your teammates/managers given you in the past?
Questions for Interviewer

Sequence 2. Dartmouth Tuck MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Walk me though your resume.
What is your short term goal? Why are you interested in that career?
Why MBA?
Why Tuck?
How do you want to get involved in Tuck community?
What can you uniquely contribute to Tuck?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you worked on a team.
What would be your role within study group?
What do you think leadership is?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you took on a leadership role.

Sequence 3. Dartmouth Tuck MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Walk me through your resume
Why Tuck?
Why are you pursuing an MBA now?
What will you contribute to Tuck?
What classes do you look forward to taking at Tuck?
What will your legacy at Tuck be?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about at time you made a mistake at work. How did you handle it?
What would your friends say about you in one word?
(Behavioral Question) Describe your experience leading people from diverse backgrounds.
Questions for Interviewer

Sequence 4. Dartmouth Tuck MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Walk me through your resume
Why MBA/Why Tuck?
(Behavioral Question) Describe a leadership experience
(Behavioral Question) Describe a time when you had to motivate someone
What would your teammates say about you – both good/bad?
Who do you know who has shown great leadership ability, and how have they done it?
What have you learned from them and incorporated into your own leadership style?
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Questions for Interviewer

Sequence 5. Dartmouth Tuck MBA Mock Interview Questions.

What was the best thing that happened to you this year/last year?
Why MBA?
Why an MBA now?
Why not an EMBA?
How do you think your Tuck classmates will remember you?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you worked as part of a team to accomplish something, but not as the leader.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you worked on a project that failed.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you had a disagreement with a colleague.
What will you bring to Tuck?
When you’re at Tuck in a study group, what will your study-mates say about you?
What will your weaknesses be working in a study group?
What 3 things do you want me to tell the admissions director about you?
Anything else/other stories you want to talk about?
Questions for Interviewer

Sequence 6. Dartmouth Tuck MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Tell me about yourself.
(Behavioral Question) Can you give me more detail on a time when one of your projects didn’t go as planned?
What are your short and long term goals?
What is one of your strengths?
What is one of your weaknesses?
Why do you want to switch fields after graduation and not continue in your current field?
What will you contribute to Tuck?
How do you work as a leader?
Why Tuck?
What do you want to get involved with at Tuck outside the classroom?
Is there something that I didn’t ask about that you wanted me to ask about?
Do you have any questions for me?

by Leah Derus

2022-23 Cornell Johnson MBA Interview Questions & Guide.

QUICK LINKS

Cornell Johnson MBA Interview Overview.
Mock MBA Interview Service.
Examples of Cornell Johnson MBA Interview Questions.

Cornell Johnson MBA Interview Overview.

Each year the Cornell Johnson admissions committee invites a limited number of applicants to interview for its MBA program. Top MBA programs like Cornell Johnson generally interview 2-3 applicants for every available place in their upcoming MBA class. While an invite is sign that you’re in the running for an admit, you’re also now part of a highly competitive subset of the overall applicant pool. You can prepare for your interview with the help of this guide and, optionally, the Mock Interview Service.

Tip: Wondering if interview invites have already gone out? Check out MBA LiveWire for real-time updates.

Interviews conducted by students or admissions committee members.

During the 2022-23 MBA application season, live Cornell Johnson MBA interviews are led by students or admissions committee members.

Resume-based Interviews.

Cornell Johnson MBA program conducts resume-based interviews. A resume-based MBA interview is one in which the interviewer has read your resume but has not read the the rest of your MBA application (recommendations, essays, short answers etc.).

If the MBA interview is in-person, bring a paper copy of your resume to the interview location as a courtesy to the interviewer. If the interview takes place online then applicants should have a PDF copy of their resume handy should the interview request that it be sent via email. Sometimes a busy current students or alum MBA interviewer will not have spent much time reviewing the applicant’s resume before the interview. That’s why Cornell Johnson MBA applicants should be ready to give their interviewer a 2-minute overview of themselves at the beginning of the interview if asked (note that this is often the first interview question anyway, ‘So tell me about yourself…‘).

Influence of interview on admissions decision? Moderate.

Cornell Johnson Mock MBA Interview Service.

In addition to practicing interview questions on your own, our mock interview service can be a great way to receive feedback on your responses (with a view to improving them).

Below you can listen to former clients answer MBA interview questions and receive feedback on their answers. You can earn more about

Part 1. Candidate answers the behavioral mock interview question Tell me about a time when you mentored someone. The candidate gives a lengthy response (listen to part 2 for feedback).

Cornell Johnson MBA Interview Questions.

Here’s a list of core questions to practice before your Cornell Johnson MBA interview:

Tell me about yourself.
What are your short-term goals and how can Cornell Johnson help you achieve those goals?
What would you get involved in outside the Cornell Johnson MBA classroom?
What would others say are your two core strengths and one area for improvement (weakness)?
+ Prepare stories for at least 3-5 behavioral questions of your choice. You can access a list of behavioral interview questions organized by categorically at our sister website, resumeSTORY.builders An example would be: Tell me about a time when you encountered pushback. Tell me about a time when you worked in a professional setting that was diverse. What was one challenge you encountered? Tell me about a time when you received constructive feedback.
Have you ever encountered a diversity issue in an organization?
Is there anything you’d like to talk about that we didn’t cover?
+ Prepare two solid questions for the interviewer.

Here are some mock interview sequences for the Cornell Johnson MBA program. Studying the sequences will give you a sense of the questions Cornell Johnson interviewers tend to ask.

Sequence 1. Cornell Johnson MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Why an MBA?
What are your career goals?
Why consulting?
How would Johnson help?
What clubs do you see yourself getting involved in?
What type of leadership roles would you want in those clubs?
Tell me about a time you were a leader.
What is an example of you being a team player?
What is your role in your organization?
What other programs are you applying to? Why?
What is it about finance that you don’t like?
What have you done to connect with Cornell students?
Have you reached out to any current students?

Sequence 2. Cornell Johnson MBA Mock Interview Questions.

What is something you would like to share that is not already on your resume?
What is your day-to-day like? How is your team made up?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you had an opportunity to be innovative or make decisions on your own?
Why not Dartmouth? I hear Hanover is also a great place to live.
What do you plan to do while at Cornell?
Since you are already in a Consulting role, why do you want to come to Johnson just to do Consulting again?
What other schools are you applying to? Why did you select these, other than clearly wanting to be in New York?

Sequence 3. Cornell Johnson MBA Mock Interview Questions.

(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time in your career where you’ve handled responsibility.
How would colleagues describe your leadership approach?
What job are you seeking post-MBA? Why do you need an MBA to achieve these goals?
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
Do you like you current job? Why do you want to leave it?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you were taken outside of your ‘comfort zone’.
To which other schools are you applying?
Do you have any questions for me?

Sequence 4. Cornell Johnson MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Tell me why you chose the college major you did.
Why MBA? Why now?
Why consulting?
What’s the best part of your job?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you were in a leadership position (either formally or informally).
Why Johnson?
What other schools did you apply to?
How would your coworkers describe you?
Tell me where you see your current industry in 10 years.
How have you prepared for the heavy quantitative emphasis at Johnson?
What would you bring to the Johnson community?
How would you be involved with outside class?
Is there anything you would like to add?

Sequence 5. Cornell Johnson MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Tell me about yourself
Why an MBA now?
Why Johnson?
How would you define a leader?
(Behavioral Question) Give me an example of when you were a leader.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a conflict you faced in the workplace?
If I called your supervisor, what would he/she say about you professionally and personally?
How would you contribute to our community?
Is there anything you would like me to tell the admissions committee?
Do you have any questions for me?

Sequence 6. Cornell Johnson MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Walk me through your resume.
What do you do at your work?
Why an MBA?
Why Now?
Why Johnson?
How would your friends describe you?
What are your weaknesses? What would your friends say your weaknesses are?
(Behavioral Question) Describe a time when you had to influence others to do something at work. Tell me how you changed their initial thoughts or approach to a problem.
If I could tell the Admissions Committee just one thing about you what would you want me to say?
The admissions committee reviewed your file and commented that your GMAT score is a little low compared to our other applicants, and that you don’t show a lot of quant work at your current job position. How will you prepare for the tough workload at Johnson? The quant classes might be hard for you.
Do you have any questions for me?

by Leah Derus

2022-23 Columbia MBA Interview Questions & Guide.

QUICK LINKS

Columbia MBA Interview Overview.
Mock MBA Interview Service.
Examples of Columbia MBA Interview Questions.

Columbia MBA Interview Overview.

Each year the Columbia admissions committee invites a limited number of applicants to interview for its MBA program. Top MBA programs like Columbia generally interview 2-3 applicants for every available place in their upcoming MBA class. While an invite is sign that you’re in the running for an admit, you’re also now part of a highly competitive subset of the overall applicant pool. You can prepare for your interview with the help of this guide and, optionally, the Mock Interview Service.

Tip: Wondering if interview invites have already gone out? Check out MBA LiveWire for real-time updates.

Interviews conducted by students and alumni.

During the 2022-23 MBA application season, live Columbia MBA interviews are led by students and alumni of the Columbia MBA program.

Resume-based Interviews.

Columbia MBA program conducts resume-based interviews. A resume-based MBA interview is one in which the interviewer has read your resume but has not read the the rest of your MBA application (recommendations, essays, short answers etc.).

If the MBA interview is in-person, bring a paper copy of your resume to the interview location as a courtesy to the interviewer. If the interview takes place online then applicants should have a PDF copy of their resume handy should the interview request that it be sent via email. Sometimes a busy current student or alum MBA interviewer will not have spent much time reviewing the applicant’s resume before the interview. That’s why Columbia MBA applicants should be ready to give their interviewer a 2-minute overview of themselves at the beginning of the interview if asked (note that this is often the first interview question anyway, ‘So tell me about yourself…‘).

Influence of interview on admissions decision? Low to Moderate.

The reality is that a successful interview will not help you lock in an admit to Columbia’s incoming MBA class, but a failed interview can hurt your application. That’s because with so many students and alumni conducting interviews, it’s hard for the admissions committee to normalize positive feedback (one alum interviewer might say Tom is ‘great’ while another might report that he’s ‘interesting’. That said, it’s still pretty easy for the admissions committee to take into account blatantly negative feedback “The candidate was totally unprepared to answer even simple questions.” “The candidate was rude.” “The candidate’s English was very difficult to understand.”

Columbia Mock MBA Interview Service.

In addition to practicing interview questions on your own, our mock interview service can be a great way to receive feedback on your responses (with a view to improving them).

Below you can listen to former clients answer MBA interview questions and receive feedback on their answers. You can earn more about

Part 1. Candidate answers the behavioral mock interview question Tell me about a time when you mentored someone. The candidate gives a lengthy response (listen to part 2 for feedback).

Columbia MBA Interview Questions.

Here’s a list of core questions to practice before your Columbia MBA interview:

Tell me about yourself.
What are your short-term goals and how can Columbia help you achieve those goals?
What would you get involved in outside the Columbia MBA classroom?
What would others say are your two core strengths and one area for improvement (weakness)?
+ Prepare stories for at least 3-5 behavioral questions of your choice. You can access a list of behavioral interview questions organized by categorically at our sister website, resumeSTORY.builders An example would be: Tell me about a time when you encountered pushback. Tell me about a time when you worked in a professional setting that was diverse. What was one challenge you encountered? Tell me about a time when you received constructive feedback.
Have you ever encountered a diversity issue in an organization?
Is there anything you’d like to talk about that we didn’t cover?
+ Prepare two solid questions for the interviewer.

Here are some mock interview sequences for the Columbia MBA program. Studying the sequences will give you a sense of the questions Columbia interviewers tend to ask.

Sequence 1. Columbia MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Walk me through your resume.
Why pursue an MBA at Columbia?
How would you spend the summer between first and second year?
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced at your current employer?
What was it like mentoring an at-risk high school student?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you feel you added value to a team effort.
(Behavioral Question) Give me an example of a time when you overcame a hurdle.
Any questions for me?

Sequence 2. Columbia MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Why an MBA and why Columbia?
What is one thing that you did that you’re really proud of?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you had to collaborate with someone who had a different working style or a different communication style from you.
(Behavioral Question) Can you tell me about time when you convinced someone or a group of people to see things your way?
How do you work with all the different people that you do? How do you communicate with them?
(Behavioral Question) Can you tell me about a time when you received a piece of constructive feedback. What did you do to address the issue raised?

Sequence 3. Columbia MBA Mock Interview Questions.

What is the world’s biggest misconception about the pro tennis world?
Why Columbia?
What made you decide to choose philosophy as your major at university?
Tell me about the hardest situation you’ve ever been in at work? What did you learn from it?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you stepped outside of your defined role.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you mentored someone.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you failed.
What else should I have asked you?

Sequence 4. Columbia MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Tell me about yourself
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you took initiative.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you were part of a team that was struggling.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a goal you’d set for yourself.
Tell me more about your thesis in college.
Do you have any questions for me?

Sequence 5. Columbia MBA Mock Interview Questions.

What made you decide to start your own company during college?
Tell me something you’ve learned about yourself.
Why were you selected over more experienced colleagues to be the project lead?
Was it difficult managing those same colleagues (given that they were older/more senior)?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you identified a new way to do something or to approach an issue.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you encountered an obstacle or someone prevented you from doing something?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me about a time when you showed initiative.
What questions do you have for me?

Sequence 6. Columbia MBA Mock Interview Questions.

Why an MBA? Why Columbia?
(Behavioral Question) Tell me a time when you created something / were creative.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me a time when you deal with a difficult colleague.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me a time when you were under a tight deadline.
(Behavioral Question) Tell me a time when someone persuaded you to change your opinion.

by Leah Derus