I received a call from HBS in Round 1 for a standard interview (not waitlisted or delayed). The interview was conducted by a member of the Admissions Committee (Adcom) who has been with HBS for over two decades. We began with a general meet-and-greet before diving into the interview itself. I was informed upfront that the interview would last exactly 30 minutes—no more, no less.
The interview was résumé-based and felt meticulously prepared. The interviewer seemed to have studied my materials in depth, as the questions often tied directly to details from my résumé, essays, and even information provided by my recommenders. It was a very thoughtful and well-organized experience.
The interviewer tested both my industry knowledge and cultural fit with HBS. We discussed my goals, recent developments in my field of interest (mental health and healthcare), and other related topics. The questions were structured, with 12–15 thought-provoking questions packed into the 30-minute timeframe. This structured and comprehensive approach helped me refine my Post-Interview Reflection (PIR) response. I came away impressed by how seamlessly HBS integrated insights from various parts of my application into the interview process. It reinforced my belief that HBS knows exactly what it is looking for and has a rigorous and purposeful process to identify candidates who align with its values and culture.
