Stanford MBA Interview Questions: What To Expect And How To Prepare

Dreaming of a place on the Stanford MBA? As one of the most competitive MBA programs in the US, gaining a place at this lucrative M7 business school requires dedication, strategy, and thorough preparation. 

The MBA interview process is often the most daunting part of the application journey. However, try not to panic—knowing all that you can about the Stanford MBA interview is the key to success.

The Stanford MBA interview process will largely focus on applicants' past actions and examples of contributing to community-based efforts, this means that there's no need to revise questions to hypothetical situations. It's about noting and tracking your personal and professional history to find the examples that will resonate most with the Stanford MBA admissions team.

BusinessBecause spoke directly with Erin Nixon (pictured), assistant dean of admissions and financial aid at Stanford Graduate School of Business, to help you maximize your chances of success.

Guide to Stanford MBA interview questions

What is the MBA interview format?

We offer in-person interviews or virtual interviews. Our interviews are conducted by a small trained and dedicated subset of our alumni community or by a member of the MBA Admissions team. They are between 45 and 60 minutes long and are in English. Our interviews are by invitation only.

What is the weight of the interview in the overall admissions process?

There is not a specific weight assigned to the interview. The interview complements your written application with essential insights for our evaluation process. While being invited to an interview is a positive indication, it does not guarantee admission. All candidates must interview before an offer of admission is made, and typically two to three candidates are interviewed for each available seat.

READ: Stanford MBA Class ProfileImage: Stanford GSB/Facebook

What questions should candidates expect in their Stanford GSB admission interview?

In an interview, you will be asked structured behavioral questions that allow us to gain a deeper understanding of what you have done and how you have done it. We focus on your past actions, rather than on hypothetical situations, and invite you to discuss meaningful professional or community-based experiences you’ve had in the past few years.

What are three interview tips you would give an applicant?

Some tips to keep in mind when interviewing are as follows:

⇨ Be prepared to discuss your past professional or community-based experiences in detail.

⇨ Dress in business attire and present yourself professionally.

⇨ Remember that the interview is a two-way conversation. You should use the interview as an opportunity to ask thoughtful questions and to assess if the Stanford GSB experience aligns with your goals.