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Interviews

Keep up with our most recent interview reports, and build your skills with our interview tips.
Published: October 29, 2023
Chicago Booth MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Second-Year Student / On-Campus
Met with a 2nd-year student in the admissions office. Unlike other schools, the interviewer did not share a common background with me, and appeared to be randomly assigned. The questions were a mix of getting to know me and behavioral questions. The interviewer took notes diligently and told me that she would be completing a report for the adcom. The interview lasted about 30 minutes and we spent about 15 to 20 minutes talking informally, including the time I asked her question. The interview questions were as follows: 1) Tell me about yourself – Follow up on understanding the specifics Read more
Published: October 29, 2023
Yale SOM MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Alum / Zoom
The interviewer was very conversational apart from a few questions that seemed scripted. The interview was around 40 minutes and the interviewer had read through my resume beforehand. Questions: Tell me about a professional accomplishment. Tell me about your quote and how it relates to your Yale MBA journey. How have you contributed to DEI? What is a time you had to take feedback and how did you incorporate it? How do you ensure people’s voices are heard? Is there anything else you would like me to know about your candidacy? (no question about why Yale) Read more
Published: October 26, 2023
Texas McCombs MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Video Assessment / Virtual
There were 5 questions asked and the first one is always ‘TMAY/Introduce yourself to your cohort.’ The first question is meant to get you comfortable and it is unscored, but they do see it so give it your best. One of the questions will always be about goals. Adcom told me at a coffee chat that members of McCombs Ambassador Committee (1st and 2nd year students) review the video assessment. List of all questions I got: – Introduce yourself to your cohort. – TMAT you were asked to change something last minute. – TMAT you experienced someone being Read more
Published: October 26, 2023
Chicago Booth MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Second-Year Student / On-Campus
Interviewed on Oct 26, 2023. Very conversational and very accommodating. Duration – 40 min Questions: Introduce yourself. Tell me about a time when you had to motivate your team. Any other instance where used similar strategy to motivate your team? How do you handle multiple priorities at the same time? Why MBA? Why now? Short- and long-term career goals? Why Booth and how do you think it will help you reach your goals? Anything else you want to discuss or ask the interviewer? Read more
Published: October 26, 2023
Spooky Admissions Mistakes: Nightmares for AdCom Members
Let’s pumpkin spice things up! As Halloween approaches, we wanted to take a look at some of the most chilling nightmares that adcom members can face when evaluating MBA applicants. So, what are the scariest mistakes an MBA applicant can make? Clear Admit co-founder Graham Richmond shares his insights below so you can avoid admissions missteps like the houses that hand out raisins for Halloween treats. 1. Don’t Wear an Icarus Costume One of the scariest things for an admissions office is to encounter an applicant with a Read more
Published: October 25, 2023
Yale SOM MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Second-Year Student / On-Campus
I was lucky to visit the Yale SOM campus during my interview! They provided all interviewees breakfast and a tour of Evans Hall. At 3 pm, I was called by a second-year, who was very warm and made me comfortable. He only could see my resume, so it was a blind interview. I was asked: 1. Walk me through your resume & a few follow-up questions. 2. Why MBA? 3. Why now? 4. What dean Charles quote meant. 5. Tell me about a time when you showed leadership. 6. Is there anything else I should Read more
Published: October 25, 2023
Vanderbilt Owen MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Second-Year Student / Virtual
Resume based, really conversational and warm with no curveballs! One thing to note is that the Vanderbilt video platform doesn’t have an option to blur your background. 1) Tell me about yourself 2) Why MBA/Why now? 3) Short term/long term goals 4) Why Vanderbilt? 5) Area of development 6) Questions for me? Read more
Published: October 25, 2023
Vanderbilt Owen MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Second-Year Student / Zoom
The student who did my interview did not have access to my application, only had my resume and viewed it before our interview. Altogether it was very laid back and more of a conversation with a second year student, not very formal. Questions were: 1. Introduce yourself and summarize your experience 2. What makes you interested in an MBA 3. Short/long term goals post graduation 4. What other programs are you applying to 5. What will you bring to the Owen community and what do you want from the Owen community 6. Tell me Read more
Published: October 24, 2023
Chicago Booth MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Alumnus / Online
Questions from my Round 1 interview with an alumnus–hosted online: Introduce yourself. Short- and long-term career goals? Why MBA? Tell me about a time when you had to motivate your team. Tell me about a time when you had a challenge that you needed to overcome. Tell me about a time when you had to influence someone above your level. Why Booth? Which non-professional activities would you want to participate in at Booth? Anything else you want to discuss? Read more
Published: October 24, 2023
Rice Business MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Second-Year Student / Zoom
1. Tell me about yourself. 2. Why an MBA at this point? 3. What is your short-term and long-term goal? 4. Rice is known for the tagline “You belong here.” So how do you wish to promote diversity and inclusion in this community? 5. If you get admitted to other MBA programs, what are the factors will you consider determining the right school for you? 6. Any questions for me? The interviewer was very amiable- he appreciated my entrepreneurial experience, too, and I really felt like embracing the inclusive environment at the Rice MBA program Read more
Published: October 24, 2023
CBS MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Alumna / Virtual
The interview lasted about 45 minutes. 30 minutes used for formal questioning. The rest of the time I asked 3 or 4 questions. The interviewer set the ground rules at the start of the interview and emphasized that she would be writing a report for the adcom and not weigh in on the decision. The interview jumped between behavioral and CBS fit questions: 1) Tell me about yourself and discuss anything in your resume that you want to highlight. 2) Why the MBA now? 3) Why are you applying to CBS? Why is a CBS MBA appealing to Read more
Published: October 24, 2023
CBS MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Alumna / Zoom
It was a great experience! My interview was very short (about 30 minutes including the part where she answered my questions) and at the end my interviewer told me, “I really hope they accept you,” and sent me her list of restaurants to try near campus as well as in the city in general. Here are the questions: 1) Tell me a bit about yourself. 2) Why MBA? Following up – Why CBS? Following up – Why now? Following up – Why not pivot from your career? (Big 4 compliance to banking) 3) If Read more
Published: October 24, 2023
UVA Darden MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Adcom / Zoom
The interview was quite conversational and the interviewer was nice. It lasted around 25 min. The questions were quite general and the introduction took a long time. I think the interview is supplementary material for the whole package. Prepare an introduction and why MBA, why Darden. Questions: Introduce yourself. Follow up for educational background. Why Job X? Why MBA? Why now? Why Darden? Q&A for interviewer. Read more
Published: October 24, 2023
Berkeley Haas MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round1 / Alumnus / Zoom
Interview lasted about 40 minutes. The first 30 minutes were questions for me and remaining time was allocated to allow me ask questions. Interviewer laid out the interview format and expectations. Stated that he would take notes and create a report for the adcom. The interviewer was randomly selected, and did not share industry or function. He asked the following questions: 1) Introduce yourself, and highlight any parts of your resume that you think I should know about. 2) Why are you applying to Haas? 3) How will a Haas MBA allow you to achieve your professional goals? Read more
Published: October 24, 2023
CBS MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Alumna / Zoom
The interview lasted 45 minutes. Approx. 30 minutes for questions. 15 minutes was informal where I had the chance to ask interviewer questions. The interviewer was very transparent that they had to complete a questionnaire and their goal was to have a conversation that would allow them to complete a questionnaire provided by admissions. The questions were as follows: 1) Tell me about yourself. 2) Why do you want to pursue an MBA now? After these questions she switched gears and asked two to three behavioral questions with some follow-ups: 1) Tell me about a time that you Read more
Published: October 24, 2023
Northwestern Kellogg MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Alumnus / Zoom
Fairly formal with retired alum. Went through list of questions and didn’t share about themselves at all. Was 30 min, but went about 45 min. – Walk through resume. – Why Kellogg/MBA? – Challenging work experience/conflict. – What did you learn from it? – What activities on campus would you do? – Any questions for them? Read more
Published: October 24, 2023
Dartmouth Tuck MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Second-Year Student / On-Campus
Very casual and friendly with current student. Went through questions below in very conversational, back and forth way: 1. Tell me about your experience, walk through resume. 2. Why MBA? 3. Why Tuck? 4. What would you be involved in? 5. Any questions for me? Read more
Published: October 24, 2023
MBA Admissions Interview Tip: How to Impress During a Video Interview
While many schools have reincorporated in-person interviews, video options are still prevalent as a format for MBA admissions interviews. Even though applicants and interviewers may not meet in the traditional in-person way, you’ll still want to do everything you can to make the best possible impression. Here are some important tips for approaching an admissions video interview for MBA programs. 1. Get Your Tech Right! You’re probably going to be a bit nervous as it is, so you certainly don’t want technological issues to distract or add stress. This means that you should test your internet connectivity well in advance Read more
Published: October 22, 2023
Northwestern Kellogg MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / First-Year Student / Virtual
Pretty casual and straightforward, was asked the basic why MBA / why Kellogg questions etc. I actually found these questions on a previous Clear Admit report and they were all nearly the same, so do ample prep for these and I think you should be pretty good for an interview for any school tbh. 1. Walk me through your resume. 2. Why MBA / why now? 3. Why Kellogg? 4. What is your favorite part of your current job? Least favorite part? 5. Tell me about a time you worked in a team with a group Read more
Published: October 22, 2023
Dartmouth Tuck MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Second-Year Student / Zoom
Casual and friendly style over Zoom, about 45 minutes. Solely resume based. – Walk me through your resume. – Tell me about a time you saw a problem and fixed it. – Tell me about a time you had a manager or team member who was difficult to work with. – Tell me about bad feedback you have received. – Tell me about a time you had to deliver bad feedback. – Tell me about a time you stepped outside of your comfort zone. – How do you work/lead in groups? (specifically how would Read more
Published: October 22, 2023
Duke Fuqua MBA Interview Questions & Report: Early Action / Second-Year Student / On-Campus
The interview was super casual with a second-year MBA student. My interview was held on campus during the Open Interview period. Questions asked were: – Walk me through your resume and why you want an MBA now? – What is your leadership style? – What motivates you? – Tell me about a team project you led. And then we talked about what interests me about MBA school and Duke. Interview lasted an hour because we talked about a lot of things going on at Fuqua and how they’ve been enjoying the program. Read more
Published: October 22, 2023
Chicago Booth MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Alumnus / Off-Campus
The interviewer was chill/friendly and made the process quite enjoyable. It was clear that he had a passion for Booth and really loved his time there. The interviewer did a good job asking standard interview questions without making them sound like standard interview questions, but the gist was: 1. Introduce yourself (don’t mention work or MBA). 2. How did you end up at your firm? What do you do there? 3. What skill has enabled you to progress at your firm? 4. When did you convince someone else at work? 5. Why get an MBA? Read more
Published: October 17, 2023
Northwestern Kellogg MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Alumna / Zoom
Overall pleasant experience. Lasted about 35-40 minutes and it was with a recent alumna (Class of 2023). It wasn’t as conversational as some of the other interview reports sound like. My interviewer jumped right in with the questions, but she did smile and seem very warm and receptive when I cracked jokes. Questions as following: 1) Walk me through your resume. 2) What’s your biggest accomplishment? 3) Leadership example. 4) Describe leadership style. 5) ST/LT goal? 6) Why MBA? Why Kellogg? Why are you not pivoting from your current job? 7) Specific contribution to Read more
Published: October 17, 2023
UVA Darden MBA Interview Questions & Report: Early Action / Second-Year Student / On Campus
Applied Early Action, non-binding. Interviewed onsite at Darden. Interviewed with a 2nd-year student. Conversational vibe, went for about 45 minutes. Questions included: 1. Tell me about yourself in 5-10 minutes from childhood, college, career, and hobbies (I went for about 10 minutes). 2. Why MBA? 3. Why Darden? 4. Follow up question from interview on “Can you share more on how your interest in X relates to your goal of Y?” 5. I asked a 2-3 questions at the end that took about 5-7 minutes. Read more
Published: October 16, 2023
Michigan State Broad MBA Interview Questions & Report: Early Round / Second-Year Student / Microsoft Teams
Michigan State/Broad I had an interview with a second-year student. He looked at one screen for questions and typed on another. 1. Can you introduce yourself? 2. What’s your goal after getting an MBA? 3. How would you assess an organization’s operational strategy? 4. Share an instance when you assessed another company’s operational strategy. 5. Describe a leadership challenge you’ve faced. 6.Which country would you like to travel to during your MBA? 7. What will you bring to the Broad MBA program? 8. Any questions for me? Read more

MBA Applywire

9
November 20, 2024 9:42pm ET
Applying: Babson / Olin, , Carnegie Mellon / Tepper, Emory / Goizueta, Rice / Jones, Rochester / Simon, SMU Cox, UCI Merage, Washington U. / Olin
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Technology - Entrepreneurship
Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Technology, Entrepreneurship
GRE: 333
GPA: 2.56
Years of Work Experience: 5
Location: Lagos
Notes:

I just got rejected for WashU Olin and I have an interview invitation with Questrom. GPA continues to bother me but I addressed it in my supporting essays.
11
November 19, 2024 12:51pm ET
Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, INSEAD, Michigan / Ross, MIT Sloan, Northwestern / Kellogg, U. Chicago Booth, UPenn / Wharton, Yale SOM
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Tech in government
Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Entrepreneurship Companies: Bain , McKinsey
GRE: 319
GPA: 2.9
Years of Work Experience: 7
Notes:

I got cancer when I was undergrad that's why my undergrad GPA is low. After MBA I want to work in consulting then make a social impact in Africa through entrepreneurship
10
November 19, 2024 12:06pm ET
Applying: Duke / Fuqua, Harvard Business School, Michigan / Ross, Northwestern / Kellogg, Stanford GSB, U. Chicago Booth, U. Washington / Foster, UNC Kenan-Flagler, UT Austin / McCombs, UVA / Darden
Pre-MBA Career: Wealth Management and Military
Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Asset Management, inc. HF, Other Companies: Bain , BCG , Deloitte , McKinsey , Goldman Sachs , JP Morgan Asset Management , State Street , Vanguard
GPA: 3.80
Years of Work Experience: 7
Location: San Diego
Post MBA Location: Chicago, Seattle, Minneapolis, Charlotte
Notes:

UG Degree: BBA Financial Markets at an Accredited Institution.

Civilian Work History: 3 years as Wealth Advisor under an RIA in Minneapolis and Denver. Total AUM of ~$350-400M, served as a salaried advisor in a primary and secondary capacity. Holistic services to include investment management, estate planning, retirement planning, insurance planning, tax planning, etc.

Military History: 4 years as a supply/logistics officer heading efforts for air/ground mobility, defense contracting, supply and procurement, and fiscal budget management while located at various bases within CONUS and multiple forward deployed locations.

Professional Certifications: Obtained Certified Financial Planner designation (2022) and Series 65 (2019).
7
November 18, 2024 12:50am ET
Applying: Columbia, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, Emory / Goizueta, NYU Stern, UNC Kenan-Flagler, Yale SOM
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Consulting
Post-MBA Target Industry: Investment Banking Companies: Bank of America , Barclays , Citibank , Credit Suisse , Goldman Sachs , JP Morgan Chase
GRE: 323
GPA: 3.32
Years of Work Experience: 7
Notes:

Education:
- Combined Major in Economics and Statistics
- CFA Charterholder (passed all three levels on the first attempt)

Professional Experience:
- Manager at a Big 4 firm Specializing in capital projects and infrastructure, with a role similar to investment banking
- Seven years of experience, mainly in financial services in Ghana

Extracurricular Activities:
- Pro bono capital-raising services for SMEs
- Aspiring to run a full advisory firm for SMEs in the future
- CFA exam coaching and tutorial classes for candidates
- Founder of a travel and tour club offering affordable trips to explore beautiful and historic scenes in Ghana

Will being 32 years old affect the attractiveness of my candidacy?
10
November 17, 2024 9:24am ET
Applying: Columbia, , Georgetown / McDonough, Harvard Business School, INSEAD, NYU Stern, Oxford / Saïd, Stanford GSB, UCLA Anderson, Yale SOM
Pre-MBA Career: Higher Education
Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Technology, Investment Banking, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Media, Undecided Companies: Bain , BCG , McKinsey , JP Morgan , Morgan Stanley , JP Morgan Chase , Apple , Google , Microsoft , Andressen Horowitz , Charles River , Sequoia Capital , Blackstone , KKR , 21st Century Fox , Comcast , Walt Disney
GPA: 3.97
Years of Work Experience: 5
Location: Denver, Colorado
Post MBA Location: New York City
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MBA LiveWire

November 23, 2024 7:37am ET
Accepted to NYU Stern
Round: Round 1
Received via portal on November 21, 2024
GPA: 6.42
GMAT: 760
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Technology
Application Location: India
November 23, 2024 12:41am ET
Accepted to SMU Cox
Round: Round 1
Received via email November 22, 2024
GPA: 3.6
GRE: 331
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Marketing
Application Location: Delta, Nigeria
November 22, 2024 11:09pm ET
Accepted to NYU Stern
Round: Round 1
Received via portal November 22, 2024
GPA: 3.65
Program Type: One Year Program
Target Career: Technology
Application Location: NY
Note:

Submitted on 9/1, interview invite on 10/8, interviewed on 10/30. No phone call but portal updated on 11/22 around 1pm est. No scholarship..
November 22, 2024 8:42pm ET
Accepted to SMU Cox
Round: Round 1
Received via phone November 22, 2024
GPA: 3.9
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Consulting
Application Location: Mississippi
November 22, 2024 8:34pm ET
Rejected at SMU Cox
Round: Round 1
Received via portal on November 21, 2024
GPA: 3.89/4
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Consulting
Application Location: Asia
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