An Ever-Expanding List of MBA Interview Practice Questions
It would be a terrible mistake to draft and memorize answers to each of these questions. You’ll burn out and sound like a robot. Instead, test yourself with these questions against your essays and resume. Ask yourself, “How can I answer these questions with things/examples I already know about myself?” Make flashcards with bullet points to make yourself bulletproof in your interviews!!
Practice these questions and you won’t look this this in your interview!
GETTING STARTED
Tell me about yourself.
Walk me through your resume.
Please introduce yourself.
Describe a typical workday.
What is the most interesting thing about your current job?
How have you developed through your job?
WHY MBA/GOALS?
Why are you applying for an MBA?
What are your career goals?
What will you do right after your MBA?
What is your short-term/long-term goal?
Why do you need an MBA?
Why don’t you pursue your goals without an MBA?
What is your plan B if your short-term goals don’t work out?
Why is now the right time to apply to/attend an MBA?
What would be your dream job if you didn’t return to your company?
What is the future of your target industry?
What are the biggest challenges facing your company/industry?
What will you do if you are not admitted to this MBA program or any MBA program?
WHY SCHOOL X?
Why do you want an MBA from X?
What steps have you taken to learn about X?
What other schools are you applying to?
Why not attend schools Y or Z?
What criteria did you use to choose your schools?
How will X help you achieve your goals?
How is X different from the other schools you’ve applied to?
If you aren’t accepted to X, what will you do?
What was the most surprising thing you learned about X?
In just a few words, how would you describe the culture of X?
How does the culture of X fit you and your goals?
What specific aspects of the X program interest you?
How will you get involved in X outside of classes?
What would be your dream internship during the program?
What are you interested in apart from courses?
LEADERSHIP
Tell me about a recent leadership experience.
What’s the biggest impact you’ve had on your organization?
What sort of leader are you?
What are your strengths as a leader?
How have you made your organization better?
How would your boss/teammates describe your leadership traits?
What is your biggest professional/personal achievement?
What are you most proud of in your career?
Describe a time you had to take leadership on a team unexpectedly.
Give me an example of a time you persuaded a reluctant group or individual.
Describe a time you offered an unusual solution to a problem.
Have you ever pushed back against your boss/a superior?
Tell me about a time when you saved the day.
What are the most important qualities of a leader?
Who is a leader you admire and why?
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a leader?
Would I enjoy being on a team you were leading? Why or why not?
Tell me about a time you took a risk.
Tell me about a decision you made with incomplete information.
Tell me about a time when you persuaded others to trust you.
What is the most important aspect of being a successful leader?
TEAMWORK
What role do you usually play on teams?
How do you make teams better?
Describe a time when you formed a team.
Describe a time when you fixed a broken team.
Would I enjoy being your teammate? Why or why not?
Tell me about a conflict you had with a teammate/teammates and how you resolved it.
Tell me about a time when a teammate didn’t contribute. How did you handle that situation?
Describe a time when you gave someone constructive feedback.
OTHER EXPERIENCE-RELATED QUESTIONS
Tell me about a time that you failed or disappointed yourself or others.
Tell me about a time when you couldn’t achieve something.
Tell me about a time when you received constructive feedback.
Provide an example of an ethical dilemma you have faced.
STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES/SELF-AWARENESS
What are your strengths/weaknesses?
How would your boss/teammates describe your strengths/weaknesses?
What makes you different than other MBA applicants?
What are your most distinctive traits?
To what do you attribute your success?
Why did your company sponsor you? (For company-sponsored applicants)
What will you contribute to your study group?
What is the biggest weakness in your application?
Describe yourself in only 3 words.
What is the biggest difficulty you will face during the MBA?
PERSONAL
What are you most proud of outside work?
Tell me about your most interesting hobby.
What do you do in your free time?
What have you done recently to pursue personal growth?
Who are you when you’re not working?
Give me an example of a time you left your comfort zone.
Have you ever experienced culture shock?
Tell me about a time when you were an outsider.
Tell me about a time when you made an outsider comfortable.
Why did you choose your college/major?
Describe a time when you felt overwhelmed.
CLOSING QUESTIONS
Do you have any questions for me?
Is there anything else you would like me to know about you?
Tell me something about you that isn’t on your resume.
What’s something surprising about you?
What’s the one thing you most want me to know about you?
Why should you be admitted to school X?