Harvard And Stanford MBA Interview Advice

Stanford Graduate School of Business MBA students. Stanford photo

The Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) values individuals who can not only lead, but lead with a strong sense of self-awareness. The GSB (which ranked number one in P&Q’s Top Business Schools ranking) has an estimated acceptance rate of 6%, making it notoriously difficult to get into.

Tatiana Nemo, Expert Coach at Fortuna Admissions and former Stanford GSB alum & MBA Admissions interviewer, recently offered insight into what Stanford GSB is looking for in an applicant and how applicants should go about approaching the interview process.

3 MUST-HAVE QUALITIES

Nemo says that Stanford GSB seeks out applicants who have the three key qualities: sound analytical skills, creative instincts, and strong performance. Demonstrating strong proficiency in each of these qualities, Nemo says, is critical to gaining admission.

“In identifying stories that convey both specificity and substance, you’ll want to keep in mind what Stanford GSB cares about most,” Nemo writes. “Not only is Stanford looking for demonstrated leadership potential, it’s seeking evidence of your intellectual vitality, personal qualities and community contributions.”

BLIND FORMAT

One of the key differentiators of Stanford GSB’s interview process is that the interview is conducted blind. This means that only your resume is shared with the interviewer, as opposed to the entire application.

Nemo says that applicants can expect the interview to include: a brief intro, 30 to 40 minutes of behavioral questions, 15 minutes about the Stanford experience, and a closing.

“Most candidates are asked to give a short self-introduction, so be sure to craft your MBA elevator statement,” Nemo writes. “The interview will be a conversation—you can expect the interviewer to be pleasant, and you’ll have the invaluable opportunity to ask those nitty-gritty questions at the end that only someone who has gone through the program can respond to.”

And while the Stanford GSB interview will likely be conversational-style, Nemo says, applicants should come prepared with their point of view and evidence.

“The key to success is not just thinking about answers to standard questions (why the MBA, why this school, etc.), but coming up with specific – and substantive – situational examples,” Nemo writes.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

As your interview concludes, the interviewer will ask whether you have any questions. Malvina Miller Complainville, Fortuna Admissions Expert Coach, says applicants should come prepared with key questions having done thorough research.

“This kind of thoughtful preparation demonstrates your genuine interest in learning more about mutual fit,” Complainville writes. “If you know your interviewer’s name ahead of time, do your research – look him/her up on LinkedIn for example. Considering your interviewer’s profile will help you tailor your questions accordingly. For alumni, you have a valuable opportunity to learn from their experience and glean insights that can help inform your decision.”

Sources: Fortuna Admissions, Fortuna Admissions, P&Q, P&Q

Next Page: Harvard Business School MBAs weigh in on the MBA’s value.