Analyzing 10 of the Most Commonly Asked MBA Interview Questions (Part I)

Many applicants are gearing up right now for their MBA interviews, and beginning to practice their answers to common interview questions. This is part one of a two part series breaking down 10 of the most common MBA interview questions where I will address the reasons behind why they are asked. I won’t write out answers to the questions here, but providing the meaning behind the questions will help you to formulate your own.

1. Why business school?

When interviewers ask this question, they are trying to understand how much thought you have really put into your decision to apply. Think about it for a second - thousands of students apply for MBA programs every year, and many of them do so just because they think it sounds good or other inappropriate reasons, not because an MBA would be useful to them.

Be sure you have a thoughtful answer which clearly demonstrates how useful business school will be to helping you accomplish your career goals.

2.     Why did you decide to apply to this business school?

This question is trying to determine whether you have done your research and really value the unque programs and culture the school offers. Interviewers need to see that you’ve put thought into the usefulness of business school in general, as well as into what makes their school perfect for you. There are lots of business schools out there – why is this particular program the right one for you? Mention some specific courses or professors in your interview which you believe will be useful in advancing your professional knowledge to show you’ve done your homework.

3.     What makes you stand out among other candidates?

This isn’t a chance to boast. Interviewers need to see that you are capable of assessing both your strengths and your weaknesses. When you answer this question, speak about your values, how you make decisions based on evidence, and how you bring lots of initiative and passion to every project you work on.

4.     What can you contribute to our program?

Just like interviewers need to see why their program is right for you, they need to be persuaded that you are also right for their program. Think of these questions like a matchmaking game, and talk about how you value diversity of opinion, and learning from others in groups. Make it clear that you are a team player, but also that your leadership has delivered real value to your clients or employers in the past, and that this is precisely the attitude you will bring to their MBA program.

5.     What are your expectations of this program?

This is another sneaky way for interviewers to see how much thought you have put into your decision to apply to business school. If you have an overly vague and general answer to this question, they will think that you don’t have the ability to discern value, and pick between schools. When you answer this question, emphasize that you are looking to connect with similarly minded ambitious self-starters and strategic thinkers, people you will be able to learn from and grow with over the course of the rest of your lifetime.

This has been part one of my two part series on the top ten most commonly asked MBA questions, and the why behind the questions. I’m not covering scripts and answers you can copy to use in your own interview, because what the MBA process is all about is critical thinking. By beginning to break down the why behind these questions with my help, you’re preparing yourself mentally for the type of conversation and thinking you need to ace your interview. I’ll cover questions 6 – 10 next time, so be sure to check back in a few days so you don’t miss any chances to succeed at your interview.

If you have other questions or would like some personalized coaching to prepare for your upcoming MBA interview, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, David, at transcendadmissions@gmail.com.